THE HISTORY

During the year 2000, approximately 359,000 people in the United States were living after the diagnosis of a primary brain tumor. An estimated 41,130 new cases of primary bran tumors were expected to be diagnosed in 2004. Of that number, approximately 3,200 will be children less than 19 years of age.

Brain tumor research is currently under funded and the cure rate is significantly lower than that for many other types of cancer.

There are many environmental and genetic factors that can cause brain tumors. However, in most cases, what causes a brain tumor is unknown.

THE FACTS

Brain tumors are the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in males ages 20-39 and the 5th leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women.

Brain tumors are the leading cause of solid tumor death in children.
There are over 120 different types of brain tumors.

Meningiomas are the most common type of primary brain tumor, accounting for 27.4%. The Glioma family accounts for 44.4%. Glioblastomas (the most aggressive type of brain tumor) account for 51.9% of all gliomas.

Symptoms of brain tumors can vary, depending upon their location in the brain. Brain tumors may affect memory, vision, emotion, thought, and mobility.

Standard treatments for brain tumors include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Steroids (for swelling), anti-seizure medications, and rehabilitation may also be a part of treatment: The Brain Tumor Society

Before starting treatment, patients may want to consider taking part in a clinical trial, where new treatments are being tested: