Brain and spinal cord tumors are rare forms of cancer, accounting for approximately 1.3% of all new cancer cases in the United States.1 The lifetime risk for being diagnosed with a malignant tumor of the brain or spinal cord is <1%.2 According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 25,050 individuals (14,170 men and 10,880 women) will be diagnosed with malignant tumors of the brain or spinal cord in 2022, and approximately 18,280 individuals (10,170 men and 7570 women) will die from the disease.2 The overall 5-year survival rate for brain and spinal cord tumors is approximately 36%; 75% for individuals aged <15 years; 72% for individuals aged 15 to 39 years; and 21% for individuals aged >40 years.3 How much do you know about brain and spinal cord tumors?
Brain and spinal cord tumors are classified based on several factors, including the type of tumor (based on the type of cell it starts in), the grade of the tumor, the location of the tumor, and genetic changes. Brain tumors account for approximately 85% to 90% of all primary central nervous system tumors.3 Approximately 30% of all brain tumors are gliomas, which originate in the glial cells, and are subclassified as astrocytomas (approximately 20% of all brain tumors), oligodendrogliomas (approximately 10%-20% of all brain tumors), and ependymomas (approximately 20% of all brain tumors).2 Other classifications of brain and spinal tumors include meningiomas, medulloblastomas, gangliogliomas, schwannomas, and craniopharyngiomas.2 Public awareness of these types of tumors needs to remain a priority to increase survival rates and improve patient quality of life.
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