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Wednesday, 24 August 2005 12:12 | BNN: British Nursing News Online · www.bnn-online.co.uk
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The National Institute for Clinical Excellence has called for a reform of the cancer treatment provided for young people in England and Wales.
The NHS advisory body said that all under 19s receiving cancer care should be moved out of adult and paediatric wards which can hinder recovery, and treated in wards specially designed to meet their needs.
The health service currently has eight dedicated cancer units for young people which provide facilities such as computer games and pool tables.
While NICE has not called for more of the units to be built, the organisation said that NHS trusts should do more to tailor services to the needs of adolescents.
Peter Littlejohns, who led the team which called for the reform, said: "The distinct needs of young people with cancer have been increasingly recognised over recent years.
"Many young people do not feel comfortable within the paediatric setting, but they have unique needs that may not be addressed within adult services."
The number of children and young people diagnosed with cancer each year has risen by 50 per cent in the last 30 years, with 2,000 now diagnosed each year.
Simon Davies, chief executive of the Teenage Cancer Trust, said: "The recognition that teenagers and young adults have a right to specialist facilities finally brings health service in line with other walks of life such as education and social care.
"The fact that NICE has recommended that age-appropriate, safe and effective services are provided with the necessary training for health professionals at every stage at all levels is music to our ears."
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