Teenage Cancer Trust response to the Autumn Statement

We wanted to see the Government use the Autumn Statement to ensure the NHS has the funds it needs to provide every patient with the care and support they need, when they need it.  

Rossanna Trudgian, Deputy Director of Influencing and Impact at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “Today has not offered us any reassurances that issues faced by the growing numbers of young people with cancer will be addressed in the short term. Without the right support, going through cancer will steal everything that makes them young, this is on top of navigating the unprecedented challenges this generation of young people face today.   

“Healthcare services are close to breaking point, waiting times are too long, young people can experience greater delays to diagnosis than other age groups and face barriers to clinical trials and fertility services, which will ruin lives if Government doesn’t act urgently. 

“Every young person with cancer needs access to specialised support to help them recover, live their lives and flourish in the future. Without this, we’re risking lives and futures.  

“There are four areas we’re particularly concerned about: Barriers for young people with cancer accessing lifesaving and life-enhancing clinical trials, young people with cancer facing delays at the point of diagnosis, delaying treatment, high staff turnover and pressures in other areas of the NHS putting greater strain on specialised services and the postcode lottery of fertility services and access to specialist psychological support.   

“Whilst there has been a series of announced plans and strategies from Government, we don’t believe they go far enough or act quick enough. 

“The Autumn Statement has been a missed opportunity for this Government to give the NHS the funds it needs to provide every patient with the care they need, when they need it.”