Child Cancer Rate Down

1 September 2014, 06:15

The rate of children dying from cancer in Scotland has dropped by more than a third in the last decade, according to new figures.

Cancer Research UK said there was a fall of 37% from 10 years ago in the death rate of children aged under 14 with cancer.

The figures were released as another charity said there was a 'shocking' lack of awareness of the devastating impact that childhood cancer has on families.

CLIC Sargent said 1,600 children are diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK, but 32% of adults in Scotland underestimated this number.

The charity published its research to mark the start of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Lorraine Clifton, CLIC Sargent's chief executive, said: 'It's clear from the results of this survey that many people in Scotland simply do not know that children get cancer and that, though childhood cancer is thankfully rare, a child's cancer diagnosis and the often long cancer treatment can have a devastating impact on children and their families.'

Cancer Research UK is also marking the start of the awareness month today and the tenth year of its Give Up Clothes for Good campaign which raises money to fund research to beat children's cancer sooner.

The campaign, in parthership with TK Maxx, now runs all year round with special bins provided in stores across the country. Once sold in the charity's shops, each bag of pre-worn clothing and accessories could be worth up to £30.

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Scotland, said: 'It's so encouraging to see more and more children surviving cancer. We hope the figures released today will inspire people to give what they can - unwanted clothes really can save lives.

'Over the last 10 years we've completed life-saving research that would not have been possible without our unique partnership with TK Maxx and their dedication to creating more tomorrows for children and their families.

'But we can't stop now. Sadly, not every child survives cancer and we must continue to fight for every child and every family. And many children who do survive will live with the long term side effects of their treatment that can have an impact throughout their adult lives.

'It's vital that we find kinder and more effective treatments, but we need the public's help. Every item donated at TK Maxx will bring us a step closer to beating the disease sooner.'