(Image: Yorkshire Cancer Research)
A York mum living with brain cancer has welcomed a government announcement to help more people access potentially life-saving treatment.
Emma Ward, 47, from Poppleton, said she was “pleased prime minister Andy Burnham has listened to the voices of experts and people affected by brain cancer”.
The government has announced an immediate expert review into brain cancer care, led by Professor Anthony Chalmers, chair of the Brain Tumour Group within the UK Collaborative for Cancer Clinical Research, reporting within three months.
Emma Ward with her family (Image: Yorkshire Cancer Research)
The review will shape a national action plan to get new treatments to brain cancer patients faster.
A new national brain cancer clinical lead will also be set up to drive the work forward, appointed by the Department of Health and Social Care.
And the prime minister has asked the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to complete its review of the rules for medicines that treat rare conditions – known as orphan drugs – in two years rather than three.
Bringing forward any changes to these rules could help patients get promising new treatments sooner, the government said.
Emma Ward who was diagnosed with brain cancer last year (Image: Yorkshire Cancer Research)
Emma, a married mother of two teenage daughters, was given 12 to 15 months to live after being diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma last March.
She travelled to Germany for cancer treatment that was not available on the NHS.
"With no further options for me in the UK, I couldn't just sit and wait to die,” Emma said.
“All I could think about was the extra time this treatment could give me with my husband and daughters.
"Research around the world is showing there is hope for improvement, and Yorkshire Cancer Research is helping to bring that hope to people here in our region.
“The government's commitment to appoint a new brain cancer clinical lead and help bring more vital research and potentially life-changing treatments to people with brain cancer in the UK means so much.
"For families like mine facing brain cancer, time means everything.”
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Dr Stuart Griffiths, director of research, policy and impact at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said the government’s commitment represented a “landmark moment for people affected by brain cancer and their families”.
Dr Stuart Griffiths, director of research, policy and impact at Yorkshire Cancer Research (Image: Yorkshire Cancer Research)
“As the government’s plans develop, it's vital people in Yorkshire are part of that progress.
"Everyone diagnosed with brain cancer should have the same opportunity to access pioneering research and new treatments, no matter where they live,” he said.
“Yorkshire Cancer Research remains committed to working alongside the government, researchers, healthcare professionals and people affected by brain cancer to ensure the latest medical breakthroughs are available to people in Yorkshire, and beyond.”