Unfortunately, like everything in life, there is an exception and the exception in this case is brain tumours. It is astonishing that little progress has been made in the last 40 years, either in the timely diagnosis of brain tumour, or of the treatment. The consequence is that for many the outlook is poor. This is far from satisfactory but fortunately this scandal – and it is exactly that, a scandal- has been exposed following an e-petition started by Maria Lester. The petition called for increased funding into brain tumours, described as the biggest killer of the under 40’s.
The full text of the e-petition read as follows.
“Brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer. One of those young lives lost was my brother Stephen, who was diagnosed at just 19 and died aged 26. More funding for research is urgently needed - read on for some shocking statistics from the charity Brain Tumour Research:
Unlike most cancers, brain cancer incidence is rising; less than 20% of those diagnosed with brain cancer survive beyond 5 years; in 2014, brain tumours received 1.5% (£7.7 million) of the £498 million national spend on research into cancer. At this rate, it could take 100 years to catch up with developments in other diseases.
The charity is calling on the Government and larger cancer charities to raise investment to £30-£35 million a year, and this petition aims to support its campaign".
The consequence of a lack of funding prevents research into understanding the causes of brain tumour, training of health professionals, treatment to address the consequences and research to find cures for the effects. One of the universal complaints in respect of brain tumour is the failure to diagnose at an early stage. The House of Commons Petitions Committee Funding for Research into Brain Tumours, of March 2016, is full of personal testimonies of families who have complained about the delay in diagnosis and misdiagnosis of their loved ones, thereby giving them less chance of treatment that may save and improve the quality of their lives.
For more information on how to make a compensation claim for the possible misdiagnosis of a brain tumour contact IBB's brain injury claims experts today on 0333 123 9099, email enquiries@ibbclaims.co.uk or complete our online form.