Six teenagers in this country are diagnosed with cancer every day, and the trend is increasing: in the last 30 years, the rate has gone up by 50%. Cancer is now the most common cause of death in teenagers and young adults – but the East of England has no specialist cancer facilities for young people. That, however, is about to change.
Teenage Cancer Trust has already built eight very successful specialist units around the UK . Later this year, they will begin building their ninth, at Addenbrooke’s: a ten-bed facility for young cancer patients from East Anglia and the surrounding area.
“We pride ourselves on offering everyone with cancer the best possible treatment,” said Dr Gareth Goodier, Addenbrooke’s Chief Executive. “But it can be very disconcerting for teenagers to find themselves on a ward with people who aren’t their own age.”
Sixteen-year-old Harriet Eldridge was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last year. Harriet is now in remission, but she remembers what it was like to be treated on a children’s unit: “Being diagnosed with cancer was a shock in itself, but walking onto the ward with all the poorly babies and little ones was very upsetting. I am so pleased Addenbrooke’s will be getting its very own Teenage Cancer Trust unit – it means that other teenagers like me can be treated in a more positive atmosphere. Believe me, it makes all the difference.”
The new unit will transform an existing ward, with cutting-edge design and the latest technology – computers, game consoles, digitally-controlled lighting – all brought together in an open-plan arrangement that will let patients socialise and support one another.
“Patients in this age group have particular needs which are different to those of adults and children,” said Simon Davies from Teenage Cancer Trust. “They need specialist care because of the rarity of the tumours they get and they experience particular psychological and social problems. Their lives are changing, they are moving from education to the world of work, and on top of it all, they have cancer. It can be a very difficult time for them, but units like this really do help.”
Dr Gareth Goodier added: “With TCT’s help we can improve the time young people spend in the hospital, whilst continuing to deliver the excellent medical care which all of our patients have a right to expect.”
The new unit, which will admit patients aged between 13 and 22, is due to open in 2008.
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