2024 Brain Tumor Awareness Month Guide
, by Raleigh McElvery, Neuro-Oncology Branch Scientific Communications Editor
This May, share information about brain and spine tumors to raise awareness, educate the community, and help people living with these cancers.
May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month (BTAM), a time to raise awareness about brain tumors and educate the community.
All brain and spine tumors, collectively called central nervous system (CNS) tumors, are rare. Only about 25,000 people are diagnosed with cancerous CNS tumors each year in the United States. Despite their rarity, there are over 130 different CNS tumor types.
It can be hard for people with CNS tumors to find accurate information, specialized support, and expert care. You can help by spreading awareness and sharing educational materials—like the ones listed below—in May and continuing all year.
Brain Tumor Resources
- Learn about brain anatomy and functions.
- Learn ways to manage brain tumor symptoms.
- Learn how brain tumors are graded and monitored.
- Learn about treatment options for adults with primary brain tumors.
- Learn about treatment options for children with primary brain tumors.
- Use our guiding questions to help at each stage of care.
- Get coping and support resources for each stage of the brain cancer journey.
- Learn positive strategies to manage your self-care.
- Download our symptom management app.
- Watch our videos about brain and spine tumor care, treatment, and research.
- Get statistics about people living with brain cancer in the United States.
Brain and Other Nervous System Cancers | Did You Know?
Follow along on Social Media
We will be sharing brain tumor news, resources, and events on our X (formerly Twitter) account, @NIHBrainTumor. Follow us to stay up to date on BTAM information.
You can also follow the NCI Instagram account (@NationalCancerInstitute) for informative videos (“reels”) about our neuro-oncology research, and how we care for adolescents and young adults with brain tumors.
You can also help by sharing information on your own social media accounts as well. Don’t forget to include the #BTAM hashtag!
International Ependymoma Awareness Day
Ependymoma is an especially rare CNS tumor. Each May, the Collaborative Ependymoma Research Network (CERN) Foundation, a program of the National Brain Tumor Society, celebrates International Ependymoma Awareness Day. Butterflies are released around the world to honor loved ones with ependymoma, recognize care partners and medical workers, and support ependymoma research efforts.
This year, the 13th Annual International Ependymoma Awareness Day will be held on Sunday, May 5. Visit the CERN website to participate in their in-person and virtual events.
International Oligodendroglioma Day
Oligodendroglioma is another especially rare CNS tumor. Each May, Oligo Nation celebrates International Oligodendroglioma Day to recognize what people accomplish when they deal with this very difficult diagnosis and journey. It is also a day to help the world recognize that the oligodendroglioma community exists and it matters.
This year, the 4th Annual International Oligodendroglioma Day will be held on Friday, May 17. Visit the Oligo Nation website to get involved.