brain cancer in canada: stats, impact and resources
roughly 27 canadians will be diagnosed with a brain tumour each day in canada, with eight of those being cancerous
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brain cancer can cost upwards of $3.2 million annually, making a significant impact on canadian society and those who develop the disease.
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according to the brain tumour foundation of canada, eight canadians are diagnosed with brain cancer every single day. in terms of cancer deaths, brain cancer is considered the leading cause of death for canadians under the age of 20, and the third leading cause in people aged 20 to 39.
all brain cancers develop as tumours, and depending on where they’re located, can impact both physical and cognitive abilities in people.
for example, if a tumour is located in the frontal lobe, it can cause a person to experience noticeable changes in their personality, behaviour, and emotional well-being. tumours in the back of the brain, specifically in the cerebellum, can cause balance, coordination, and movement difficulties.
brain cancer and tumours require various forms of treatment, depending on the type, as there are over 120 different types of brain tumours, with 35.9 per cent being cancerous.
brain cancer stats in canada
the daily rate of a brain tumour diagnosis is 27 people, with eight of those tumours being cancerous. when compared to all forms of cancer in canada, primary brain tumours account for roughly two per cent of all new diagnoses.
research shows that the incidence rates of primary brain cancer tumours have increased between 1992 and 2017 by 37.5 per cent whereas the prevalence rate has risen by 40.5 per cent. the increase in cases is likely due to a growing population, improved diagnostics, and advancements in care.
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males account for more than half of all brain tumour diagnoses since 1992 and have poorer survival rates. children account for 10 per cent of new cases, with adults and older adults making up the remaining cases at 51.7 per cent and 38.3 per cent, respectively.
the location and type of the tumour significantly affect a person’s survival rate, as well as the kind of treatment, personal factors, and other relevant factors. for example, a person with a brain tumour in their pituitary or craniopharyngeal duct will have a 90 per cent five-year survival rate, whereas those in the cerebrum have only a 23 per cent five-year survival rate.
age also plays a role, with individuals under 20 having higher rates of five-year survival at 85 per cent. after the age of 20 and before the age of 54, survival rates dip to 65 per cent, with a 13 per cent survival rate being associated with people 55 and older.
glioblastoma, which accounts for roughly half of all cancerous brain tumours, is also found in higher rates in males, whereas meningioma is the most common in females at rates of five and seven out of every 100,000 people, respectively.
when examining the most common types of tumours and who they affect most, females had a higher rate of survival after diagnosis, with 60 per cent of females surviving at least five years following diagnosis. in contrast, only six-to-seven per cent of adults of all genders will survive to that same five-year mark after being diagnosed with glioblastoma.
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while no data has been found on how often a person develops brain cancer based on risk factors, there are some associated with the disease, including genetic conditions, family history, prior radiation therapy, and a weakened immune system. it’s also more likely to be diagnosed in older adults, men, and people who have experienced viral infections, such as the epstein-barr virus. obesity is also linked to a higher risk of meningioma, the most common tumour found in females.
of all brain tumours that develop, roughly 20 to 40 per cent will become metastatic.
impact of brain cancer on canadian society
brain cancer affects individuals, their families, as well as the canadian healthcare and economic systems. both direct and indirect healthcare costs are associated with brain cancer on both a personal and societal level.
in terms of the person and their family, the financial impact can be considerable. according to research, the total cost of brain cancer in canada sits at roughly $3.2 million per year. that is split up into both direct expenses, with diagnostics and treatments accounting for 46 per cent and indirect costs such as loss of productivity accounting for 54 per cent of the total cost associated with brain cancer.
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with the aging population, it’s expected that the financial burden will continue to increase as well in the coming years.
resources and support for brain cancer in canada
canada has several organizations geared toward assisting patients with a brain cancer diagnosis, as well as research. the brain tumour foundation of canada leads the charge, and has various dedications, including:
- providing support, including support groups, information sheets, and handbooks
- helping people with brain cancer connect with other organizations that specialize in grief
- spreading awareness through education
- funding research to find a cure and cause
- advocating for policy and other changes that can improve the quality of life for people living with brain cancer.
brain cancer canada is another leading organization dedicated to funding research to improve neurosurgical care for primary brain cancers. they also provide information for people newly diagnosed, their families and caregivers, and community events to help with fundraising.
other brain cancer resources in canada include:
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the resources and support offered by each organization vary depending on its type. for example, wellspring cancer support provides help to individuals and their families through connection, counselling, and other social supports. in contrast, the brain tumour registry continues to provide up-to-date data on the state of brain cancer in the country.
research into brain cancer continues to pave the way toward new therapies and treatments that can improve survival rates, the quality of life for those who live with the disease, and guidelines and policy for better care, or potentially, a cure.
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