INFORMATION FOR TEENAGERS ON CANCER

Early day motion 130, tabled 18 May 2005 by Ian Gibson (Labour). Signed by 56 members.

That this House welcomes the launch of TIC, CancerBACUP's new website providing information for teenagers; notes that 180 teenagers are diagnosed with cancer each month; recognises that cancer is a big issue for teenagers with seven out of 10 knowing someone who has, or has had cancer; is concerned that 74 per cent. of teenagers do not know what to say to a friend with cancer, that six out of 10 teenagers with cancer feel isolated and alone, eight out of 10 worry about their relationships with their friends and nearly 90 per cent. say that there is no support or advice to help their friends understand how they feel; believes that the understanding of cancer amongst teenagers generally and amongst those with the disease must be improved; and urgently calls on the Government to improve access to cancer information for teenagers and fully to implement the national NHS information strategy to ensure timely, accurate and practical support is available to all cancer patients, their families, friends and carers.

Signatures by party: Labour 40, Liberal Democrat 6, Conservative 5, DUP 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.