Candlelighters, the charity dedicated to supporting children with cancer, is commemorating World Cancer Day by highlighting the progress made in the first year of the Candlelighters Supportive Care Research Centre (CSCRC) at The University of York.
Supportive care, an emerging field of research, focuses on improving the quality of life for cancer patients by alleviating side effects, managing pain, and reducing infection risks. This important work, which complements efforts to find cures, is the core mission of the CSCRC. Established with initial funding from Candlelighters, the Centre is the first of its kind to focus on enhancing care for children battling cancer. The Centre is led by Professor Bob Phillips, a leading authority in childhood cancer research.
Each year, nearly 400,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer, including over 2,400 children and teenagers. While the survival rates for childhood cancer have significantly improved, the side effects of treatment often remain an under-recognised issue. In fact, research into the management of these side effects is limited and underfunded.
Emily Wragg, CEO of Candlelighters, reflects on the progress made in childhood cancer treatment: “While we celebrate the fact that around 80% of children diagnosed with cancer survive, much remains to be done. Children often receive treatments designed for adults, and the impact on their smaller bodies can be severe. The side effects they endure can be traumatic, permanent, and even deadly.”
Emily highlights that one in three children who die from cancer, do so not because of the cancer itself, but because of complications from treatment. Despite this, research into improving the experience of children undergoing cancer treatment is lacking.
A major focus of the Candlelighters Supportive Care Research Centre’s first year has been on addressing the physical side effects of cancer treatment, particularly mucositis. Mucositis refers to painful ulcers that can develop in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract as a result of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This condition can cause extreme pain, making it difficult for children to eat or drink, and often requires hospitalization.
Professor Bob Phillips explains: “Mucositis is a painful condition that isn’t widely known. It causes ulcers throughout the digestive tract, from the mouth to the stomach and bowels. It’s so severe that children often cannot eat or communicate and need strong painkillers and fluids.”
Professor Phillips’ team is researching ways to alleviate this condition using photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, a light-based treatment that helps prevent or heal ulcers. The team is collaborating with the Leeds Dental Institute to make this therapy more widely accessible for children in hospitals across the UK. Research is also underway to explore using PBM in other areas of the body affected by ulcers.
Jorden Slack, a survivor of acute promyelocytic leukaemia, has shared her personal experience with mucositis. Diagnosed at the age of 11, Jorden underwent six rounds of chemotherapy. She recalls the impact of the painful mouth ulcers: “The chemotherapy makes you incredibly sick, and the ulcers make it impossible to eat. It’s a horrible cycle. If there’s any way to make children more comfortable during this time, we must pursue it.”
Jorden emphasises the importance of alleviating these painful side effects: “The treatment is tough enough on its own, but the extra pain makes it worse. If we can make this part of the journey easier, it’s worth it for the children and their parents.”
Candlelighters continues to advocate for research that improves the care of children with cancer, as well as support initiatives like the CSCRC, which aim to make a difference in the lives of young cancer patients.
