Teenage Cancer Trust

What Teenage Cancer Trust does

Teenage Cancer Trust is a UK registered charity (charity numbers 1062559 in England & Wales and SC039757 in Scotland), founded in 1990 and headquartered in London, that delivers age-appropriate cancer care and support exclusively for young people aged 13-24. The charity funds and operates 28 specialist cancer units embedded within NHS hospitals across the UK, deploys 92 specialist nurses and youth support coordinators, and runs outreach nursing in 80+ hospital trusts in England plus 30+ local hospitals in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Its service portfolio combines directly delivered clinical care, youth psychosocial support, and a content library that includes the IAM self-assessment mobile app, PIF TICK-accredited cancer information resources covering 11 common cancer types, and a series of printed booklets (Your Diagnosis, Your Guide to Cancer, Your Life After Treatment, and an Easy Read edition for neurodivergent users).

The charity's underlying technology stack is comparatively lightweight: a self-assessment mobile app for tracking care across the diagnosis-treatment-recovery continuum, a comprehensive cancer information website with 148+ content pieces, and standard donation infrastructure (Stripe-processed single and recurring giving, JustGiving integration, face-to-face fundraising tooling). It runs no proprietary AI models, holds no patents, and operates no API platform; its digital differentiation rests on accreditation (PIF TICK), content co-creation with young patients, and NHS workflow integration rather than on technology depth.

Revenue is donation-dependent, with no government funding. The model spans individual one-off and recurring donations (with Gift Aid), corporate partnerships (Technics, MandM, WhataLotto), mass-participation charity challenges (running, cycling, trekking, extreme sports), the Royal Albert Hall music events series, legacy gifts, trust and foundation grants, branded merchandise, and a charity lottery. Distribution channels include the charity's own website, phone and postal giving, third-party fundraising platforms, payroll giving, face-to-face street teams, and an international Global Accord partnership with Teen Cancer America and Canteen Australia (formed 2015).

Name

Teenage Cancer Trust

Legal name

Teenage Cancer Trust

Website

https://teenagecancertrust.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Teenage Cancer Trust is a UK charity that funds 28 specialist NHS hospital units, 92 specialist nurses, and youth support services for young people aged 13-24 with cancer, sustained by individual donations, corporate partnerships, charity challenges, and legacies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cancer Charity Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Child and Youth Services (624110)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Home Health Care Services (8082)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Hospital-Integrated Cancer Centers (Acute Oncology Programs) (HLAFAAAM), Youth Housing, Foster Care & Wraparound Support (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAO)

Keywords

• Cancer charity services
• Youth cancer support
• Specialist nursing care
• NHS hospital units
• Cancer information resources

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individuals via single payments, monthly giving, and tribute funds. Includes Gift Aid scheme allowing reclaim of 25p per £1 donated.
2. Corporate Partnerships: Partnerships with companies including Technics (product donation program), MandM (sponsorship), and other corporate sponsors who provide funding or in-kind support.
3. Charity Challenges and Events: Registration fees and fundraising from participants taking on running, cycling, swimming, trekking, extreme sports, and virtual challenges. Includes Royal Albert Hall music events.
4. Legacies and Major Gifts: Gifts left in Wills and major philanthropic donations from high-net-worth individuals.
5. Trust and Foundation Grants: Funding from charitable trusts and foundations supporting specific programs or capital projects.
6. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including Royal Albert Hall gig merchandise, t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories through the online shop.
7. Lottery and Prize Draws: WhataLotto charity lottery and prize draws offering participants chances to win while supporting the charity.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Teenage Cancer Trust is a UK charity that funds and operates specialist cancer care services for young people aged 13-24. The charity runs 28 dedicated cancer units within NHS hospitals, funds 92 specialist nurses and youth support coordinators, provides outreach nursing closer to home, and produces PIF TICK-accredited cancer information resources co-created with young people.

Product overview

Teenage Cancer Trust is a UK cancer charity providing a portfolio of support services for young people aged 13-24 with cancer. Their offerings include: specialized nursing care through 28 NHS hospital units and outreach services; digital resources including a comprehensive cancer information website and the IAM mobile app for emotional and clinical support; published resources such as 'Your Guide to Cancer', 'Your Diagnosis', and 'Your Life After Treatment' books; events including Royal Albert Hall gigs and Find Your Sense of Tumour; and a Creative and Campaigns Group for youth engagement. The charity also operates a comprehensive charity challenges program for fundraising and partners with the NHS to deliver care across the UK.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IAM App Self-assessment mobile application that helps young people with cancer maintain control of their care from diagnosis through treatment and post-cancer recovery, supporting emotional and clinical self-management.
• NHS Specialist Cancer Units Twenty-eight specialist cancer units in NHS hospitals across the UK, funded by Teenage Cancer Trust, providing dedicated facilities and staff including specialist nurses and youth support workers for young people aged 13-24 with cancer.
• NHS Outreach Nursing Service Specialist outreach nurses working regionally across the UK to support young people with cancer in local hospitals or at home, providing information and support throughout treatment for those not treated at specialist units.
• Cancer Information Website Comprehensive online resource providing information about cancer types, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and support services for young people, accredited with the PIF TICK quality mark for health information.
• Charity Challenges Program Fundraising engagement program offering running (marathons, half marathons), cycling (London-Paris, London-Brighton), swimming, walks and treks (Three Peaks, Ultra Challenges), extreme challenges (skydiving, Tough Mudder), football challenges, and virtual challenges.
• Creative and Campaigns Group Program for young people aged 13-24 who have had cancer, allowing them to contribute as storytellers, creators, consultants, or campaigners to help shape the charity's communications, marketing campaigns, and policy work.
• Your Guide to Cancer The charity's main information book about cancer, covering diagnosis, treatment, emotions, life outside hospital, and life after treatment; co-developed with young people with cancer and healthcare professionals.
• Your Diagnosis Booklet Booklet developed in partnership with Young Lives vs Cancer for young people aged 13-24 newly diagnosed with cancer, containing practical information about hospital stays, side effects, mental health support, and work/education guidance.
• Your Life After Treatment Guide for young people who have completed cancer treatment, covering late effects, returning to education/work, benefits applications, and providing space for personal notes.
• What Happens When You Are Diagnosed With Cancer Accessible easy-read information booklet created in partnership with Change People to support young people aged 13-24 with learning disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, and those with English as a second language in understanding their cancer diagnosis.
• Free Signs and Symptoms Poster Free downloadable/physical poster providing information about the five most common signs of cancer in young people aged 13-24: lumps/bump/swellings, unexplained tiredness, mole changes, persistent pain, and significant weight change.
• Online Donation Platform Digital donation services including single and monthly donations, tribute funds, and various payment methods supported through the charity's website domains and Stripe payment processing.

Quantifiable outcome

• 7 young people supported per day across the UK
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• TechnicscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 May 2026Technics launched a special Moonlight Lilac edition of its EAH-AZ100 wireless earbuds with 10% of proceeds donated directly to Teenage Cancer Trust. The partnership includes a broader charity purchasing program where additional 10% of sales from select Technics products are donated to the charity. Available from May 2026 at £259 across Europe.
• Teen Cancer AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Founding partner in the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Global Accord, working together to invest in and support a growing multidisciplinary workforce committed to improving lives of young people diagnosed with cancer worldwide.
• Canteen AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Founding partner in the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Global Accord, working together to invest in and support a growing multidisciplinary workforce committed to improving lives of young people diagnosed with cancer worldwide.
• Young Lives vs CancerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Young Lives vs Cancer to develop 'Your Diagnosis' booklet in 2022, providing information for young people aged 13-24 recently diagnosed with cancer.
• Change PeopleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Change People to create the 'What happens when you are diagnosed with cancer' easy read information booklet for young people with learning disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, and those with literacy challenges.
• MandMminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMandM generously supplies Teenage Cancer Trust running tops for supporters free of charge, supporting charity challenge participants.
• WhataLottominorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharity lottery partner offering supporters a chance to win prizes while supporting Teenage Cancer Trust's work.
• Sport for CharityminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership offering hundreds of charity challenge events around the UK that supporters can take part in to fundraise for Teenage Cancer Trust.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Teen Cancer America: US non-profit dedicated to adolescents and young adults with cancer and a co-founding partner of the Global Accord with Teenage Cancer Trust. Directly comparable mission and operating model focused on age-appropriate specialist care units and youth support.
• CLIC Sargent (now Young Lives vs Cancer): UK cancer charity for children and young people, now operating as Young Lives vs Cancer. Historically a direct competitor in the same UK youth cancer support space and a close peer in scope and beneficiary segment.
• Young Lives vs Cancer: UK charity supporting children and young people with cancer, including financial grants, social work, and co-creation of resources like the 'Your Diagnosis' booklet with Teenage Cancer Trust. Directly comparable UK-based youth cancer charity serving overlapping beneficiary and family segments.
• Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG): UK-based professional and family support organisation dedicated to children's and young people's cancer. Directly comparable in mission, NHS-embedded service model, and information resource provision for the under-25 cancer community.
• Canteen Australia: Australian charity supporting young people (12-25) affected by cancer and a co-founding partner of the Global Accord with Teenage Cancer Trust. Directly comparable international peer serving the same 13-24 age band with peer support, information resources, and specialist services.

Broad incumbents

• Cancer Research UK: UK's largest cancer charity focused on research, with broader information and policy work that overlaps with Teenage Cancer Trust's cancer information and campaigning functions. Much larger incumbent operating across all cancer types rather than specialising in young people.
• Macmillan Cancer Support: One of the UK's largest cancer charities providing specialist nurses, information, and financial support across all cancer types and ages. Broader incumbent that overlaps with Teenage Cancer Trust on nursing services and information provision but does not specialise in the 13-24 cohort.

Emerging players

• Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research: US non-profit funding childhood and adolescent cancer research and support. Comparable in mission and youth-cancer focus, but smaller scale and oriented toward research funding rather than direct specialist care delivery.
• Ellie Fund: US non-profit providing support services to children and young adults with cancer, including care packages and financial assistance. Comparable as a smaller, niche player in the youth cancer support space with a more limited service portfolio.

Others

• Starlight Children's Foundation: UK/US charity focused on play, distraction and wellbeing for seriously ill children and young people, including those with cancer. Thematically adjacent in supporting young patients and their families but does not deliver specialist clinical cancer care or nursing services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/TeenageCancer
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/teenagecancertrust
• Facebookfacebook.com/TeenageCancerTrust
• Instagraminstagram.com/teenage_cancer
• TikToktiktok.com/@teenagecancertrust

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Teenage Cancer Trust