The Brain Tumour Charity

Earlier this year, 52,000 of you backed our campaign calling for a National Brain Tumour Strategy. People affected by a brain tumour diagnosis can’t keep waiting for change. They need improvements across the care pathway—and they need them as soon as possible. That’s why it’s time to demand action on a National Brain Tumour Strategy! We’ve created a letter for you to send to your local MP, highlighting the challenges facing the brain tumour community. Use the link below to get matched with your local MP and send the letter. There is also space for you to share your personal experiences of being affected by a brain tumour diagnosis and explain why you’re demanding change. This will be included in your letter. Don’t forget to share this campaign widely—we’re heard so much more loudly when more people demand change. A National Brain Tumour Strategy can’t wait. Head to the link to demand action now. https://bit.ly/3Uf7wZG

Layla was diagnosed with a #medulloblastoma at just two years old. Eight years later, she's doing well, but her family advocates for kinder treatments for childhood #braintumours. Layla’s Mum, Nimita, describes the vital treatment she received as “brutal”, with Layla experiencing side effects including high-frequency hearing loss, mild kidney disease, and balance issues. But pioneering research we’ve funded is giving us hope for kinder and more effective treatments for children facing a medulloblastoma diagnosis to live better lives. Dr Jessica Taylor’s research focusses improving diagnosis of a subtype of medulloblastoma, helping to improve the “long-term quality of life for every survivor.” You can find out more about Layla’s story by heading to the link in our bio.

Today is #InternationalChildhoodCancerDay. Around 500 children are diagnosed with a #BrainTumour in the UK each year. We know all too well the devastating impact this has on children and their families, which is why we fund research to #AccelerateACure for childhood brain tumours. Our researcher Dr Jessica Taylor is dedicated to revolutionising diagnosis and treatment for #medulloblastoma – one of the most common high-grade brain tumours in children. Her research focusses improving diagnosis of a subtype of medulloblastoma known as WNT-medulloblastoma. This could eliminate the need for surgery as these tumours are known to respond well to chemo and radiotherapy. This could protect children from the potential long-term, damaging effects of surgery.

This #ValentinesDay, we are heartened to announce a new partnership with The William Low Trust, an incredible charity set up in memory of William Low, who sadly died of a medulloblastoma brain tumour when he was just 17 years old. William’s favourite day of the year was Valentine’s Day. As well as sharing the goal of accelerating kinder, better treatments for children diagnosed with a brain tumour, The Brain Tumour Charity and The William Low Trust also have another more unique connection. Our CEO, Dr Michele Afif, helped to provide treatment and care to William after he was first diagnosed with a brain tumour. Now, The William Low Trust is funding research through us in William’s memory. https://bit.ly/4gFmUqU

In case you missed it… 🎥 Last night’s 24 Hours in A&E featured Jeremy, whose brain tumour was diagnosed after a mountain biking accident. Nearly half of brain tumour diagnoses (47%) happen after an emergency, often following repeated GP visits or out of the blue. Thank you to JJ and Jeremy for allowing the cameras to capture their story. Timely diagnosis and compassionate care make all the difference, helping people live longer, better lives. Read more: https://bit.ly/40SJK8u

Today, we’re joining 50+ cancer charities, speaking with #OneCancerVoice, to call on the UK Government to fully fund the upcoming National Cancer Plan, to ensure cancer patients get the care they deserve. The National Cancer Plan for England is a huge opportunity to improve the lives of cancer patients, and those affected by brain tumour diagnosis, but it needs to be supported with the necessary funding. Find out more. https://bit.ly/410ojlQ

Today is #InternationalDayOfWomenAndGirlsInScience! We are celebrating our incredible female researchers who are paving the way for better brain tumour treatments and ensuring that everyone facing this devastating diagnosis will live longer better lives. These women are leaders in the field and are striving to improve our understanding of brain tumours, whether that is low or high-grade, adult or childhood brain tumour. We are proud to fund such pioneering researchers from across the globe, all helping us to accelerate a cure for brain tumours.

Up to two in three people diagnosed with a brain tumour will experience epilepsy or at least one brain tumour seizure. There are more than 40 types of epilepsy, of which brain tumour-related epilepsy (BTRE) is one. That’s why today, on #InternationalEpilepsyDay, we’re raising awareness of the signs, symptoms and misconceptions of epilepsy. When people think about seizures, they often think of convulsive seizures, where somebody loses consciousness, their body goes stiff and they fall to the floor with their limbs jerking. However, there are many different types of seizures. They can range from convulsive seizure to absent seizures, where someone just feels a bit strange or spaced out. Tap the link below to learn more about the different types of seizures and epilepsy. https://bit.ly/4gv8NUI

💬 "Four years ago, a day after my 21st birthday, my dad passed away from glioblastoma. My family and I have made it our mission to raise awareness and funds to help future generations facing this disease." – Eleanor To honour her dad, Robert, Eleanor took on an incredible challenge—running 30 miles, the distance he commuted daily before his diagnosis. ❤️ For the past three years, she’s run a half marathon in his memory, but this time, she pushed herself even further, raising an amazing £3,285 to help accelerate a cure. Eleanor, your dedication is truly inspiring. Thank you for honouring your father’s legacy and making a difference for others affected by brain tumours.

Thank you to Dr Scott Arthur for asking the Minister whether the government’s cancer plan will ensure that the voices of those affected by rare and less common cancers, which includes brain tumours, will be at the heart of the cancer plan consultation. We were heartened to here Andrew Gwynne assurances that the voices of those affected by rare and less common cancers will be heard in the 10-year cancer plan. If you’d like to find out more about our thoughts on Scott’s Rare Cancers Private Members Bill please read our CEO’s blog post here linked below: https://bit.ly/3Q5zpkw