Skip to main content

Causes of a malignant brain tumour (brain cancer)

Who is more likely to get a malignant brain tumour (brain cancer)

It's not always clear what causes a malignant brain tumour (brain cancer).

Anyone can get it, but you may be more at risk if you:

  • are over 85 years old
  • are very overweight or living with obesity
  • have a close relative who has had a brain tumour
  • have a genetic condition that increases the risk of brain tumours, such as neurofibromatosis type 1, neurofibromatosis type 2 or tuberous sclerosis

Many cancers are also linked to lifestyle.

How to lower your risk of a malignant brain tumour (brain cancer)

You cannot always prevent a malignant brain tumour (brain cancer), but there are things you can do to lower your chance of getting it.

Do

Information:

It's important to get any symptoms of a malignant brain tumour checked by a GP.

Page last reviewed: 9 April 2025
Next review due: 9 April 2028