The American Cancer Society estimates that 18,400 Americans will be diagnosed with malignant brain, spinal cord, and other nervous system tumors in 2004.

Approximately 12,690 people in the United States will die from brain, spinal cord, and other nervous system tumors in 2004.

Brain and spinal cord tumors occur most often in children younger than 10 years of age, whereas in adults, these tumors occur most commonly between 30 and 50 years old.

Overall (in adults and children), malignant brain tumors account for about 1% of all cancers and 2% of all cancer-related deaths. Malignant brain and spinal cord tumors, the second most common cancers affecting children, account for 21% of malignant childhood tumors. Neuroblastoma, also a nerve cell tumor, is the third most common cancer in children. Neuroblastomas rarely develop in the cerebral hemispheres of the brain; most develop from nerve cells inside the abdomen or chest. This type of cancer is most commonly diagnosed during early infancy.

Some types of brain and spinal cord tumors (CNS tumors) are more common than others. There are some important differences in the types of CNS tumors that affect adults and children. Some common cancers of adults are rare in children and some childhood cancers almost never occur in adults.

Over half of patients with childhood brain tumors (all types combined) survive longer than 5 years. The outlook varies according to the type and location of the tumor. For example, approximately 90% of astrocytomas of the cerebellum are cured by surgery.

Revised 1-04