Tumors of the central nervous system
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In Norway, approximately 1,000 new primary tumors are diagnosed annually in the brain, spinal cord, meninges, cranial nerves or pituitary gland, accounting for about 3% of all cancers.
About tumors in the central nervous system
Tumors of the central nervous system are a heterogeneous group. These may have very different origins and prognosis and therefore require different treatment.
Tumor arising in the central nervous system is called primary. Primary tumors can occur in the brain, spinal cord, meninges, cranial nerves or in the pituitary gland. These tumors rarely spread to organs outside the central nervous system.
If the tumor has arisen elsewhere in the body and has spread to the central nervous system, it is called secondary, daughter tumor or metastasis. For example, lung cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer, melanoma and bowel cancer can spread to the brain. Somewhere between 10 % and 30 % of patients with cancer outside the central nervous system have metastasis to the brain.
Key figures - tumors in the central nervous system 2024
New cases
Men: 542
Women: 638
Rates - number of cases per 100,000
Men: 18.4
Women: 20.8
5-year relative survival (2020-2024)
Men: 57.4%
Women: 76.7%
Cancer survivors - both genders
16,241 people as of 31.12.2024
Deaths (2023)
Men: 268
Women: 209
Cumulative risk of developing cancer in the central nervous system by age 80 (2020-2024)
Men: 1.5%
Women: 1.8%
Risk factors
The cause of brain tumour development is unknown in 95 % of cases.
A causal association between environmental factors and primary brain tumour development has not been definitively demonstrated. However, ionising radiation may predispose to later development of some types of brain tumours. It is therefore important that radiological examinations based on ionising radiation are performed according to a thorough position of indication.
Factors that may increase the risk are X-rays, radiotherapy, CT scans and other radiation from radioactive substances. That's especially true for those who have had treatments and scans for childhood cancer. However, X-rays and CT scans are very important for diagnosing disease so that you receive proper treatment.
Environmental factors such as alcohol and tobacco are known carcinogens, although no direct link between these and brain tumour development has been demonstrated.
Other cancers and earlier treatment for cancer may increase the risk.
Some diseases can cause a reduced immune system, including HIV and AIDS.
There is no definite association between long-term use of mobile phones and the development of glioma, meningioma and vestibular schwannoma.
Heredity exists in some cases, but this is rather the exception than the rule. Certain genetic conditions may predispose to the development of brain tumor. However, a very small proportion of patients with brain tumours have such a genetic condition.
Questions about cancer
The Cancer Registry of Norway is a research institution. Our professionals therefore do not answer questions about diagnosis, assessment, treatment and follow-up from patients or their relatives.
Inquiries about this information should be directed to your general practitioner, treating institution, or the Norwegian Cancer Society's advisory service at phone: +47 21 49 49 21.