A Mother's Story of Misdiagnosis, Hope, and Advocacy for Change in Young People's Cancer Care

A Fight Against Cancer and a Call for Change

Katie Constable's 50th birthday was overshadowed by devastating news. Her 17-year-old son, Jack, was diagnosed with a rare cancer, just months after a GP nurse dismissed his concerns as a pulled muscle.

"Jack had no symptoms whatsoever," Katie recalled. "He was a normal, healthy lad. Then one day, he noticed a lump and said, 'Oh my God, what is this? I've got cancer.'"

A visit to a nurse practitioner resulted in a cursory examination and a dismissive diagnosis of a pulled muscle. "She didn't even touch him," Katie said. "Within two minutes, we were out the door with instructions to come back in eight weeks if it didn't go down."

The news of Jack's cancer was a devastating blow. He is one of a growing number of children and young people diagnosed with cancer in the UK, a trend that experts warn is not adequately addressed by current NHS cancer targets.

"Targets designed around adult cancers are not suitable for children," said Ashley Gamble, chief executive of the Childhood Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG). "They need dedicated targets that are more appropriate to the types of cancers they get."

The CCLG is currently working on a study that has found evidence that cancer in children is taking longer to diagnose and that a higher rate of children are diagnosed in emergency departments, compared to adults. This often means the cancer is more advanced at the time of diagnosis.

Jack's story is a stark example of this issue. His initial concerns were dismissed, and by the time he was diagnosed, his tumor had grown to the size of a watermelon.

Despite the initial diagnosis, Jack and his family were hopeful. They were told the tumors had a 90% cure rate. However, tragically, Jack's cancer has now been declared terminal. His family's only option is to seek life-extending treatment in the USA.

Katie and Jack's story highlights the urgent need for change in how cancer is diagnosed and treated in young people. The CCLG and Young Lives vs Cancer are calling for the government to adopt their Children and Young People's Cancer Plan, as part of the UK Government National Cancer Plan.

"Thousands of children and young people are waiting too long for a cancer diagnosis, and we are working to change that," said the Department of Health and Social Care.

The fight for Jack's life continues, and his story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for better cancer care for young people.