Brain cancer in NSW – Variation in Diagnosis and Survival by Histological Subtype

16 Nov 2007
Share this page Email this page to a friend Share this page via Twitter Share this page via Facebook Share this page via LinkedIn

In 2004, brain cancer accounted for 1.5% of all cancers in males and 1.3% in females in NSW. Since the 1980s brain cancer incidence rates per 100,000 have increased mainly in those aged 65 years and older at diagnosis. The most recent unadjusted five-year relative survival in NSW experienced in cases diagnosed with brain cancer between 1999 to 2003 and followed to the end of 2004 was 20%.

There are very few known risk factors for brain cancer. One established risk factor is radiation to the head, usually received for treatment of other cancers. This is most commonly observed in people who received irradiation as part of leukaemia treatment during childhood. Congenital abnormalities, the side effects of cancer treatment, immunosuppressive therapy or HIV infection are also at increased risk of brain cancer. More recently mobile phone usage has been considered a risk factor, however no studies have confirmed this.

Top of page