Brain Cancer Awareness Day in Canada Date in the current year: October 24, 2024

A brain tumor results from the formation of abnormal cells within the brain. Like most tumors, brain tumors are divided into two main types: benign (non-malignant, non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous). Malignant brain tumors can be primary and secondary. Primary tumors start withing the brain, while secondary tumors metastasize from another part of the body. Primary brain cancer is about four time less common than metastatic brain cancer.

Brain tumors pose a significant health risk for a few reasons. Since they can affect areas of the brain responsible for thought, emotion, movement, and other functions, early intervention is essential to prevent serious complications. However, it can take time for symptoms to manifest, and when they do, they can be pretty non-specific. Some malignant brain tumors, such as glioblastoma (which is the most common type of brain cancer), are extremely aggressive and have a very low survival rate even with timely diagnosis and treatment.

According to statistics, over 7,000 Canadians are diagnosed with a brain tumor every year; more than a third of them have brain cancer. Even though Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system is often regarded as one of the best in the world, it is not without its flaws when it comes to brain cancer treatment. They include the shortage of healthcare providers in rural communities and lack of investments in advanced medical technology and treatments. Brain cancer is one of the most pressing health issues in Canada due to ineffective treatments, high mortality rates, and poor quality of life for survivors.

Canadian Brain Cancer Awareness Day was inaugurated in 2018 by the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada (BTFC), a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing research, support, and information to Canadians affected by both malignant and non-malignant brain tumors. The main goals of the annual awareness campaign are to promote increased brain cancer research and raise awareness and funds for Canadian brain cancer patients.

There are many ways to get involved with Brain Cancer Awareness Day. For example, you can learn more about the different types of brain cancer and share the information you’ve learned with others, participate in a fundraiser for brain cancer patients or even organize one, or donate to an organization that supports brain cancer research.

You can also support the BTFC’s Hats for Hope campaign by purchasing a Hats for Hope toque or hoodie, wearing it proudly, and posting a photo on social media with the hashtags #HatsForHope or #HoodiesForHope. All proceeds from selling official hats and hoodies are donated to the BTFC to further brain tumor research and support people living with brain tumors. Alternatively, you can wear any hat or hoodie, and post a selfie on social media with the hashtags #HatsForHope or #HoodiesForHope to raise awareness.