Children with brain tumors face “imbalances” in NHS care depending on where they live, a report has found.
Louise Fox, from Barton-le-Clay, Bedfordshire, lost her son George to glioblastoma in 2022, aged just 13. She said it was “heartbreaking” that where a child lived could affect the treatment they received.
Tessa Jowell A review of the UK’s pediatric neuro-oncology system by the Brain Cancer Mission has found gaps in the care children with brain tumors may face.
Its report highlighted concerns about testing, before- and after-school care and a lack of clinical trial opportunities in some parts of the country.
It also raises concerns about delays in genetic testing and whole-genome sequences.
Some centers lack rehabilitation staff, and children living far from hospitals do not have access to specialist care.
The report notes that only half of patients have access to gaming specialists, and educational support is spotty.
“Significant disparities exist in access to clinical trials… A particular challenge is ensuring that patients who are remote from large academic centers can still participate in new studies,” the report’s authors said.
Louise Holmes says everyone across the UK should have the same ‘hope and opportunities’ [BBC]
George’s mother described her son as “a smart, kind and caring boy who dreamed of becoming an architect and loved Lego, Arsenal and golden retrievers”.
She said: “We feel very strongly that no matter where you live you should receive the same high quality care.
“You deserve to know exactly what to expect and you deserve the same hope and opportunities no matter where you are in the UK.”
Group of mums walk from Westminster to Great Ormond Street Hospital to raise funds for Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission [BBC]
The Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission is named after former Labor cabinet minister Dame Tessa, who died from a brain tumor in 2018.
A group of mothers walked from Westminster to Great Ormond Street Hospital on Tuesday to remember their children and raise money for the charity.
Nicky Huskens, the mission’s chief executive, said: “This research shows that for children with brain tumors in the UK, where they are in the country and whether they live in an urban or rural area affects their treatment and care.
“Treatment and care for children with brain tumors should not be affected by zip code.”
She added that centers participating in the study were making “significant, targeted improvements.”
The organization has developed a “roadmap” to improve treatment and care for children with brain tumors, which includes recommendations from the report.
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