Children and young people with cancer are suffering unnecessarily because services in the community are inadequate, an expert has claimed.
Over 70 per cent of children and young people who develop cancer in the UK survive, but Professor Mayur Lakhani believes their treatment could be improved by better community services.
Lakhani, a former chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, is chairing a working group on cancer care hosted by children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent.
"We know many children and young people with cancer do not receive adequate support away from the hospital," he said.
"I am determined to devise a world class model of community care and support where specialists and generalists work together to deliver clinical excellence and better outcomes for children and young people with cancer."
Receiving treatment in the community allows young people to continue in education or employment, and keep in touch with their peers.
The working group has been set up following a National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence review.
Lakhani, a former chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, is chairing a working group on cancer care hosted by children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent.
"We know many children and young people with cancer do not receive adequate support away from the hospital," he said.
"I am determined to devise a world class model of community care and support where specialists and generalists work together to deliver clinical excellence and better outcomes for children and young people with cancer."
Receiving treatment in the community allows young people to continue in education or employment, and keep in touch with their peers.
The working group has been set up following a National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence review.
