When is Brain Tumor Awareness Month?
- In the United States, Brain Tumor Awareness Month is observed in May.
- In the United Kingdom, Brain Tumor Awareness Month is recognized in March.
Many organizations worldwide use this time to amplify awareness campaigns, share patient stories, and fundraise for research.
Understanding Brain Tumors
What is a Brain Tumor?
A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of cells growing in the brain or central nervous system. Tumors can be:
- Benign (non-cancerous): Slow-growing and less likely to spread but can still cause serious health issues depending on their location.
- Malignant (cancerous): More aggressive and can invade nearby brain tissue.
- Primary tumors: Originate in the brain.
- Secondary (metastatic) tumors: Spread to the brain from cancer in another part of the body.
How Common are Brain Tumors?
- Over 700,000 people in the U.S. are currently living with a brain tumor.
- More than 90,000 people are diagnosed with a primary brain tumor annually.
- Metastatic brain tumors (tumors that spread to the brain from another cancer) are more common than primary tumors.
Types of Brain Tumors: There are over 120 types of brain tumors. Below are the most prevalent.
- Tumors that originate from glial cells, which support neurons.
- Subtypes include:
- Glioblastoma (GBM) – The most aggressive form, with a poor prognosis.
- Astrocytomas – Can range from low-grade to high-grade (more aggressive).
- Oligodendrogliomas – Often slower-growing but can become aggressive over time.
- Tumors that develop in the meninges, the protective layers around the brain.
- Most are benign, but their location can cause serious symptoms.
- Found in the pituitary gland, affecting hormone production.
- Often benign, but some require treatment due to hormonal imbalances.
- Grow on nerves outside the brain.
- Schwannomas (like vestibular schwannomas) are common in this group.
Brain tumor symptoms vary based on size, location, and growth rate. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches (often worse in the morning or with activity)
- Seizures (sudden abnormal electrical activity in the brain)
- Vision problems (blurry vision, double vision, or vision loss)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cognitive or personality changes (memory loss, confusion, mood swings)
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Loss of balance or coordination
Diagnosis & Treatment
How Are Brain Tumors Diagnosed?
Doctors use a combination of:
- Neurological exams (checking thinking, reflexes, balance, and coordination)
- Imaging scans (MRI, CT scans)
- Biopsy (removing a small tissue sample for analysis)
Brain Tumor Treatment Options
Treatment varies based on tumor type, location, and stage. Common treatments include:
- Surgery – To remove as much of the tumor as safely possible.
- Radiation therapy – Uses high-energy rays to kill tumor cells.
- Chemotherapy – Uses drugs to target cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy – Attacks specific genes or proteins in cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy – Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
- Clinical Trials – New and investigational treatments being tested for effectiveness.
Personal Stories & Advocacy
At the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, we believe that every patient story is a testament to strength, perseverance, and hope. Brain tumors impact individuals and families in deeply personal ways, but through community, support, and research, we continue to fight for brighter futures.
✨ Meet some of the incredible individuals who inspire us every day:
💙 David Fitting’s Story
Diagnosed with glioblastoma at just 10 years old, David defied the odds after his tumor relapsed a year later. Now, 22 years later, he continues to inspire others with his resilience and determination.
🌟 Amanda’s Story
After years of unexplained symptoms, Amanda’s world changed when she was diagnosed with multiple brain tumors. But rather than letting fear take over, she became a fierce advocate, using her voice to fundraise and spread awareness through Angels Among Us—turning her diagnosis into a mission.
💪 Erica Estep’s Story
When Erica was diagnosed, she knew she wanted to make an impact, especially for women of color affected by brain tumors. She found strength in her community and became a passionate advocate, using her experience to uplift others and emphasize the power of faith and resilience.
These are just a few of the powerful voices that shape our community.
Get Involved During Brain Tumor Awareness Month
Want to make a difference? Here’s how you can take action and support brain tumor patients, families, and research this month:
📱 Engage with Us on Social Media – Follow @dukebraintumorcenter to stay updated, share posts, and help us spread awareness to a wider audience.
🏃 Sign Up for Angels Among Us 2026 – Be a part of our 5K & Walk of Hope and support groundbreaking brain tumor research at Duke. Join us!
💡 Start Your Own Fundraiser – Whether it’s a community event, a birthday fundraiser, or a social media campaign, you can make an impact. Contact us to get started!
📢 Share Our Posts – Every like, comment, and share helps raise awareness. Tag @dukebraintumorcenter and use #BrainTumorAwareness to amplify the message.
Together, we can turn awareness into action and bring hope to those affected by brain tumors.