Child Cancer Deaths Decreasing

Cancer death rates in children and young people have fallen by 57% in the past 40 years.

A leading charity says progress in treating the disease has led to this unprecedented drop among youngsters aged 24 and under in Scotland.

Around 110 under 14s are diagnosed with the disease every year.

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Scotland, said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see the death toll for children’s cancers falling steadily, but we must make faster progress to save more lives.”

“Cancer has a devastating impact on youngsters. Children and young people can face months of painful treatment, as well as the upset of being away from home and friends. Also, some unfortunately face living with long term side effects from their treatment, such as infertility and disability, which have an impact throughout their adult lives.

“Sadly, not every youngster survives but we continue to fight for every child and every family and hope to double the amount we spend on children’s and young people’s cancers in the next 5-10 years. By boosting funding now, the best research teams could offer new hope by developing kinder and better treatments and cures, so we’re urging people across Scotland to back Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens.
 
“Cancer Research UK is the largest funder of research into children’s cancers in the UK and with the support of the public we can fund more world-class research to give more youngsters the chance to grow up and realise their potential.”

Five-year old Milo Carter from Auchtertool lost a kidney to cancer.

He was recently invited on a VIP visit to Downing Street to launch Cancer Research UK's inspiring new fundraising campaign Kids & Teens.

Milo's mum, Sarah, 37, said: "It's been the most amazing, emotional trip and we've loved every moment of it.

"Milo managed to start primary one chemotherapy free and is loving being at school. His energy levels are picking up, he's learning to ride his bike and has just started swimming lessons, all things he wasn't able to do while on treatment. Going to 10 Downing Street was an unforgettable experience for so many reasons but most importantly because through supporting Cancer Research UK we can help to spare other children and families from this devastating disease in the future.

"Success stories like Milo's would not be possible without the charity's life-saving work which in turn relies on everyone who raises funds, so we hope people across Scotland will really get behind this crucial campaign."

Milo who is now clear of cancer endured 19 rounds of chemotherapy after he was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour in April 2013. Scans at Edinburgh Sick Children's hospital revealed cancer in both kidneys had already spread to his lungs and liver. At first Sarah and her husband Kevin, 36, were warned that Milo may need to have both kidneys removed- facing a lifetime of dialysis or a transplant. But Imran Mushtaq, a surgeon at Great Ormond Street hospital in London succeeded in saving 90% of Milo's right kidney.

Sarah said: "Milo needed the highest dose of chemotherapy and radiotherapy they could give.

"Milo's left kidney was twice the size it's meant to be. It was huge and he had three tumours in his second kidney as well as tumours in the main vein leading up to his heart. But nothing knocks Milo. I call him my little Tonka truck as he just keeps going. I'm so proud of him."