[Hamilton, New Zealand]. From 28th
October to 4th November, Brain Tumour Support NZ will join
patient advocates around the world in marking the 2023
International Brain Tumour Awareness Week. This annual
campaign serves as a platform to raise awareness about the
impact of brain tumours on patients and their loved ones,
while also highlighting the importance of continued research
and support.
Brain tumour cases appear to be on the
rise in Aotearoa New Zealand. In 2021, Ministry of Health
data shows there were 413 new cases of primary, malignant
(cancerous) brain tumours, well above the ten-year average
of 350 cases. Hundreds more people are diagnosed with
non-malignant brain tumours, which although not cancerous
can cause debilitating symptoms and lead to loss of
life.
Still more people are diagnosed with metastatic
brain tumours (tumours which have spread from other parts of
the body into the brain) resulting in the total number of
brain tumour cases diagnosed each year being well into the
thousands. The exact number is not known because the NZ
Cancer Registry does not collect data on non-malignant or
metastatic brain tumours.
Brain tumours are
indiscriminate and can strike people of any age and any
ethnicity. They are the largest cancer killer of children,
responsible for 42% of all cancer deaths in New Zealand
children aged 0 to 14, almost double the number of deaths
from leukaemia (22%). Māori children are at particularly
high risk as they represent one third of all childhood brain
cancer cases, well above their proportion of the general
population.
With thousands of people in New Zealand
affected by brain tumours each year, Brain Tumour Support NZ
remains committed to its mission of providing vital
resources, information, and assistance to those affected by
this devastating diagnosis. International Brain Tumour
Awareness Week is a time for the charity to amplify its
efforts in educating the public, advocating for improved
healthcare, and supporting those facing the challenges of
brain tumours.
Throughout the week, the New Zealand
brain tumour community is holding several events to engage
the public, spread awareness, and raise funds for
much-needed support. Brain Tumour Support NZ receives no
government funding and relies on the generosity of donors to
continue its crucial work. The organisation is promoting
fundraising campaigns to help secure resources for research,
support services, and advocacy efforts.
In Tauranga,
following brain surgery in June, teacher Bryony Smith is
bouncing back from months of intensive rehabilitation to
attempt a 5km run during the Awareness Week. She has called
her fundraiser “Chasing dreams, outrunning brain
tumours”. In Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), part-time
pilates instructor Katerina Hond is breaking out of her
comfort zone to walk the Auckland Half Marathon in support
of her beautiful mum who is currently battling brain
cancer.
Brain Tumour Support NZ is encouraging other
community awareness events throughout the week, including
bake sales, high teas, walks and bike rides. These events
will provide opportunities for individuals to learn more
about brain tumours, their effects, and how they can support
those affected. The charity’s support services and online
resources will be readily available to assist patients,
families, and caregivers seeking guidance and support during
this challenging time.
Brain Tumour Support NZ chair,
Chris Tse, remarked, “International Brain Tumour Awareness
Week is a time to unite our efforts with other organisations
around the world to shine a spotlight on this critical
issue. It is our hope that, through education, advocacy, and
support, we can make a significant impact on the lives of
those facing brain tumours in New Zealand.”
The
charity invites everyone to get involved, whether through
participating in events, making a donation, or simply
spreading awareness via social media using the hashtag
#IBTAWeek.
For more information about Brain Tumour
Support NZ and International Brain Tumour Awareness Week, or
to support the organisation’s work, please visit
.
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