70 Wild Miles; A charity triathlon in aid of CLIC Sargent

Caring for Children with Cancer.

Survey Reveals

Hidden Harshness of Child Cancer

Eight out of ten people in Scotland underestimate the number of years of harsh and protracted treatment that children with cancer can face, reveals a survey published on Friday 22 April 2005, on the same day that a new charity, CLIC Sargent, is launched to bring support for children with cancer and their families under one roof. Seven out of ten people in Scotland are also unaware that cancer is the number one killer disease of children in the UK.

CLIC and Sargent Cancer Care for Children, who have been supporting children with cancer for a combined sixty-five years, have now merged to form CLIC Sargent.  The aim is to further improve the level of care and support to children with cancer and ensure greater strategic planning of future services.

David Ellis, Chief Executive of CLIC Sargent, said:  “Over 70% of children now survive cancer, but in doing so face harsh and rigorous treatment.  Quite apart from the emotional trauma of the illness, children have to cope with a severe treatment program and often many ongoing health problems through the rest of their lives.”

The majority of people surveyed were unaware that treatment for childhood cancer could last more than one year.  The reality is that standard treatment for a boy with one of the most common forms of childhood leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, can be three times that - during which time he is likely to take 4,265 tablets on standard treatment with no complications or antibiotics, alongside receiving other non-tablet treatments like radiotherapy.   Even shorter treatment can have devastating effects due to the harsh drugs needed to combat childhood cancer.

There is also the emotional cost to the child, who can live with uncertainty for their future, often knowing nurses better than they do their teachers or playmates.  There is the emotional, practical and financial cost to the whole family, with one parent often having to devote many months, if not years, to care full time for the child. Even if the cancer is cured, children can face major health issues including infertility, restricted growth and organ damage from harsh cancer treatment.

David Ellis continued:  “It is hard to imagine the deep shock of diagnosis and the great hope and stress experienced through treatment.  Children and their families need emotional, social and practical support every step of the way.  CLIC and Sargent Cancer Care for Children can do this better as one organisation, drawing together our resources and services to ensure that we work seamlessly and that future services are planned strategically.”

Every 48 hours, 10 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer.  Research shows that families need and want a one-stop-shop. They want consistency and a face they can recognise. CLIC Sargent has been created to meet this need, delivering a holistic and integrated service to children with cancer and their families.

CLIC Sargent is now the leading children’s cancer charity in the UK, last month supporting 2,026 families and children with cancer, 257 of those in Scotland.  162 CLIC Sargent care professionals at 22 specialist centres and out in the community throughout the UK provide emotional, social and practical support; 7 CLIC Sargent homes near hospitals provide a haven where families can stay whilst their children undergo treatment and the CLIC Sargent holiday service enables families to take a break in the knowledge that care is on hand for their child.   Financial support is also provided to families in need to help them cope with the added cost of cancer.