BRAIN TUMOURS

Early day motion 1424, tabled 19 January 2006 by John Bercow (Conservative). Signed by 82 members.

That this House notes that 16,000 people each year, including 450 children, are diagnosed with brain tumours; is disturbed that brain tumours have become the biggest single disease killing children; acknowledges that survival rates have not increased in line with the rate for childhood leukaemia and some other adult cancers; applauds the work of scientists and clinicians; supports the efforts of United Kingdom brain tumour charities which support research and raise awareness of issues surrounding brain tumour care; further notes that NHS expenditure on brain tumour patients is well below that devoted to other cancers; recognises the problems faced by brain tumour patients in accessing treatment; seeks improved NHS funding and care, including approved access to radiotherapy and rehabilitation services and treatments, such as carmustine implants and temozolomide, which are better tolerated, offer the best hope of improved survival and/or rehabilitation; and calls upon the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to act quickly to approve clinically and cost effective new treatments so that they are available to all NHS patients.

Signatures by party: Labour 38, Liberal Democrat 18, Conservative 17, DUP 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Respect 1, UUP 1.