According to the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS), a recent analysis of U.S. population statistics indicates, surprisingly, that approximately 1 million Americans are living with a brain tumor in 2023. Further, just over 94,000 will receive a will receive a primary brain tumor diagnosis this year.
Fortunately, the NBTS reports that non-malignant meningiomas are the most commonly occurring primary non-malignant brain tumors, accounting for 39.7% of all tumors and 55.4% of all non-malignant tumors. However, this year alone, nearly 27,000 – almost 29% of brain tumors – will be found to be malignant.
Glioblastoma is the most commonly occurring primary malignant brain tumor, accounting for 14.2% of all tumors and 50.1% of all malignant tumors.
Brain tumor symptoms are often vague and can vary depending upon size and location. Common symptoms include persistent headaches, seizures, memory loss, balance issues, unexplained vomiting, and changes in personality or behavior. The median age at diagnosis for a primary brain tumor is 61 years.
“Although there are many different types of tumors that can arise in the brain, they each have the potential to cause serious neurologic problems that can be devastating to patients and their loved ones,” said Alex De Leo, MD, UF Radiation Oncology Chief Resident and brain cancer specialist who will formally join the department as Assistant Professor in July. “As a future faculty member, I am committed to providing the best possible care for my patients. My aim is to offer treatments that are personalized and optimized to each individual’s situation. I feel fortunate to be working alongside a team of experienced and talented multidisciplinary experts who are dedicated to advancing this field.”
With our department’s advanced technology, including the recent additions of an MRI simulator and MRI-guided linear accelerator, we can continue to refine radiation treatments and improve our ability to precisely define and target tumors in the brain,” she continued. “This is particularly important in the context of brain cancer, where accurate targeting is critical for maximizing treatment effectiveness while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue. In addition to providing state-of-the-art care to our patients, it is also important to raise awareness about brain cancer and the impact it has on individuals and families. With increased awareness and support, we can continue to work towards improvements in detection, treatment, and overall outcomes for brain cancers.”
For more information about the NBTS and Brain Tumor Awareness Month, visit the society’s website.
