Brain Cancer at a Glance
Brain cancer affects the brain and central nervous system, and includes tumours that originate in the brain (primary) as well as those that spread there from elsewhere in the body.
It's estimated 2,098 new cases of brain cancer were diagnosed in Australia in 2025*. It remains one of the most lethal cancer types, with 1,639 estimated number of deaths from brain cancer in 2025. Survival rates have seen only marginal improvement over the past three decades.
Our Brain Cancer Research
“The Cure Cancer grant gives us the opportunity to pursue this extremely novel line of research, comparing glial cells from the gut and brain to hopefully find targets to treat brain cancer.”
Dr Marlene Hao - Cure Cancer grant recipient
Meet some of our Brain Cancer Researchers
Dr Marlene Hao
Dr Hao aims to improve patient outcomes by identifying new biological processes that can be targeted during treatment to eliminate AML cells with minimal impact on normal, healthy tissues.
Dr Taskeen Janjua
Dr Janjua has developed an ultrasmall nanoparticle that helps chemotherapy drugs like temozolomide cross the blood-brain barrier, aiming to improve treatment delivery and outcomes for glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and hard-to-treat brain cancers.
Dr Colm Keane
Dr Keane is researching a rare form of primary brain lymphoma found in some HIV patients, aiming to understand how the immune system controls this cancer in order to develop more effective, tailored immune-based therapies.
Why Research Funding Matters
Many of Australia's leading cancer researchers received funding from Cure Cancer at the earliest stages of their careers. Some have gone on to make discoveries recognised around the world.
Emerging researchers drive the breakthroughs that shape how cancer is understood and treated - but early-career funding is scarce and highly competitive. Every donation helps Cure Cancer back the next generation of researchers in Australia, across all cancer types.
How Your Donation Helps
$75
Can help fund an hour of research
$125
Can help fund microscopy imaging to look for immune cells in tumours
$550
Can help fund lab supplies for up to ten vital experiments
$1,000
Can help provide cutting-edge software to analyse cells
Learn More About Brain Cancer
What is brain cancer?
While increasing age is a risk factor for brain cancer, which typically peaks in the 80-84 age group, it can affect people of all ages, including children.
It is estimated that in 2025, 2,098 people were diagnosed in Australia. Sadly, there were an estimated 1,639 deaths from brain cancer in 2025. Source: Cancer Australia
What are the types of brain cancer?
There are many types of brain cancer, which are grouped with spinal cord tumours and collectively known as central nervous system (CNS) tumours.
They can be categorised as:
Primary tumours
Primary brain tumours that develop in the brain and may spread to other parts of the brain and spinal cord, but very rarely to other parts of the body.
Secondary tumours
Secondary tumours that have spread or metastasized from other areas of the body.
What are the common symptoms of brain cancer?
Brain cancer can have various symptoms depending on the tumour’s location, size and how fast it is spreading.
Though they aren’t always an indicator of a brain tumour, it is not uncommon for headaches to be the first symptom, regardless of their frequency and severity, especially if they are accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
Some other common symptoms include the following:
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Nausea and vomiting
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Seizures, whether severe or mild
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Weakness on one side or a part of the body
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Loss of balance or coordination
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Changes in personality, behaviour or thinking
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Impaired vision, hearing, smell, taste, or sense of touch
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Difficulty speaking or remembering words
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Dizziness or loss of consciousness
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Drowsiness or fatigue
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Memory problems
Because these symptoms may overlap with other diseases, it is crucial to see a GP as soon as possible if you or your child are experiencing any of them. This is particularly important if you have a family history of brain cancer.
How is brain cancer diagnosed?
Unfortunately, there is currently no population-wide screening program in Australia. However, there are a number of tests that can be used to diagnose brain cancer, which include:
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A neurological examination that checks your reflexes, strength, balance and coordination, vision, hearing, and ability to feel sensation, among other tests.
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Imaging tests such as a CT, MRI or PET
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Surgical biopsy of brain tissue or a lumbar puncture of the fluids around your spinal cord
What is the prognosis for brain cancer?
In the last 30 years, the five-year relative survival for brain cancer has seen a dismal increase from 20% to 22%. Despite its high mortality rates and devastating effects on affected individuals, it is one of the most underfunded cancer types and receives less than 5% of federal government cancer research funding.
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