Welcoming the appointment of the National Cancer Board
Why it’s critical that the Government continues to acknowledge that teenagers and young adults with cancer have unique and specific needs
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When the National Cancer Plan was announced in February 2026, we at Teenage Cancer Trust said it was a vital first step – but that delivery would be crucial.
So we welcome the announcement of the reformed National Cancer Board and the Government’s commitment to – in their own words – “giving patients and the public confidence that progress is being properly scrutinised and held to account.”
Our #AndYoungPeople campaign set out to ensure that young people weren’t overlooked in the National Cancer Plan for England and it was a huge step forward to see a dedicated chapter on children and young adults for the first time. Equally, we now particularly welcome the fact that there is a dedicated Children and Young People Lead on the National Cancer Board for the first time. These are important steps forward and provide vital recognition that young people deserve cancer care designed specifically for them.
Teenagers and young adults with cancer face specific challenges that are different to those faced by children or older adults. It’s critical that they are not overlooked as work towards improving cancer care in England progresses.
Areas of focus for teenagers and young adults with cancer
The Government’s announcement sets out that one of the main focuses for the Board will be improving the speed of diagnosis for people with cancer in England. This year’s National Cancer Patient Experience Survey showed that almost half (45%) of young people aged 16-24 had to visit their GP three or more times before they were diagnosed. These delays can have significant impacts on young people’s treatment and experiences, including on their mental health.
Teenagers and young adults with cancer also often suffer from patchy access to critical mental health support. Depression, anxiety and panic attacks are common among young people with cancer, and the psychological disruption can lead to lasting problems in adulthood.
A Teenage Cancer Trust report published last year warned that too many young people aged 13–24 are missing out on the chance to take part in clinical trials, leaving them unable to access innovative new treatments that could increase their chances of survival.
The National Cancer Plan has started to address many of these challenges, but its success will ultimately depend on how it is implemented and whether the needs and experiences of teenagers and young adults are fully recognised throughout delivery. We are ready and waiting to work with the Government to ensure that all young people with cancer get the treatment, care and support they deserve.
Why is cancer different for teenagers and young adults?
There are several factors that make cancer different for teenagers and young adults compared to children and older adults.
Teenagers and young adults are at a unique stage in their social, emotional and cognitive development. This is already a really challenging time for young people and an unexpected cancer diagnosis can mean that mental health difficulties are more likely.
The most common types of cancer among teenagers and young adults are different to the cancers that are more common in other age groups. For example lymphomas, which are one of the most common cancers among teenagers and young adults, are far less common in other age groups.
Diagnosis can be difficult as symptoms can easily be mistaken for growing pains, exam stress or other common teenage ailments. And while the sad reality is that most older adults will know someone else who has experienced cancer, for many young people they are the only person their age who has experienced this traumatic event, meaning it is difficult to share their experience with others their age.
Our age-appropriate units, specially-trained staff and peer-to-peer support all help to ensure that young people receive the specialist, individual care young people need at the toughest and scariest time they’ve ever faced – so they can get through cancer, rebuild their life and shape their own future.