We know it is our responsibility to improve awareness among the public, goverment and health care professionals about brain tumours and the services we offer to anyone who is affected. This awareness will lead to more people getting the information and supprot that they need and increased pressure for more funding for brain tumour research and support. These things will directly and positively impact the 27 Canadians diagnosed with a brain tumour every day. The facts are still worrisome and need to be shared. The are below this post.

So, we are always looking for opportunities to spread brain tumour awareness and improve the public’s understanding of the disease. While we use traditional media where we can (it’s expensive so we must be prudent to get the most bang for the buck!), spreading the word online is an effective way to let people know you care about the cause – and how extensive it is.

One Way You Can Help  

1. Talk to your friends and family, the message is best spread by word-of-mouth
2. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter – and then comment on our posts, share them on our page and retweet us when we say something you like. And of course, we’re there to have a conversation so you can talk to us, share your thoughts and let us know what you’re up to. We’d love to chat.

Facts You Can Share About Brain Tumours in Canada

• There are over 120 different types of brain tumours, making effective treatment very complicated.
• Primary brain tumours (originating in the brain) occur in 8 out of 100,000 people. This number rises to approximately 32 per 100,000 when metastatic tumours (cancer originating in other areas of the body that has spread to the brain) are included.
• The most common type of primary brain tumour, glioblastoma multiforme, is also the most malignant. Average survival, even with aggressive treatment, is less than one year.
• Metastatic brain tumours occur at some point in 20-40% of people with cancer. The incidence of metastatic brain tumours is increasing as cancer patients live longer.
• Brain tumours are the leading cause of solid cancer death in children under the age of 20, now surpassing acute lymphoblastic leukemia. They are the third leading cause of solid cancer death in young adults ages 20-39.
• Because brain tumours are located at the control centre for thought, emotion, and movement, they can dramatically affect an individual’s physical and cognitive abilities and quality of life.
• Brain tumours in children are different from those in adults and are often treated differently. Although as many as 60% of children with brain tumours will survive, they are often left with long-term side effects.
• Currently, the Canadian medical system does not track statistics on primary brain tumours. Complete and accurate data is needed to facilitate the research that will lead to a better understanding of this disease and improved diagnosis and treatment.