Incidence of glioma in a northwestern region of England, 2006-2010

Primary brain cancer and other tumors of the central nervous system are relatively rare but are important because of their poor prognosis. For example, in the United Kingdom (UK), the overall annual incidence is about 7 per 100 000 people. They account for 2% of all cancers diagnosed, but the 5-year survival rates are the fourth lowest of the 21 most common cancers in England.1 Moreover, brain tumors affect a disproportionately high number of people of working age (less than aged 65 years)2 and are the third most common cause of cancer death in the age group 15–34 years. The majority (86%) of brain tumors are gliomas,3,4 and these have a poor prognosis with median survival of around 12 months and