Leeds Children’s Hospital has reported an increase in survival rates for childhood cancer, with latest statistics placing Yorkshire amongst the highest survival rates in the world.
The hospital, along with the University of Leeds and Sheffield Children’s Hospital NHS and Charity said they were really pleased with the progress so far, and the achievement for young people in the region.
The news came on 15th February, which is recognised across the world as International Childhood Cancer Day. It comes as part of a global campaign to raise awareness of childhood cancer, and to help support children and young people with cancer and their families.
In the latest figures, Leeds Children’s Hospital recorded an 86% survival rate, with 86 out of 100 children diagnosed before their 15th birthday reaching the five-year milestone at which point patients are traditionally considered cured of their cancer. From 2012-2016, across all cancers there was a survival rate of 86% in males, and 85% in females.
These results place Yorkshire amongst the highest figures in the world, alongside rankings from countries such as Australia and Canada.
In a video shared to Leeds Children’s Hospital’s Facebook page, Adam Glaser, Professor of Paediatric Oncology, explained that the data is generated from work undertaken as part of the Yorkshire Specialist Register of Cancer in Children and Young People. This is a research programme run through the University of Leeds and funded by the Laura Crane Trust and the Candlelighters Charity.
Glaser stated, “Of course, we haven’t quite finished our work. We haven’t quite got to our target where we want to be able to say with confidence that every child diagnosed with cancer will be cured.
“In order to try to reach this goal, we are continuing to work hard by researching in new treatments and new diagnostic methods to enhance survival rates. But, in general, this is a great day for Yorkshire and for young people who sadly might be facing cancer.”
