A new report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Less Survivable Cancers has issued a stark warning about the critical need for quicker diagnosis of brain, pancreatic, and other deadly cancers, urging immediate Government action.
The report, launched this week, outlines 12 key recommendations to address the shocking five-year survival rate of just 16% across six cancers – brain, liver, lung, pancreatic, oesophageal and stomach. Together, these account for more than 67,000 deaths annually in the UK.
Brain tumours remain particularly hard to detect early. Vague symptoms such as headaches are often misattributed, and current NHS diagnostic pathways are failing patients – only 0.4% of brain tumours are diagnosed through the Non-Specific Symptoms (NSS) referral route.
But new diagnostic tools offer hope. The Dxcover blood test, for instance, showed 96% accuracy in detecting brain tumours and could reduce mortality by up to 28% with earlier diagnosis. However, experts warn these technologies are being held back by slow regulatory processes.
“Meaningful progress for patients depends on a system that can move more swiftly,” said Thomas Brayford, our Policy and Public Affairs Manager. “We need a smarter, more agile approach to ensure the most promising breakthroughs are reaching patients as soon as possible.”
The APPG report calls for regulatory reform, clearer MRI access for GPs, and investment in genomic profiling and frozen tissue storage for aggressive tumours such as glioblastoma. It also recommends appointing a dedicated Government lead to drive innovation and establish Centres of Excellence to connect researchers and clinicians.
Chair Paulette Hamilton MP urged immediate action: “Late diagnosis costs lives. We are on the brink of transformation – now is the time for the Government to act.”
Brain Tumour Research welcomes the report’s focus on removing barriers to innovation and diagnosis, calling it a vital step toward saving lives.
You can read the full report here.
Related reading:
- Turning point: DHSC workshop puts spotlight on urgent need for action
- APPG on Brain Tumours hosts Health Minister
- Campaign with us
