Despite being one of the deadliest forms of cancer, brain tumours remain under-recognised and underfunded. This lack of awareness has real consequences for diagnosis, treatment, and support.
Early diagnosis matters.
Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40 in the UK. Yet, when compared to cancers like breast, prostate or lung cancer, brain tumour awareness remains disproportionately low. According to The Brain Tumour Charity, brain tumours receive less than 3% of the UK's national cancer research funding. This results in slower progress in treatment innovation and limited public understanding.
Research into brain tumours has historically been underfunded. While survival rates for other common cancers have improved over the past few decades, the outlook for aggressive brain tumours like glioblastoma has seen minimal change. This funding gap limits advancements in:
Brain tumour symptoms often mimic everyday issues like headaches, anxiety or fatigue. Because of this, they are frequently dismissed or misdiagnosed. Without better awareness, people delay seeing a doctor, which can lead to later-stage diagnoses and fewer treatment options.
A lack of information doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed. It impacts their family, friends, workplace and wider community. Many people report feeling isolated, misunderstood or unsupported simply because the condition isn’t talked about enough. Sharing real-life stories and lived experiences is one of the most effective ways to change this.
To improve outcomes, we need to:
Through national awareness campaigns
For research and support services
Whether you’re sharing posts, fundraising, or talking about your own experience, every action counts. At The Three Tumours, we’re committed to making brain tumours impossible to ignore. With your help, we can reach more people, fund more support, and advocate for the change that’s long overdue.
At The Three Tumours, we provide support, education, and connection for people living with all types of brain tumours. Whether you are newly diagnosed, living with long-term effects, or supporting a loved one, we are here to help. Learn more about symptoms, coping strategies, and our support services here:
The more people know about brain tumours, the sooner they can recognise the signs, support research, and improve lives. Awareness isn’t just about sharing facts ,it’s about building empathy, sparking action, and creating a sense of community. When people understand the signs and symptoms, they’re more likely to seek help early or encourage others to do the same. Increased awareness also leads to stronger public support for funding, better resources for families, and greater pressure for improvements in care. Every person who learns something new about brain tumours becomes part of the movement to change outcomes for others.
