The Wanted’s Tom Parker ‘staggered’ better treatments haven’t been found for brain tumours

The Wanted singer Tom Parker has spoken of his disbelief on the lack of ‘better treatments’ available for those diagnosed with brain tumours.

The Bolton-born singer was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in October last year, though he has since announced that the cancer is ‘under control’ and stable’.

But speaking at an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours this week, Parker revealed that he has suffered moments of ‘darkness’ since his diagnosis and questioned why there are no ‘better’ treatments available. 

@tomparkerofficial / Instagram

He said: “I’m staggered they can find a cure for Covid within a year but, for decades on end, they haven’t found better treatments let alone a cure for brain tumours.

“Why is it taking so long for clinical trials to come through?”

The dad-of-two is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, both of which have been ‘extremely challenging’ and the cause of ‘real sadness.’

Parker continued: “Some of those low points I attribute to the level of toxicity in the treatment process. It’s truly horrific and disgusting but it was my only choice and I hope it did the job it needed to do.”

@tomparkerofficial / Instagram

He also detailed the ‘devastating’ impact his diagnosis has had on his wife, actress Kelsey Parker, and his two young children, saying: “It’s a tragic and devastating situation and the impact on my wife and kids is huge.

“At thirty-three, to be told you’ve got eighteen months to live, is horrendous. We’ve just got on with it and try not to think about it too much. There’s no other option.”

The head of stakeholder relations at Brain Tumour Research Hugh Adams said: “Tom has a huge reach. By standing alongside us he is helping us to elevate our campaigning.

“At Brain Tumour Research we will continue to do what we can to amplify Tom’s voice to the parliamentarians who can deliver real change for our community.”