Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG)

Early diagnosis saves lives 🎗 Cancer is the biggest killer by disease of children in the UK, with around 1,900 children, aged 0-14, diagnosed each year. While eight in 10 children will now survive their cancer, survival for some cancers is much lower and hasn’t improved for decades. Delays in diagnosis can mean that cancer has grown bigger or has spread around the body meaning treatment can be less effective. Most of us are aware of cancer symptoms in adults such as lumps and coughs that don’t go away but a first sign of cancer in children can be a chest or ear infection that just doesn’t go away or keeps coming back. We're raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer in children so that we are all more confident in spotting the signs and symptoms of cancer in children and young people. If you are worried about your child, make an urgent appointment to see your GP. You can find more information on what to do if you're concerned at https://bit.ly/3PGOBVZ #CCLG #LessSurvivableCancersAwarenessDay #SpotChildCancer

Have you read our latest issue of Contact magazine? Contact is a free quarterly magazine for families of children and young people with cancer, offering essential information and support, helping to reduce the isolation families often face when dealing with a cancer diagnosis. This issue's theme is empowerment—celebrating strength, resilience, and the power of support. Featuring stories from Nicky Levent, mum to Sam, who was diagnosed with retinoblastoma at 18 months old; Raysa Farah, whose son S'aad was diagnosed with leukaemia aged two; and Sarah Dransfield, who was diagnosed with bone cancer in March 2012, aged 16—and much more 💪💓 You can read the issue for free by subscribing or downloading it at https://lnkd.in/e7DB3MmQ #CCLG #ContactMagazine #ChildhoodCancer

Could you share your story? We're looking for stories from parents or carers of children affected by a brain tumour. Your experiences can help raise awareness, support other families and contribute to the work of CCLG. Many individuals find it helpful and a source of support to read about others who have gone through similar experiences 🎗️ If you're interested in sharing your story, please fill out our online form at https://bit.ly/3OiyI7V #CCLG #ChildhoodCancer #BrainTumour

Last year, we achieved the milestone of funding £30 million in childhood cancer research 🔬🌟 A big part of this achievement is because of The Little Princess Trust. When they started funding research, co-founder Wendy Tarplee-Morris said, "It was of vital importance to us that the research we were funding was high quality, high impact and of great value. However, we realised it was very complicated to actually start funding research." That's where CCLG comes in. With our experience and expert members, we help charities like The Little Princess Trust select and manage their research portfolios. Wendy explained: "Working with CCLG not only helps us to fund the best quality research but also it means that we aren't duplicating resources like scientific advisory boards and research managers, which would be very expensive. It means we can use more money to fund expert research rather than spending it on the process that is required to do it." Find out more about our multi-million-pound partnership in our #ResearchRoundup interview at https://bit.ly/3P1q3FY #CCLG #ChildhoodCancer #ChildhoodCancerResearch

Sam was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a type of eye cancer, when he was just 18 months old. Sam’s mum, Nicky Levent, shared: “Sam was diagnosed after we noticed a white glow in his eye in October 2014 and took him to our local GP. We were then referred to the local eye specialist at Royal Preston Hospital who told us the possibility that the glow in Sam’s eye could be retinoblastoma and arranged a referral to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. "On our way home from Preston we received a call from the specialist retinoblastoma team in Birmingham and we had an appointment for the following week. “Following an examination under anaesthetic in mid-November, the consultant confirmed he had a large tumour in his right eye, before discussing the operation that Sam would have to undergo to remove his eye and the treatment that would follow. “Sam had his eye removed three days later and we were in hospital for three days before he was discharged for home. We were told we had to wait for two weeks for the results of a scan to see if the cancer had spread anywhere and whether Sam required chemotherapy. We were contacted two weeks later and told that as they weren’t sure whether it had spread or not, Sam would need four cycles of chemotherapy as a precaution. Our consultant in Manchester told us Sam would have a Hickman line fitted first and a bone marrow and spinal fluid sample would need to be taken as well. “We spent the night of Sam’s first cycle of treatment in the hospital as they wanted to keep Sam under observation, and he was unwell that night. We had a few setbacks along the way due to his platelets being too low, and he needed a blood transfusion on his second visit. In between all his treatment sessions, we also had trips to Birmingham for his examination under anaesthetic and his appointments for his prosthetic eye. “The one thing I’d say to parents during treatment is to keep busy, bring plenty of snacks and things to keep you all occupied, as it’s a long day at appointments and chemotherapy sessions. "Sam is now 11 and has been cancer-free for nine years, but he still has his regular prosthetic eye checkups.” Read more in Contact magazine at https://bit.ly/3OUcLLs #CCLG #ContactMagazine #Retinoblastoma

Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer, and around 35 children in the UK are diagnosed with osteosarcoma each year. One of these young people was Sarah Dransfield , who was diagnosed in March 2012 aged 16. "I was just 16 years old when, to save my life, I had my right leg amputated above the knee due to osteosarcoma. "My family and friends helped me so much. They wanted to do as much as they could to give me fun and enjoyment along the way. Having things to look forward to and setting a bucket list for when I finished my treatment really helped me." In our latest issue of Contact magazine, she tells us what helped her during and after treatment and how cancer has changed her outlook on life 💛 Read the full article at https://bit.ly/4eYnqzm #CCLG #ContactMagazine #Osteosarcoma

Don’t miss out on discounted early bird tickets for the 2025 CCLG & Teenagers and Young Adults with Cancer (TYAC) Annual Conference - the UK's leading professional conference for all working within paediatric and teenage and young adult oncology! Why attend? - Two days of essential updates and best practice in children and young people's cancer in the UK - Multidisciplinary, research and clinical insight sessions - Networking opportunities - Learn and build your professional competence and clinical confidence - Discuss the latest issues within the cancer community - Celebrate our Research & Member Awards - Browse our poster presentations - Exhibition and demo spaces - Enjoy a fun evening with friends and colleagues at our Conference & Member Awards dinner Discounted early bird tickets are available for CCLG and TYAC members. Deadline for early bird rates is 16 January 2025. Find out more and register now at https://bit.ly/3H6gaTu #CCLG2025

New year, new challenge! 🚶🌟 Make 2025 the year you support childhood cancer research by joining CCLG's Big Hike to help save more young lives. CCLG's Big Hike is a half marathon hike in the stunning Peak District National Park, taking you on a beautiful 13.1 mile circular route, starting and ending in Hartington. 📆 20 September 2025 💛 The hike is open to walkers of all levels, whether you're new to hiking or a seasoned pro. You'll have the full support of the CCLG team throughout the day, with: • Refreshments to keep you going • Lunch and hot food to celebrate at the finish line • Medical support for peace of mind • A Big Hike t-shirt and all the fundraising materials you need Are you ready for the challenge? Find out more and sign up now at www.cclg.org.uk/big-hike

As 2024 draws to a close, we're reflecting on the incredible progress we've made together. Since 2016, we've funded over £30 million in childhood cancer research. This year alone, we supported 27 groundbreaking projects aimed at improving treatments, enhancing our understanding of the disease, and tackling long-term effects. This wouldn't be possible without you—our incredible supporters, Special Named Funds, The Little Princess Trust partner charities, corporate partners, families who shared their stories, and the dedicated researchers who work tirelessly to make a difference. Every donation, fundraiser, and shared post helps us create a brighter future for children and young people with cancer. Together, we can make a difference. Here's to 2025! We can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on and continue making progress for children and young people with cancer 💛 Read more about the impact you've made at https://bit.ly/4grXKNe #CCLG #ChildhoodCancer #ChildhoodCancerResearch

Nominate a colleague or team for a CCLG Member Award! Our Member Awards celebrate and recognise the outstanding contribution of individual members to the work of CCLG & Teenagers and Young Adults with Cancer (TYAC) and the professional community. If you have a colleague or team who you think deserve recognition with a Member Award, please make a nomination today. There are a number of categories in which you can nominate colleagues to recognise their contribution to the children and young people's cancer community. The following Awards are open to nominations: 🌟 Lifetime Achievement Recognising those who have played a significant part within the paediatric oncology community for over 30 years 🌟 Outstanding Leadership Recognising individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, regardless of grade or role 🌟 Unsung Hero Recognising those who have made a difference by going the extra mile in their work for patients, families and colleagues 🌟Rising Star Recognising the potential of an individual in the first five years of their career 🌟 Innovation in Practice (team or individual award) Recognising individuals or teams who have found new ways to solve problems to deliver for the public, showing commitment to new ideas and experimentation, and transforming care 🌟 Excellence in Delivery (team or individual award) Recognising those who have used their skills and expertise in a range of fields to deliver exceptional outcomes for patients and made a tangible positive difference to patient’s lives 🌟 Team of the Year Recognising healthcare teams who have worked well together and achieved excellence and best practice in their delivery of treatment and patient care The deadline for nominations is Sunday 12 January 2025. Make a nomination today at https://bit.ly/4a1vfCS #CCLG2025