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In the months leading up to Sophie’s cancer diagnosis, we contacted our GP surgery numerous times and attended a doctor's examination. Sophie was showing several red flag symptoms of childhood cancer—persistent nausea, ongoing stomach pain, and unexplained bleeding. By the time she was diagnosed, she had a 12cm tumour in her abdomen that could be physically felt.

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As parents, we weren’t aware of the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer. Like many others, we believed it was rare and unlikely to affect our child. We now know that 1 in 320 children will be diagnosed with cancer before they turn 20. While each individual childhood cancer type is rare—there are over 88 different subtypes—collectively, childhood cancer is not rare.

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Childhood cancer is the number one cause of death by disease in children under 15, yet alarmingly, there are no dedicated training courses on paediatric cancer for health professionals. GPs receive some training during their initial education, but once qualified, there are currently no official UK courses specifically focused on childhood cancer. Recent statistics show that, on average, a GP practice in the UK can expect to see a case of childhood or young person’s cancer every 1.8 years. We all know that the earlier cancer is detected, the better the outcome. That’s why we believe enhanced training on the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer, along with public awareness that childhood cancer is not rare, is vital to improving early detection.

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We also want to see the launch of a national awareness campaign for parents to help them recognise the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer. For further information on early detection, we recommend visiting the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust’s signs and symptoms page.

 

Sophie’s story is, sadly, not unique. We’ve heard countless stories from parents who, like us, made repeated visits to their GP or A&E, only to be reassured their child had a virus, constipation, or something minor. This has to change—especially when 53% of children with cancer are diagnosed via A&E, compared to just 22% of adults. (Source: Public Health England, National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service)

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Through the work of the Children and Young People’s Cancer Taskforce, one of the key workstreams is focused on early diagnosis. We are hopeful that the recommendations from this group will lead to meaningful improvements in how and when children are diagnosed.

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September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s an especially poignant time for us, as it was the month Sophie was both diagnosed and passed away. Each September, we focus on educating our community about all aspects of childhood cancer—from signs and symptoms to the chronic lack of funding. We encourage individuals, schools, and businesses to “Go Gold” to raise awareness, as gold is the colour symbolising childhood cancer.

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My advice to any parent is this: Always trust your gut instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to push for answers or ask for a second opinion. You know your child best. And sometimes, persistence can save a life.