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"Every year Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Day (LSCAD) occurs on 11 January. It provides a time to reflect on those who are affected by these six deadly cancers (brain, pancreatic, lung, stomach, oesophageal and liver) but it is also about action.
Unfortunately, we know that progress to improve outcomes in these cancers has been slower than desired over the past few decades. This must change.
We’re a founding member of the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce (LSCT) which is made up of charities that represent the six cancer types. This year, the Taskforce held events in three parliaments (England, Scotland and Wales). These events highlighted the shocking five-year survival rates of these cancers across the UK compared to other countries of similar wealth and income levels"
UK has some of worst cancer survival rates in developed world, report says
Rates for lung, liver, brain, oesophageal, pancreatic and stomach cancers worse than in most comparable nations
Similarly, in England only 65% of people with a cancerous brain tumour are treated by surgery, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy – the main potential treatments – in comparison with 85% of breast cancer patients.
Owen added “I was encouraged by the level of care and compassion that exists amongst MSPs seeking to improve diagnoses and outcomes for those with less survivable cancers, including brain tumours.”
Similarly, Annabel, our advocate in Wales, said, “It was really encouraging to see so many Members of the Senedd (MSs) at the drop-in event. By engaging politicians in this way, we were able to highlight the key issues in brain tumour care with real data and personal experiences.”
Debi, our advocate at Westminster, said “It was amazing meeting so many politicians, from all political parties, who were so interested in hearing about brain tumours. In particular, my personal experience when my daughter was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in 2018 and her personal brave campaign to find a cure before her death aged 21. It was an incredibly emotional experience but also a positive one too.”
Sharing her reasons for speaking, Victoria said, “The event at Holyrood was a positive and inspiring evening. I chose to speak at the event to highlight my experience of having a family member diagnosed with a brain tumour and spoke about the barriers we faced before diagnosis.
“The aim was to highlight the challenges many patients with a less survivable cancer and their families encounter and to give ideas on how we can change this. I truly hope that such events catalyse positive changes and highlight the need for funding for education and research.”
Meanwhile, Heather said, “I hope that we can make positive steps toward continuing a dialogue with the government about what needs to change to improve brain tumour diagnosis experiences for future patients.”
theguardian.com/society/2024…
thebraintumourcharity.org/ne…