The University of Nottingham experts support Rare Disease Day

Experts in Nottingham are using Rare Disease Day 2012 to raise awareness of the symptoms of children’s brain tumours and to call for urgently needed funding for research into this devastating disease.

Professor David Walker of The University of Nottingham’s Children Brain Tumour Research Centre (CBTRC) said the global event on February 29 presented the ideal opportunity to remind parents and carers to be vigilant for the signs of brain tumours, as early diagnosis could potentially save their child’s life.

Professor Walker said: “Brain tumours in young people are comparatively rare and we are not trying to cause parents unnecessary alarm. However, they do happen and, because the symptoms often mimic other common less serious illnesses they can be very difficult to diagnose.

“It is important for parents to be aware of the signs and if they spot any worrying symptoms in their child which come back frequently or are lasting for more than two weeks then they need to see their family doctor to have them investigated.”

Every year, around 450 children in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour. Survival rates for childhood brain tumours in the UK are among the lowest in Europe. On average, children in the UK wait up to three times longer for a brain tumour diagnosis than those in other developed countries — a delay which can make long-term survivors up to 10 times more likely to suffer disability.

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