Brevia Health’s Disease Profile Tracker examines the Top 20 diseases[1] discussed in the UK Parliament. This offers a unique insight into which diseases are being examined by UK Parliamentarians and advocacy initiatives that can trigger interest.
This month, data from our Tracker highlighted an awareness month that had a notable impact in the UK Parliament. Mentions of brain tumours by MPs saw a significant uptick, reflecting the influence of effective advocacy and campaigning efforts both within and beyond the UK Parliament during March 2025.
Parliamentary Discussions
In March, there was a 76 per cent increase in mentions of brain tumours in Parliament compared to February and a 270 per cent increase in mentions, compared to January. This surge was primarily driven by Brain Tumour Awareness Month which saw a large number of written questions being tabled by MPs, alongside multiple references to brain tumours during the second reading of the Rare Cancers Bill in the House of Commons. [2]
Brain tumours were also highlighted during the debate marking International Women’s Day with MP, Mims Davies, drawing attention to the disease. [3]
In March, MPs raised the following key issues about brain tumours in Parliament:
- Improving early diagnosis
- Increasing effective treatment options
- Developing a National Brain Tumour Strategy, including specific research into brain tumours in children
- Deploying NIHR funding for brain tumour research
Awareness Campaigns
Brevia Health’s data shows how awareness campaigns undertaken by charities can be successful at amplifying the conversation around key diseases. For example, ‘Wear A Hat Day’, led by Brain Tumour Research, is part of an annual awareness campaign that encourages people across the country to put on their favourite hats and make donations to support brain tumour research. [4]
Since its inception in 2010, the campaign has raised over £2.2 million in support of Brain Tumour Research’s mission to find a cure for all types of brain tumours.[5]
The campaign was recognised in Parliament this year by Mims Davies MP during the International Women’s Day debate. Ms Davies highlighted the campaign in the context of one of her constituents, a young mother and nurse who is currently living with a brain tumour and urged her fellow MPs to raise awareness and fundraise for brain tumour research and treatment. [6]
Brain Tumour Research also hosts the #ShineALight campaign to mark the beginning of Brain Tumour Awareness Month each year on the first evening of March. The campaign encourages supporters to light a candle in remembrance and solidarity with those affected by brain tumours. Several public figures joined this year’s campaign, including Davina McCall, Piers Morgan, and Pete Waterman.[7]
This March, Brain Tumour Awareness Month was held and demonstrated the impact that effective advocacy efforts can have on influencing parliamentary discussions and raising awareness. The awareness month also highlighted the important role that supportive MPs play in amplifying the message. Mims Davies MP, also an officer of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours, was particularly active during Brain Tumour Awareness Month, highlighting the Group’s role as an effective vehicle for advocacy.
[1] By cause of mortality as ranked by the Office for National Statistics’ monthly mortality analysis for England and Wales, The Office for National Statistics, ‘Monthly mortality analysis, England and Wales: December 2022’, link
[2] UK Parliament, ‘Rare Cancers Bill’, 14 March 2025, link
[3] UK Parliament, ‘International Women’s Day’, 6 March 2025, link
[4] Brain Tumour Research, ‘It’s Wear A Hat Day!’, 28 March 2025, link
[5] Brain Tumour Research, ‘Wear A Hat Day 2025’, link
[6] UK Parliament, ‘International Women’s Day’, 6 March 2025, link
[7] Brain Tumour Research, ‘Blog: Celebrities #ShineALight in support’, 6th March 2025, Link
