(Orkney and Shetland) (LD)
14. What steps his Department is taking to support research into
brain tumours. [901430]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social
Care ()
As I say, cancer survival is our priority and that was made clear
in the long-term plan. Unlike many cancers, we have not moved the
dial really far enough for patients with brain cancer. To ensure
better outcomes for those affected by brain tumour we need to
focus and redouble our efforts on innovative research and new
methods of diagnosis and treatment. That is why we have pledged
£40 million over five years to stimulate brain tumour research,
working alongside the brain cancer charity.
(Orkney and Shetland) (LD)
That is welcome news. Ten per cent. of all cancer deaths of
people under 50 are from brain tumours, but the cancer receives
only 2% of the money spent on cancer research funding. The
previous Government established an inquiry into this to see what
more could be done. Does the Minister agree that this month,
which is brain tumour Awareness Month, would be a good time to
re-establish that inquiry?
I would be more than happy to meet the right hon. Gentleman to
talk about his ambitions. The funding is going up and, as I have
said before, it is always welcome to me when cancer charities
drive awareness, so that people are more aware of the symptoms,
particularly of cancers where we are not moving forward fast
enough.
