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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
The cause of most primary brain tumours is unknown, research into this is ongoing. Brain tumours, like other tumours, are not infectious and can't be passed on to other people. They are slightly more common in men than in women.
Although brain tumours can develop at any age, as with a lot of tumours, people are more likely to get them as they get older. Some types of brain tumour, however, are more common in younger adults. Children can also develop brain tumours. We have separate information about brain tumours in children|.
Brain tumours are not caused by an inherited faulty gene that can be passed on to other family members.
A small number of brain tumours occur in people who have certain genetic conditions, such as neurofibromatosis type 1 and type 2, tuberous sclerosis, or the following syndromes:
For more information about these conditions you can contact our cancer support specialists.
People who've been exposed to radiation to their head, such as children who had radiotherapy| to the head for leukaemia, are at a slightly higher risk of developing a brain tumour than others.
Other factors, such as mobile phones, power lines and certain viruses, have been suggested as possible causes of brain tumours. A lot of research has looked into these possible causes, especially mobile phones. However from the evidence to date we still can't say for sure that they cause or increase the risk of developing a brain tumour.
The cause of a secondary brain tumour| is always a primary cancer somewhere else in the body.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.