As Tom Parker dies of glioblastoma – the 6 brain tumour signs you must never ignore

MUSICIAN Tom Parker tragically died two years after being diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour.

The 33-year-old passed away surrounded by loved ones, with his heartbroken wife confirming the tragic news yesterday.

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He had a glioblastoma, which is the most common grade 4 brain tumour in adults.

They are fast growing and can extend into other parts of the brain.

Tom's wife Kelsey wrote alongside a picture of him: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side. 

"Our hearts are broken. Tom was the centre of our world and we can’t imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence.

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"We are truly thankful for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we all unite to ensure Tom’s light continues to shine for his beautiful children.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported in his care throughout. He fought until the very end."

Tom was keen to talk about his condition, and spread awareness of the illness.

Hugh Adams, head of stakeholder relations at Brain Tumour Research, expressed his sorrow at Tom's death, adding: "Since being diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in October 2020, Tom has spoken openly and honestly about the impact of the disease and in doing so, has helped to raise awareness of the devastation caused by brain tumours."

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Specific symptoms of glioblastoma can vary depending on where the tumour is in the brain.

The initial signs can be easily confused for stress or a hangover, but can get worse quickly.

So any new change in behaviour, sight, movement, memory, emotion, speaking, concentration or senses should always be checked out.

Keep a note of any changes in you or a loved one, and speak to a doctor and/or optician if they persist and you are concerned.

If symptoms are sudden and severe you should always call 999 or visit A&E.

The most common symptoms of a brain tumour include:

1. Headaches

Headaches can be caused by a myriad of reasons, you could be dehydrated or even stressed.

Most of the time headaches can be fixed by pain killers, but if your headache is persistent or is getting worse, then this could be a sign of brain cancer.

2. Vomiting

If you are suffering with nausea and regular sickness is unexplained this could be a sign of brain cancer.

The NHS advises if you persistently feel sick or if you are consistently being sick and you feel drowsy you should see your GP.

3. Seizures

Seizures can often be a red flag you may have a brain tumour.

It is when you suffer an involuntary movement and are unable to control your arms or legs.

4. Weakness

Feeling weak is not unusual - if you haven't eaten enough or have really exerted yourself you can feel a bit wobbly.

But feeling weak regularly despite being rested, eating well and with no other known reason is a warning sign of cancer you should get checked out.

5. Vision or speech problems

Speech problems and fuzzy vision can be signs of all sorts of conditions.

Too much booze, or feeling stressed or anxious could bring on these symptoms.

But it is often a red flag of a tumour - going to your optician or the GP is the next step if you've noticed a change.

6. Behaviour changes

It is common to feel many different moods and emotions throughout one day.

Generally stress or the task you are doing will be the cause, but if you have noticed a change in yourself or loved one that you can't explain, it could be a sign of cancer.

The NHS says: "Mental or behavioural changes, such as memory problems or changes in personality", could be signs of breast cancer."

Glioblastomas are treated with surgery if the patient is well enough, with the hopes of removing as much of the tumour as possible.

Then a course of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or both usually follows this

The average survival time is 12-18 months, with tragically only 25 per cent of patients living for over a year.

But every case is different, and some patients live beyond five years or longer.

Alex Lochrane, Chief Executive at The Brain Tumour Charity, which funds world-class research and provides specialist support services, said: “The world has today lost an incredibly talented and kind young man – and what Tom has done for so many people affected by brain tumours in the last year, alongside everything he and his family were going through personally, is nothing short of inspirational.

“Tom’s death at such a young age is another extremely painful reminder of just how much there is to do to on brain tumours, to find new treatments and improve survival and quality of life for those affected.

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“Brain tumours remain the leading cause of cancer death in children and adults under 40. Around 12,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year and while we have seen some encouraging steps forward in both research and care in recent years, we know progress isn't happening fast enough and we need to act now.

"We urgently need to see greater investment in world-class research, to help diagnose the disease earlier, to better understand the causes and find new treatments, in order to give those affected hope of more time to live and a better quality of life. A cure can’t wait."

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