Brain and Spinal Tumors

More information

Brain and spinal tumors include tumors of the central nervous system, including the brain, nervous system and pituitary.

The following are resources from the National Cancer Institute for those cancers:

Resources and Support

Here are some helpful brain and spinal tumor resources that provide online support groups and chat rooms, printed and online support materials, and educational conferences.

  • American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) funds brain tumor research and provides information to help patients make educated decisions about their health care. The ABTA offers printed materials about the research and treatment of brain tumors, and provides listings of physicians, treatment facilities, and support groups throughout the country.
  • Brain Tumor Society provides information about brain tumors and related conditions for patients and their families. They offer a patient/family telephone network, educational publications, funding for research projects, and access to support groups for patients.
  • Children's Brain Tumor Foundation (CBTF) is a nonprofit organization that funds research and provides support, education, and advocacy for children with brain and spinal cord tumors and their families. It also provides educational materials and co-sponsors conferences and seminars for families, survivors, and health care professionals that offer the latest information about research, treatments, and strategies for living. Through CBTF’s Parent-to-Parent Network, families share their experiences with others in similar situations.
  • Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research and Information provides brain tumor information, as well as hosts many online support groups, chat rooms, newsletters, articles, and a database of clinical trials. The Web site is supported by the Musella Foundation For Brain Tumor Research, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and survival times for brain tumor patients.
  • National Brain Tumor Foundation (NBTF) provides patients and their families with information on how to cope with their brain tumors. This organization conducts national and regional conferences, publishes printed materials for patients and family members, provides access to a national network of patient support groups, and assists in answering patient inquiries. The NBTF also awards grants to fund research.

For additional cancer information, see the general cancer Support section of this Web site or call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.