A brain tumour occurs when cells in the central nervous system grow and divide in an uncontrollable way, forming a lump. The lump may press on or grow into different areas of the brain or spinal cord, which can cause various symptoms such as loss of movement.
Benign tumours rarely spread but they may be found in essential areas of the brain that control vital life functions, which can make them life-threatening.
Malignant tumours usually grow rapidly and spread within the brain and spinal cord and are can be life-threatening. About 40 percent of brain and spinal cord tumours are malignant
Incidence
Every year about 430 malignant brain and central nervous system tumours are diagnosed in Victoria.
Research funded
$447,359 has been given to fund research specifically into brain cancer.
In addition, more than $16.2 million has been spent on research projects looking into the detection and treatment of all tumour types (including brain).
Overall, Cancer Council
Victoria has funded $69 million worth of
lab-based research in Victorian hospitals, universities and research
institutions since 2003.
More on external research funded per tumour type.