A DRIVE to cut deaths from childhood brain tumours has been backed by one Exeter family hit by the disease.
The HeadSmart campaign raises awareness of the signs and symptoms of brain tumours, which kill more children in the UK than any other type of cancer.
Run by The Brain Tumour Charity, the campaign distributes pocket-sized cards listing childhood brain tumour symptoms to schools, GP surgeries and businesses such as opticians and pharmacies.
This week around 95,000 HeadSmart cards have been sent to schools across Devon – one for every pupil and teacher in the county.
The move is supported by Exeter mum Samantha Fettis, whose 13-year-old son Bailey has a brain tumour caused by a rare genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1).
Bailey's tumour was discovered when he was less than two years old, after he became unwell and Samantha took him to the GP with what she thought might be a stomach bug.
The doctor spotted that something was seriously wrong and sent Bailey straight to hospital. A scan revealed the tumour and within ten days, he had undergone three brain operations.
Samantha said the experience convinced her that all parents and health professionals should be aware of brain tumour symptoms in children.
She said: "I don't think Bailey would be here if it hadn't been for that particular GP on that day.
"It's so important that everyone knows what to look out for. I had no idea about brain tumour symptoms before Bailey was diagnosed."
Bailey – a pupil at West Exe Technical College - has had around 20 surgical procedures since his diagnosis over ten years ago. The most recent was about ten days ago, to drain fluid from a cyst which is attached to the tumour.
HeadSmart is supported by Devon's public health experts, who have worked with The Brain Tumour Charity to bring about the distribution of cards in the county.
Steven Brown, Devon's assistant director of public health, said: "We're very pleased to support this campaign, which highlights the importance of early diagnosis of brain tumours.
"Brain tumours are often treatable but don't get the public recognition that other childhood diseases receive."
Before HeadSmart was launched three years ago, the average time in the UK between a child experiencing symptoms and being diagnosed with a brain tumour was more than three months.
Today, it is 6.9 weeks. The campaign aims to bring average diagnosis time below five weeks, in line with the best-performing countries.
So far around 1.3 million cards have been distributed across the UK.
Sarah Lindsell, chief executive of The Brain Tumour Charity, said: "We are delighted that the HeadSmart message is reaching families and teachers in Devon.
"We know that bringing down the average diagnosis time for children with brain tumours will save lives.
"It will also reduce the disabilities that affect many children who survive brain tumours, as early treatment can mean less long-term damage.
"We are very grateful for the support of Devon's public health experts and schools in the county in helping to distribute our symptoms cards."
