Home Types of cancer Brain Cancer

Brain Cancer

Brain cancer develops from a collection of cells in the brain which grow abnormally, resulting in a tumour.

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The chance of surviving brain cancer for at least five years is 15%
Cancerous brain tumours represent 3% of cancer diagnoses in the UK.

Types of brain cancerTypes of brain cancer

There are more than 130 different types of brain tumour, most of which are very rare. They are usually named after the type of cell from which they develop and/or the area of the brain in which they are growing.

Cancerous (malignant) tumours – These tend to be fast growing and can be either primary (originate within the brain) or secondary (having spread to the brain)
Non-cancerous (benign) tumours – These tend to be slower growing and don’t spread to other areas of the body. Some tumours which begin as non-cancerous growths can become cancerous, although this is rare.

Common types of primary brain cancers include glioma and non-glioma cancers:

Glioma cancers

These cancers begin in the gilial cells the cells that surround the nerve cells and are the most common type of brain cancer. They are named according to the type of glial cell they develop from and can include astrocytoma, ependymoma, glioblastoma, oligoastrocytoma and oligodendroglioma

Non-glioma cancers

These cancers begin in other parts of the brain including the cerebellum (medulloblastoma), the membranes (meningioma), the pituitary gland (pituitary cancer) and the Schwann cells that cover the nerves in the brain (schwannoma)

Signs and symptoms of brain cancerSigns and symptoms of brain cancer

As signs and symptoms for brain cancer can be similar to other common conditions, it’s important to see your GP or healthcare professional if you experience any of the symptoms below. Discussing anything concerning with your doctor as soon as possible can help give you peace of mind and offer the best chance of successful treatment if you receive a brain cancer diagnosis.

The signs and symptoms of brain cancer you experience can depend on where in the brain the tumour is located.

However, some common symptoms of brain cancer include:

Changes in your senses (including sight, smell, hearing and taste)
Difficulty with balance
Loss of memory and difficulty with speech
Headache, nausea and vomiting
Changes in personality such as irritability, anxiety or depression
Mild or severe seizures

Grading primary brain cancerGrading primary brain cancer

Tumours of the brain and spinal cord are usually given a grading number between 1 and 4 (I-IV) which describes its characteristics and how the cancer compares to normal cells. Because brain and spinal cord cancers typically don’t spread to other areas of the body, a grading system is used that is different to the staging systems used with more common cancers.

The grading system takes into account molecular features and involves checking the cells under a microscope (known as histology).

Grade I

These tumours are non-cancerous, grow slowly and don’t tend to spread.

Grade II

These tumours are non-cancerous and don’t tend to spread, however they are likely to return after treatment.

Grade III

These tumours can grow quickly and include cancerous cells, but no dead cells.

Grade IV

These tumours grow quickly and have a mixture of cancerous cells and dead cells.

Treatment for brain cancer

There are many different types of treatment for brain cancer. Your treatment will depend on you and your cancer.

Learn more

Frequently asked questions about brain cancerFAQs

Is brain cancer hereditary?

While there may be genetic changes linked to brain cancer that can be inherited, the majority of brain cancers are not known to be a result of inherited genes.

What causes brain cancer?

It is not known what causes primary tumours in the brain or spinal cord, however there are some factors which are thought to increase the risk of developing brain tumours:

Severely impaired immune function – Can result in an increased risk of primary CNS lymphoma (cancer of the lymphocytes of the spinal cord and brain) Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell which are responsible for protecting the body from infection and disease. Impaired immune function can result from a virus, such as AIDs, or from organ transplants, however CNS lymphoma is now increasingly seen in people with healthy immune systems
Genetic predisposition – In some cases of brain and spinal cord cancers there is a genetic link, although this is rare
Exposure to radiation – People who have been treated with radiation therapy for a previous cancer have a higher risk of developing brain cancer, although this is very rare. It is most often seen in people who have had radiation to their head to treat other types of cancers, such as in children who are treated for leukaemia. This occurs years after treatment. We encourage you to speak with your doctor if you notice any changes to your cognitive function.

What can I do to decrease my risk of brain cancer?

While there are no proven measures to prevent brain cancer,  there are lifestyle-related factors you may like to consider to reduce your risk of developing cancer in general. These include:

Getting regular exercise – At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day
Reducing your alcohol intake – If you choose to drink, try to limit your alcohol intake to no more than two standard drinks a day
Eating a healthy, balanced diet – Eat a fibre-rich diet from grain and legume sources, as well as enjoying a variety of fruit (two serves) and vegetables (five serves) per day, limiting your intake of salt and saturated fats, and avoiding all processed meat.

Does brain cancer and its treatment affect your ability to drive?

Brain cancer and its treatment can affect your sight, coordination, ability to think and carry-out critical functions needed for safe driving. This is why it’s important you discuss your cancer diagnosis and treatments with your specialist team, who will be able to assess and advise you on your medical fitness to drive.

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