15,000 more under 18s have beaten cancer during the last 40 years than would have in the 1970s
More children than ever are surviving cancer according to Cancer Research UK.
The charity revealed that 15,000 under 18s have beaten cancer during the last 40 years than would have done in the 1970s.
A mixture of research and improved treatments have led to overall survival rates doubling and three-quarters of children with cancer are now cured compared to only a quarter in the early 1970s.
Survival for leukaemia in particular – the most common type of childhood cancer – has risen from 33% to more than 85% of children in Britain surviving for at least five years. And survival for liver cancers in children has seen a dramatic increase from 14% in the 1970s to more than 80% today.
The charity announced its findings at the launch of its annual Little Star Awards.
Thousands of children are here today thanks to the research that saved their lives
The awards aim to find little stars who have shown the courage to confront cancer.
In Scotland, the awards were launched by Hollie Taylor who is on the road to recovery after battling a rare cancer.
The tot from Falkirk, who turns three on November 23 - see video below, was diagnosed with a rare rhabdoid tumour on 5 October last year. The lump near the nape of her neck was so big it had even led to the collapse of her right lung.
Mum Elaine McDowall, 35, said: “Hollie is my little star and has actually kept all our family strong through the toughest year of our lives.
“It was just devastating when I was told Hollie had cancer. It felt like I was in a black hole. I remember standing at the window of the hospital ward looking out at all the cars on the motorway and thinking, ‘how is life continuing as normal for everyone else when it’s like my life has stopped altogether?”
Unlike many other children’s awards, there is no judging panel because Cancer Research UK and sponsors TK Maxx believe that each and every child who faces cancer is extra special.
Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “The Little Star Awards are a wonderful way of raising awareness of the progress that is being made in the fight against children’s cancer and we would like to encourage anyone who knows an inspirational child to nominate them now.
“Thousands of children are here today thanks to the research that saved their lives. But sadly, improvements have not been seen in all cancers. There is much more to be done to ensure no child’s life is cut short by the disease and to develop kinder and more effective treatments so that children can lead a full life after their diagnosis.”
The awards are backed by a host of celebrities, including singer Emeli Sande, dancing stars Kristina Rihanoff, Robin Windsor, Kevin Clifton and Karen Hauer; CBeebies presenters Justin Fletcher and Phil Gallagher (aka Mr Maker); kids’ TV pop group Go!Go!Go!; and Manchester United footballer Wayne Rooney.
Winners receive a trophy, a £50 TK Maxx gift card and a certificate signed by the celebrities.
To nominate a Little Star, or donate, visit cruk.org/littlestar.
