New survey to help improve cancer care for young patients

20 May 2021

A new survey to help understand and improve cancer care and experience for children under the age of 16 was launched last month.

The Under 16 Cancer Patient Experience Survey builds on the work of the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey, understanding that cancer care pathways and care priorities for children often differ to adults.

Children under 16 who received NHS cancer care during 2020, and their parents or carers, are being invited to participate. They will be able to complete a paper questionnaire or an online version of the survey on any device.

The results from the survey, available in summer 2021, will provide the first national-level insight into the experiences of children with cancer and will inform how the NHS delivers cancer services going forward.

Commissioners, providers and national policymakers will use the results to assess performance both locally and nationally, to help identify priority areas for enhancing children’s cancer services. The aim is to radically improve the outcomes for children and young people affected by cancer.

Patient experience is extremely important to the NHS and the need for personalised care and treatment is well recognised.

By contributing to the survey, young people and their parents or carers will help the NHS to continue to improve its services and better support children and young people living with and beyond cancer.

For more information visit www.under16cancerexperiencesurvey.co.uk