Understanding Brain Cancer

The Brain : Risks

No one knows the exact causes of brain tumors. Doctors can seldom explain why one person develops a brain tumor and another does not. However, it is clear that brain tumors are not contagious. No one can "catch" the disease from another person.

Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop a brain tumor. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease.

The following risk factors are associated with an increased chance of developing a primary brain tumor:

• Being male: In general, brain tumors are more common in males than females. However, meningiomas are more common in females.
• Race: Brain tumors occur more often among white people than among people of other races.
• Age: Most brain tumors are detected in people who are 70 years old or older. However, brain tumors are the second most common cancer in children. (Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer.) Brain tumors are more common in children younger than 8 years old than in older children.
• Family history: People with family members who have gliomas may be more likely to develop this disease.

Being exposed to radiation or certain chemicals at work: 

• Radiation: Workers in the nuclear industry have an increased risk of developing a brain tumor.
• Formaldehyde: Pathologists and embalmers who work with formaldehyde have an increased risk of developing brain cancer. Scientists have not found an increased risk of brain cancer among other types of workers exposed to formaldehyde
• Vinyl chloride: Workers who make plastics may be exposed to vinyl chloride. This chemical may increase the risk of brain tumors.
• Acrylonitrile: People who make textiles and plastics may be exposed to acrylonitrile. This exposure may increase the risk of brain cancer.

Scientists are investigating whether cell phones may cause brain tumors. Studies thus far have not found an increased risk of brain tumors among people who use cell phones.

Scientists also continue to study whether head injuries are a risk factor for brain tumors. So far, these studies have not found an increased risk among people who have had head injuries.

Most people who have known risk factors do not get brain cancer. On the other hand, many who do get the disease have none of these risk factors. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this concern with their doctor. The doctor may be able to suggest ways to reduce the risk and can plan an appropriate schedule for checkups.