About the Teenage Cancer Trust
Every day in the UK, up to 6 teenagers or young adults (between the ages of 13 and
24) will find out they have cancer - that is approximately 2,100 new cases a year.
These young people, in the midst of their already difficult journey to adulthood,
suddenly find themselves faced with a possible life-threatening illness and very
often receiving treatment in inappropriate facilities with inadequate support options.
Until the age of 16 a teenager is likely to be treated in a paediatric ward alongside
toddlers. If the same teen was diagnosed after turning 16 then they are likely to
end up in an adult ward with elderly patients.
Teenage Cancer Trust's top priority is building units in NHS hospitals specifically
for teenagers with cancer. As well as superior medical facilities, these units are
equipped with day rooms, kitchens and chill-out rooms where teenagers can relax
and feel at home or have friends and family to visit in a comfortable environment.
There are computers with internet access, pool tables, playstations, satellite TV,
musical instruments, and other things teenagers might like to occupy their time
with, or share with friends. Most importantly, the units provide an environment
where teenagers can meet others in a similar situation and allow patients to build
friendships and mechanisms to cope with their disease.