Primary brain tumours arise from cells that form the central nervous system and almost never spread to other parts of the body. There are several types of brain cancer depending on the cells from which they arise, e.g. gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, schwannomas, primary CNS lymphomas, and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (medulloblastomas). The brain is also a common location for secondary cancers that have spread from other parts of the body.
Incidence
Nationwide there were 1643 new cases in 2012.
Risk of diagnosisbefore age 75
Men: 1 in 158 
Women: 1 in 234
Causes/Risk Factors
The causes of brain cancers are not fully understood.
Brain tumours: are more common in people exposed to very high doses of ionising radiation. Certain inherited syndromes predispose to brain cancer occurrence.
If the information on this website raises any questions or concerns relating to your cancer, please call Cancer Council on 13 11 20. Specialist cancer nurses staff the line Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm.