Brain and Central Nervous System Cancers
Brain and central nervous system (CNS) cancer happens when cells in the brain or spinal cord grow in a way they shouldn’t. These cells can form a lump called a tumor. Some tumors are benign, which means they are not cancer, but others are malignant, which means they are cancer and can spread or cause problems.
The central nervous system includes the brain and the spinal cord. The brain controls how we think, move, feel, and more. The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Tumors in these areas can cause serious problems because they affect how the body works.
The most common types of brain and central nervous system cancers are:
SaveGeneral Cancer Programs
PEN created these programs to help explain parts of the cancer journey.
Debunks myths about clinical trials and provides patients with knowledge and confidence to feel well-informed when discussing treatment options with their healthcare team
Topics:
- The Basics: Understanding Clinical Trial Research
- Understanding Common Misconceptions
- Clinical Trial Safety
- Clinical Trials 101 Resource Guides
As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes oncology, DECODE empowers cancer patients and families with clear, practical insights into AI and other emerging healthcare technologies, breaking down how these innovations are transforming cancer care and helping them navigate AI-driven advancements with confidence.
Components:
- Podcasts
- Downloadable Resource Guides
Provides digital literacy skills training with a series of easy-to-follow video modules, coupled with resource guides to educate you on technology and online support tools.
Helps women living with cancer understand the impact on their overall health, including fertility, hormones and sexual wellbeing while enabling informed conversations with their healthcare team about potential options and support.
Information on completing cancer care with actionable steps to engage in key discussions and plan for life after treatment.
Topics:
- Understanding Survivorship
- Advice for Future and Follow-Up Care
Having cancer or caring for someone with cancer can feel really lonely and extremely isolating. We created PEN-Powered Activity Guides to help you cope, relax, and, hopefully, feel a little less overwhelmed.
Focuses on wellness during cancer treatment and post cancer treatment.
Topics:
- Lifestyle
- Diet and Healthy Eating
- Supportive Care
Advocacy program focusing on culturally competent whole-person healthcare, treating the whole-patient in tandem with existing care.
What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Cancer Treatment
Advocacy program focusing on culturally competent whole-person healthcare, treating the whole-patient in tandem with existing care.
External Resources
Organizations for Brain and Central Nervous System Cancer
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