A new service for teenagers and young adults living with cancer is being rolled out at Altnagelvin Hospital.
The new service means young people and their families won’t have to make the gruelling 150 mile round trip journey from Derry to Belfast for treatment.
According to NI Cancer Regitry statistics, around 76 people aged between 14-25 are diagnosed with cancer each year.
The figures reveal there is a higher diagnosis rate among young people in the North of Ireland compared to the UK.
Five charities have come together to provide a new service that includes five new nursing posts, one in each health trust.
There are also social workers and community workers to guide young people at home, school and work.
The service aims to ensure young people have equal clinical and psychological support for their medical and social needs no matter where they live.
Figures also reveal that the amount of miles that local families, seeking support, clock up is the second highest compared to their counterparts elsewhere.
Until now, the service was limited to the Belfast Cancer Centre and The Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.
Now, young people across the North West will be able to avail of the new service at the new cancer centre at Altnagelvin Hospital.
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