Funding for Research into Cancers with Low Survival Rates

In July 2015 my beloved dad was diagnosed with a brain tumour. It was found to be a stage four glioblastoma. Four months later, in November 2015, after surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, he died. We miss him so much.

The first ever Hunter Brain Cancer Forum took place last Friday and my mum and I attended. The forum was supported by the Mark Hughes Foundation. At the forum we were encouraged to consider making a submission to the Australian Government's committee Funding for Research into Cancers with Low Survival Rates. 

Currently, survival for all forms of brain cancer combined at five years is still only around 20% and that figure hasn't changed in the last thirty years. Research into brain cancer (along with cancer of the lung, pancreas and lymphoma) is grossly underfunded. These senate committees "provide an opportunity for organisations and individuals to participate in policy making and to have their views placed on the public record and considered as part of the decision-making process." Individuals and organisations are welcome to make a submission.

If you or someone you know has also been affected by brain cancer (or lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, or lymphoma), please consider making a submission. More research into brain cancer could help to get new treatments to patients faster and ensure they have access to a quality clincal trial. More information on how to make a submission can be found here. Submissions close 31 March 2017.

Wedding photo: Tim Coulson