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Brain tumour survivors in Wales call for more support

Brain tumour survivors in Wales are battling for better services and treatments to help improve survival rates of the disease.

Today, The Brain Tumour Charity launches it's manifesto which calls for a series of measures around awareness, diagnosis and treatment with the aim of doubling survival from brain tumours and halving the harm caused by the disease.

Around 700 people in Wales are diagnosed with a brain tumour every year. Incident rates of brain tumours in Wales are higher than the rest of the UK at 23 per every 100,00 according to Cancer Research.

David Payne from Pontyclun was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2010 and was given a life expectancy of 12 months.

Since then he has exceeded this after undergoing three craniotomies, radiotherapy and chemotherapy and six years later is in a stable condition.

After my first surgery which was followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy I was suddenly left questioning 'where do I turn now'?

In my opinion there needs to be some kind of "safety net" or "buddy structure" to catch patients early, supporting them through diagnosis and immediately following giving them guidance in layman's terms.

Medical terminology can be hard to understand or digest, especially after receiving devastating news. All available treatment options should be explained so a totally informed decision can be made.

– David Payne