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<p>Cancerous brain tumours are difficult to diagnose and often require immediate treatment.
Adults with suspected brain and central nervous system cancers are urgently referred
for an MRI scan of the brain for assessment<sup>1</sup>. For diagnosed patients, the
survival statistics<sup>2</sup> are:</p><p>- 14% of patients survive for ten years
or more;</p><p>- 19% of patients survive for five years or more; and</p><p>- 40% of
patients survive for one year or more.</p><p> </p><p>Earlier diagnosis is a key priority
for NHS England. We are investing £200 million in transformation funding for earlier
diagnosis and better post-treatment care and support for cancer patients.</p><p> </p><p>The
National Cancer Programme has established a number of initiatives to support ambitions
of improving earlier diagnosis including:</p><p>- The Accelerate, Coordinate, Evaluate
(ACE) programme tests a new, multi-disciplinary diagnostic centre approach to diagnosing
patients. The model is focussed on patients with vague or unclear but concerning symptoms,
to ensure they receive a diagnosis as quickly as possible; and</p><p>- The Faster
Diagnosis Standard aims to ensure that patients that are referred for an investigation
with a suspicion of cancer, including brain tumours, are diagnosed or have cancer
ruled out within 28 days, and we are continuing to move towards national implementation,
with a new measurement system going live in hospitals from 1 April 2018.</p><p> </p><p>The
Government is also supportive of HeadSmart, a United Kingdom-wide campaign to reduce
diagnosis times of childhood brain tumours. The campaign aims to raise national awareness
of the common signs and symptoms of a brain tumour in children and young people by
equipping parents, the public and healthcare professionals with the information they
need.</p><p> </p><p>Finally, last week the Government announced a package, alongside
Cancer Research UK and Brain Tumour Research, to boost research and investment into
brain tumours. We will commit £20 million, through the National Institute for Health
Research (NIHR), over the next five years – with the aim of doubling this amount once
new high-quality research proposals become available. Cancer Research UK has also
confirmed £25 million over five years in major research centres and programmes dedicated
to brain tumours. This research will make new discoveries that the NIHR can then translate
into treatments for patients.</p><p> </p><p>Notes:</p><p> </p><p><sup>1</sup>National
Institute for Health and Care Excellence – <a href="https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng12/chapter/1-recommendations-organised-by-site-of-cancer#brain-and-central-nervous-system-cancers"
target="_blank">https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng12/chapter/1-recommendations-organised-by-site-of-cancer#brain-and-central-nervous-system-cancers</a></p><p><sup>2</sup>Cancer
Research UK - <a href="http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/brain-other-cns-and-intracranial-tumours#heading-Zero"
target="_blank">http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/brain-other-cns-and-intracranial-tumours#heading-Zero</a></p>
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