Canadian Facts about Brain Tumours

• It is estimated that 55,000 Canadians are surviving with a brain tumour, and each year a

further 10,000 are newly diagnosed with a brain tumour. • Primary brain tumours (originating in the brain) occur in 8 out of 100,000 people. This

number rises to approximately 32 per 100,000 when metastatic tumours (cancer

originating in other areas of the body that has spread to the brain) are included. • The most common type of primary brain tumour, glioblastoma multiforme, is also the

most malignant. Average survival, even with aggressive treatment, is less than one year. • Metastatic brain tumours occur at some point in 20-40% of people with cancer. The

incidence of metastatic brain tumours is increasing as cancer patients live longer. • Brain tumours are the leading cause of solid cancer death in children under the age of 20,

now surpassing acute lymphoblastic leukemia. They are the third leading cause of solid

cancer death in young adults ages 20-39. • Because brain tumours are located at the control centre for thought, emotion, and

movement, they can dramatically affect an individual's physical and cognitive abilities and

qualify of life. • There are over 120 different types of brain tumours, making effective treatment very

complicated. • Brain tumours in children are different from those in adults and are often treated

differently. Although as many as 60% of children with brain tumours will survive, they are

often left with long-term side effects. • Enhancing the quality of life for people with brain tumours requires access to quality

specialty care, clinical trials, follow-up care and rehabilitative services. • Currently, the Canadian medical system does not track statistics on primary brain tumours.

Complete and accurate data is needed to facilitate the research that will lead to a better

understanding of this disease and improved diagnosis and treatment.

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