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Facts About Brain Tumours

Did you know that every day, 27 Canadians are diagnosed with a brain tumour? Learn more facts about brain tumours.
  • Every day, 27 Canadians are diagnosed with a brain tumour. Of those, eight will find out they have brain cancer.
  • A brain tumour is a growth of abnormal cells that are either within or around the structure of the brain. There are over 120 different types of brain tumours.
  • Brain tumours can dramatically affect an individual’s physical and cognitive abilities, and quality of life because they are located at the control centre for thought, emotion, and movement.
  • Non-malignant tumours account for 62 per cent of all primary brain tumours, with 85 per cent of patients surviving five or more years.
  • Brain tumours are the leading cause of solid cancer death in children under the age of 20. They are the third leading cause of solid cancer death in young adults ages 20-39.
  • Brain tumours in children are different from those in adults and are often treated differently, with long-term effects commonly seen in children.
  • Metastatic brain tumours occur at some point in 20-40 per cent of people with cancer. The incidence of metastatic brain tumours is increasing as cancer patients live longer.
  • Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumour in males, affecting almost five out of 100,000 people.
  • Meningioma is the most common primary brain tumour in females, affecting almost seven out of 100,000 people.
  • Enhancing the quality of life for people with brain tumours requires access to quality specialty care, clinical trials, follow-up care and rehabilitative services.
  • The Brain Tumour Registry of Canada provides accurate data which helps researchers understand the disease and improve treatment for those affected.
Brain Tumour Facts

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