By By Tim Sandle Mar 21, 2016 in Health London - Funding for research into brain tumors is inadequate and it receives too low a profile. These comments have been made in relation to global research and specifically for funding in the U.K. The review was not sparked, however, by politicians being concerned about the matter, but rather from a petition signed by the public. The petition was started by Maria Lester. Lester lost her brother Stephen Realf to a brain tumor. The Select Committee took evidence from Maria Lester, plus information provided by medical experts relating to the diagnosis of the condition. Information was also provided about current funding levels, research priorities, and the work brain tumor charities. The findings were troubling: brain tumors are under-researched and underfunded. The Committee has called upon the government for an answer. One of the research concerns is with the late diagnosis of brain tumors (the later a tumor is diagnosed the lower the chances of survival), and many tumors are first detected after someone collapses. A key research aim needs to be with improved detection methods. Helen Jones, who is Chair of the Committee, The report The critical comments have come from a U.K. Parliamentary Select Committee. Select Committees operate to scrutinize the work of government and to prepare reports following conversations with expert witnesses.The review was not sparked, however, by politicians being concerned about the matter, but rather from a petition signed by the public. The petition , to "increase funding into brain tumor research," has now reached 120,000 signatures, and according to the rules regarding petitions submitted on the government website, must be debated in Parliament.The petition was started by Maria Lester. Lester lost her brother Stephen Realf to a brain tumor. The Select Committee took evidence from Maria Lester, plus information provided by medical experts relating to the diagnosis of the condition.Information was also provided about current funding levels, research priorities, and the work brain tumor charities. The findings were troubling: brain tumors are under-researched and underfunded. The Committee has called upon the government for an answer.One of the research concerns is with the late diagnosis of brain tumors (the later a tumor is diagnosed the lower the chances of survival), and many tumors are first detected after someone collapses. A key research aim needs to be with improved detection methods.Helen Jones, who is Chair of the Committee, said in a statement that the report, issued by the Committee, “makes clear recommendations to the Government about the lack of funding for research into brain tumors…something must be done to improve outcomes for patients, and barriers to research must be removed. This report was initiated by the public; it is a vitally important issue and I hope the Government takes our recommendations seriously."The report also concludes : "patients with brain tumors are failed at every stage – from diagnosis and treatment to research funding." This clearly places the onus on the British Government to take remedial action to correct what is seen as serious levels of under-funding. More about Brain tumor, Medical research, Research funding, Medical More news from Brain tumor Medical research Research funding Medical