In an effort to spread awareness, education, and support, May is National Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Take time during May to donate, volunteer, or otherwise advocate for those in your life who have experienced a brain tumor.
What is a brain tumor?
A growth of abnormal cells that form in the brain create a brain tumor. According to the American Brain Tumor Association, less than 1/3 of brain tumors are cancerous. Even benign, or non-cancerous, tumors can cause major damage to the brain.
What do we know about brain tumors?
Each year, approximately 80,000 people are diagnosed with a primary brain tumor. This year, nearly 16,000 people will die as a result of a brain tumor. Currently, more than 120 types of brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors are known to exist.
There are not many known risk factors that have been proven to increase the chance of developing a tumor in the brain or CNS. Exposure to ionizing radiation, however, has been clearly shown to increase this risk. Ionizing radiation is frequently found in X-rays, which is why lead shields are often used to protect bodies when X-rays are performed.
Tumors can develop in any type of person of any age. However, less than 10% of brain tumors are known to be hereditary. Among the second most common cancer for children under the age of 14, nearly 5,000 children will be diagnosed this year with a tumor of the brain or CNS. Brain cancer is the 10th most deadliest in America, resulting in a 25% mortality rate for those affected over the age of 65.
Supporting the brain tumor community
The National Brain Tumor Society is hosting virtual events to advocate for and support the brain tumor community. Get involved in your local community, or a national campaign, to support research for curing brain cancer and tumors.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Source: “Brain Cancer Awareness Month” by the National Foundation for Cancer Research
