Women are waiting longer to be diagnosed with a brain tumour than men, according to new research conducted by The Brain Tumour Charity.

The research, which used information obtained from a survey of more than 1,000 people affected by a brain tumour, is part of a report published by the charity called Finding Myself in Your Hands: The Reality of Brain Tumour Treatment and Care.

The report reveals that nearly a third (31%) of people visited a healthcare professional five or more times before diagnosis. It also stated that men were more likely to be diagnosed within a year of their initial symptoms, while women were more likely to see between one and three years and five and more years pass between raising their first symptoms and diagnosis. Men were also more like to have only seen a doctor once or twice before diagnosis, while women were more likely to have made more than five visits to a doctor.

The Brain Tumour Charity has described these findings as ‘worrying’, stating that the disparity in brain tumour diagnosis required further investigation.

Madeleine Pinschof, a senior medical negligence solicitor based in Thompsons Solicitors’ Bristol, said: “These findings are clearly very concerning especially when considering that any delay in treatment can result in further medical complications for a patient.

“While medical professionals, on the whole, diagnose and treat brain tumours effectively, the level of care may sometimes fall short of the expected standard, for example if a classic brain tumour symptom is missed or if there is a delay in carrying out an MRI or CT scan.

“Due to budget constraints and mounting pressures, the NHS is under constant strain. The government must take the findings of this report seriously and undertake measures to guarantee that healthcare professionals have access to the right resources to ensure that patients receive a quick and accurate diagnosis.”