The figure follows a recent Charity Awareness Monitor survey by NFP Research, conducted in 2022 by The Charity.
What were some of the results?
The survey revealed that just 7% of UK adults could name speech or nausea as potential brain tumour symptoms. And that less than 20% of people could recognise vision changes and dizziness as common symptoms, while only 22% recognised that headaches were associated with the disease.
These results show that lots more needs to be done to raise awareness of brain tumour symptoms.
Why is this important for brain tumours?
Over 12,000 people are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour each year. With them being the leading cancer killer of children and adults under 40.
Improving brain tumour awareness will support those with concerning symptoms to feel empowered to speak to their GP. Helping to speed up their diagnosis and ensure access to the best possible treatments.
What are we doing?
We are using our Better Safe Than Tumour campaign to support the public – whether adults, children, parents, partners or friends – to be aware of the possible signs and symptoms of the disease.
We’re calling for greater awareness of signs and symptoms and using Brain Tumour Awareness Month (BTAM) to drive home our campaign.
Symptom awareness is key and the survey’s statistics must change.
Kate Baker
Find out why Neuro Critical Care Nurse Kate Baker is backing our campaign.
Dr David Jenkinson, Chief Scientific Officer at The Brain Tumour Charity said:
“Being aware of the signs and symptoms of a brain tumour is essential to ensure that those with concerning symptoms feel supported to get the help they need by speaking to their doctors about any health concerns.
“Our campaign is crucial for raising this awareness and we are proud of what it has achieved so far. BTAM is a key opportunity for us to speak about brain tumours. And make sure everyone can recognise the symptoms. This recent survey shows us that more work has to be done. We look forward to seeing how Better Safe Than Tumour can influence this.
“We understand from time to time that everyone experiences one or several of these symptoms. However if they are in combination, persistent or you are concerned about your health, we urge you to seek advice from your doctor.
“Anyone concerned can also speak to us on 0808 800 0004 or find out more about the possible signs and symptoms at headsmart.org.uk. We’re here for you.”