A research centre to address the severe side effects of children’s cancer treatments has opened in York, UK.

The initiative is backed by My Renewable Energy and is the result of a collaboration between children's cancer charity Candlelighters and the University of York.

It has been funded with a £1m ($1.23m) investment.

York University said that 2,418 children and teenagers are diagnosed with cancer in the UK every year, with one in three succumbing to the side effects of treatment rather than the disease.

To address this, the research centre will focus on finding better ways to manage treatment-related side effects to alleviate suffering and reduce fatalities among young cancer patients.

York University and Hull York Medical School Professor of Paediatrics and Evidence Synthesis Bob Phillips said: “Our research won’t cure cancer, but it will make a bigger difference to more people, faster.

“It will focus on identifying ways of managing pain and infection as a result of treatment.”

The research will initially explore methods to minimise hospital stays, prevent mouth ulcers and reduce nausea and vomiting.

In the long term, the research will concentrate on addressing 'other things that matter to children and their families – and which have the greatest impact'.

While the research will not cure cancer, it aims to provide more effective and kinder care tailored to the unique needs of children undergoing treatment.

Candlelighters CEO Emily Wragg said: “We are proud to be working alongside the University of York to establish the first Candlelighters Supportive Care Research Centre.

“The centre will enable the world’s leading supportive care experts to carry out high-quality research.

“It will build capacity by investing in future supportive care specialists.

“And it will save lives, reduce suffering and bring hope to children and young people with cancer – not just in Yorkshire, but right around the world.”