Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
02 September 2014 09:22
A charity has warned about the lack of awareness to childhood cancers
Many people are unaware of childhood cancer, a charity has discovered.
According to research by CLIC Sargent, a cancer charity for children and their families, there is a lack of awareness across the country of the number of children affected by cancer.
In truth, 1,600 children up to the age of 15 are diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK. But the charity's survey shows a third of people underestimate this figure, and a quarter are not aware of the number.
Meanwhile, the poll found 32% underestimate the number of miles a family travels to attend hospital appointments and receive treatments at specialist centres - with the distance being 60 miles on average. Around one in five was not aware of this distance.
Lorraine Clifton, CLIC Sargent's chief executive, says it appears that "many people simply do not know that children get cancer".
She says such a diagnosis and resulting treatment - that in some cases can continue for up to three years - can have a devastating impact, often leaving families feeling "overwhelmed" at the "emotional, practical and financial implications" needed to be considered.
Which is why measures such as pre-existing medical travel insurance can offer some peace of mind before holidaying with a child suffering from a long-term illness.
Financial implications can amount to an extra £4,400 a year needed to be factored in to family budgets, though more than a third - 34% - were unable to predict this.
However, the majority of the 2,128 adults surveyed - 85% - agreed that families affected by cancer should have access to financial support throughout the course of a child's treatment.
And furthermore, a similar proportion thought emotional support should be available to families for the same length of time, with 79% saying this should be extended to give a child and their parents access to trained professionals for as long as they wish.
September marks the start of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
19 September 2019
Who invented rugby? Ahead of the greatest rugby competition in the world, we take a look at how the game spread around the globe...
[more...]
09 September 2019
What's the best place for a city break this September? Here are some of our favourite weekend destinations for a European getaway.
What's the best island to visit in Europe? Take a look at some of our top tips off the beaten track and find your very own island paradise...
02 September 2019
If you're visiting the Land of the Rising Sun for the rugby, here's everything you need to know about the World Cup's host cities...
Not ready to wave goodbye to summer? Discover our top European destinations for last-minute summer sun...
Already stressing about that 8-hour flight? Make your journey more comfortable with our top tips for flying long-haul.
Heading on holiday to Japan? Get the most out of your trip to Tokyo with these must-see places in the Japanese capital.
Are you going on holiday to Japan? Get the most out of your trip by discovering these alternative, off-the-beaten-track destinations that will show you a different side to the Land of the Rising Sun.
21 August 2019
Travelling to Japan to watch the rugby? Here's everything you need to know about visiting the land of the rising sun, from payment methods to convenience store drinking!
Ready to experience the drama of rugby's greatest competition? Here's our guide to getting close to the action with a trip to magical Japan.
08 August 2019
Looking to travel back in time? Walk in the footsteps of Zeus and Apollo as you explore some of Greece's most iconic historical sites.
Want to explore off the beaten track? Discover your new Grecian paradise in one of these secluded island locations...