Brain cancer biggest child killer: Hockey

Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in children and Treasurer Joe Hockey says he's shocked that there's been no improvement in the mortality rate in three decades.

Mr Hockey has told the National Press Club in Canberra how he was stunned to learn the statistics from prominent neurosurgeon Charlie Teo.

The treasurer used the fact to support the government's decision to create a $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund, which would distribute $400 million over its first four years.