MP backs Brain Tumour UK in Parliament

Brain Tumour UK’s calls to ensure early diagnosis and better treatment to improve survival rates for people with the condition have been highlighted in Parliament.

Lilian Greenwood, Labour MP for Nottingham South, supported the calls outlined in The Manifesto for People Affected by Brain Tumours during Parliamentary question time on 23 November 2011.

Ms Greenwood said: “Brain Tumour UK and experts are calling for action to improve diagnosis and treatment. What action is the Department (of Health) taking to address their concerns?"

Paul Burstow, Minister of State for the Department of Health, replied: “Through our outcomes strategy, we are focusing on earlier diagnosis and ensuring that the care pathway is faster and delivers the appropriate treatments at the right time.”

The parliamentary discussion follows the release of a study on cancer survival rates by Macmillan Cancer Support. The median survival time of people with brain tumours has barely risen in comparison to other cancers – from 13 to 28 weeks - according to the report.

This lack of progress is in sharp contrast to other types of cancer such as breast and colon cancer, which have seen a dramatic increase in survival rates over the same period.

Macmillan blamed ‘a woeful lack of investment’ for the lack of progress in brain tumours and lung cancer.

Jenny Baker, Chief Executive of Brain Tumour UK, said “Government underinvestment into brain tumour research and treatment relative to other types of cancer means that a person with a brain tumour will die, on average, 20 years younger than they should. The government must rectify this.”

Brain Tumour UK is working with other charities as part of the Brain Tumour Consortium to bring this to the attention of the government. The public can support the call for government action by adding their name to the e-petition asking for a debate in parliament about brain tumour diagnosis, treatment and research.