Brain tumour facts

Brain tumours can affect anyone, at any age

Every year, around 13,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour. These statistics highlight the scale of the challenge and the life-changing impact brain tumours can have on individuals and families.

The four main brain tumour charities — Brain Tumour Support, Brain Tumour Research, The Brain Tumour Charity and brainstrust — have worked together to ensure the data we share is consistent, accurate and up to date.

Key facts about brain tumours

• Around 13,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour every year
• There are over 100 different types of brain tumours, making diagnosis and treatment complex
• The exact cause of most brain tumours is unknown
• Brain tumours can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, lifestyle or general health
• Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and young adults under 40 in the UK
• In England, only 12.9% of adults diagnosed with brain cancer survive five years or more, compared to an average of 56% across all cancers
• Brain cancer reduces life expectancy by an average of 27 years
• More than 5,400 people lose their lives to a brain tumour each year
• Brain cancer clinical trials have the lowest recruitment levels of all cancer clinical trials

The impact on life

• Over 55% of people with a brain tumour lose their driving licence, affecting independence and mobility
• Over 80% have reduced or given up work completely
• Over 65% stop taking part in leisure activities they previously enjoyed
• Around 25% experience seizures, which can cause anxiety and limit everyday activities
• Over 65% say a brain tumour hurts their friendships