Teen Beats Brain Tumor to Ace Exams

Alex Costa-Veiga, a 16-year-old from Shrewsbury, England, has achieved a significant milestone by returning to school to sit his GCSE exams. This comes after months of absence due to treatment for a medulloblastoma brain tumor diagnosed in December 2023.

His treatment regimen was extensive, involving brain surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and a period of rehabilitation. Alex had to repeat Year 10 but successfully completed his exams in math, English language, biology, geography, and religious studies. His mother described his journey as difficult but highlighted his unwavering positivity and determination.

Alex's initial symptoms, including vomiting and balance issues, were present for over a year before a double vision diagnosis led to a CT scan revealing a brain tumor. Following emergency surgery to remove the tumor and a year of intensive treatment, Alex now uses a walker for short distances and has undergone corrective eye surgery.

His family has donated his tumor tissue to research, advocating for more funding and kinder treatments for pediatric brain tumors. Brain tumors tragically claim more lives under 40 than any other cancer, yet receive minimal research funding in the UK.