Scottish elections 2026

Scotland needs a defined cancer strategy for young people

Every few hours, a young person in the UK hears the words “you have cancer.” In Scotland, that equates to around 190 young people every year. Although this number may seem small, cancer kills more teenagers and young adults in the UK than any other disease.

If you’re that young person, from the moment you begin to experience symptoms, you could face additional challenges compared to children or adults. You might find to harder to get diagnosed, or you could face extra barriers when trying to access potentially lifesaving treatment.

You might find it harder to get diagnosed or to access clinical trials, many of which are open to either children or adults but not those in between.

Meanwhile your identity, your body and even your brain are still developing. Without the right support, the impact of cancer at such a critical time in your life could leave you struggling emotionally and psychologically for years to come. 

Mental health support for young people with cancer in Scotland

Specialist age-appropriate care and strong mental health support can make an enormous difference – but access to this support remains a postcode lottery across Scotland. 

As the Scottish Parliament election approaches, we’re urging candidates to get behind a renewed cancer plan for young people in Scotland. 

Ayley, who was diagnosed with a type of blood cancer when she was 19, is advocating alongside us for a defined cancer strategy and meaningful mental health support for young people with cancer in Scotland. 

She says: “With the current Children and Young People’s Cancer Plan coming to an end, I think it’s incredibly important that a renewed strategy reflects the realities young people face today. Every experience is different, but young people are navigating not only the physical impact of cancer, but also education, identity, relationships, and their future. A new plan needs to recognise these challenges and ensure support evolves with them, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

“From my experience, access to psychological support is absolutely crucial. Being diagnosed with cancer at a young age is overwhelming, and the emotional impact doesn’t end when treatment does. Having age-appropriate, specialist support makes a huge difference. It helps young people feel understood, less isolated, and better equipped to cope. The current postcode lottery means not everyone gets the support they need, when they need it, and that’s something that really needs to change.”

How to take action before the elections in Scotland

If you want to see change in Scotland for young people with cancer, you can contact your local candidates and ask them to:  

• Prioritise the needs of young people with cancer by publishing the next cancer strategy for children and young people, working in coalition with charity partners to ensure it meets young people’s distinct needs.
• Champion equity in specialist mental health provision for young cancer patients, making sure that young people with cancer receive timely, tailored psychological support throughout their treatment and recovery. 
• Back the work of Teenage Cancer Trust in delivering vital specialist support and services that help young people throughout their cancer experience.  

Together we can ensure a better future for young people with cancer in Scotland. 

Why we launched #AndYoungPeople 

There’s one phrase we say more often than almost any other: “and young people”. Teenagers and young adults are often overlooked in conversations about cancer care – and it can have drastic consequences. That’s why in April 2025, we launched our #AndYoungPeople campaign, petitioning the government to ensure teenagers and young adults with cancer were included in the National Cancer Plan for England.   

In February 2026, the government published the National Cancer Plan, which began to address key challenges facing teenagers and young adults with cancer, such as mental health support, access to clinical trials and delays in diagnosis. In Scotland, we’re building on the momentum of #AndYoungPeople to push for the same commitment, so no young person has to face cancer without the support they need.