• There are two different types of brain tumors-primary brain tumors that originate in the brain and metastic (secondary) brain tumors, that originate from cancer cells that have migrated from other parts of the body.

• Primary brain cancer rarely spreads beyond the central nervous system, and death results from uncontrolled tumor growth within the limited space of the skull. Metastic brain cancer indicates advanced disease and has generally poor progress, but there are cases of success.

• Only 1 out of 3 adults diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor today will be alive in five years.

• Primary brain tumors can be cancerous or non-cancerous (both types take up space in the brain and may cause serious symptoms, e.g. vision, hearing, swallowing, facial paralysis, and other complications).

• All cancerous brain tumors are life threatening because they have an aggressive and invasive nature. A non-cancerous primary tumor is life threatening when it compromises vital structures, e.g., an artery, or the jugular vein.

• In the United States, more than 600,000 people are currently living with a primary brain tumor.

• Brain tumors are the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in males up to age 39.

• Brain tumors are the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths among children under the age of 20.

• Brain tumors are the 5th leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women ages 20-39.

• Compared to lung cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, brain cancer is relatively uncommon, which is one of the reasons there isn’t enough attention given to the need for more fund raising and research. The big 3 cancers are responsible for 44% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States.  Brain tumors constitute less than 2% of the total number of cancers diagnosed. Not good if you’re one of the 2%.

• Because of the effective screening for breast and prostate cancer, these diseases are often diagnosed at earlier stages, and less than 20% of the patients die of their disease. In contrast 77% of cancerous brain tumor patients will die of their tumor or complications related to the tumor.

• Non-cancerous brain tumors can be just as deadly.

• The sooner a brain tumor is detected the greater the chance of treating it successfully.  Perhaps half the brain tumors detected could have been successfully removed if they had been detected earlier. Most brain tumor patients will not even have any apparent symptoms until the tumor has become quite invasive. We have become used to screening for other types of cancers why not brain cancer?

• An MRI is the best diagnostic tool for accurately detecting a brain tumor.

• Fundraising for brain tumor research, cancerous or non-cancerous is minimal in comparison to many other illnesses. A few afflicted celebrities have come out to support the cause-but many have not lived long enough to make much ground.

• Recent information strongly indicates a connection between brain tumors and cell phones, so use a headset.

• In the past 30 years, only 4 Brain Cancer Treatments have been approved by the FDA.

• Please support the cause.