Family hit by cancer trauma calls for more support

Amber was diagnosed with the rare cancer synovial sarcoma in 2018

A Kent mother is calling for psychological support for families of children with cancer after her daughter was diagnosed with the disease at the age of eight.

Kate, from Whitstable, says the system is failing families like hers who are left with "next to nothing while trying to navigate the shock, trauma and heartbreak" while "caring for their poorly child and family".

Her daughter Amber was diagnosed with the rare cancer synovial sarcoma in 2018. After five surgeries, six weeks of radiotherapy and numerous other procedures she was declared cancer free in 2020, but now has post-traumatic stress disorder.

The NHS has been approached for comment.

"Parents and families should be able to access immediate psychological support when their child receives a cancer diagnosis, and this support should be ongoing throughout their family’s journey," said Kate.

"For the first few weeks after Amber was diagnosed, I felt I could barely function.

"Yet parents are having to manage their wellbeing while being confronted with their worst possible nightmare – there is a 12-week waiting list for psychological support from the NHS," she added.

'Crucial needs'

Kate founded the Sarcoma Parents Support Group in March 2024.

Since then, the group has grown to more than 20 members who meet every month online to share their experiences and listen to expert speakers.

Sarcoma UK Support line advisor Carly McDonald says: "More extensive, comprehensive, immediate and ongoing support is needed.

"The psychological impact on patients and their families can be profound and long-lasting," she said.

"We're committed to advocating for enhanced support services within the NHS to meet these crucial needs."