Brain and Spinal Cord Cancer
Tumors can occur as either benign or malignant growths in the brain
and spinal cord (central nervous system). Benign tumors do not contain
cancer cells, and often can be removed and seldom grow back. Malignant
tumors contain cancer cells and are often life-threatening. Brain and
spinal cord cancers often grow rapidly, invading and destroying surrounding
healthy brain and nervous tissue. About 95% of the cancers occur in the brain,
and the remaining 5% in the spinal cord.
Cancers of the brain and central nervous system (CNS) account for about 1% of cancer annually
diagnosed in adults, but are the second most common form of cancer in children and adolescents, accounting
for roughly 15% of all childhood cancer cases. The causes of brain and CNS cancer are not well understood,
but appear to involve a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. Excess ionizing radiation
exposure to the head is a known cause, but this accounts for very few cases.
In the U.S., brain cancers occur about 25% more frequently in men than in women. Spinal cord cancers occur with
about the same frequency in men and women. Brain and spinal cord cancers can occur at any age, but most are detected
in persons 70 years and older. However, brain cancer is the second-most common cancer in childhood, behind leukemia.
Brain and spinal cord cancer occurs more often among Whites than among persons of other race.
Scientists have not conclusively identified any particular risk factor that makes a person more likely to develop brain and spinal cord cancer. Possible risk factors include:
Scientists have not conclusively identified any particular risk factor that makes a person more likely to develop brain and spinal cord cancer. Possible risk factors include:
- Family history of brain cancer.
- Exposure to ionizing radiation.
Currently, there is no proven method or steps to take to prevent brain and spinal cord cancer. Avoiding unnecessary
exposure to radiation is important for the prevention of many types of cancer.
- Age-adjusted Incidence Rates of Brain and Central Nervous System Cancer per 100,000 Population (Includes Counts)
- Age-adjusted Incidence Rates of Brain and Central Nervous System Cancer in Children Less Than 15 Years of Age per 1,000,000 Population (Includes Counts)
- Age-adjusted Incidence Rates of Brain and Central Nervous System Cancer in Children Less Than 20 Years of Age per 1,000,000 Population (Includes Counts)
