Cancer rates among young people aged 24 and below are rising at an alarming rate, with a 22% increase recorded since the early 2000s - the highest percentage change among all age groups. In response to this growing challenge, a new digital initiative has been launched to support young cancer patients in the UK.
The Ella Dawson Foundation, established in 2022, has partnered with digital health company Careology to develop a specialized mobile application targeting the unique needs of cancer patients aged 18 to 30. This collaboration aims to bridge the significant gap in support services for young adults facing cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Digital Innovation in Cancer Care
The new platform integrates several key features designed specifically for young cancer patients. Users can track symptoms and side effects, manage medication schedules, and access specialized content for self-management during treatment. The app also includes journaling tools to help patients process their diagnosis and reduce stress levels.
"Through the two years of my sister, Ella's treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, she saw the vital importance of wellbeing support, however, found this rarely available and difficult to access," explains Natasha Dawson, founder of the Ella Dawson Foundation.
Comprehensive Support Network
The application brings together content and resources from leading cancer organizations, including:
- Macmillan Cancer Support
- Cancer Research UK
- Maggie's cancer support group
- NHS
Healthcare providers can access patient-entered data to monitor progress and identify potential issues requiring intervention, such as treatment-related side effects.
Clinical Implementation
The Royal Marsden Hospital in London, one of Europe's largest early-onset cancer care centers, is the first institution to implement the enhanced platform. Amy Chilton, who received treatment at the Royal Marsden at age 23, emphasizes the app's value: "Having an app like Careology to guide patients to information, support, and organizations such as the Ella Dawson Foundation, both during and after treatment, is an amazing idea."
Rising Cancer Trends
The launch comes at a critical time, as early-onset cancers are expected to continue increasing, driven by various modern lifestyle factors including:
- Sedentary behaviors
- Consumption of ultra-processed foods
- Rising obesity rates
The initiative represents a significant step forward in modernizing cancer care for young adults, making essential support services more accessible while enabling better communication between patients and healthcare providers.
