SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan is backing a new campaign aimed at raising awareness of childhood brain tumours in all primary, secondary and grammar schools in Derry.
Foyle MP Mark Durkan signing the HeadSmart campaign pledge at Westminster.
In conjunction with the Brain Tumour Charity, Mr Durkan is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Hampshire County Council who have recently delivered more than 165,000 symptoms awareness cards to all of its schools.
The aim of the “HeadSmart: be brain tumour aware” campaign is to reduce the time it takes to diagnose childhood brain tumours from 6.9 weeks to less than five weeks – in line with the US and Europe.
Time to diagnosis in Britain is still one of the longest in the developed world and, by making more parents, teachers and GPs aware of what symptoms to look out for, the charity hopes to save more lives and reduce the numbers of children living with the life-changing disease.
Mr Durkan, who has also supported the HeadSmart campaign at Westminster, said: “500 children and young people in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour every year – or nearly ten a week.
“Evidence shows that delays in the time between the first presentation of symptoms and diagnosis can have an enormous impact on the success of treatment and the likelihood of the child developing disabilities.
“Indeed, early diagnosis is crucial and a knowledgeable parent can be an essential part of the process.
“Symptoms of a brain tumour can present in children in such a way that they are frequently mistaken for less serious conditions such as viral infection, fatigue, migraine, even hay fever or depression.”
Mr Durkan concluded: “I would therefore urge all parents and schools in Derry to join me in support of this important campaign – and if the symptoms persist to raise their concerns immediately with their GP.”
The main warning signs that parents should look out for are:
:: Persistent or recurrent vomiting
:: Persistent or recurrent headaches
:: Blurred or double vision
:: Poor balance and co-ordination
:: Abnormal eye movements
. Fits or seizures
:: Behavioural changes, especially tiredness
:: Abnormal head position such as wry neck, head tilt or stiff neck
To find out more about the symptoms of brain tumours in children and young people and the HeadSmart campaign visit www.headsmart.org.uk.
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