We are a team of professionals who are experts in both cancer and caring for young people aged 13 to 24 years. Young people can present with different types of cancers. So that we can deliver an expert service, we work with many other cancer and haematology specific teams across the hospitals in the region. Working in partnership ensures that each person receives coordinated and seamless care which is delivered by professionals who are expert in both young people and cancer.
Cancer in young people is a rare event; only 2,000 will be diagnosed in the UK per year and our region will receive up to 200 new referrals per annum. Therefore, when a young person gets cancer, they need to be treated in the right place, at the right time and by the right experts.
We know that caring for young people in their own ward alongside their own age group can improve the hospital experience. Therefore, we offer inpatient, and day care treatment, in units specifically designed for this age range. These have been developed in very close partnership between the NHS and Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT). TCT have funded some of our posts and worked with us to develop our units; they have also developed an information book specifically for young people which may help you.
Young people can develop one of many different types of cancer. The most common ones seen in this age range are:
- Bone Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Leukaemia
- Lymphoma
- Brain Tumours
- Skin
However, they can also develop the types of cancer that adults normally get i.e. breast cancer, bowel cancer etc.
Whatever type a young person is diagnosed with, they will always be seen by a team of people who are expert in that type of cancer. The TYA Service works alongside this team to provide expert young person care.