Risk factors for brain cancer

It is not possible to say what causes brain cancer in a single person. We do know there are some features that are more common in people who develop brain cancer. These features are called ‘risk factors’.

But it is usually hard to be sure whether a risk factor contributed to the development of the cancer. And having one or more risk factors for brain cancer does not mean that someone will definitely develop this cancer. In fact, many people with brain cancer have no obvious risk factors.

The known risk factors  for brain cancer are:

• getting older
• having a family history of brain cancer.

If you have any of these risk factors or you’re worried about your risk for brain cancer, yarn with your doctor, nurse or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker.