News & Information

Scientists still aren’t sure what causes the genetic mutation that lead to brain tumors. However, over the years, a number of risk factors have become associated with cancer of the brain – if you exhibit any of these characteristics, you’re much more likely to develop a brain tumor at some point in your life. We may not know what causes brain cancer, but we can watch for risk factors and take proactive steps towards prevention and protection.

Here are some of the factors commonly associated with brain cancer:

Age and race. Caucasians are at a higher risk for brain cancer than African Americans, Asians or Hispanics are. In general, your risk of contracting a brain tumor increases as you age, with the majority of brain cancer diagnoses occurring in older adults. However, anyone can get a brain tumor – and some types of brain cancer (medullablastomas, for instance) primarily affect children. (Click here to read more about the most common varieties of childhood cancer.)

Radiation exposure. Often, brain tumors develop as a “secondary cancer” -- that is, they are caused by ionizing radiation treatments used to control the spread of another cancer, such as leukemia. Radiation exposure from atomic bombs can also cause brain cancer. (However, there is no credible medical evidence linking cell phone or microwave usage to brain cancer – so don’t believe all the horror stories!)

Chemical exposure. Working at a job where you are frequently exposed to industrial chemicals may also increase your risk of brain cancer.

If you believe you could be at risk for brain cancer, it’s important to take protective measures before it’s too late. A cancer insurance policy from CancerPlans.com provides a lump sum benefit upon first diagnosis of a covered cancer, giving you the expense money you will need to cope with a brain cancer diagnosis.

(1) http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/brain-tumor/ds00281/dsection=risk-factors