Call for training shake-up to help detect cancer in children earlier

Doctors and parents are calling for better awareness and training to diagnose cancer in children.

Their call comes after the Sunday Post revealed the UK is falling behind other countries in early detection of cancers.

We revealed research from the International Benchmarking of Childhood Cancer Survival by Stage Project – or Benchista – which shows the UK is falling behind other countries in early detection of cancers that affect almost 2,000 children aged up to 15 every year in the UK.

Further evidence was revealed in the landmark childhood Cancer Diagnosis study, which last week showed that nearly 70% of children and young people who received a cancer diagnosis did so in an emergency setting.

Three-quarters of the children had between one and three healthcare visits prior to that.

The study by Nottingham University and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research calls on doctors and health authorities to develop strategies for improvement.

Nottingham University paediatric oncologist Dr Sharna Shanmugavadivel said: “For the first time, we understand the landscape of childhood cancer diagnosis in the UK. There is an urgent need to focus efforts on young people and tumour types such as bone tumours that are still experiencing lengthy intervals. Earliest possible diagnosis is key as time is crucial. Untreated, tumours grow bigger and can spread, requiring more extensive surgery and more intensive therapies to ­offer cure.”

Heartbroken parents call for action as experts reveal growing concerns over doctors’ failure to spot cancer in children

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Her colleague Professor Tim Ritzmann said children whose symptoms have not disappeared must be referred to hospital for cancer or other investigations.

“While childhood cancer is unusual it does affect between one in 200 to one in 250 children and earlier diagnosis makes treatment less aggressive,” he said. “Parents need the confidence to be able to ask GPs for a second opinion if they fear their child is seriously ill. Most GPs welcome the opportunity to consult a colleague about a patient’s symptoms.”

NHS 24 in Scotland and NHS 111 in England and A&E are also sources for advice, he suggested.

Most GPs will see two or three children with cancer in their careers. Parents whose children’s cancers were previously diagnosed after delays say they are shocked this continues today.

Eileen Connaughton-McCarthy’s son Ross, was diagnosed with a kidney cancer as a baby more than 20 years ago. She said it took two months and several GP visits to refer him to hospital.

The Prestwick mum of two said: “He went through antibiotic treatment for a whole series of ailments including a suspected throat, chest and then ear infection. Eventually a GP sent us directly to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. By then his abdomen was so seriously swollen, he was on operated on that night. Ross spent the next five months in hospital on chemo.

“It breaks my heart that 21 years later, diagnoses of children’s cancers are still delayed. This can mean more aggressive treatment and a lower chance of survival for the child.

“Paediatric oncology training needs a higher profile in medical schools and beyond.”

Professor Ritzmann backed extending training to the early stages of medical courses.

Eileen’s support of other families was recognised with an MBE for fundraising £350,000 in 2014. The Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group is launching a Child Cancer Smart drive for ­doctors and the public, hoping to replicate that success. CEO Ashley Ball-Gamble says the charity is committed to improving early diagnosis through Child Cancer Smart, which aims to help parents and health professionals to spot cancer early.

He said: “Childhood cancer knows no boundaries – it affects children and young people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. However, our research has revealed important differences in how long diagnosis takes.

“It’s crucial we understand why certain groups such as older teenagers, or those with certain cancers, such as bone and brain tumours, are likely to face a lengthier diagnosis. By recognising these differences, we hope to work towards faster diagnoses and improved survival rates.”

The Royal College of GPs Scotland’s vice chairman, Dr Chris Williams, said: “GPs are well prepared to consult about potential cancer symptoms occurring in paediatric patients with knowledge first acquired at medical school, and this learning is developed upon during GP training.

“Detection of cancer in paediatric patients can prove to be difficult as symptoms may be non-specific and the number of presentations is relatively small.

“Statistics showing childhood cancers are diagnosed at later stages are regrettable and more must be done to enable earlier detection and prompt referral to specialists. We continue to call on the Scottish Government to reinvigorate GP Quality clusters (practice groups).”

My voice was not heard and mum had to push for tests

Teenage cancer survivor Eilidh Mackay says she was misdiagnosed twice by doctors before receiving her official diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

Eilidh, now 23, experienced lung pain which caused breathing problems that were misdiagnosed as asthma and she was given an inhaler. Painful leg cramps followed, and were misdiagnosed as growing pains.

“My mum had taken me to my local GP and A&E multiple times across two months,” said Eilidh, from Ayrshire. “We were admitted to our local children’s hospital for the night, where my mum pushed for a blood test to be taken.

“The next day we were taken by ambulance to Glasgow where I received my official cancer diagnosis.

“I felt confused and upset by my misdiagnoses and on diagnosis and went into denial about having leukaemia.

“Aggressive and intense chemotherapy then caused a negative reaction, leaving me in an induced coma for two months in intensive care.

“Misdiagnosis in young people who have cancer is common. I had all the signs of leukaemia but at the time, we did not know what to look for. My voice was not being heard, and instead of doctors investigating, I was misdiagnosed twice.

“My mum was my advocate, and if she had not pushed for a blood test, my cancer would not have been diagnosed even later and this could have resulted in a very different and more serious outcome.”