title: Brain tumours in children: importance of early identification.
abstract: A Brain tumours account for a quarter of all childhood cancers in the UK but are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. Studies have previously shown that there is a delay in diagnosing brain tumours in children in the UK. The HeadSmart campaign was launched to increase awareness among health professionals working in different settings regarding brain tumour symptoms in children. Although headache is considered to be one of the most important symptoms, it is not often reported in paediatric practice, especially if the child is young. The HeadSmart symptom card is a useful resource and should be used when dealing with a child with symptoms suggestive of brain tumours. Nurses working in different settings play a vital role in early identification of brain tumours and also in supporting the child and his/her family through the child's journey following diagnosis of a brain tumour. The HeadSmart campaign has led to a reduction in the total diagnostic interval, to 7 weeks, and the ultimate aim is to reduce it further to 5 weeks which will be on a par with the time taken to diagnose brain tumours in children in other developed countries.
authors.affiliation: 5th year medical student, University of Bristol.
authors.forename: Charles William
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Fry
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Perrow
authors.forename: Siba Prosad
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Paul
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010808:Physical Examination; D011379:Prognosis; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: Brain; Headache; Intracranial pressure; Neuroimaging; Paediatric nursing