Story
It's estimated that 55,000 people in the UK are living with a brain tumour every day and 5,300 people lose their lives each year. Brain tumours continue to kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer and reduce life expectancy by, on average, 27 years the highest of any cancer.
The causes of brain tumours are still not understood and the statistics are harsh, yet research into therapies is critically underfunded and receives just 1% of all national spend. At this rate, we will remain at least 100 years away from a cure.
Professor Oliver Hanemann, neurologist and Professor in clinical neurobiology at Plymouth, and his team, are leaders in the investigation of slow-growing tumours. These tumours are devastating and can bring debilitating effects. Currently, surgery and radiotherapy are the only treatment options for these low grade-tumours and, sadly, the tumours often return.
Their research is having a profound impact on the potential for effective drug therapies for patients with this condition through their innovative fast track bench to bedside approach: taking laboratory-based research to clinical trials as quickly as possible.
Since my diagnosis Ive met many people with brain tumours whove sadly since died or had awful side effects, such as loss of mobility and blindness, and I realise just how fortunate I have been. This is why I am supporting Brain Tumour Research.
April Watkins, brain tumour survivor
Progress is urgently needed
We invite you to join us as we try and raise the funds for our research team to develop effective new therapies, improve survival rates and take a step closer to finding a cure.
To find out more about our research visit our website
For fundraising enquiries email giving@plymouth.ac.uk