About Brain Tumors
When you set out to learn about brain tumors, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by medical terms and numbers. We’re here to help you better understand brain tumor types, treatments, and care. Get the information and support you need on your journey.
Brain Tumor FAQs
About Your Brain Tumor Diagnosis
Your Brain Tumor Diagnosis
When you set out to learn about brain tumors, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by medical terms and numbers. We’re here to help you better understand brain tumor types, treatments, and care.
Newly Diagnosed
It’s common to feel many emotions as you begin to make sense of your brain tumor diagnosis. We’ve put together a few first steps to help you navigate your brain tumor journey.
Primary Brain Tumors
There are more than 120 different types of primary brain and CNS tumors. The ABTA provides educational information for the most common primary brain and CNS tumors. Learn details about specific primary brain tumors.
Signs & Symptoms
The symptoms of a brain tumor are different in each person and vary depending on the tumor’s size, type, and location. While it is not possible to know exactly what symptoms to expect, understanding what might occur – and why – may help you better prepare for these possibilities.
Metastatic Brain Tumors
A secondary brain tumor is most commonly referred to as a metastatic brain tumor. A metastatic brain tumor forms when cancer from another part of the body spreads to the brain. The ABTA is a leader in the Metastatic Brain Tumor Community.
Recurrence
It’s important to get tested even after your first round of treatment is done. Periodic brain scans are usually recommended after completing the initial brain tumor treatment. This is because brain tumors can recur – or regrow – after treatment.
Newly diagnosed? Start here.
We’ve put together a few first steps to help you navigate your brain tumor journey. This free “Newly Diagnosed Toolkit” has what you need to get started, including diagnosis, treatment, and tumor-specific information for some tumor types.
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Living With a Brain Tumor
Treatments & Side Effects
Learn about treatment and care choices for brain tumors, so you, your loved ones, and your medical team can make the best plan
Living with a Brain Tumor
It’s common to feel many emotions as you begin to make sense of your brain tumor diagnosis. We’ve put together a few first steps to help you navigate your brain tumor journey.
Caregiving for a brain Tumor Patient
If you’ve got a brain tumor, you’ve got questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently-asked questions. If you need immediate assistance, please call our CareLine at 800-886-2282.
Assisted Care Options
There are various assisted care options available for brain tumor patients, including in-home care, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice services. These resources offer personalized support, helping patients manage symptoms and improve their quality of life during treatment.
End-of-Life Care
End-of-life care for brain tumor patients focuses on comfort, dignity, and managing symptoms to improve quality of life in their final days. This care can include hospice services, emotional support, and guidance for families during this challenging time.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials offer brain tumor patients access to cutting-edge treatments that are not yet widely available. Participating in a trial can provide hope while contributing to research that may benefit future patients facing similar diagnoses.
Brain tumors can happen to anyone
1.3+ million Americans are living with a brain tumor
90,000+ people are diagnosed with a brain tumor every year
Brain and CNS tumors are the most common cancer in children aged 0-14
800+ children & adults are diagnosed with a brain tumor every single day
Our Support Services are 100% free for patients and caregivers
CareLine
800-886-ABTA (2282) 8:30 AM-5:00 PM CST or info@abta.org
- Information on treatment and care
- Finding brain tumor treatment centers
- Financial assistance resources
- Finding clinical trials
Support Groups
From diagnosis, surgery, and treatment side effects, to recovery and for some—recurrence—you may feel anxious and isolated. Support groups can improve your emotional well-being and quality of life. Virtual and in-person options.
Patient & Caregiver Mentor Support
Our Mentor Program offers patients and caregivers the opportunity to connect with someone who has gone through a similar brain tumor diagnosis, treatment, and care.
Financial Support
Being diagnosed with a brain tumor takes a toll physically, emotionally, and financially. Medical bills and related costs can quickly add up. We have a list of resources to help in addition to the ABTA Financial Assistance Program.
Webinars
The free educational webinar series is an excellent resource for brain tumor patients and caregivers to learn more about brain tumor types, treatments, well-being topics, and research updates from nationally recognized experts.
Educational Resources
- About Brain Tumors
- Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Tumor-specific educational materials
- Caregiver Handbook
- Clinical Trials
and more
Connections Community
ABTA’s online support community, where brain tumor patients, survivors, and caregivers come togetherI. Information about malignant and non-malignant tumors, GBM, immunotherapy and more.
Patient Family Meetings
Each free, half-day program in this series focuses on a specific topic for brain tumor patients and caregivers, led by nationally recognized experts. Watch one or all. Similar to our Webinars but longer and more in-depth.
Brain Tumor Treatment Center
The ABTA Treatment Center Guide provides detailed information about a variety of treatment centers, including the number of patients treated annually, technologies and specialized procedures offered.
