BRAIN CANCER

That this House welcomes the new focus on child health announced by Department of Health Ministers on 17th March in Brain Tumour Awareness Month, but draws attention to the significantly increased numbers of childhood cancers registered annually since 1962 (up 35 per cent.); notes that some 300 children a year are found to be suffering from brain cancer, and that it is believed that brain cancers now account for more deaths among children and the under 40 year olds than any other cancer; further notes that the five year survival rate of all cancers now stands at 50 per cent. but that the comparative survival rates for males and females with brain cancer are 12 per cent. and 15 per cent. respectively; and urges the Government to encourage more laboratory research into brain cancer and to study the reasons why certain other EU countries achieve significantly better survival rates for children and adults suffering from brain cancer so that the NHS can adopt best treatment practice.