Health Tips – About Brain Cancer

What should people know about cancer of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system?

The brain, spinal cord, meninges, cranial nerves and other parts of the nervous system are responsible for communication in the body. Together, they control and organize all of the body’s functions so that they work together.

Cancers that start in the brain usually do not spread outside of the nervous system. However, many other types of cancer (such as lung cancer and breast cancer) frequently spread to the brain. This is called metastasis. The data on this website show only those cases of cancer which began in the brain and other parts of the central nervous system, including the meninges, spinal cord and cranial nerves. Cases of cancer that began in other parts of the body and spread to the brain are not included here. Unless otherwise noted, benign brain tumors are also not included.

Each year, more than 700 men and about 650 women in New York State are diagnosed with cancer of the brain and nervous system. Almost 400 men and 350 women die from this disease each year in New York State.

Who gets cancer of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system?

Cancers of the brain occur in people of all ages, but are more frequent in two age groups, children under the age of 15, and adults 65 years of age and over. Cancers of the spinal cord occur are less common than cancer of the brain. Cancers of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system are more common in whites than in Blacks. Cancer of the meninges is more common among women than men.

What causes cancer of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system?

Little is known about the causes of cancer of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system. About 5% of brain tumors are due to hereditary factors. People with rare genetic conditions such as Li-Fraumeni cancer family syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, von Recklinghausen’s disease (neurofibromatosis type 1), neurofibromatosis type 2, von Hippel-Lindau disease and familial polyposis are more likely to get cancer of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system. Ionizing radiation to the head is known to increase the risk of brain cancer. This type of radiation is used to treat other types of cancer.

Scientists are investigating whether additional factors may be linked to cancer of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system. Studies are looking at ionizing radiation, electromagnetic fields, viruses, injuries, diet, chemicals, hormones, and environmental and occupational factors. It is not known whether any of these are associated with cancer of the brain and nervous system. Much more research is necessary.

Is the number of people with brain and other central nervous system tumors increasing?

The number of people with metastatic brain tumors (those that have spread from another part of the body) is increasing. Cancer patients are living longer, giving cancer cells more time to spread to the brain. Cancers that begin in the brain do not appear to be increasing.

What can I do to reduce my chances of getting cancer of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system?

Currently, scientists do not know how to prevent brain or nervous system tumors. Avoiding unnecessary radiation is important for the prevention of many types of cancer.