A YOUTH organisation offering support and advice to young Scots suffering from cancer took its first steps yesterday.

The Youth Cancer Forum Scotland (YCFS) has been set up in a bid to help one of society’s “hidden groups.”

Scotland’s youngest MSP Aileen Campbell launched the forum at the Salutation Hotel in Perth, where she was joined by health professionals and 30 young people affected by cancer.

She discussed challenges they face and how the Scottish Parliament could help.

The MSP said, “This national forum will bring together young people through annual conferences and social events as well as creating an online community for those who are isolated due to treatment or geographical constraints.”

The Youth Cancer Forum Scotland was established by CLIC Sargent, Tak Tent and Teenage Cancer Trust, with launch funding from the Big Lottery Fund.

Hopes are high the forum will help ensure there is support for young people undergoing treatments.

By accessing peer support through the forum, many will be able to better cope with short and long-term effects of cancer, as well as dealing with the sense of isolation.

The group will also help address issues such as age-appropriate care and support in hospitals and in the community, and access to grants and benefits.

Forum organiser Tracy Rodger said young people with cancer were a hidden group in society.

“As a result of their treatment, many miss out on vital years of education, instead spending months and sometimes years in hospital on treatment,” she said.

“This can have a lasting impact, meaning that some young people lose out on opportunities to go on to further education, or that they struggle to develop ‘normal’ relationships with their peers.”

Among those at the launch was Andy Craig (24), from Aberdeen, who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in the leg.

“I was lucky that I had friends and family nearby—and they were great—but it is not the same as being able to speak to someone your own age going through the same life-changing experience,” he said.

For more information visit www.ycfscot.org.