Key Statistics for Brain Tumors in Children

Learn about key statistics for brain and spinal cord tumors in children and teens, including how common they are, who is most affected, and the outlook for those with a diagnosis.

How common are brain and spinal cord tumors in children?

Brain and spinal cord tumors are the second most common cancers in children (after leukemia). They account for about 1 out of 5 newly diagnosed childhood cancers in the United States. Around 4,900 brain and spinal cord tumors are diagnosed each year in children and teens. The incidence rate (number of brain tumors per 100,000 children) has gone down in recent years.

• Gliomas are the most common pediatric brain tumors.
• Pilocytic astrocytomas are the most common type of glioma in children 14 and younger.
• Embryonal tumors, (like medulloblastoma), high-grade brain stem gliomas, pituitary tumors, and ependymal tumors are also more common in children.

Childhood brain and other nervous system cancers are slightly more common in boys than girls.

Survival rates for children and young adults with brain and spinal cord tumors

About 3 out of 4 children with brain tumors (all types combined) survive at least 5 years after being diagnosed. But the outlook can vary a great deal based on the type of tumor, where it is located, and other factors. For survival information on particular tumor types, see Survival Rates for Selected Childhood Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors.

Visit the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Statistics Center for more key statistics.