Thank you for contacting me about research into/treatment, diagnosis, and care for people with brain tumours.
I recognise there is much more to be done to improve to increase survival and quality of life for people affected by a brain tumour. Brain tumours have blighted so many lives: every year around 12,100 people in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour and just 14 per cent of people survive their disease for 10 years or more.
The Government has sought to build on the legacy of Dame Tessa Jowell’s campaigning in her final months, by committing to make the treatment 5-ALA – which enables more accurate surgery on brain tumours – available in every neurosurgical centre in England.
Raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of brain tumours through campaigns such as HeadSmart are vital to improving earlier diagnosis, and improving outcomes for people affected by brain tumours.
I recognise the value of research into the causes, treatment and care for brain tumours, and commend the work of patient groups such as The Brain Tumour Charity and Brain Tumour Research in this area. As part of the Dame Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission, since 2018, the National Institute for Health and Care Research has committed £11.3 million across 16 projects for research into brain tumours.
I am unable to attend the launch of Brain Tumour Research's manifesto on Tuesday 19 March. Nevertheless, I would be happy to raise the issues about accessing research funding raised in the report with Ministers.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.