Children (0-14)
Cancer is relatively rare in children, with less than one per cent (0.5%) of the total cancers being diagnosed in this age group. Only 743 and 624 cases were diagnosed in boys and girls, respectively, in the UK in 2007. The risk of a child developing cancer by 14 years of age in Great Britain is around 1 in 500. Leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer accounting for around a third of all cases in boys and girls (33% and 28%, respectively).
 
 
Teenagers and young adults (15-24)
Like children, cancer is also relatively rare in teenagers and young adults, with less than one per cent (0.6%) of the total cancers being diagnosed in this age group. In the UK in 2007, 976 and 916 cases were diagnosed in males and females, respectively. The most common cancer in young men is testicular cancer, accounting for more than a quarter (28%) of the total. Other common cancers for males in this age group include Hodgkin lymphoma (14%) and leukaemia (12%). The most common cancers in young women are malignant melanoma (17%), Hodgkin lymphoma (16%) and ovarian cancer (9%).
 
Source: Cancer Research UK website
 
HOPE  – the future is bright
There have been huge improvements in the treatment of children’s cancer over the past 50 years. More than 7 in 10 (over 70%) of children with cancer are now cured, compared with fewer than 3 in 10 (less than 30%) in 1962–66. Research is continuing to improve treatments and reduce side effects. 
 
Source: MacMillan Cancer Support website
 

How cancer affects the child and their family
Although 7 out of 10 children are now successfully treated, childhood cancer is still devastating for everyone concerned. Treatment can last months, which means long stays in hospital and being away from the home, school, friends and siblings. School age children may fall behind. Even though children’s wards have teachers to keep the children’s school work up to date, side effects from the cancer and its treatment often make children very tired. They may feel like not doing anything at times, except having a cuddle with mum or dad.
 
 
When a child is diagnosed with cancer it can seem like normal life stops and a different journey begins.
It’s a journey that tests families physically, emotionally, socially and financially.
To be told that a child has cancer comes as a terrible shock. Yet to know that seven out of 10 children now survive cancer may offer some kind of comfort and reassurance to families.
Thanks to research into treatment and causes, the outlook is now one of hope, forward thinking and positive outcomes. 

Source: CLIC Sargent website
 
How Saras Hope Foundation can help
The above information tells you about the statisics of childhood and teenage cancer. When we were told that Sara had a very rare and aggressive form of colon cancer our world crumbled, thankfully Sara`s positive attitude made this horrendous event easier to cope with. One thing we learned was that a child with cancer wants and needs to be treated the same way as before they were diagnosed. Sadly this is very difficult, Sara faced severe surgery, strong chemotherapy and painful and intrusive tests which made a “normal” life impossible. Sara also had a younger brother Mark whose life also turned upside down, people often forget that brothers and sisters are also deeply affected.

 
Sara loved spending time with her family away from the hospital environment and the three family holidays that we shared with Sara gave her something to look forward to at the end of her treatment
 
The Saras Hope Foundation retreat will provide just that – a chance to relax and spend quality and precious times with their loved ones

 
“Sounds fantastic – You have thought of everything” – Nadine Turnbull (RVI Children’s cancer unit)Tweet