Members' Business: Brain Tumour Awareness in Scotland

That the Parliament understands that brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40 in Scotland, reducing life expectancy by 20 years on average; believes that this is the highest of any cancer, but that the treatment for and understanding of brain tumours are 20 years behind those relating to more common cancers; notes that brain tumours often cause side effects that have a severe impact on quality of life; understands that 37% of patients with brain tumours in Scotland went straight to hospital for diagnosis, compared to 9% of all cancer patients in 2016, according to the Scottish Cancer Patient Experience Survey; notes the experience of Mark Richardson from Dunfermline who died suddenly of an undiagnosed brain tumour in May 2016 aged just 32; believes that there are myriad forms and over 130 different brain tumour types; further believes that some symptoms of brain tumour can mimic other equally serious conditions that often render early diagnosis and treatment more difficult in some cases; understands that brain tumour charities are working hard to fund pioneering research, raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of brain tumours, and provide support to those affected; commends the success of national campaigns, which it considers have contributed to a reduction in the average diagnosis times for childhood brain tumours from 9.1 to 6.5 weeks since 2011; believes that national campaigns are a basis on which to develop further awareness, and notes the encouragement of fundraising initiatives with the focus of delivering better outcomes for brain tumour patients.