This week, Martin attended a parliamentary event hosted by the charity Brain Tumour Research to discuss ways to improve outcomes for patients and families affected by brain tumours.
Brain tumours remain one of the most underfunded and devastating cancers. In England, over 10,000 people are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour each year, and nearly 40% of these diagnoses occur during emergency care. Because there are more than 100 different types of brain tumours and the blood-brain barrier restricts medications from entering the brain, developing effective treatments is notoriously difficult. Brain Tumour Research is actively campaigning for increased government funding, better retention of scientific talent, 100% access to Whole Genome Sequencing for patients, and a significant increase in the number of clinical trials.
Following the drop-in event, Martin said, "I was pleased to attend the Brain Tumour Research drop-in event in Parliament to learn more about the devastating impact of these tumours and the critical need for advanced research. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet survival rates have remained stagnant for over two decades.
"It is vital that we support the medical and scientific community to break down the barriers facing clinical trials and ensure patients can access innovative treatments. I look forward to working alongside colleagues and the charity to help drive greater awareness, funding, and better outcomes for patients and families across our communities."
