Having been raising awareness for glioblastoma multiforme since his 2020 diagnosis, the Wanted singer could not help but point out that 'the world just revolves around money.'
- Oct 19, 2021
AceShowbiz - The Wanted singer Tom Parker has called on U.K. leaders to improve the treatment and funding for people with brain cancer.
The 33-year-old, who has been raising awareness for glioblastoma multiforme since his diagnosis last year (2020), reveals he has been seeking out private treatment as well as National Health Service care, and he is shocked by what is available to non-celebrities and poorer members of society.
"There's got to be a better answer out there," he tells podcast "Chat2Amani", hosted by 23-year-old Amani Liaquat - who also has GBM. She is seeing improvements thanks to a trial drug from Germany, which a fundraising effort helped secure.
"It drives me insane, the world just revolves around money," Tom said. "There's drugs out there that can save people's lives. It's so frustrating."
He pointed out that chemotherapy drug Temozolomide is the standard treatment offered by the NHS to GBM patients - and this hasn't changed for almost two decades.
"That's shocking," he added. "I don't want to beat around the bush about the NHS; I think they've been great but I think there's a massive improvement needed in treatment for brain tumors."
Parker agreed to go public with his terminal cancer battle in the hope that his story could lead to a funding increase. He has been applauded for his openness on social media and in the recent documentary "Inside My Head".
He also reunited The Wanted for a gig at London's Royal Albert Hall last month (September 2021) to raise money for cancer charities.
Amani tells the BBC Parker has become a real hero to all cancer sufferers. "It is so easy in these horrible situations to just curl up and hide," she said. "He has recognized that he is in a position of privilege that other cancer sufferers are not in, and that he can use his voice and his platform to make a noise and bring attention to the lack of funding."
