Home / Health / Brain Cancer Survival Rates Lag: A Call for Change
Brain Cancer Survival Rates Lag: A Call for Change
17 Jul
Summary
- Scotland's brain cancer survival rates show no improvement in 30 years.
- Patients are denied standard treatments available in other G7 countries.
- Tumor sample preservation is lacking, blocking access to clinical trials.
A campaign is urging for greater support and funding for rare cancers in Scotland, with a particular focus on brain cancer. Despite advancements in other cancer survival rates, outcomes for brain cancer patients in Scotland have remained stagnant for three decades. This lack of progress is considered scandalous, especially as brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer death among children and those under 40.
Patients in Scotland are reportedly not receiving the same comprehensive standard treatments available in other G7 countries. This includes access to devices that slow cancer cell growth. Additionally, the practice of "fresh-freezing" tumor samples during surgery is not routine in Scotland, disqualifying patients from crucial clinical trials and experimental genomic treatments that depend on preserved tissue.
Campaigners emphasize that these treatments offer more time with loved ones, which is the ultimate goal. They hope that future families facing a brain cancer diagnosis will experience improved outcomes and more treatment options than are currently available. The Scottish government acknowledges the advocacy and stated its 2023 Cancer Strategy for Scotland focuses on less survivable cancers, aiming for improved outcomes and welcoming innovation in cancer care.
