Background

Cancer in Children and Young People (CYP) encompasses multiple distinct types of cancers diagnosed in those aged 0-24 years. Typically, childhood cancers are defined as cancers in those aged 0-14 years and young people’s cancers in those aged 15-24 years. However, be aware that age ranges for local referral pathways may vary. 

Around 130 children (aged 0-14 years) and 180 young people (aged 15-24 years) are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland each year (average over 2018, 2019, 2021)⁸⁷.

In Scotland, 31% of children aged 0-14 years with cancer were diagnosed with leukaemia, and 26% were diagnosed with brain/CNS tumours (2012 – 2021)⁸⁷. Survival for children with cancer is high, with 85% of children expected to live for five years or more after their diagnosis (over years of diagnosis 2011-2016)⁸⁷.

23% of 15-19 year olds with cancer were diagnosed with lymphoma, 17% with carcinomas and a further 17% with CNS tumours (2012-2021)⁸⁷.

25% of 20-24 year olds with cancer were diagnosed with carcinomas, 18% with lymphoma, and 16% with melanoma (2012-2021). Cancer survival among young people is high, with 90% expected to live for five years or more after their diagnosis (years of diagnosis 2011-2015)⁸⁷.

Large variation is seen in diagnostic intervals by cancer type and it is common for patients to see a health professional three or more times before referral⁸⁸. Longer intervals may result from non-timely help seeking for symptoms and a lack of awareness of cancers in CYP^89,90.

As cancer in CYP is uncommon, health professionals may not always initially suspect cancer and investigate other benign causes first, potentially leading to pathway delays or emergency presentation. It is estimated that a UK General Practice with an average list size will diagnose cancer in a child or young person every 1.8 years⁹¹.