Young cancer survivors struggle to stay in education and work
More than seven out of ten young people diagnosed with cancer survive, but they may be missing out on vital education and career opportunities. Many have to leave school, university or employment because their care is not always coordinated or appropriate for their age, according to the children and young people’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent.
A report published today (16 August) shows that almost two-thirds of 16 to 18 year-old cancer survivors interviewed by the charity had fallen behind with their studies, and almost three in ten 16 to 24 year-olds (29%) had left school, college or university as a result of their illness.
Of those that were in employment, 93% reported that it had been affected, with four in ten leaving their job and three in ten taking unpaid leave.
CLIC Sargent sought the views of 200 young cancer survivors, their parents, carers and partners for the report More Than My Illness, which found that young people with cancer are not always receiving the support they need to keep up with their education or work, social lives, friendships, relationships, and other aspects of everyday life.
More Than My Illness recommends that all young people diagnosed with cancer be assigned a key worker to coordinate clinical, emotional and social care and facilitate practical support such as educational and work advice.
The charity says this is particularly important for young people with cancer, because they have complex needs. They can be affected by a wide range of cancer types and they also need to be supported to make informed choices about where they access treatment5.
18-year-old Raina was unable to take up her school organised work experience placement because of treatment for cancer. CLIC Sargent helped Raina find a work placement with HMV’s HR department.
“When I was 11, I was diagnosed with cancer in my salivary glands. And the cancer came back when I was 15. It’s been so hard, and not just on my body. Cancer has a major knock on effect on everything you previously took for granted – even getting a part-time job or any work experience,” Raina said.
“So when I took part in the HMV work placement, I had a chance to explore my options, use my skills and improve my confidence” added Raina, who is currently awaiting the results of her ‘A’ levels as she pursues her dream of becoming a music journalist.
Lorraine Clifton, Chief Executive, CLIC Sargent says: “Cancer treatment has a huge impact on everyday life at any age, but for young people on the brink of adulthood, who are just starting to gain independence and make important decisions that will affect their career and their future, the disruption to their lives can be really significant.
“Young people who have survived cancer shouldn’t be disadvantaged for the rest of their life as a result of their illness. Every young person has the right to fulfil their potential, so it’s vital that services for young people with cancer are coordinated more effectively so that they can keep up with their everyday lives, continue in education or work, and go on to live their life to the full.”
CLIC Sargent has secured funding from the Department of Health and the National Cancer Action Team to pilot and evaluate a key worker led model with the Royal Marsden Hospital. The charity will also be working with other organisations involved in the delivery of care and support for children and young people with cancer, to consider how the report’s recommendations can be implemented in their work.
For more information visit: clicsargent.org.uk
