HeadSmart: are you brain tumour aware?

Brain tumours are the commonest cancer cause of death in children. Early diagnosis is crucial in preventing worse neurological outcome in survivors, however diagnosis is difficult as presenting symptoms can be non-specific. In 2006 the median total diagnostic interval was more than three months in the UK, three times more than in the USA. “HeadSmart: Be Brain Tumour Aware” was launched in 2011 to amplify the impact of the RCPCH diagnostic guidelines published in 2008. By providing high quality guidance on assessment, investigation and referral as well as distributing symptom cards, signposting the website and providing e-learning resources, we have successfully enhanced awareness in health professionals and the public. Moreover, since the guidance, there has been a statistically significant reduction in the UK's total diagnostic interval from 14.4 weeks in 2006 to one of the shortest in the world at 6.7 weeks. This article reviews the progress that has been made and aims to highlight the advice that has proved useful in reducing the total diagnostic interval.