- "Some people think that just the act of living day-to-day is what defines a survivor, and I certainly feel that way sometimes. However, I also believe being a survivor takes commitment to be out there for the world to see while braving everything that life throws your way." - Mike
- "My brain tumor has not defined me as a person. It has pushed me to be a
better one and given me the courage to do what I have always wanted." - Lori
- "I was diagnosed in July of 2009 with a Grade 3 Anaplastic Astrocytoma tumor in the right frontal lobe of my brain- the section that controls movement on the body’s left side. Doctors removed most of the tumor, but left some of it as to not restrict the function of my left leg. The use of my left hand is gone, and my arm is weak. As a result, I can no longer work as a nurse." - Allison
- "Having a brain tumor has changed my life and brought much joy to it." - Erin
- "There’s no denying that a brain cancer diagnosis casts a very dark
shadow over the lives of patients and their loved ones. But without
shadow, there can be no light." - Rebecca
- "I believed that everything happens for a reason long before I found out I had a brain tumor. After I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, I still felt that way. We may not know why all of the time, but every once in a while we find out." - Mary
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LEARN THE FACTS ABOUT BRAIN TUMORS
Most people don’t know very much about brain tumors. Sadly, this lack of knowledge can sometimes lead to delayed diagnoses or less successful patient outcomes.
Please read the facts below and share what you learn!
- FACT: Brain tumors strike men, women, and children of any race, at any age.
- FACT: Brain tumors are the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among children under the age of twenty.1
- FACT: Symptoms of a brain tumor may include: headaches, seizures, cognitive or personality changes, eye weakness, nausea, speech disturbances, or memory loss.
- FACT: An MRI is the best diagnostic tool for accurately detecting a brain tumor.
- FACT: More than 600,000 people in the United States are currently living with a primary brain tumor.2
- FACT: There are more than 120 different types of brain tumors, which is one reason why treating them is so difficult.
- FACT: Both malignant and non-malignant brain tumors can have a severe and debilitating impact on quality of life.
- FACT: Only one out of three adults diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor today will be alive in five years.1
- FACT: Brain tumors are the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among males up to age 39.3
- FACT: Brain tumors are the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women ages 20-39.3
- FACT: A brain tumor patient’s outcome depends on several factors, including the type of tumor, location, response to treatment, age, and overall health.
- FACT: Brain tumor treatments, which can include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, may have life-altering side effects.
- FACT: Brain tumors in children are different from those in adults and are often treated differently.
- FACT: More than 72% of children with brain tumors will survive; however, they are often left with life-long physical, psychological, and/or cognitive deficits.1
Sources:
1 - Soffietti, R., Ruda, R., & Mutani, R. (2002). Management of Brain Metastases. Journal of Neurology. 249 (10), 1357-1369. doi:10.1007/s00415-002-0870-6
2 - CBTRUS. (2008). Statistical Report: Primary Brain Tumors in the United States, 2000-2004. Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hindsdale, IL. Website: www.cbtrus.org.3 - Jemal, A., Siegel, R., Ward, E., et al. (2009). Cancer Statistics, 2009. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 59, 225-249. doi: 10.3322/caac.20006
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