Brain Cancer

Counseling

Oncology social workers help you cope with the emotional and practical challenges of brain cancer. Contact us at 800‑813‑HOPE (4673) or info@cancercare.org.
Learn more about counseling.

Resource Navigation

Learn more about how CancerCare Resource Navigation can help you address barriers to care.

Financial Assistance

Find resources and support to manage your financial concerns. Limited assistance from CancerCare^® is available to eligible families for cancer-related costs.

Support Groups

Connect with others in our free support groups led by oncology social workers.

Online

• Brain Tumor Caregiver Support Group

Community Programs

Learn about and view the full calendar of our free community programs.

Specialized Programs

CancerCare offers specialized programs to address specific populations and concerns.

Coping Circle Workshops

Virtual educational and supportive workshops led by oncology social workers and qualified co-facilitators. These workshops cover numerous topics and are offered in English and Spanish.

Connect Education Workshops

Listen in by telephone or online as leading experts in oncology provide up-to-date information about cancer-related issues in one-hour workshops. Podcasts are also available.

Upcoming Workshops

General Topics

• Cancer & the Workplace: Understanding Your Legal Protections, Apr 30, 2025

Podcasts

Brain Cancer

• Highlights from the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting: The Art and Science of Cancer Care from Comfort to Cure, Aug 15, 2024
• Highlights from the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting – “Partnering With Patients: The Cornerstone of Cancer Care and Research”, Aug 17, 2023
• Glioblastoma in Adults: Treatment Updates, Mar 30, 2023
• Highlights from the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting – “Advancing Equitable Cancer Care Through Innovation", Aug 4, 2022

General Topics

• Managing Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Apr 21, 2025
• Trends in Oncology & Treatment Planning: A Guide to Getting the Best Care, Apr 16, 2025
• Coping with Cancer, Mar 12, 2025
• Understanding the Different Names for Biomarker Testing and Their Role in Selecting the Best Treatment for You, Mar 10, 2025
• Understanding the Important Role that Biomarker Testing Plays in Informing the Treatment of Cancer, Mar 3, 2025
• Clinical Trials: How They Transform the Treatment of Cancer, Feb 4, 2025
• Understanding Treatment-Related Skin Toxicity: Practical Tips to Cope with Rash, Dry/Itchy/Peeling Skin and Nail Changes, Jan 17, 2025
• Cancer in the Workplace, Health Insurance, Finances and Returning to School, Dec 13, 2024
• Challenges Young Adults with Cancer Face: Coping Tips, Dec 6, 2024
• Chemotherapy: Novel Approaches to Prevent and Manage Gastrointestinal Treatment Side Effects, Nov 22, 2024
• Caregiving for Your Loved One with Cancer, Sep 23, 2024
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, Sep 10, 2024
• Current Perspectives on the Future of Cancer Research, Jun 27, 2024
• How Health Care Disparities May Influence Your Cancer Treatment, Jun 17, 2024
• What’s New in Precision Medicine, Jun 12, 2024
• Caring for Your Loved One with Cancer, May 13, 2024
• Diverse Populations Participating in Decisions about Your Care, Apr 22, 2024
• Managing Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Apr 8, 2024
• Understanding the Different Names for Biomarker Testing & Their Role in Selecting the Best Treatment for You, Mar 4, 2024
• Chemotherapy: Novel Approaches to Prevent and Manage Gastrointestinal Treatment Side Effects, Feb 16, 2024
• Understanding the Important Role that Biomarker Testing Plays in Informing the Treatment of Cancer, Feb 12, 2024
• Young Adult Survivorship: Fertility, Sexuality and Intimacy, Feb 9, 2024
• Addressing the LGBTQI+ Health Disparities Gap, Jan 19, 2024
• Challenges Young Adults with Cancer Face: Coping Tips, Dec 15, 2023
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, Nov 28, 2023
• Diverse Populations Participating in Decisions About Your Care With Your Health Care Team, Jun 28, 2023
• Understanding Diagnostic Technologies and Biomarkers, Jun 26, 2023
• Addressing the LGBTQI+ Health Disparities Gap, Jun 16, 2023
• Clinical Trials: How They Transform the Treatment of Cancer, Jun 7, 2023
• Taking Your Pills on Schedule: Its Importance in Managing Cancer, May 24, 2023
• Update on COVID for People Living with Cancer & Their Caregivers, May 22, 2023
• Understanding How Health Care Disparities May Influence Your Cancer Treatment and Care: With Tips and Strategies to Find the Best Cancer Treatment and Health Care Team for You, May 15, 2023
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, May 2, 2023
• Caring for Your Loved One with Cancer, Apr 3, 2023
• Understanding Diagnostic Technologies and Biomarkers, Jan 23, 2023
• Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Aug 22, 2022
• Chemotherapy Treatment Side Effects: Prevention & Management, Jun 10, 2022
• Clinical Trials: How They Transform the Treatment of Cancer, May 18, 2022
• Taking Your Pills on Schedule: Why It Is So Important in Managing Cancer, May 4, 2022
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, May 3, 2022
• Managing the Side Effects of Immunotherapy, Apr 27, 2022
• Emerging Importance of Telemedicine/Telehealth Appointments in Communicating with Your Health Care Team, Mar 16, 2022
• COVID-19, Omicron & Delta Variants, COVID-19 Vaccines & Booster Vaccines: Revised Guidelines for People Living with Cancer and Their Loved Ones, Feb 7, 2022
• Managing Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Jan 24, 2022
• Preventing, Managing & Treating Infection in Adults Living with Cancer, Oct 25, 2021
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, Feb 9, 2021
• The 9/11 Community, Cancer & COVID-19, Jan 25, 2021
• How Diagnostic Technologies and Biomarkers Improve Treatment Decisions for People Living with Cancer, Dec 7, 2020
• Cancer and Flu Shots, Nov 9, 2020
• Caregiving for Your Loved One Living with Cancer, Nov 3, 2020
• Preventing and Managing Infections in Adults Living with Cancer, Oct 26, 2020
• Managing the Cost of Living with Cancer, Sep 23, 2020
• Veterans Living with Cancer, Jun 26, 2020
• Treatment Adherence: Taking Your Pills on Schedule – Why It Is So Important, Jun 24, 2020
• What are Biosimilars? Understanding Their Role in Cancer Treatment: Current and Future Perspectives, Jun 18, 2020
• Current Perspectives in Cancer Survivorship, Jun 16, 2020
• For Caregivers: Care Coordination for Your Loved One Living with Cancer and Other Health Problems, Apr 22, 2020
• Participating in Decisions about Your Care, Apr 8, 2020
• Cancer and The Workplace: Understanding Your Legal Protections, Mar 25, 2020
• Understanding the Costs of Care and Your Health Care Coverage, Mar 18, 2020
• Trends in Oncology and Treatment Planning: What You Need to Know, Mar 4, 2020
• Care for Your Bones During & After Cancer Treatment: Tips to Improve Bone Health, Nov 18, 2019
• Preventing Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting, Oct 28, 2019
• Joys and Challenges of Pets in Your Home When You Have Cancer, Apr 8, 2019
• Treatment-Related Rash and Dry Skin, Jun 20, 2018
• Mind Body Techniques to Cope with the Stresses of Cancer, Nov 15, 2017
• Living with Cancer Throughout The Cancer Journey, Mar 10, 2017
• Managing Sensory Disruptions During Cancer Treatments, Dec 5, 2016
• For Health Care Professionals: Care Coordination for Older Men Living with Cancer, Aug 23, 2016
• Nutrition and Healthy Eating Tips During and After Cancer Treatments, Feb 1, 2016
• Healthy Eating and Managing Weight Changes During Cancer Treatment, Apr 13, 2015
• Highlights of the Affordable Care Act, Nov 11, 2014
• Managing Cancer Pain: What You Need to Know, Mar 21, 2014
• Young Adult Survivorship: Fertility, Sexuality and Intimacy, Jun 28, 2013
• Understanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for People Living with Cancer, Dec 12, 2012
• Managing Post-Treatment Neuropathy, Jul 17, 2012
• Recapturing Joy and Finding Meaning, May 15, 2012
• Planning Your Comfort and Care at End of Life, May 10, 2012
• Using Mind/Body Techniques to Cope with the Stress of Survivorship, Apr 24, 2012
• Nutrition, Physical Activity and You: A Guide for People Living With Cancer, Nov 15, 2011
• Fear of Recurrence and Late Effects: Living with Uncertainty, Jul 12, 2011
• Stress Management for Caregivers: Taking Care of Yourself Physically and Emotionally, Jun 14, 2011
• The Challenges of Coping with Cancer and Other Health Problems, Jun 1, 2011
• Weight Changes After Cancer Treatment: Why is it Happening and What Can I Do About It, May 10, 2011
• Mouth Pain and Discomfort: All You Need to Know About Mouth Sores and Oral Mucositis, Apr 27, 2011
• Helping Children and Teens Understand When a Parent or Loved One Has Cancer, Apr 20, 2011
• Chemobrain: The Impact of Cancer Treatments on Memory, Thinking and Attention, Apr 12, 2011
• Survivors Too: Communicating With and Among Family, Friends and Loved Ones, Jul 13, 2010
• Communicating with Your Health Care Team After Treatment: Making the Most of Your Visit, May 18, 2010
• Trouble Sleeping? Sleep Better to Feel Better: Tips You Can Use, Apr 13, 2010
• Helping Teachers and Educators Support Siblings of Children with Cancer, Oct 8, 2009
• Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy, Jul 16, 2009
• Survivors Too: Family, Friends and Loved Ones - Managing the Fatigue of Caregiving, Jun 23, 2009
• The Importance of Nutrition and Physical Activity, May 19, 2009
• For Parents, Caregivers and Professionals: Helping Brothers and Sisters of Children Living with Cancer, May 14, 2009
• Dental Health During Cancer Treatments, Apr 24, 2009
• Managing the Stress of Survivorship, Apr 14, 2009
• Balancing Cancer and Careers: Living and Working with Cancer, Mar 12, 2009
• For Caregivers: Coping with Holidays, Special Occasions and Birthdays, Throughout the Year, Dec 12, 2008
• Survivors Too: Family, Friends and Loved Ones, Jun 24, 2008
• Rediscovering Intimacy in Your Relationships Following Treatment, May 13, 2008
• The Importance of Communicating with Your Doctor About Follow-Up Care, Apr 22, 2008
• Finding Hope and Meaning After Treatment, Jun 19, 2007
• My Treatment is Over: Why Do I Feel So Alone and Sad?, May 15, 2007
• Managing Your Costs of Recovery, Jun 20, 2006
• Balancing Your Needs and Your Role as a Caregiver, Jun 13, 2006
• Is It My Cancer or Am I Getting Older?, May 23, 2006
• The Bereaved Caregiver in the Workplace, May 10, 2006
• Stress Management Tips for Survivors, Apr 25, 2006
• The Challenge of Creating Supportive Work Environments for Employees with Cancer and Their Caregivers, Apr 5, 2006

Publications

Read or order our free Connect booklets and fact sheets offering easy-to-read information about the latest cancer treatments, managing side effects and coping with cancer.

Brain Cancer

• After a Brain Cancer Diagnosis: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
• Treatment Update: Glioblastoma

General Topics

• Coping With Cancer: Tools to Help You LiveNew
• Caregiving for Your Loved One With Cancer
• Talking to Children When a Loved One Has Cancer
• Communicating With Your Health Care Team
• Sources of Financial Assistance
• Finding Resources in Your Community
• If You've Just Been Diagnosed
• What Can I Say to a Newly Diagnosed Loved One?
• Advice for Caregivers: How Can You Help Yourself?

Ask CancerCare

Every month, featured experts answer your questions about coping with cancer. View all questions and answers.

Brain Cancer

• Q.

  A family member has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and I want to make sure he is going to get the best care possible. How can I find out about the best places that treat brain tumors?

  A.

  There are many factors to consider when choosing a treatment center, and it’s important to weigh all of your options before deciding which treatment center is right for you or your loved one. While many treatment centers provide excellent care for patients diagnosed with cancer, you will want a center that has experience treating brain tumors. Important questions to ask include:

  • How many brain tumor patients does the treatment center diagnose and treat per year?
  • How many tumors has your doctor treated and what are your doctor’s credentials?
  • Does the treatment center have a specialized neurology department including neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, rehabilitation therapists, as well as other specialists?
  • Does the treatment center have a brain tumor board (a board of specialists who regularly meet to discuss patients, their treatment and their overall health)?
  • Does the treatment center have the appropriate technology to provide optimal care including imaging equipment?
  • Does the treatment center participate in clinical trials? Clinical trials are research studies that provide new treatments to patients through medications or other therapies. These studies answer important medical questions related to cancer treatments and also may provide important health benefits to patients participating in the trial.

  Rehabilitation services are also an important part of treatment for patients diagnosed with brain tumors. Patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in speech, memory or motor skills as a result of the tumor. Rehabilitation therapy can help tremendously with these side effects. Rehabilitation specialists include speech therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. Questions to ask the treatment center include:

  • What rehabilitation services are provided?
  • If services are not provided at the treatment center, what referrals does the center provide?

  Comprehensive care is an important factor when choosing a treatment center, as a brain tumor diagnosis can affect many aspects of a patient’s life. The idea behind comprehensive care is that all of the patient’s needs are treated, which can include financial, medical, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. You may want to ask:

  • Aside from medical treatment, what other comprehensive services does the treatment center provide?
  • Does the treatment center provide support services to both patients and caregivers including counseling, support groups and spiritual support?
  • Are workshops, literature related to care or other learning possibilities available at the treatment center?
  • Is financial support or referrals for financial assistance available?

  For further information on finding a treatment center please contact the following organizations:

  • National Cancer Institute (NCI) offers a database of NCI-designated cancer treatment centers organized by state.
  • National Brain Tumor Society maintains a comprehensive website dedicated to helping patients and families diagnosed with brain tumors.

  And finally, these CancerCare publications might be helpful:

  • Communicating With Your Health Care Team
  • Treatment Update on Glioblastoma

  Answered by
  Sarah Kelly, MSW, LCSW-R

  ∞ Direct link to this question

  Tags:

  brain cancerglioblastoma
• Q.

  My husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor earlier this year, and I've noticed a change in his behavior. He can be short-tempered with me and not very nice to our children. I know he is under a lot of stress (he is trying to continue to work while receiving treatment), but I'm worried things will get worse. Is there any connection between his cancer and/or treatment and his behavior?

  A.

  When a person is diagnosed with a brain tumor, changes in behavior and thinking occur in most patients at some point during their treatment. Changes in behavior may include mild memory loss, mood swings, or intense emotional outbursts. Tumor location, medications (such as chemotherapy and steroids), and stressful life situations can influence behavior. The first step is for you and your husband to discuss these changes. Have you let him know that you feel his behavior has changed? He may or may not be fully aware of these changes.

  The second step is to share any changes in personality or behavior with his doctor to rule out a medical cause and make any adjustment to medications if that is needed. The change in his personality may also be due to the stress he is under and a sign that he is struggling emotionally with his diagnosis. A brain tumor diagnosis can bring up many feelings, including anxiety, anger, or sadness. As your husband’s primary caregiver, those feelings may be directed towards you since you are the one he is closest to and trusts. Letting him know how his behavior is affecting you and the family and seeking support can be incredibly helpful. If you are having trouble communicating, couples counseling may help. It may also be helpful for you as his caregiver to have added support at this time. Seeking counseling, joining a support group, talking to a trusted friend or family member, or even writing in a journal can help.

  CancerCare provides support services for both patients and caregivers. You can also view all of our brain tumor support services, including an online brain tumor caregiver support group.

  Finally, here are some publications that may also be helpful as you care for your husband:

  • Caregiving for Your Loved One With Cancer
  • Caring Advice for Caregivers: How Can You Help Yourself?
  • Coping with the Stress of Caregiving

  Answered by
  Sarah Kelly, MSW, LCSW-R

  ∞ Direct link to this question

  Tags:

  brain cancer
• Q.

  My cousin found out that his 4-year-old daughter has brain cancer and it could be terminal. What can I do or say to help him (and his family) through this difficult time?

  A.

  It can be hard to know what exactly to say or do when a loved one is facing cancer, especially when you are supporting both the parents and a child through a difficult time.

  What can I say? Parenting a child with a serious illness can be a painful and isolating experience, so being available to listen, talk, and giving your cousin the opportunity to discuss his feelings and fears, if he wants to, can be helpful. Giving him time to talk about everyday things can be just as helpful too. Your cousin will probably best know the emotional and developmental needs of his daughter, so it’s okay to ask him how best to support her through this. CancerCare’s fact sheet “What Can I Say to a Newly Diagnosed Loved One?” offers additional tips for being supportive to a loved one facing cancer.

  What can I do? Ask your cousin what would be most helpful to him during this time. If the family has many practical caregiving needs, they may appreciate help from family and friends. My Cancer Circle™ is an online resource where you can create a community for your cousin’s family and organize support.

  Care for yourself. While your cousin is facing difficult times, it is important that you recognize how an illness in the family may be affecting you too. Make sure that you take time to care for yourself, so you can be a stronger source of support for the family.

  Get informed. For more information on brain tumors and what to expect during treatment, both the American Brain Tumor Association and National Brain Tumor Society offer invaluable information. The National Children’s Cancer Society is also a good resource for children facing cancer and their families.

  Answered by
  Emma Alexander, MSW, LCSW

  ∞ Direct link to this question

  Tags:

  brain cancercaregiving
• Q.

  My mother has cancer in the brain, and she is acting like a completely different person, not her normal friendly loving self. During the holidays, how can I cope with basically sitting at the dinner table with my mom not being herself?

  A.

  Caring for family is a natural part of our life journey, and the care that we give, even when challenging, offers us a way to bond with loved ones. It may help to have people with you who can support and comfort you as you look after your mother. Having a friend at hand who is there for you could help alleviate your feelings of stress. Ask other relatives or friends of your mother to spend time with her, so that you do not bear all the weight of her needs. It may be helpful to focus on what there is to be grateful for, such as your mother’s presence, having friends and other family, and that you are together and safe. You may not be able to change your mother’s behavior, but you can schedule time for yourself to do things that will bring you joy.

  During holiday time most of us would like to experience the same comforting things that we have had in years past, so it stands to reason that it would be difficult to cope with changes you are seeing in your mother. It would be helpful to know whether the changes in her behavior are the result of a physical change to her brain or are the consequences of fear and anxiety about her diagnosis.

  • A person diagnosed with a brain tumor may exhibit changes in behavior and thinking that may include mild memory loss, mood swings, or intense emotional outbursts. Where the tumor is located, the type of medication (such as chemotherapy and steroids), and the amount of stress that a person is feeling could cause these types of changes.
  • Talking with your mother, asking her what she is thinking and feeling, is an important first step. Is she aware that her behavior has changed?
  • Then, discuss changes in personality or behavior with her doctor to rule out a medical cause and make any adjustment to medications if that is needed. The change in her personality may be a sign that she is struggling emotionally with her diagnosis. A brain tumor diagnosis can bring up many feelings, including anxiety, anger, or sadness. Since you are a person who your mother is close to and who she feels safe with, those feelings may be directed towards you. Letting her know how her behavior is affecting you and seeking support can be very helpful.

  Answered by
  Andrew Chesler, MSW, LMSW

  ∞ Direct link to this question

  Tags:

  brain cancerholidays
• Q.

  I'm looking for resources for a family member who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. I'm not sure what they might need, but thought I could send along a list and let them decide what could help.

  A.

  I’m sorry to hear that your family was recently confronted with a diagnosis of a brain tumor. I have put together a comprehensive list of brain tumor resources that will be helpful in addressing their needs and guiding your loved one to other resources.

  I’ll begin by highlighting the services of CancerCare (800-813-4673). Our masters degreed oncology social workers help patients and caregivers deal with any cancer diagnosis. The services are free and can include: limited financial assistance; individual, online, and telephone counseling for patients and caregivers; support groups; educational workshops and publications; and referrals. The challenges of cancer are daunting and for many it is helpful to start the process with our social workers who can help you develop a plan.

  Here are specific resources that may offer additional help:

  • American Brain Tumor Association, 800-886-2282
    Goal is to eliminate brain tumors through research and to meet the needs of brain tumor patients and their family.
  • National Brain Tumor Society, 800-934-2873
    Dedicated to promoting a cure for brain tumors, improving the quality of life, and giving hope to the brain tumor community by funding research and providing patient resources, information and education.
  • The Elliott Foundation, 800-574-5703
    Provides patients with access to advanced treatment options, specialists & comprehensive support programs, as well as support & guidance concerning the needs of patients and their caregivers.
  • The Musella Foundation For Brain Tumor Research & Information, Inc.
    Helps brain tumor patients through emotional and financial support, education, advocacy and raising money for brain tumor research.
  • Brain Tumor Foundation, 212-265-2401
    Guides and supports patients, families and caregivers touched by a brain tumor. BTF also raises awareness about the need for the early detection of brain tumors.

  Children-specific resources:

  • Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, 866-228-4673
    Serves children and families nationwide affected by both benign and malignant brain and spinal cord tumors. Provides information and support delivered online and via a toll-free line by licensed pediatric oncology social workers. Offers a Parent-2-Parent Network and provides recreational activities for families.
  • Mission4Maureen, 440-840-6497
    Provides financial assistance to children under 17 years old who are burdened by the cost of brain cancer treatment. Assistance may come in the form of rent or mortgage payments, help with the electric or gas bill, or gift cards to a local supermarket to help with the cost of food and medicines.
  • Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 800-253-6530
    Programs include free educational information about brain tumors and a college scholarship program to ease the financial hardships of a childhood brain tumor diagnosis and help survivors reach career goals.
  • The Friends4Michael Foundation, 815-401-8689
    Provides assistance, including financial, to families across the country whose children are fighting a brain tumor.
  • National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS), 314-241-1600
    Provides emotional, financial and educational support to children with cancer, their families and survivors.

  Answered by
  Richard Dickens, MS, FAOSW, LCSW-R

  ∞ Direct link to this question

  Tags:

  brain cancer
• Q.

  I'm trying to compile resources for a close friend whose husband was diagnosed recently with glioblastoma. Could you share what you think are resources that could be helpful for her? Any places that could help with financial or help support them?

  A.

  First of all, I am so sorry to hear about your loved one’s recent brain cancer diagnosis. CancerCare offers online support groups for both patients and caregivers, which he/she may find helpful. If she is in the New York/New Jersey area, he/she may sign up for individual counseling to cope with being impacted by a brain cancer diagnosis. I would encourage your friend to call the CancerCare Hopeline (800-813-4673) to get connected to possible financial resources that could be of support. They may also search our Online Helping Hand Database for practical resources.

  Another organization he/she might find helpful is the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA). They have a peer matching program where he/she can be connected to another caregiver and get support one on one that way.

  Answered by
  Paige Soleimani, MSW, LMSW

  ∞ Direct link to this question

  Tags:

  brain cancerglioblastoma

From Our Blog

• Caring for a Loved One With Brain Cancer
• Top News and Trends in Cancer Research from ASCO 2015
• CancerCare Publishes New Guide to the Latest Treatment and Research Updates
• Xiomara and Jaeden's Story of Help and Hope

Featured Resource

Magnolia Meals at Home

A meal delivery program that helps patients by providing nourishing meals to households affected by cancer. Is currently available in and around Woodcliff Lake, NJ and Andover, MA, Raleigh-Durham, NC and New Haven, CT (as well areas in New York, New Hampshire and Boston, MA). For more information please visit magnoliamealsathome.com or contact Kathy Nugent, LCSW at 800-813-4673, ext. 6809.