About Brain Tumour UK

It is a little known fact that each year in the UK more than 13,000 people of all ages are diagnosed with brain tumours.

Forty percent originate in the brain itself. The rest spread from elsewhere in the body, affecting at least 20 percent of all cancer patients.

Incidence has increased alarmingly over the last 30 years but the prognosis for many brain tumour patients remains bleak. They are the most common solid tumour in children and, along with leukaemia, the biggest cause of child death after accidents.

The impact of a brain tumour - benign or malignant - can be dramatic. It can cause personality changes, mood swings, intellectual impairment, epilepsy and problems with speech, sight, movement and balance.

The effect on patient, family and friends is profound. Yet research is grossly underfunded and support for those affected is fragmented and inadequate.

Despite currently being staffed almost entirely by volunteers, UKBTS is addressing these issues in the following ways:

• The charity has put together a Scientific & Medical Advisory Board of leading UK specialists


Together with partner charities Samantha Dickson Research Trust and Charlie's Challenge, it sponsors over a dozen research projects - more than any other agency in the UK


• It handles more than 500 enquiries each year to its information and support service



• In conjunction with Brain Tumour Action in Scotland, it offers a range of booklets providing information on coping with the disease, types of tumour and treatments



• It produces a quarterly magazine, Target, containing topical articles, research news, human interest stories, details of fundraising achievements and upcoming events



• Its web site, currently undergoing reconstruction, also provides an invaluable resource for those seeking information about the disease and for those wishing to support the charity

Our history

UKBTS was formed in mid-1997 when Dr (now Professor) Geoffrey Pilkington from Kings College, London brought together patients, relatives and three existing charities to explore their shared vision of making life better for all those touched by brain tumours - and finding a cure.

UKBTS became a registered charity in February of the following year.The goals the charity set itself were clear:

- To increase research into the disease
- To improve access to information and support
- To raise awareness of brain tumours
- To improve treatment and care

Less than five years on, UKBTS is led by a strong and balanced Board of Trustees, is supported by more than 50 highly motivated and effective volunteers, has appointed its first paid fundraiser, has held its second national conference and is promoting increased collaboration between brain tumour groups