Two thirds of adults now aware of the symptoms of brain tumour in children
New research by HeadSmart shows that awareness of brain tumour symptoms in children and young people has improved. Over two thirds (71%) of adults are now aware of the eight main symptoms of a brain tumour in those under eighteen.
However the survey by the campaign, which aims to raise awareness of brain tumour symptoms and speed up diagnosis rates, also revealed that 36% of respondents wouldn’t discuss concerns with their GP.
Brain tumours remain the leading cause of cancer deaths in children and the symptoms, which can be similar to those of other illnesses, are frequently mistaken for less serious conditions. 500 children and young people a year are diagnosed with a brain tumour – nearly ten a week – and a quarter of all child cancers occur in the brain. On average it takes three months for a child to be diagnosed in the UK – three times longer than in the United States. Delays in diagnosis contribute to a higher death rate and lifelong disability, which child brain tumour survivors are ten times more likely to suffer from than well children.
GP Dr Maureen Baker CBE said:
“Whilst the results show an encouraging growth in parents and carers being aware of the symptoms of a brain tumour, it is worrying that 36% of them would not consult their local GP for more information or to have their child examined.
“We are not sure why parents and carers are hesitant about seeking professional advice but they shouldn’t be. We would urge any person who is worried about a child to look at the HeadSmart website (www.HeadSmart.org.uk), request one of our symptoms cards and seek advice from their doctor.”
The HeadSmart Campaign continues to receive fantastic support from the Royal College of GPs in helping to raise awareness of the symptoms of brain tumours in children and young people.
ENDS
For media inquiries, please contact Zoe Thorogood, Esme Knight or Tim Connolly on 020 7618 9185 or at headsmart@luther.co.uk
Notes to Editors
- The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust and the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre at the University of Nottingham joined forces to create a major campaign – HeadSmart – raising awareness of the symptoms of brain tumours in children and young people. The campaign was launched on 8 June 2011 and targets clinicians, parents, carers and young people, educating them how to recognise and diagnose the symptoms of brain tumours. Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children and can increase the chances of long-term disability, which early diagnosis can help prevent.
- The HeadSmart project is supported by the Royal College of GPs.
- An evidence based best practice guideline The Diagnosis of Brain Tumours in Children, endorsed by Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), for the referral of children with suspected brain tumours has been developed and is available from www.HeadSmart.org.uk
- The process used by the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre at the University of Nottingham to produce the ‘Diagnosis of Brain Tumours in Children’ guideline has been formally approved under the NHS Evidence Accreditation Scheme, assuring staff that they are accessing some of the best information available online to make informed decisions about patient care.
- The HeadSmart project is funded by The Health Foundation and Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust
- The most typical symptoms of brain tumour in children and young people include:
- Persistent or recurring vomiting
- Persistent or recurring headaches
- Deteriorating vision
- Blurred or double vision
- Poor balance and co-ordination
- Abnormal eye movements
- Fits or seizures
- Behavioural changes, especially tiredness
In older children or teenagers, symptoms can also include slow or late start of puberty.
- For further enquiries about the campaign, or for media enquiries contact the HeadSmart communications team on headsmart@luther.co.uk or 0207 618 9185
