When news about the favorite royal couple Prince William and Kate Middleton gracing the opening ceremony of Oak Centre for Children and Young People went viral, hundreds of children and young adults have a particular reason to wear a smile on that day.

The royal couple bore witness to the opening of a medical facility to accommodate children and young people afflicted with cancers.

Those who witnessed their presence inside the hospital, for a moment, forgot their illness. Most of them have been diagnosed with cancers and are seeking for treatment in the hospital.

Too Young to Suffer

Cancer is said to be one of the traitors in health. Just when a patient thought the cancer has been conquered, it surges back striking a blow so fatal survival has become invasive. Cancer does not distinguish between age and gender. Children, adolescents, and adults may be vulnerable.

According to Cancer Research UK, In the United Kingdom, there are 1,500 new cases of children diagnosed with cancer. Of that figure, there are 300 children who die of cancer each year. In Britain, at least one in 500 children will develop certain form of cancer by age 14.

In Sep 2010, the United Kingdom's spokesperson of the Department of Health said in a statement that earlier diagnosis is crucial.

"Although these results show that survival rates for most cancers have improved, there continues to be a clear North South divide. We have been clear that more needs to be done to improve survival outcomes for patients across England and our aim is to match the best survival rates in Europe."

A Fuel for Hope

Researchers have maintained cancer in children is relatively rare at 0.5 percent of all cancer cases. But in Britain, the incidences of childhood cancer have surged by 40 percent since the late 1960s. At the present, researchers are still oblivious about the causes. However, one thing is certain: the diagnosis and registration have improved.

The Royal Marsden is a world leader cancer centre. Its specialization includes cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and education. The Oak Center for Children and Young People is a medical unit of The Royal Marsden Hospital. It aims at combating the disease and allowing children the chance to experience life. Valued at 18-million pound, the Oak Center is a Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, where the Duke himself is the appointed president.

"This place is inspirational. It is not just the extraordinary professionalism and dedication of the Royal Marsden staff. It is not even the great courage and spirit of the children, young people and their families here at Sutton. It is a combination of the two, set in this wonderful environment," Prince William said in an opening speech of the Oak Center.

Prince William also expressed his emotions towards the hospital and its patients. He was also proud of the Royal Marsden's success.

"I always come away from the Royal Marsden feeling totally uplifted. This facility promises to be an invaluable new addition to our world-leading hospital. Once again, the Royal Marsden is pushing the boundaries, raising standards of excellence and showing the way for others to follow. All of us in this country should be immensely proud of the fundamental role the RMH plays in the global fight against cancer," Prince William continued in his speech.

He concluded by thanking donors and charity organizations that have contributed to the success of Oak Center.