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THE paediatric oncology team at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, marked International Childhood Cancer Day to increase awareness of what can be a life-limiting condition.

Musgrove, which sees about 12 new cases of childhood cancers a year, is seeing an increase in survival rates.

Consultant paediatrician Dr Louise Newbury said: "We're keen to support the increased awareness of children with cancer, as this is a condition that people are very scared of and can become stigmatised by.

"In fact, many young people survive cancer.

"The five-year survival rate for our patients stands at more than 75% for childhood cancer as a whole and for some cancers such as leukaemia at more than 90%.

"We've recently employed a second specialist consultant and work very closely with our colleagues in Bristol in a hub and spoke model of care.

"This means that children in Somerset can have just about all of their treatment here at Musgrove and don't need not travel to a variety of centres."

CASE STUDY *Debbie Watson's son Joseph, aged six, was diagnosed with advanced neuroblastoma - a tumour of the adrenal gland - in 2005.

She said: "The care I received from the team at Musgrove was fantastic.

"At a very difficult time for me and my family they were able to give me good advice and excellent care and treatment for Joseph.

"Joseph has now been off treatment since July 2006 and is a lively, vibrant and intelligent young boy. He seems to throw himself at life."

8:05pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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