Childhood Brain Tumours
FINDING A CURE FOR CHILDHOOD BRAIN TUMOURS
Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40. Brain Tumour Research works with families to raise awareness and shine a spotlight on this devastating disease. We’re leading the way to increase the national investment in research to help improve outcomes. And we’re asking you to donate to help us fund the fight and get closer to a cure for brain tumours.
Fact File: Brain tumours in children
- One in three children who die of cancer are killed by a brain tumour
- Brain tumours kill more children than leukaemia
- Symptoms can include headaches, nausea and vomiting, changes in vision and loss of balance
- Treatment depends on the type of brain tumour, size and its location in the brain
- Depending on the circumstances, children diagnosed with brain tumours might be treated with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy or a combination of one or more these
- Medulloblastoma is the most common type of high-grade paediatric brain tumour and occurs more often in boys than in girls
- Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is the deadliest form of childhood cancer with a median overall survival of between eight and 12 months

"As a parent told your child has cancer, or a brain tumour, you assume in this day and age there will be something to increase the odds and give you hope. The harsh reality with this tumour is that there are no such treatments.” – Niki O’Dea Patel, Shay’s mum (pictured)
“2020 was a year I could never have imagined in my worst nightmares and to think that someone so small could go through what Aaron’s endured, is inconceivable.” – Nicola Wharton, Aaron’s mum

“I felt complete numbness. The fear that came over me was like nothing I’d ever felt before. It was like I was living somebody else’s life.” – Elaine Paterson, Katie’s mum
We’re leading the way in research to find a cure
Brain Tumour Research is developing a specialist hub focused on paediatric research.
During 2021, we were able to build capacity at our established Centre of Excellence at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). This was made possible thanks to funding commitments which have enabled the team to grow in order to facilitate further research into childhood brain tumours.
But we still need your help. Your fundraising and donations support our vital work to fund research at our Centres of Excellence and our campaigning activity to increase the national investment into brain tumour research. You can help us increase our research capacity further in order to make the breakthroughs that will get us closer to a cure for this devastating disease.
Matthew, aged 18, who died on 9 September 2021, was passionate about raising awareness of brain tumours. He was first diagnosed in 2006 when he was just three and he endured further treatment last year after his tumour returned. Tragically he was having radiotherapy treatment once again in recent weeks after the cancer spread to his spine.
Help us fund the fight
Your donations and fundraising enable us to build a network of experts in sustainable research at dedicated Centres of Excellence, as well as campaigning to increase the national investment to £35 million a year.
Please donate and help us get closer to a cure for all types of brain tumours, including those which affect children.
