05/26/2026
MAY is Brain Tumor Awareness Month (often referred to as "Gray May")
Over 1 million Americans currently live with primary brain and central nervous system tumors.
Why May Matters: Pediatric Impact- Brain tumors are the most common solid tumor and the second most common type of cancer in children and teens, and they are the leading cause of cancer deaths in adolescents.
Adult Statistics: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and common malignant brain tumor in adults, with an average survival rate of about 15 months.
Brain cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord. It can be primary (originating in the brain) or metastatic (spreading from elsewhere in the body).
Symptoms often include persistent headaches, seizures, and unexplained nausea. MAY Symptoms & Warning Signs: Brain tumors can disrupt normal neurological function, resulting in the following signs: Headaches: New, worsening, or persistent headaches that are often worse in the morning or accompanied by vomiting.
Neurological Changes: Sudden or gradual changes in vision, hearing, balance, or speech.
Cognitive/Mood Issues: New problems with memory, focus, or changes in behavior or personality.
Seizures: Unexplained seizures or convulsions are a common symptom. Weakness: Feeling weak or unusually sleepy. Diagnosis Accurate diagnosis is critical to determine the exact type, grade, and location of a tumor.
Typical diagnostic tools include: Imaging Scans: MRI and CT scans are the primary methods for detecting and locating brain tumors. Neurological Exam: Testing vision, hearing, balance, coordination, and reflexes. Biopsy: Extracting a tissue sample for analysis to determine if it is benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Common Classifications Brain tumors are generally divided into two main categories and graded based on severity: Benign: Noncancerous, slow-growing, and have distinct borders. However, they can still be dangerous depending on their location in the brain.
Malignant: Cancerous and aggressive. They grow rapidly and often invade surrounding healthy tissue. Grading: Tumors are graded from 1 to 4 by the WHO, with Grade 1 being the least aggressive and Grade 4 (e.g., Glioblastoma) being the most aggressive.
Treatment Options Treatment plans are highly individualized and often combine multiple approaches: Surgery: Often the first step to remove as much of the tumor as possible safely. Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy: Medications used to destroy cancer cells, sometimes administered via surgically implanted wafers. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: Treatments designed to specifically attack cancer cells or boost the body’s natural defenses against them.
Thank you.
The National Cancer Support Foundation Team
www.nationalcsf.org
A 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation
For informational purposes only. If you have any symptoms, please contact your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment.
