Brain Tumor Support

About 359,000 people in the U.S1 are living with a primary brain or central nervous system tumor. The American Brain Tumor Association estimated about 52,200 men, women and children were newly diagnosed in 2008 with a primary brain tumor. Based on those growing statistics, you likely know a family member, friend, work associate or simply an acquaintance who has battled a brain tumor. Those brain tumor victims and their families yearn for information to educate themselves, to understand treatment and to cope.

Understanding Brain Tumors

A brain tumor, malignant or benign, is a mass or growth of tissue in the brain or inside the skull.

Types of Brain Tumors

Primary brain tumors are named according to the type of cells or by the part of the brain where it originates.

Diagnosis

Based on initial physical exam findings and other factors — age, medical condition, the type of cancer suspected and severity of symptoms — one or more diagnostic test will be performed.

Treatment

Brain tumor treatment depends on diagnostic test results; tumor size, position and growth pattern, the patient's medical condition and health history; and the patient and family wishes.

Patient Rights

The Patient's Bill of Rights, adopted in 1998, helps patients have more confidence in the U.S. health-care system, stresses the importance of a strong relationship between patients and providers, and stresses the role patients play in staying healthy by laying out rights and responsibilities for all patients and health-care providers.

Find Support

A cancer diagnosis can be a daunting experience for a person and its family. However, several highly regarded resources provide information, education and advice to help meet the challenge and cope with each step in the battle.

Educational Resources

Understanding all aspects of brain tumors and the disease better prepares the patient during his or her challenges.