What new support is being offered for young cancer patients' travel costs?

A new National Cancer Plan will provide financial support for travel expenses to cancer treatment for young patients, regardless of income.

How did a teenager's experience influence the new cancer travel plan?

A 19-year-old's personal journey with chemotherapy and significant travel costs, which were covered by a charity, inspired her advocacy and led to this policy change.

What challenges do young cancer survivors face after treatment?

Young cancer survivors often experience ongoing physical and mental recovery, with a need for better support systems, especially when returning to school.

Home / Health / Cancer Travel Costs Funded for All Young Patients

Cancer Travel Costs Funded for All Young Patients

3 Feb

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Summary

New plan offers financial aid for young cancer patients' travel costs.
A teen's travel expenses were covered by a charity during treatment.
Cancer survivors face ongoing physical and mental recovery challenges.

Cancer Travel Costs Funded for All Young Patients

A significant change is coming to the National Cancer Plan, aimed at alleviating financial burdens for young cancer patients. This new policy, expected to be unveiled by Labour on Wednesday, will offer financial support for travel expenses to medical appointments for children and young people undergoing cancer treatment. This crucial aid will be accessible to families irrespective of their income levels, addressing a major barrier to accessing care.

A 19-year-old from Southend-on-Sea, who underwent chemotherapy between November 2024 and January 2025, shared her experience. She described the overwhelming nature of sudden treatment and the significant travel costs incurred to reach University College London Hospitals. Fortunately, a local charity, Golden Geese, provided free train travel, preventing her family from facing weekly costs of up to £350.