Ten Key Facts about Brain and Spine Metastasis (and Why It Needs an Awareness Month)
1. Brain and spine metastasis can occur with almost any type of cancer.
2. Improved cancer treatments are leading to longer survival, but brain and spine metastasis rates are increasing.
3. Specific cancers commonly spread to the brain and spine, such as melanoma, lung, breast, colon, and prostate cancers.
4. Brain metastases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer.
5. Brain metastases are five times more common than primary brain tumors.
6. Advanced treatment options are available to improve patient outcomes.
7. Disparities in cancer care exist, and awareness is crucial to address these disparities.
8. Different treatments are needed for brain and spine metastasis than for other cancers.
9. There are publicly available resources where patients and families can find information on brain and spine metastasis.
10. New and novel therapies are offering hope, but more support and funding for clinical trials and specialized centers is necessary.