What is Brain Cancer?
Our bodies have billions of cells which grow and multiply to help support the body’s natural functions and processes, like repairing damage.
If the cells in the brain start growing in an abnormal way, instead of repairing the damage, they can inadvertently cause it.
A primary brain tumour can occur when these abnormal brain cells grow and multiply, contained within the brain. If the cells then grow rapidly and spread within the brain, cancerous tumours are formed and will result in a brain cancer diagnosis.
If the cells go wrong elsewhere in the body first, say, the lungs, and those cells spread to the brain, this is known as secondary brain cancer or, metastases. Learn more
Brain tumors in children
Tumors can occur at any age, but in general, brain tumors in children are very rare.
Astrocytomas are usually noncancerous, slow-growing tumors. They commonly develop in children ages 5 to 8. Also called low-grade gliomas, these are the most common brain tumors in children.
Medulloblastomas are the most common type of childhood brain cancer. Most medulloblastomas occur before age 10.
Ependymomas are a type of childhood brain tumor that can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The location and type of ependymoma determine the type of therapy needed to control the tumor.
Brainstem gliomas are very rare tumors that occur almost only in children. The average age at which they develop is about 6. The tumor may grow very large before causing symptoms. Learn more
Sources: thebraintumourcharity.org, medlineplus.gov
~ May is Brain Cancer Awareness Month ~
Wear grey to show your support for all the brave warriors and their loved ones!
