Environmental Public Health Tracking: Brain and Central Nervous System Cancer Data

Brain cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the tissues of the brain and central nervous system. The brain, spinal cord, meninges (tissues that cover the brain), cranial nerves, and other parts of the central nervous system are responsible for communicating messages between the brain and the body.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that cancers of the brain or spinal cord account for about 1.3% of all cancers and 2.2% of all cancer-related deaths among adults and children.

More research is needed on cancers of the brain, but researchers have identified some key findings:

• Cancers of the brain occur in people of all ages but more frequently in children younger than 15 and adults over 65.
• Cancers of the spinal cord are less common than cancers of the brain.
• Cancerous brain and spinal cord tumors are the second most common cancers in children.
• Cancers of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system are more common among people who are white.
• Cancers of the meninges (tissues that cover the brain) are more common in women.

Risk factors are different for children and adults. Little is known about the causes of brain and central nervous system cancers. Known risk factors include exposure to therapeutic doses of ionizing radiation, rare hereditary syndromes, and family history.

Little is known about the causes of these cancers among children and adults.

Researchers are working on establishing relationships between brain cancers and the following factors:

• Electromagnetic fields (including cellular and cordless phone use)
• Occupational exposure to asbestos, arsenic, wood dust, benzene, mercury, lead, pesticides, and other chemicals
• Ingestion of N-nitroso compounds through food, drinking water, and smoking
• Use of hair dyes and sprays
• Dietary calcium intake
• Infections
• Allergies and other immune system factors
• Drinking alcohol
• Family history
• Genetic polymorphisms
• Head trauma
• Reproductive and hormonal factors

There are not many recommendations for preventing these types of cancer since their causes are unknown. In general, avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure can prevent many types of cancer.

Some factors account for a small portion of these cancers. About 5% of brain tumors are due to hereditary factors. Persons with rare genetic conditions are at greater risk for cancer of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system.

Research is being conducted to determine whether additional factors may be linked to cancer of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system.

• American Cancer Society – Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors in Adults
• National Cancer Institute – Brain Tumor