This section is for adults with brain tumours. Brain tumours in children often form in different parts of the brain to adults, and may have different treatments and outlook.
Children are more likely to develop gliomas and medulloblastomas – and tumours in the lower or back part of the brain, which control sleep/wake functions, movement and coordination.
Prognosis
In general, children diagnosed with a malignant tumour will have a better outlook than adults. In many children, treatment will cause signs of the cancer to improve.
Because a child’s nervous system is still developing, some children may have physical, behavioural or learning difficulties due to the tumour and/or treatment. These might not show up for several years.
Health professionals to see
Doctors who specialise in treating children with brain and spinal cord tumours are called paediatric oncologists. After 16 years of age, some teenagers may have treatment in an adult ward. Or they may be looked after by an adolescent and young adult multidisciplinary team.
Some hospitals have music, play or art therapists, to help children cope with the side effects of treatment. Most hospitals have occupational therapists, physiotherapists and social workers, and some may have a child life therapist.
Treatment
Talk to your child’s medical team about treatment options, what to expect and your concerns.
Support
The hospital social worker can offer practical and emotional support, and suggest support services.
Cancer Hub can link you to organisations that support families, young adults and children affected by cancer – including Canteen, Camp Quality and Redkite. Call Cancer Hub on 1800 431 312 or visit cancerhub.org.au.
For more on this, see Talking to kids about cancer, call Cancer Council 13 11 20 or listen to the podcast below.
→ READ MORE: Personal stories from people affected by brain cancer
Podcast: Explaining Cancer to Kids
Listen to more episodes from our podcast for people affected by cancer
More resources
Prof Lindy Jeffree, Director of Neurosurgery, Alfred Health, VIC; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Prof Tamara Ownsworth, Clinical Neuropsychologist and Research Director, The Hopkins Centre, Griffith University, QLD; A/Prof Hao-Wen Sim, Medical Oncologist, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Megan Trevethan, Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapy – Cancer and Lymphoedema Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD; Chris Twyford, Cancer Specialist Nurse, Canberra Health Services, Cancer and Ambulatory Support, ACT; Dr Adam Wells, Clinical Academic Consultant Neurosurgeon, The University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA.
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