A risk factor is something that raises the chances of getting a health problem. A person can get brain tumors with or without the risks listed below. The chances of getting brain tumors are greater in people who have many.
Brain tumors are more common in older adults. The risk of some tumors also changes with the tumor type. Meningioma is the most common type found in adults. It is also more common in women and Black people.
Other things that can raise the risk of a brain tumor are:
Adult central nervous system tumors treatment (PDQ®)–health professional version. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/brain/hp/adult-brain-treatment-pdq. Accessed July 13, 2021.
Astrocytoma and oligodentroglioma in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/astrocytoma-and-oligodendroglioma-in-adults. Accessed July 13, 2021.
Lukas RV, Wainwright DA, et al. Newly diagnosed glioblastoma: a review on clinical management. Oncology. 2019;33(3):91-100.
Meningioma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/meningioma. Accessed July 13, 2021.
Risk factors for brain and spinal cord tumors. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html. Accessed July 13, 2021.
Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD Last Updated: 7/13/2021