What You Need to Know
There are two main types of brain cancer. Primary brain cancer starts in the brain. Metastatic brain cancer starts somewhere else in the body and moves to the brain. Brain tumors can be benign, with no cancer cells, or malignant, with cancer cells that grow quickly. Brain tumors can cause many symptoms. No one knows the exact causes of brain tumors. Doctors can seldom explain why one person develops a brain tumor and another does not.
Symptoms to Watch For
Understanding Brain Cancer
The word cancer refers to changes in the body’s cells that cause them to grow out of control. These cells can grow very fast and spread, eventually crowding out normal cells and damaging entire systems of the body.
Feel prepared for every appointment
Carrying the right information can empower you during your cancer care journey. Use these tools to help organize this information so you can be an active participant in your cancer care.
Keep them handy for use at home and bring them along to your doctor visits and other medical appointments.
Essentials Checklist
Reliable Links for Brain Cancer:
What you can find here
People Living with Cancer has become Cancer.net and some of the simplest Brain Tumor information can be found here. On the left side of the page click on Cancer Types. Then scroll down in the middle of the page to Brain Tumor. They have information written in English and Spanish. Some sections are updated with a date but not all sections are dated. Information is provided by the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Get a written diagnosis from your doctor and search on the terms you are given.
American Brain Tumor Association
What you can find here
American Brain Tumor Association offers tumor and treatment publications as well as educational programs. They have good, simple information and a primer that is useful. Most information is downloadable and in booklet format. Site requires registration for updates and access to some material. They do have an 800 phone number for support and additional information.
Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation
What you can find here
This is a wonderful resource for any parent dealing with a pediatric brain or spinal tumor. Their mission is to raise funds for scientific research; heighten public awareness of this most devastating disease; and improve prognosis and quality of life for those that are affected. They provide social and support services worldwide and help you deal with all the issues facing this devastating diagnosis.