Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to improve (a) mental and (b) emotional support for children whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer.

The Department recognises that a cancer diagnosis can have a significant emotional and mental impact not only on patients but also on their children and wider families.

Children whose parents are diagnosed with cancer can access support through National Health Service cancer services, including advice and support from clinical teams, clinical nurse specialists support, and referral to psychological support services where clinically appropriate. Families can also access support from voluntary and community sector organisations, such as Young Lives vs Cancer and Macmillan Cancer Support, which provide information, practical assistance, and emotional support for children, young people, and families affected by cancer.

We continue to work with NHS England and stakeholders to improve support for people affected by cancer and their families.