Headway Parliamentary Champion leads brain tumour survival rates debate

The backbench business debate was led by Headway Parliamentary Champion Dame Siobhain McDonagh MP, alongside Charlie Maynard MP.

Our latest data analysis shows that there were 335,409 UK hospital admissions for acquired brain injury (ABI) in 2023-24. Of these, 42,892 were brain tumour admissions.

Dame Siobhain McDonagh MP opened the debate saying that brain tumour outcomes have barely improved for decades, leaving patients with limited treatment options and some of the worst survival rates in comparable countries. The UK ranks 22nd out of 29 comparable countries for survival from brain cancer.

Drawing on personal experience and the stories of others, she criticised a system that discourages innovation and the shortage of clinical trials. She called on the Government to deliver a clear plan, set measurable targets, expand research capacity and ensure funding is deployed so that real progress can be made.

Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and fellow Headway Parliamentary Champion Sir John Hayes MP also spoke in the debate. Sir John called for an increase in brain tumour research, highlighting that 1% of UK cancer research goes towards brain tumour research.

He also raised the efforts of the APPG and asked the Minister to consider routine cancer screening for people with a history of brain injury given a correlation between earlier brain injury and the later occurrence of cancer.

Responding UK Government Minister, Dr Zubir Ahmed MP spoke of improving consent for tissue research, boosting community diagnostics, and strengthening recruitment and talent in life sciences.

The debate follows the UK Government’s publication of the National Cancer Plan last week. The plan sets out the government’s aim to improve cancer care so that 3 out of 4 people diagnosed with cancer survive for 5 years or more by 2035. It also comes ahead of the publication of the Government’s delayed Acquired Brain Injury Action Plan, now expected in the first half of this year.

The debate also follows the launch of a report from the Brain Tumour Charity showing that tumours diagnosed in one year create an £18.7bn lifetime cost. The report highlights limited progress in finding effective treatments and improving survival rates.

The transcript for the debate can be found on the UK Parliament website.