TYA Service Information

We know that the needs of teenagers and young adults with cancer are both complex and individual, and are not the same as the needs of children or older adults. We have a specialist team of professionals who will support you throughout and beyond your cancer diagnosis and treatment, and respond to your emotional, social and practical needs, remembering that you are a young person and an individual. 

The TYA Team will work in a positive, flexible, creative way to meet your needs and recognise your priorities. They will also support your family, friends, partner, colleagues, teachers... basically anyone who is also affected by what you are going through.

We see the young person first, cancer diagnosis second.

All members of the team involved in your care will be happy to answer any questions that you may have, or find the best possible person to do so. We have a wide range of information booklets o available, but if you would like something in particular please ask.

About TYA Cancer Services in the South West of England

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston (UHBW) NHS Foundation Trust is the Principal Treatment Centre (PTC) for Teenagers and Young Adults (TYA) with Cancer for the South West of England. The PTC oversees the delivery of specialist malignant haematology and oncology care for young people diagnosed with cancer, aged between 16 and 24 years.

The PTC is home to Area 61, a purpose built unit for young people with cancer. Our dedicated team of TYA specialists have expert knowledge in looking after young people with different types of cancer, leukaemia and brain tumours - from the common, to the very rare.

We know that having cancer and facing treatment at a young age can be one of the hardest and scariest of times in a young person's life, resulting in distress, anxiety and disruption. We are here to help you and to try and make things a little easier for you. Our aim is to provide bespoke specialist age appropriate care and support to young people with cancer. Support may be psychological, emotional, financial, practical, educational and/or social. We are here for you, as well as your family and friends, from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond. We see everyone as an individual and not just a diagnosis.

Choice of treatment centre?

Location of care
Bristol PTC is closely linked with six TYA designated hospitals across the South West region, approved for providing specialist age-appropriate care for young people with cancer, to provide a network of specialist TYA cancer care and support. Depending on the type of cancer you have, it might be possible for you to have treatment at one of the designated hospitals closer to home.

Aged 16 to 18 years
If you are between 16 and 18 years of age you will be referred to the PTC in Bristol for your initial care, under an adult cancer team. It is sometimes possible for you to continue treatment locally, nearer to home, in partnership with one of our designated hospitals.

Aged 19-24 years
If you are between 19 and 24 years of age you should be offered the choice to receive treatment at the PTC in Bristol, or more locally in one of our regional designated hospitals. Your doctor or clinical nurse specialist (CNS) will be happy to discuss this with you, and if you would like them to, they can arrange a visit to the TYA unit at the PTC to see the facilities and meet the team. 

You may find our information booklet helpful when deciding where you would like to be treated.  

Some cancers may require treatment at specialist hospitals outside of the South West region, your team will discuss this with you and continue to support you while you are out of the area.

Read more about your options, and what you should expect from your care team

• NHS Royal Devon | Teenage and Young Adults (TYA) with Cancer 

• University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust | Information for Teenagers and Young Adults with Cancer 

• Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust | Cancer Services