Provide trauma support for children post-cancer treatment
The Issue
My daughter, Lillie, now 10, first faced cancer at the tender age of three and a half. She endured an intense, two-and-a-half-year regimen of chemotherapy and treatment for leukaemia. As any parent would, we focused on her physical recovery throughout those grueling years. But once the treatments ended, new challenges emerged. It has taken me nearly five years to secure appropriate help from various professionals, addressing the trauma and emotional scars that linger beyond cancer. Our journey has made it glaringly obvious that while we celebrate the survival and resilience of our children, we often overlook their psychological well-being.
In the UK alone, approximately 1,900 children are diagnosed with cancer each year (Cancer Research UK). While remarkable strides have been made in treating cancer, research shows that childhood cancer survivors are at higher risk of developing PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders as they grow older. Psychological care should not just be an afterthought; it should be integral to cancer treatment plans.
We hereby call on the NHS and relevant health bodies to integrate trauma treatment immediately post-cancer recovery. We propose that a dedicated programme be established to offer psychological evaluations and therapy sessions to young cancer survivors as they transition back to everyday life. Such a program could consist of standardized sessions tailored to individual needs and facilitated by experienced child psychologists and counselors.
Implementing a cohesive trauma support framework not only aids in emotional recovery, but it also helps these young warriors face their futures with confidence and strength. By prioritizing mental health alongside physical recovery, we ensure that our children can truly thrive post-treatment.
Sign this petition to urge the NHS and healthcare providers to bridge this critical gap in care, ensuring a holistic approach to healing for every child who bravely battles cancer. Your signature can help turn hope into action, providing much-needed mental health resources for children like Lillie across the UK.
2,565
The Issue
My daughter, Lillie, now 10, first faced cancer at the tender age of three and a half. She endured an intense, two-and-a-half-year regimen of chemotherapy and treatment for leukaemia. As any parent would, we focused on her physical recovery throughout those grueling years. But once the treatments ended, new challenges emerged. It has taken me nearly five years to secure appropriate help from various professionals, addressing the trauma and emotional scars that linger beyond cancer. Our journey has made it glaringly obvious that while we celebrate the survival and resilience of our children, we often overlook their psychological well-being.
In the UK alone, approximately 1,900 children are diagnosed with cancer each year (Cancer Research UK). While remarkable strides have been made in treating cancer, research shows that childhood cancer survivors are at higher risk of developing PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders as they grow older. Psychological care should not just be an afterthought; it should be integral to cancer treatment plans.
We hereby call on the NHS and relevant health bodies to integrate trauma treatment immediately post-cancer recovery. We propose that a dedicated programme be established to offer psychological evaluations and therapy sessions to young cancer survivors as they transition back to everyday life. Such a program could consist of standardized sessions tailored to individual needs and facilitated by experienced child psychologists and counselors.
Implementing a cohesive trauma support framework not only aids in emotional recovery, but it also helps these young warriors face their futures with confidence and strength. By prioritizing mental health alongside physical recovery, we ensure that our children can truly thrive post-treatment.
Sign this petition to urge the NHS and healthcare providers to bridge this critical gap in care, ensuring a holistic approach to healing for every child who bravely battles cancer. Your signature can help turn hope into action, providing much-needed mental health resources for children like Lillie across the UK.
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 11 November 2025