Yorkshire Cancer Research welcomes landmark action to accelerate progress in brain cancer research

Yorkshire Cancer Research welcomes the Government's recent announcement to accelerate the development of new brain cancer research and help give more people access to potentially life-saving treatments. 

The commitment represents a landmark moment for people affected by brain cancer and their families, a disease that remains one of the most difficult cancers to treat and has seen far too little progress. 

More than 1,600 people in Yorkshire are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year, and sadly, over 450 people in the region die. Yorkshire Cancer Research is on a mission to help change this. 

Earlier this year, the charity announced funding for EPIC-GB, a £6.9 million ground-breaking programme of clinical trials designed to improve survival and quality of life for people with glioblastoma, the most common and fastest-growing form of brain cancer.

The Government announced the measures following a meeting between Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Archie Goodburn, a 25-year-old swimmer living with an inoperable brain tumour. They include a rapid expert review of brain cancer research, a new national action plan, the appointment of a national brain cancer lead and efforts to speed up the approval process for medicines targeting rare conditions like brain tumours. 

As Yorkshire Cancer Research continues to invest in new approaches to life-extending treatment and support for people with brain cancer in Yorkshire such as EPIC-GB, the Government's response represents a significant step towards tackling longstanding barriers to research, boosting innovation and bringing the latest brain cancer advancements to the UK.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is also pleased to see a focus on involving people affected by brain cancer and their families in shaping efforts to increase participation in clinical trials, ensuring the voices of those affected most by the disease are heard. 

The Government's commitment to help people with brain cancer access treatments sooner is particularly encouraging for Emma Ward. After being diagnosed with brain cancer last year, the 47-year-old mother of two from York faced limited opportunities to access additional treatment through clinical trials, leading her to travel abroad for immunotherapy treatment. 

Emma said: "With no further options for me in the UK, I couldn't just sit and wait to die. All I could think about was the extra time this treatment could give me with my husband and daughters. 

"For families like mine facing brain cancer, time means everything. I'm pleased Prime Minister Andy Burnham has listened to the voices of experts and people affected by brain cancer, including through meeting Archie Goodburn, and understands the toll brain cancer takes on families."

As the Government's plans develop, it's vital people in Yorkshire are part of that progress. Everyone diagnosed with brain cancer should have the same opportunity to access pioneering research and new treatments, no matter where they live. 

Yorkshire Cancer Research remains committed to working alongside the Government, researchers, healthcare professionals and people affected by brain cancer to ensure the latest medical breakthroughs are available to people in Yorkshire, and beyond.