Brain & Spiral Cord Cancer
The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system. Brain cancer occurs when cancer cells grow in brain tissue. They can grow to form a mass (tumour) that can interfere with brain function.
Brain tumours are grouped into two main types:
- Malignant: these are cancerous tumours that can spread to other parts of the brain or spinal cord
- Benign: these are non-cancerous tumours that are slow growing and are unlikely to spread
Malignant brain tumours can be primary or secondary. Primary brain tumours start in the brain. Secondary brain tumours occur when cancer starts in another part of the body and spreads (metastasises) to the brain.
Brain cancer and central nervous system cancers are the seventh most common cancer diagnosed in rangatahi in Aotearoa (Source: AYA Network).
Types of brain and spiral cord tumours
Common types of primary brain tumours include:
- Gliomas, including astrocytomas, glioblastomas and oligodendrogliomas
- Meningiomas
- Medulloblastomas
- Astrocytomas are the most common type of brain tumour in rangatahi.
Disclosure: The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult a qualified medical professional or your healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice.
Suppport
Finding out that you or a member of your whānau is dealing with brain and spinal cord cancer can be extremely challenging, especially for rangatahi. Being diagnosed with brain and spinal cord cancer can lead to various challenges and difficulties in life.
Cancer affects everyone differently. That’s why Canteen provides a wide range of free support services to help rangatahi manage the specific challenges they’re dealing with. Canteen services and events can help you find ways to cope with what life looks like now you are facing these unexpected challenges.
You can talk to one of our specialist clinical team about the impacts of cancer on your life. This can be either in person, over the phone, or online. Rangatahi can also connect online 24/7 with peers who understand what you’re going through.
Visit the Cancer Control Agency website for more information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of brain and spinal cord cancer, or speak to your Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) key worker at hospital.