Brain and spinal cord tumors are the second most common cancers in children (after leukemia). They account for about 21% of childhood cancers. Around 3,800 central nervous system tumors are diagnosed each year in children under the age of 20. About one fourth of these are considered benign tumors. The incidence rate (number per 100,000 children) of these cancers has not changed much in recent years.

Boys are affected slightly more often than are girls.

About 3 out of 4 children with brain tumors (all types combined) survive at least 5 years after being diagnosed. The outlook varies according to the type of tumor and where it is located. For more specific survival information on some particular tumor types, see "How are brain and spinal cord tumors in children treated?"

Last Medical Review: 04/07/2008
Last Revised: 05/13/2009