Brain Tumour Research marks Less Survivable Cancer Awareness Week

Brain Tumour Research

2 min read

Brain Tumour Research this week attended the Less Survivable Cancer Awareness Week reception in the Scottish Parliament.

The event was hosted by the Less Survivable Cancer Taskforce, and sponsored by a member of the Cross-Party Group on Brain Tumours, Jackie Baillie MSP (below left).

Ms Baillie said that such events provide an opportunity to shine a light on six cancers: brain, lung, liver, oesophagus, pancreas and stomach. Currently, 61% of those diagnosed with a less survivable cancer in Scotland will die within a year. Ms Baillie added: “This is about people. Individuals and families affected by these devastating diseases. Significant steps have been made. Things are happening but we can do so much more.”

Earlier in the day Ms Baillie asked a question at First Minister’s Questions in support of less survivable cancers, inquiring what more the First Minister will do to improve early diagnosis of these cancers and to drive better outcomes for patients.

Health Minister Jenni Minto (pictured top), who attended alongside Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray (above right), said it was a privilege to speak at the event and that the Scottish Government’s next budget will demonstrate its commitment to health.

Lorraine Dallas, Chair of the Less Survivable Cancer Taskforce in Scotland, said: “There isn’t an easy fix to cancer. Perhaps in the future it won’t be an illness we dread. But we’ve got a lot of work to do to get there.”

Thomas Brayford, our Policy and Public Affairs Manager added: “We badly need to close the gap with survival rates for less survivable cancers, such as brain tumours. By supporting research and the workforce, innovation will bring about better outcomes.”