What should people know about cancer of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system?
The brain, spinal cord, meninges, cranial nerves and other parts of the nervous system are responsible for communication in the body. Together, they control and organize all of the body’s functions so that they work together. Cancers that start in the brain usually do not spread outside of the nervous system. However, many other types of cancer (such as lung cancer and breast cancer) frequently spread to the brain. This is called metastasis. The data on this website show only those cases of cancer that began in the brain and other parts of the central nervous system, including the meninges, spinal cord and cranial nerves. Cases of cancer that began in other parts of the body and spread to the brain are not included here. Unless otherwise noted, benign brain tumors are also not included. Each year, more than 700 men and 600 women in New York State are diagnosed with cancer of the brain and nervous system. More than 400 men and 300 women die from this disease each year in New York State.
