Glioblastoma Awareness Day: Understanding an Aggressive Brain Cancer

What this observance is

On the third Wednesday of July, Glioblastoma Awareness Day honors people living with glioblastoma, remembers those who have died, and recognizes the researchers and clinicians working on it. The National Brain Tumor Society launched the annual observance in 2019. Glioblastoma (often called GBM) is an aggressive form of brain cancer, and the day exists partly to build support and understanding for a community that can feel isolated.

What this cancer is

Glioblastoma is a type of central nervous system (CNS) tumor. According to the National Cancer Institute, a CNS tumor is a disease in which abnormal cells form in the tissues of the brain and/or spinal cord. NCI explains that brain and spinal cord tumors can be either benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer), and that malignant tumors are likely to grow quickly and spread into other brain tissue. Glioblastoma is a malignant type.

NCI notes that when a tumor grows into or presses on an area of the brain, it may stop that part of the brain from working as it should — which is why brain tumors can cause a wide range of symptoms depending on their location. NCI also distinguishes primary brain tumors, which start in the brain, from metastatic brain tumors, which begin elsewhere in the body and spread to the brain. Glioblastoma is a primary brain tumor.

Screening and prevention (per NCI)

It is important to be direct here. NCI states that it does not have PDQ evidence-based information about screening for brain tumors, nor about prevention of brain tumors. There is no established routine screening test for glioblastoma or other brain tumors in the general population, and we will not invent one.

NCI also notes that the cause of most adult brain and spinal cord tumors is not known, though having certain genetic syndromes may increase the risk of a CNS tumor. Because there is no screening program and no clear set of preventable causes, awareness for glioblastoma centers on understanding the disease, supporting patients and families, and encouraging research. NCI advises that new, persistent neurological symptoms — such as headaches that differ from usual, or changes in vision, balance, or speech — be evaluated by a doctor, since they have many possible causes. To review which cancer screenings do apply to you more broadly, our free screening check-up tool is a calm place to start.

How to take part

• Learn what glioblastoma is so you can understand it when it appears in the news or in someone's life.
• Support glioblastoma research and the patients and families affected by it.
• If you or someone you love has new, persistent neurological symptoms, seek evaluation — most causes are not cancer, but they are worth checking.
• Share accurate, compassionate information about this cancer.

Questions to ask a healthcare team

• What could be causing new or persistent neurological symptoms?
• How are brain tumors diagnosed if one is suspected?
• What is the difference between a primary and a metastatic brain tumor?
• Where can I find reliable information and support for glioblastoma?