About brain cancer
Cancer Research UK provides a range of information about cancer affecting the brain.
Information for people affected by brain tumours
Visit our CancerHelp UK website for clear and comprehensive information about all aspects of brain tumours, their treatment and the latest research. The website also has a unique database of UK clinical trials.
You can also ask our specialist Cancer Information Nurses about anything to do with cancer. Call us on freephone 0808 800 4040 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
What causes brain tumours?
In the UK, around 8,500 people every year are diagnosed with tumours that start in the brain or elsewhere in the central nervous system. There are around 425,000 cases worldwide. Many more people are affected by cancers that spread to the brain from other sites such as the breast or lung. These secondary cancers are very different from primary brain tumours.
We don't yet know exactly what causes most primary brain tumours, but we do know that age and certain genetic and medical conditions can play a role. There is some evidence showing that brain tumours are more common in people who were given radiotherapy to the brain as a child. But there's no significant scientific evidence linking power lines or mobile phones to brain tumours.
If you're worried about cancer you can talk through your concerns with our specialist Cancer Information Nurses on freephone 0808 800 4040 (9.00am – 5.00pm, Monday to
Friday).
Brain tumour symptoms
The main symptoms of brain tumours are headaches, sickness, drowsiness and fits (seizures). But do remember that these are also symptoms of much more common problems. They are rarely caused by brain tumours.
If you have any of these symptoms – or if you notice any other things that aren’t normal for you – it's important to go to the doctor, but it's very unlikely that it will turn out to be cancer.
If you’re affected by cancer it can help to talk to someone who has been there, visit Cancer Chat to share experiences and information with others.