Sturgeon in £2.5m cancer care pledge as she opens international conference

The First Minister has announced an extra £2.5 million to improve cancer care for children and young people in Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon made the pledge as she opened the Teenage Cancer Trust’s ninth international conference in Edinburgh.

The event, which also marks the first Global Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Congress, brings together more than 350 health experts from across the world to discuss cancer care for teenagers and young adults.

The funding will go towards the managed service network (MSN) for children and y oung people with cancer, a service that brings together Scotland’s cancer centres.

Ms Sturgeon (pictured) said: “I am delighted to confirm an additional £2.5 million over the next five years to improve care for young people with cancer through the managed service network.

“In Scotland, we have long placed high importance on delivering the best possible care to young people diagnosed with cancer.

“I know what a bewildering and frightening experience this is for teenagers and it’s vital our services are tailored towards their needs in a different way to that of adults.

“In conjunction with the Teenage Cancer Trust, we have several world-class facilities that deliver this and our managed service network is working with the trust to bring this consistency of care across the country.

“This congress is an opportunity for our specialists to learn from international best practice as well as share our expertise. I look forward to seeing the outcomes of this dialogue in the coming months.”

Siobhan Dunn, the trust’s chief executive, said: “It is thanks to Nicola who, as Cabinet Secretary for Health, listened to young people and their families and the clinical staff, and then ensured that young people are prominent in the Scottish cancer plan.

“The Scottish Government have also been key partners in the expansion of our cancer education and awareness programme across Scotland, allowing us to reach many younger people with messages of prevention and early diagnosis.

“Everything that we do at Teenage Cancer Trust is focused on ensuring that young people with cancer receive the best care, treatment and support.

“Over the next three days, we will hear from experts from all four corners of the globe. By working together internationally, we ensure and encourage collaboration to improve the lives of young people with cancer.

“However, our work in Scotland is not done – Teenage Cancer Trust needs to raise £2,850 a day to maintain all our services in Scotland.”

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