Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a rare and fast growing type of eye cancer that affects babies and young children, mainly under the age of six. The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) is the only charity in the UK exclusively supporting families affected by Rb. Around one child a week is diagnosed with retinoblastoma in the UK, with hundreds of babies and children undergoing invasive and distressing treatment at any one time.

Retinoblastoma has one of the best cure rates of all childhood cancers and around 98% of children will survive but many will lose an eye in order to stop the cancer spreading. Early diagnosis is crucial to save a child’s eyes, sight and life.

CHECT offers support to every family in the UK following a diagnosis of retinoblastoma, and we provide lifelong support for anyone affected – from diagnosis, through teenage years and into adulthood.

Our mission is to prevent sight loss and death as a result of having retinoblastoma and to support those affected by it. We do this in three main ways: supporting children diagnosed with Rb and their families; driving earlier diagnosis through raising awareness of the disease; and funding research into treatments and care of those affected.

CHECT’s support work is currently part-funded by the Barbara Ward Children’s Foundation. They are absolutely delighted to have the BWCF’s support, which enables their Support Workers to work directly with their children and families, helping them to overcome the challenges of their cancer diagnosis and probable permanent visual impairment.