00:00 This morning was the inaugural Head to the Hill event, which aims to raise awareness
00:09 to government and on the back of that, come back next year and seek changes.
00:18 So the challenge has been that despite the horrific statistics, we still struggle to
00:25 see any significant changes.
00:27 So being the inaugural one was just sowing the seed.
00:31 It was an important event for us because there was about eight other foundations there showing
00:37 support and giving a good, strong message to government.
00:41 And there have been so many medical advances involving other cancers in recent years, Craig,
00:46 but the mortality rate for brain cancer virtually hasn't changed in 30 years.
00:50 Is it not getting enough funding, not enough focus?
00:53 Well, I think funding's always the key, Ros.
00:56 You know, we have some of the best research and treatment specialists in the world and
01:03 everybody knows the statistics.
01:06 It's clearly tough to crack the brain cancer issue from a treatment and options point of
01:14 view, but that doesn't mean we stop.
01:17 It means that we need to invest more.
01:20 That's all that that says to us.
01:22 The statistics are there, as I say.
01:25 So one percent increase in five-year survivability in over three decades is just, it's hard to
01:34 believe.
01:35 You know, every time you say that statistics, it just makes you shake your head.
01:40 This is a disease that's more common in children, is that right, than in adults?
01:45 It is.
01:46 It's more children die of brain cancer each year than any other disease and more people
01:53 under 40 die of brain cancer than any other cancer.
01:58 And the issue is, Ros, you know, that's horrific enough, but it's the other part to this is
02:06 that the people's lives and people around them are so heavily affected.
02:13 You know, the costs and total cost burden to support someone with brain tumours and
02:19 brain cancer is extremely high.
02:23 You know, they're devastated by cognitive, physical, social, psychosocial, psychological
02:30 impacts.
02:31 You know, there's a lot of disabilities associated with it.
02:35 So there's a couple of parts to this.
02:37 While they try and, you know, crack this brain cancer nut and improve survivability, we need
02:44 things in place now that are going to help support those people navigate support systems
02:52 and through mainstream health systems and so forth.
02:55 [BLANK_AUDIO]
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