This year, Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) is proudly celebrating its 45th anniversary.
Since forming in 1977, CCLG (previously known as the UK Children’s Cancer Study Group, or UKCCSG) has helped transform treatment and care in the UK and Ireland, so that more than 82% of children with cancer now survive.
Our early members worked together to build up knowledge and best practice in children’s cancer, while beginning a series of important clinical trials to find better treatments, and starting a national childhood cancer registry for patients.
45 years of driving advances in childhood cancer treatment and care
Over the last 45 years, many of the key principles of childhood cancer treatment and care were developed by CCLG and its members, and this year we will be reflecting on our achievements and advances in the treatment and care of children with cancer since our inception.
However, we also know there’s so much more to be done. That’s why we will be continuing to drive improvements and influence positive change with investment in pioneering research, professional education and awareness raising, supported by a number of activities, initiatives, campaigns and resources to help change the future for children with cancer.
Ashley Ball-Gamble, CCLG CEO, said:
We’re so proud to be celebrating our 45th anniversary this year.
We’ll be looking back on all the things we’ve achieved - thanks to the hard work, determination and commitment of our members, and the tireless efforts of our supporters and fundraisers, without whom none of it would be possible.
And, while it’s important to reflect on just how far we’ve come, it’s even more important to continue the incredible work of the past four and a half decades, and we will be just as dedicated and committed as we look to make even greater strides forwards in the years to come.
We look forward to seeing what can be accomplished and, ultimately, helping us realise our vision of a future where children with cancer not only survive, but live long, happy, healthy and independent lives.
Ashley Gamble, CCLG CEO
Return of the UK's leading children's cancer meeting
The year ahead sees a number of important events and launches for CCLG, including our annual Winter Meeting - the UK’s leading children’s cancer meeting for professionals - which returns in April (4-5) for two days of essential updates on best practice excellence and cutting-edge research.
This year’s meeting is bigger than ever, and includes a host of new elements, such as additional on-demand content. And, for the first time, we will also be recognising the outstanding contribution of individual members to the work of CCLG and the professional community with our Member Awards.
Bringing together the professional childhood cancer community
This year will also see the introduction of a new online community platform for CCLG members, called ‘CCLG Connect’. The platform will allow CCLG members to come together to share information and ideas, start conversations, collaborate, and ask and answer questions, while hosting discussion threads, news and updates, Special Interest Group areas, and more.
We also look forward to the publication of our first-ever research impact report, demonstrating our successes and reaffirming our commitment to funding and undertaking research across all stages of the childhood cancer journey.
We look forward to updating you with more of our plans and celebrations as the year progresses.