More than 5,200 children and adolescents (ages 0-19) will be diagnosed with a primary brain tumor in the U.S. this year alone. Whether benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous), brain tumors can have lasting and life-altering physical, cognitive, social, and emotional impacts on a patient’s life.
Pediatric brain tumors can differ from those in adults in terms of the specific types of tumors that are most common. For example, medulloblastomas and ependymomas are more prevalent in children, while glioblastomas are more common in adults.
The most common primary brain tumor types in children and adolescents ages 0-19 years are:
There can be differences in the genetic and molecular characteristics of pediatric and adult brain tumors. Certain genetic mutations and markers may be more common in pediatric cases, influencing treatment options and responses. Treatment strategies for pediatric and adult brain tumors can vary due to differences in tumor biology, growth patterns, and the developing brain in children.
We need breakthroughs — now. Pediatric patients with brain tumors and their loved ones are waiting for better treatments, a better quality of life, and cures. Patients, caregivers, researchers, government officials, and health care providers must work together to disrupt the status quo and invest in promising treatments and technology to achieve life-saving outcomes.
To break down barriers today and forge opportunities to transform pediatric brain tumor research and health care for the future, we advance our mission through three interconnected, programmatic strategies: Defeat, Connect, and Change. Learn more below about what NBTS is doing to conquer and cure pediatric brain tumors — once and for all.
NBTS connects the brain tumor community and provides resources to help better inform and prepare patients and their caregivers to access specialized treatment.
NBTS and its volunteer advocates helped influence the federal government to:
In addition, in partnership with our 18,000 advocates across all 50 states, NBTS:
NBTS also ensures the pediatric brain tumor voice is represented at the highest levels and most critical junctures of our nation’s biomedical research funding system:
This September, the National Brain Tumor Society will highlight the devastating realities of a brain tumor diagnosis for children and families by sharing important progress being made in the field, raising resources to support ongoing and future research efforts, and providing opportunities for our community to share their stories and raise awareness.