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Young Cancer Patients: Experiences and Outcomes

13 April 2026

Lead MP

Steve Yemm

Debate Type

Adjournment Debate

Tags

EducationBenefits & WelfareChildren & Families
Other Contributors: 1

At a Glance

Steve Yemm raised concerns about young cancer patients: experiences and outcomes in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Opened the debate
The MP highlighted the growing incidence of cancer amo [3D [K among young people in the UK, with rates rising by a quarter since the earl [4D [K early 1990s. He emphasised the need for age-appropriate care and support fo [2D [K for teenagers and young adults diagnosed with cancer. Steve Yemm pointed ou [2D [K out that only around half of young people benefit from specialist support t [1D [K through Teenage Cancer Trust units despite the significant improvement in t [1D [K their experiences and outcomes when such support is available. He also stre [4D [K stressed the importance of early diagnosis, psychological support, access t [1D [K to clinical trials, and better data collection to understand inequalities a [1D [K and improve cancer care for this age group.

Government Response

EducationBenefits & WelfareChildren & Families
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged the importance of the deb [3D [K debate, highlighting the work done by Teenage Cancer Trust and other charit [6D [K charities in writing the national cancer plan. She committed to investing u [1D [K up to £10 million annually to support families with travel costs for treatm [6D [K treatment. The Government is focused on providing age-appropriate psycholog [9D [K psychological support from diagnosis through treatment and beyond, aiming f [1D [K for two years post-treatment as requested by Steve Yemm. They are also work [4D [K working on diagnosing cancer in young people faster and removing barriers t [1D [K to timely diagnosis by embedding young people’s needs into the design of ne [2D [K neighbourhood health services. Additionally, she announced plans to establi [7D [K establish one-stop health shops across the UK to offer better access to spe [3D [K specialist support. The Department is making research into improving outcom [6D [K outcomes for children a national priority, with efforts focused on kinder t [1D [K treatments. A reformed national cancer board will be established with a ded [3D [K dedicated lead for children and young people’s cancer to ensure clear accou [5D [K accountability and focus. The Minister also highlighted other initiatives s [1D [K such as abolishing the two-child benefit cap, introducing free breakfast cl [2D [K clubs, extending free school meals, and implementing the soft drinks indust [6D [K industry levy to combat drivers of ill health in children's lives.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

About House of Commons Debates

House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.