BREAKING: Hundreds of brain cancer patients and carers are demanding immediate government intervention as new reports highlight the devastating impact of this disease on Australians under 40. The call to action occurred at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday, where the group gathered with renowned pathologist and former Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer, who has been battling glioblastoma since his diagnosis in 2023.
Despite being given just six to eight months to live, Professor Scolyer has defied the odds for nearly two years. However, he emphasized the grim reality: brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australians under 40 and the top killer of children from any disease, according to a report by the Brain Tumour Alliance Australia.
The report reveals that survival rates for brain cancer have remained stagnant for the past 20 years, with less than 5% of patients surviving aggressive forms of the disease. “It’s been about 20 years, and still less than five per cent are surviving with the nastier types of brain cancer like the one I’ve got,” said Professor Scolyer.
The economic burden of brain cancer in Australia stands at a staggering $850 million annually, projected to soar to $3.2 billion by 2050 if urgent measures are not taken. To symbolize the human cost of this crisis, hundreds of pairs of shoes were placed outside Parliament, representing those lost to the disease.
The advocacy group is calling for a coordinated national response, urging the government to invest $200 million over the next decade to fund clinical trials and specialist care. Additionally, they are requesting $8.75 million to support 23 specialized brain cancer nurses, crucial for enhancing patient care.
As the situation unfolds, the urgency for action is palpable. Politicians are now faced with the pressing need to address this overlooked health crisis. The time for decisive action is NOW, and the lives of countless Australians depend on it.
Stay tuned for further updates as this critical issue develops.
