Youth cancer forum launched in Perth

Oct 2 2007 Alison Lowson

MSP Aileen Campbell MSP officially launched the Youth Cancer Forum Scotland (YCFS) in Perth on Friday.

The organisation – set up by three existing cancer charities – will give Scottish young people with cancer the opportunity to have their say.

At the launch, Aileen Campbell, Holyrood’s youngest MSP, met 30 young people from Scotland that have been affected by cancer.

She discussed with them the challenges they face as a result of their cancer and the changes they would want the Scottish Parliament to make on their behalf.

Working in partnership with each other, the Youth Cancer Forum Scotland has been established by CLIC Sargent, Tak Tent and the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Funding for the launch of the forum has been provided by the Big Lottery Fund.

Tracy Rodger, one of the organisers of the forum, told the PA: “Young people with cancer are a hidden group in society.

“As a result of their treatment, many miss out on vital years of education, instead spending months and sometimes years in hospital on treatment,” she continued.

“This can have a lasting impact: it can mean some young people lose out on opportunities to go onto further education, or that they struggle to develop ‘normal’ relationships with their peers.

“ Part of the reason this forum is so important is because it gives these young people the change to raise awareness of the issues affecting them.

“The importance of this is should not be underestimated.”

Speaking about her part in the event, Aileen added: “It is a pleasure to return to my home town to launch such a valuable resource for young people with cancer in Scotland.

“This national forum will bring together young people through annual conferences and social events, as well as creating an online community for those who are isolated due to treatment or geographical constraints,” she added.

“It is fantastic that the needs and views of these young people will be represented through the forum and I am looking forward to seeing what comes out of it in the future.”