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. 2019 Nov 1;21(Suppl 5):v1–v100. doi: 10.1093/neuonc/noz150

CBTRUS Statistical Report: Primary Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors Diagnosed in the United States in 2012–2016

Quinn T Ostrom 1,2, Gino Cioffi 1,3,4,5, Haley Gittleman 1,3,4, Nirav Patil 1,3,4, Kristin Waite 1,3,4,5, Carol Kruchko 1, Jill S Barnholtz-Sloan 1,3,4,5,
PMCID: PMC6823730  PMID: 31675094

Abstract

The Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Cancer Institute, is the largest population-based registry focused exclusively on primary brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors in the United States (US) and represents the entire US population. This report contains the most up-to-date population-based data on primary brain tumors available and supersedes all previous reports in terms of completeness and accuracy. All rates are age-adjusted using the 2000 US standard population and presented per 100,000 population. The average annual age-adjusted incidence rate (AAAIR) of all malignant and non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors was 23.41 (Malignant AAAIR = 7.08, non-Malignant AAAIR = 16.33). This rate was higher in females compared to males (25.84 versus 20.82), Whites compared to Blacks (23.50 versus 23.34), and non-Hispanics compared to Hispanics (23.84 versus 21.28). The most commonly occurring malignant brain and other CNS tumor was glioblastoma (14.6% of all tumors), and the most common non-malignant tumor was meningioma (37.6% of all tumors). Glioblastoma was more common in males, and meningioma was more common in females. In children and adolescents (age 0–19 years), the incidence rate of all primary brain and other CNS tumors was 6.06. An estimated 86,010 new cases of malignant and non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors are expected to be diagnosed in the US in 2019 (25,510 malignant and 60,490 non-malignant). There were 79,718 deaths attributed to malignant brain and other CNS tumors between 2012 and 2016. This represents an average annual mortality rate of 4.42. The five-year relative survival rate following diagnosis of a malignant brain and other CNS tumor was 35.8%, and the five-year relative survival rate following diagnosis of a non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors was 91.5%.

Executive Summary

The Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Cancer Institute (NCI), is the largest population-based registry focused exclusively on primary brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors in the United States (US) and represents the entire US population. The CBTRUS Statistical Report: Primary Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors Diagnosed in the United States in 2012–2016 contains the most up-to-date population-based data on primary brain tumors available through the surveillance system in the US and supersedes all previous reports in terms of completeness and accuracy, thereby providing a current comprehensive source for the descriptive epidemiology of these tumors. All rates are age-adjusted using the 2000 US standard population and presented per 100,000 population.

Incidence

  • The average annual age-adjusted incidence rate of all malignant and non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors was 23.41 per 100,000 between 2012 and 2016. This rate was higher in females compared to males (25.84 versus 20.82 per 100,000), Whites compared to Blacks (23.50 versus 23.34 per 100,000), and non-Hispanics (of any race) compared to Hispanics (23.84 versus 21.28 per 100,000).

  • The average annual age-adjusted incidence rate of malignant brain and other CNS tumors was 7.08 per 100,000.

  • The average annual age-adjusted incidence rate of non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors was 16.33 per 100,000.

  • Approximately 30.2% of all brain and other CNS tumors were malignant and 69.8% were non-malignant, which makes non-malignant tumors more than twice as common as malignant tumors.

  • The most commonly occurring malignant brain and other CNS tumor was glioblastoma (14.6% of all tumors and 48.3% of malignant tumors), and the most common non-malignant tumor was meningioma (37.6% of all tumors and 53.3% of non-malignant tumors). Glioblastoma was more common in males, and meningioma was more common in females.

  • In children and adolescents (age 0–19 years), the incidence rate of malignant and non–malignant brain and other CNS tumors was 6.06 per 100,000 between 2012 and 2016. Incidence was higher in females compared to males (6.13 versus 5.98 per 100,000), Whites compared to Blacks (6.29 versus 4.71 per 100,000), and non-Hispanics compared to Hispanics (6.35 versus 5.14 per 100,000).

  • An estimated 86,010 new cases of malignant and non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors are expected to be diagnosed in the US in 2019. This includes an expected 25,510 malignant and 60,490 non-malignant tumors.

Mortality

  • There were 79,718 deaths attributed to malignant brain and other CNS tumors between 2012 and 2016. This represents an average annual mortality rate of 4.42 per 100,000, and an average of 15,944 deaths per year caused by malignant brain and other CNS tumors.

Survival

  • The five-year relative survival rate following diagnosis of a malignant brain and other CNS tumor was 35.8%. Five-year relative survival was lowest for glioblastoma (6.8%). Survival following diagnosis with a malignant brain and other CNS tumor was highest in persons age 0–14 years (74.7%), compared to those ages 15–39 years (71.3%) or 40+ years (21.3%).

  • The five-year relative survival rate following diagnosis of a non-malignant brain and other CNS tumor was 91.5%. Five-year relative survival was highest for nerve sheath tumors (99.3%) and lowest for primary melanocytic lesions (63.3%) and craniopharyngioma (86.1%). Survival following diagnosis with a non-malignant brain and other CNS tumor was highest in persons age 15–39 years (98.1%), compared to those ages 0–14 years (97.2%) or 40+ years (90.1%).

Introduction

The objective of the CBTRUS Statistical Report: Primary Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors Diagnosed in the United States in 2012–2016 is to provide a comprehensive summary of the current descriptive epidemiology of primary brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors in the United States (US) population. CBTRUS obtained the latest available population-based data on all newly diagnosed primary brain and CNS tumors from the CDC’s National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR), and the NCI’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program for diagnosis years 2012–2016. Incidence counts and rates of primary malignant and non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors are presented by histology, sex, age, race, and Hispanic ethnicity. Mortality rates calculated using the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) data from 2012–2016, and relative survival rates for selected malignant and non-malignant histologies calculated using NPCR data for the period 2001–2015, are also presented.

Background

CBTRUS is a unique professional research organization that focuses exclusively on providing high-quality statistical data on the population-based incidence of primary brain and other CNS tumors in the US (for more information on CBTRUS see: http://www.cbtrus.org/aboutus.html).1 CBTRUS was incorporated as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) in 1992 following a study conducted by the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) to determine the feasibility of a central registry focused on primary brain and other CNS tumors in the US.

This report represents the twenty-seventh (27 th ) anniversary of CBTRUS and the twenty-second (22 nd ) statistical report published by CBTRUS. For this eighth (8th) report published as a supplement to Neuro-Oncology, the official journal of the Society for Neuro-Oncology (http://www.soc-neuro-onc.org), CBTRUS continues its past efforts to provide the most up-to-date population-based incidence rates for all primary brain and other CNS tumors by behavior (malignant, non-malignant), histology, age, sex, race, and Hispanic ethnicity. These data have been organized by clinically relevant histology groupings and reflect the 2007 World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System.2,3 The 2007 WHO Classification has not been fully implemented into US collection practices and histologies with new codes included in 2007 are recoded to existing ICD-0-3 codes and included in cancer registration reports. These data provide important information for allocation and planning of specialty healthcare services such as clinical trials, disease prevention and control programs, and research activities. These data may also lead to clues that will stimulate research into the causes of this group of diseases, which often result in significant morbidity and mortality.

CBTRUS is currently the only population-based site-specific registry in the US that works in partnership with a public cancer surveillance organization, the CDC’s NPCR, and from which data are directly received through the NPCR Cancer Surveillance System (NPCR-CSS) Submission Specifications mechanism4 under a special agreement. Collection of central (state) cancer data was mandated in 1992 by Public Law 102–515, the Cancer Registries Amendment Act.5 This mandate was expanded to include non-malignant CNS tumors with the 2002 passage of Public Law 107–260, starting January 1, 2004.6 CBTRUS combines the NPCR data with data from the NCI’s SEER program,7 which was established for national cancer surveillance in the early 1970s. All data from NPCR and SEER originate from tumor registrars who adhere to the Uniform Data Standards (UDS) for malignant and non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors as directed by the North American Association of Cancer Registries (NAACCR) (http://www.naaccr.org). Along with the UDS, there are quality control checks and a system for rating each central cancer registry (CCR) to ensure that these data are as accurate and complete as possible. As a surveillance partner, CBTRUS reports high-quality data on a all primary brain and other CNS tumors with histological specificity useful to the communities it serves.

The CBTRUS database is comprised of the largest histology-specific aggregation of population-based data limited to the incidence of primary brain and other CNS tumors in the US, and it is likely the largest histology-specific aggregation of primary brain and other CNS tumor cases in the world. There are several other brain-specific registry systems in existence, including the Austrian Brain Tumor Registry8 and the Swedish Brain Tumor Registry,9 as well as other population-based epidemiological studies of primary brain and other CNS tumors that cover a smaller population base. Due to the demographics of the US as compared to European countries, CBTRUS includes increased numbers of cases of primary brain and other CNS tumors in non-White persons. Aggregate information on all cancers from all CCR in the US, including primary brain and other CNS tumors, is available from the United States Cancer Statistics (USCS).10

Technical Notes

Data Collection

CBTRUS does not collect data directly from patients’ medical records. Registration of individual cases (tumors) is conducted by cancer registrars at the institution where diagnosis and/or treatment occurs and is then transmitted to the CCR, which further transmits this information to NPCR. Some CCR also send their data to SEER. As noted, data for CBTRUS analyses come from the NPCR and SEER programs. By law, all primary malignant and non-malignant CNS tumors are reportable diseases and CCR play an essential role in the collection process. Tumor registrars in treatment centers collect these data and send this information to the CCR in their state where they are collated, de-identified, and sent to NPCR and SEER. Primary brain and other CNS tumors are reported using the site definition described in Public Law 107–260.6 These data are population-based and represent a comprehensive documentation of all reported cancers diagnosed within a geographic region for the years included in this report.

CBTRUS obtained incidence data from 52 CCR (47 NPCR and 5 SEER) that include cases of malignant and non-malignant (benign and uncertain behaviors) primary brain and other CNS tumors. The population-based CCR include 50 state registries, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico (Fig. 1A). Data were requested for all newly-diagnosed primary malignant and non-malignant tumors from 2012 to 2016 at any of the following International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, 3rdEdition (ICD-O-3) anatomic sites: brain, meninges, spinal cord, cranial nerves, and other parts of the central nervous system, pituitary and pineal glands, and olfactory tumors of the nasal cavity (Table 1).11

Fig. 1.

Fig. 1

Availability by Central Cancer Registry for A) SEER and NPCR Incidence Data (2000–2016) and B) NPCR Survival Data (2001–2015)

Table 1.

Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS), brain and other central nervous system tumor site groupings

Site ICD-O-3a Site Code
Cerebrum C71.0
Frontal lobe of brain C71.1
Temporal lobe of brain C71.2
Parietal lobe of brain C71.3
Occipital lobe of brain C71.4
Ventricle C71.5
Cerebellum C71.6
Brain stem C71.7
Other brain C71.8-C71.9
Overlapping lesion of brain C71.8
Brain, NOS C71.9
Spinal cord and cauda equina C72.0-C72.1
Spinal cord C72.0
Cauda equine C72.1
Cranial nerves C72.2-C72.5
Olfactory nerve C72.2
Optic nerve C72.3
Acoustic nerve C72.4
Cranial nerve, NOS C72.5
Other nervous system C72.8-C72.9
Overlapping lesion of brain and central nervous system C72.8
Nervous system, NOS C72.9
Meninges (cerebral & spinal) C70.0-C70.9
Cerebral meninges C70.0
Spinal meninges C70.1
Meninges, NOS C70.9
Pituitary and craniopharyngeal duct C75.1-C75.2
Pituitary gland C75.1
Craniopharyngeal duct C75.2
Pineal gland C75.3
Olfactory tumors of the nasal cavityb C30.0

a.International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, 3rd Edition, 2000. World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.

b.ICD-O-3 histology codes 9522–9523 only.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NOS, Not otherwise specified

NPCR provided data on 401,606 primary brain and other CNS tumors diagnosed from 2012 to 2016 (Fig. 2). An additional 17,254 primary brain and CNS tumor case records for the period were obtained from SEER. These data were combined into a single dataset of 418,860 records for quality control as part of the CBTRUS Edits program. A total of 10,727 records (2.6%) were deleted from the final analytic dataset for one or more of the following reasons (Fig. 2):

Fig. 2.

Fig. 2

Overview of CBTRUS Data Edits Workflow

  • Records with ICD-O behavior code of 2.

  • Records with invalid site/histology combination according to the CBTRUS histology grouping scheme

  • Possible duplicate records that included a less accurate reporting source than microscopic confirmation, also referred to as histologic confirmation (eg, radiographic versus microscopic confirmation), possible duplicate record for recurrent disease, or errors in time sequence of diagnosis

  • Possible duplicate records for bilateral vestibular schwannoma or meningioma that were merged to one paired-site record.

The final analytic dataset had 408,133 records, which included 405,740 records from the 50 state CCR and the District of Columbia used in the analytic dataset, and an additional 2,393 records from Puerto Rico. Records from Puerto Rico were included only in a supplementary analysis, and these cases are not included in the overall statistics presented in this report.

Age-adjusted incidence rates per 100,000 population for the entire US for selected other cancers were obtained from the United States Cancer Statistics (USCS), produced by the CDC and the NCI, for the purpose of comparison with brain and other CNS tumor incidence rates.10 This database includes both NPCR and SEER data and represents the entire US population.

As of the 2019 annual report, CBTRUS now presents survival statistics based on the NPCR’s USCS survival data ( Fig. 1B ). Survival data for malignant brain and other CNS tumors were obtained from the USCS program for 43 NPCR registries for the years 2001 to 2015, and for non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors for the years 2004 to 2015. This dataset provides population-based information for approximately 93% of the US population for the years 2001 to 2015, and is a subset of the data used for the incidence calculations presented in this report. Survival information is derived from both active and passive follow-up.

Mortality data used in this report are from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and include deaths where primary brain or other CNS tumor was listed as cause of death on the death certificate for individuals from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. These data were obtained from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS)12 (includes death certification data for 100% of the US population) for malignant brain and other CNS tumors and comparison via SEER*Stat (for malignant brain tumors and comparison cancers). NVSS data are not collected through the cancer registration system, and therefore these data are not included under cancer registration mandates. These data represent the primary cause of death listed on each individual death certificate, and as a result, deaths in persons with cancer may be recorded as non-cancer deaths.

Definitions

Measures in surveillance epidemiology

The CBTRUS Report presents the following population-based measures: incidence rates, mortality rates, and relative survival rates (for more information on definitions of terms and measures used see: http://www.cbtrus.org/glossary/glossary1.html).

Classification by behavior, histology, and WHO grade

There are over 100 histologically distinct types of primary CNS tumors, each with its own spectrum of clinical presentations, treatments, and outcomes. This report uses the most recent 2012 CBTRUS Histology Grouping (Table 2). This classification scheme utilizes ICD-O-3 codes11 and may include morphology codes that were not previously reported to CBTRUS.13 In this report, incidence rates are provided for major histology groupings and for specific histologies.

Table 2.

Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS), Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumor Histology Groupings

Histology ICD-O-3a Histology Codesb ICD-O-3a Histology and Behavior Codeb
Malignant (ICD-O-3 Behavior code /3) Non-Malignant (ICD-O-3 Behavior Codes /0 and /1)
Tumors of Neuroepithelial Tissue
Pilocytic astrocytoma* 9421, 9425c 9421/1d, 9425/3c None
Diffuse astrocytoma* 9400, 9410, 9411, 9420 9400/3, 9410/3, 9411/3, 9420/3 None
Anaplastic astrocytoma* 9401 9401/3 None
Unique astrocytoma variants* 9381, 9384, 9424 9381/3, 9424/3 9384/1
Glioblastoma* 9440, 9441, 9442/3e 9440/3, 9441/3, 9442/3 None
Oligodendroglioma* 9450 9450/3 None
Anaplastic oligodendroglioma* 9451, 9460 9451/3, 9460/3 None
Oligoastrocytic tumors* 9382 9382/3 None
Ependymal tumors* 9383, 9391, 9392, 9393, 9394 9391/3, 9392/3, 9393/3 9383/1, 9394/1
Glioma malignant, NOS* 9380, 9431c, 9432c 9380/3, 9431/1c, 9432/1c None
Choroid plexus tumors 9390 9390/3 9390/0,1
Other neuroepithelial tumors* 9363, 9423, 9430, 9444 9423/3, 9430/3 9363/0, 9444/1
Neuronal and mixed neuronal-glial tumors* 8680, 8681, 8690, 8693, 9412, 9413, 9442/1f, 9492 (excluding site C75.1), 9493, 9505, 9506, 9522, 9523 8680/3, 8693/3, 9505/3, 9522/3, 9523/3 8680/0,1, 8681/1, 8690/1, 8693/1, 9412/1, 9413/0, 9442/1, 9492/0 (excluding site C75.1), 9493/0, 9505/1, 9506/1, 9509/1,
Tumors of the pineal region 9360, 9361, 9362, 9395c 9362/3, 9395/3c 9360/1, 9361/1
Embryonal tumors 8963, 9364, 9470–9474, 9480, 9490, 9500–9502, 9508 8963/3, 9364/3, 9470/3, 9471/3, 9472/3, 9473/3, 9474/3, 9480/3, 9490/3, 9500/3, 9501/3, 9502/3, 9508/3 9490/0
Medulloblastoma 9470–9472, 9474 9470/3, 9471/3, 9472/3, 9474/3. None
Primitive neuroectodermal tumor 9508 9508/3. None
Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor 9473 9473/3 None
Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves
Nerve sheath tumors 9540, 9541, 9550, 9560, 9561, 9570, 9571 9540/3, 9560/3, 9561/3, 9571/3 9540/0,1, 9541/0, 9550/0, 9560/0, 1, 9570/0, 9571/0
Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) 9560 None 9560/0
Other tumors of cranial and spinal nerves 9562 None 9562/0
Tumors of Meninges
Meningioma 9530–9534, 9537–9539 9530/3, 9538/3, 9539/3 9530/0,1, 9531/0, 9532/0, 9533/0, 9534/0, 9537/0, 9538/1, 9539/1
Mesenchymal tumors 8324, 8800–8806, 8810, 8815, 8824, 8830, 8831, 8835, 8836, 8850–8854, 8857, 8861, 8870, 8880, 8890, 8897, 8900–8902, 8910, 8912, 8920, 8921, 8935, 8990, 9040, 9136, 9150, 9170, 9180, 9210, 9241, 9260, 9373 8800/3, 8801/3, 8802/3, 8803/3, 8804/3, 8805/3, 8806/3, 8810/3, 8815/3, 8830/3, 8850/3, 8851/3, 8852/3, 8853/3, 8854/3, 8857/3, 8890/3, 8900/3, 8901/3, 8902/3, 8910/3, 8912/3, 8920/3, 8921/3, 8990/3, 9040/3, 9150/3, 9170/3, 9180/3, 9260/3 8324/0, 8800/0, 8810/0, 8815/0, 8824/0,1, 8830/0,1, 8831/0, 8835/1, 8836/1, 8850/0,1, 8851/0, 8852/0, 8854/0, 8857/0, 8861/0, 8870/0, 8880/0, 8890/0,1, 8897/1, 8900/0, 8920/1, 8935/0,1, 8990/0,1, 9040/0, 9136/1, 9150/0,1, 9170/0, 9180/0, 9210/0, 9241/0, 9373/0
Primary melanocytic lesions 8720, 8728, 8770, 8771 8720/3, 8728/3, 8770/3, 8771/3 8728/0,1, 8770/0, 8771/0
Other neoplasms related to the meninges 9161, 9220, 9231, 9240, 9243, 9370–9372, 9535 9220/3, 9231/3, 9240/3, 9243/3, 9370/3, 9371/3, 9372/3 9161/1, 9220/0,1, 9535/0
Lymphomas and Hematopoietic Neoplasms
Lymphoma 9590, 9591, 9596, 9650–9655, 9659, 9661–9665, 9667, 9670, 9671, 9673, 9675, 9680, 9684, 9687, 9690, 9691, 9695, 9698, 9699, 9701, 9702, 9705, 9714, 9719, 9728, 9729 9590/3, 9591/3, 9596/3, 9650/3, 9651/3, 9652/3, 9653/3, 9654/3, 9655/3, 9659/3, 9661/3, 9662/3, 9663/3, 9664/3, 9665/3, 9667/3, 9670/3, 9671/3, 9673/3, 9675/3, 9680/3, 9684/3, 9687/3, 9690/3, 9691/3, 9695/3, 9698/3, 9699/3, 9701/3, 9702/3, 9705/3, 9714/3, 9719/3, 9728/3, 9729/3 None
Other hematopoietic neoplasms 9727, 9731, 9733, 9734, 9740, 9741, 9750–9758, 9760, 9766, 9823, 9826, 9827, 9832, 9837, 9860, 9861, 9866, 9930, 9970 9727/3, 9731/3, 9733/3, 9734/3, 9740/3, 9741/3, 9750/3, 9754/3, 9755/3, 9756/3, 9757/3, 9758/3, 9760/3, 9823/3, 9826/3, 9827/3, 9832/3, 9837/3, 9860/3, 9861/3, 9866/3, 9930/3 9740/1, 9751/1, 9752/1, 9753/1, 9766/1, 9970/1
Germ Cell Tumors and Cysts
Germ cell tumors, cysts, and heterotopias 8020, 8440, 9060, 9061, 9064, 9065, 9070–9072, 9080–9085, 9100, 9101 8020/3, 8440/3, 9060/3, 9061/3, 9064/3, 9065/3, 9070/3, 9071/3, 9072/3, 9080/3, 9081/3, 9082/3, 9083/3, 9084/3, 9085/3, 9100/3, 9101/3 8440/0, 9080/0,1, 9084/0
Tumors of Sellar Region
Tumors of the pituitary 8040, 8140, 8146, 8246, 8260, 8270– 8272, 8280, 8281, 8290, 8300, 8310, 8323, 9492 (Site C75.1 only), 9582 8140/3, 8246/3, 8260/3, 8270/3, 8272/3, 8280/3, 8281/3, 8290/3, 8300/3, 8310/3, 8323/3 8040/0,1, 8140/0,1, 8146/0, 8260/0, 8270/0, 8271/0, 8272/0, 8280/0, 8281/0, 8290/0, 8300/0, 8310/0, 8323/0, 9492/0 (site C75.1 only), 9582/0
Pituitary adenoma 8272 None 8272/0
Craniopharyngioma 9350, 9351, 9352 None 9350/1, 9351/1, 9352/1
Unclassified Tumors
Hemangioma 9120–9123, 9125, 9130, 9131, 9133, 9140 9120/3, 9130/3, 9133/3, 9140/3 9120/0, 9121/0, 9122/0, 9123/0, 9125/0, 9130/0,1, 9131/0, 9133/1
Neoplasm, unspecified 8000–8005, 8010, 8021 8000/3, 8001/3, 8002/3, 8003/3, 8004/3, 8005/3, 8010/3, 8021/3 8000/0,1, 8001/0,1, 8005/0, 8010/0
All other 8320, 8452, 8710, 8711, 8713, 8811, 8840, 8896, 8980, 9173, 9503, 9580 8320/3, 8710/3, 8711/3, 8811/3, 8840/3, 8896/3, 8980/3, 9503/3, 9580/3 8452/1, 8711/0, 8713/0, 8811/0, 8840/0, 9173/0, 9580/0

a.International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, 3rd Edition, 2000. World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.

b.See the CBTRUS website for additional information about the specific histology codes included in each group: http://www.cbtrus.org.

c.Histology only included starting with diagnosis year 2015.

d.While the WHO classification of CNS tumors classifies pilocytic astrocytoma as a non-malignant tumor, this histology has been historically included as a malignant histology for the purposes of mandatory reporting in US cancer registration. As a result of this, CBTRUS classifies pilocytic astrocytoma as a malignant tumor for comparability with both historical data and other reporting sources.

e.ICD-O-3histology and behavior Codes 9442/3 only.

f.ICD-O-3 histology and behavior Codes 9442/1 only.

* All or some of this histology is included in the CBTRUS definition of gliomas, including ICD-O-3 histology codes 9380–9384 and 9391–9460. All or some of the histologies listed under Glioma, NOS are 2007 WHO Classification new histologies that had not been fully implemented in collection practices during the years covered in this report but were recoded to existing ICD-O-3 histology codes. Starting January 1, 2018, these ICD-O-3 codes are fully implemented.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NOS, Not otherwise specified

Gliomas are tumors that arise from glial or precursor cells and include astrocytoma (including glioblastoma), oligodendroglioma, ependymoma, oligoastrocytoma (mixed glioma), malignant glioma, not otherwise specified (NOS), and a few rare histologies. Because there is no standard definition for glioma, CBTRUS defines glioma as ICD-O-3 histology codes 9380–9384, and 9391–9460 in accordance with the recode rules for 2007 WHO Classification of CNS tumors as starred inTable 2. It is also important to note that the statistics for lymphomas and hematopoietic neoplasms contained in this report refer only to those lymphomas and hematopoietic neoplasms that arise in the brain and other CNS ICD-O-3 topography codes.

This report also utilizes the International Classification of Childhood Cancer (ICCC) grouping system for pediatric cancers. ICCC categories for this report were generated using the SEER Site/Histology ICCC-3 Recode14 based on the ICCC, Third edition15 and 2007 WHO Classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues16 (See Supplementary Table 1 for more information on this classification scheme). The ICCC was developed in order to provide a standard classification of childhood tumors for comparing incidence and survival across regions and time periods. As shown, the Supplementary Table 10 age-group category total, age 0–19 year age-group count, and age-specific and age-adjusted rates are equivalent to those presented throughout this report, even though the histology grouping scheme differs from that used by CBTRUS.

Unlike other types of cancer, primary brain and other CNS tumors are not staged. They are classified according to the WHO 2000 Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System17 which assigns a grade (grade I through grade IV) based on predicted clinical behavior. Though the WHO classification scheme was also updated in 20072 and 201618 these updated schema will not be fully implemented by US CCR until collection year 2018 or reporting year 2021. Updates made in 2007 may affect diagnostic practices used in characterization of individual tumors included in this report, though the newest revision would not affect any cases included in this report. With the increased recognition of the value of biomarkers for specific brain tumor histologies in classification, the WHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System has included biomarkers in its 2016 revision. However, implementing the collection of these markers in cancer registration is multi-faceted and includes an ongoing educational and training component. Collection of these markers began in the US on January 1, 2018.

WHO grading assignments are recorded by cancer registrars as Collaborative Stage Site-Specific Factor 1 - WHO Grade Classification according to the American Joint Commission on Cancer’s (AJCC) Collaborative Staging (CS) schema.19 This variable has been a required component of cancer registry data collection for brain and other CNS tumors since 2004 for SEER registries, and since 2011 for NPCR registries, and completeness of this variable has improved significantly over time.20 Completeness of this variable is defined as having a value equal to WHO grade I, II, III, or IV. Cases where WHO grade is marked as not applicable or not documented are considered incomplete. It is not possible to conclusively determine WHO grade, which is based on the appearance of tumor cells, when a tumor is radiographically confirmed only. Some tumor types (including tumors of the pituitary and lymphomas) are often not assigned a WHO grade. This information may also be assigned but not included in the pathology report.

Anatomic location of tumor sites

Various terms are used to describe the regions of the brain and other CNS. The specific sites used in this report are broadly based on the categories and site codes defined in the SEER Site/Histology Validation List.21 See Table 1 for an overview of CBTRUS primary site groupings. The CBTRUS Site/Validation List can be found on the CBTRUS website (http://www.cbtrus.org).

Measurement and statistical methods

Counts, means, rates, ratios, proportions, and other relevant statistics were calculated using R 3.5 statistical software22 and/or SEER*Stat 8.3.5.23 Figures were created in R 3.5 using the following packages: rgeos, rgdal, maptools, ggplot2, and SEER2R.24–28 Tables were created in R 3.5 using the following packages: officer, flextable, magritter, and SEER2R.27,29–31 As per the NPCR and CBTRUS agreement, rates are suppressed when counts are fewer than 16 within a cell but included in totals, except when data are suppressed from only one cell to prevent identification of the number in the suppressed cell. NOTE: reported percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding.

Population data for each geographic region were obtained from the SEER program website32 for the purpose of rate calculation. All rates presented in this statistical report are age-adjusted. Crude incidence rates are calculated by dividing the total number of cases by the total population, and cannot be compared to crude rates from other populations where the age distribution is different. Age-adjustment is a technique that is used to enable comparison between groups with different age distributions, such as rates between different states. Rates that have been age-adjusted are estimates of what the crude rate would be if the age distribution was equivalent to a standard population. Average annual age-adjusted incidence rates (AAAIR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated per 100,000 population, based on one-year age groupings and standardized to the 2000 US standard population.33 The age distribution of the 2000 US standard population is shown in Supplementary Table 2. Combined populations for the regions included in this report are also shown in Supplementary Table 3, Supplementary Table 4, 5.

CBTRUS presents statistics on the pediatric and adolescent age- group 0–19 years as suggested by clinicians, for clinical relevance. However, the 0–14 year age- group is a standard age category for childhood cancer used by other cancer surveillance organizations and has been included in this report for consistency and comparison purposes. Race categories in this report are all races, White, Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native (AIAN), and Asian/Pacific Islander (API). Other race, unspecified, and unknown race are included in statistics that are not race-specific. Hispanic ethnicity was defined using the NAACCR Hispanic Identification Algorithm, version 2, data element, which utilizes a combination of cancer registry data fields (Spanish/Hispanic Origin data element, birthplace, race, and surnames) to directly and indirectly classify cases as Hispanic or non-Hispanic.34 The United States Department of Agriculture’s 2013 Rural Urban Continuum Codes (RUCCs), which classify counties by population size and proximity to a metropolitan area, were used to classify counties either as rural or urban (rural RUCC = 4–9; urban RUCC = 1–3).35

When comparing two rates to one another, it is important to consider whether they are truly different or whether the difference in the estimates may be due to random error. Two methods are used in this report for determining whether two values are ‘significantly different,’ meaning whether the evidence meets a level of strength (usually a 5% chance of error) where the difference can be assumed to not be due to random error. The first is through the use of 95% confidence interval (CI), which were calculated for all presented rates. A 95% CI is a range around an estimate, which, if sampling of the population were to be repeated, should contain the ‘true’ value for the population 95% of the time. If the CI of two estimates do not overlap, these values are considered significantly different with a less than 5% probability of happening by chance. The second method used is the calculation of p-values. A p-value is the probability of finding the observed or more extreme results by chance alone, and a P-value of <0.05 (or <5% chance of results being due to chance) is conventionally used as a cut-off for considering a value statistically significant. Therefore, a P-value <0.0001 could be interpreted as meaning the observed value (or a more extreme value) had a <0.01% chance of occurring by chance alone and the difference can be considered statistically significant at the 0.01% level.

Brain tumor definition differences

NPCR, SEER, and NAACCR report brain and other CNS tumors differently from CBTRUS. The definition of primary brain and other CNS tumors used by these organizations in their published incidence and mortality statistics includes tumors located in the following sites with their ICD-O-3 site codes in parentheses: brain, meninges, and other central nervous system tumors (C70.0–9, C71.0–9, and C72.0–9), but excludes lymphoma and leukemia histologies (9590–9989) from all brain and other CNS sites.3 In contrast, CBTRUS reports data on all tumor morphologies located within the Consensus Conference site definition including lymphoma and other hematopoietic histologies, as well as olfactory tumors of the nasal cavity [C30.0 (9522–9523)].13 Additionally, CBTRUS reports data on all primary brain and other CNS tumors irrespective of behavior, whereas many reporting organizations may only publish rates for primary malignant brain and other CNS tumors due to the original mandate that focused only on malignant tumors, sometimes using the term cancer to broadly identify these tumors in their reports. These differences in definition therefore influence the direct comparison of published rates.

In the US, cancer registries and surveillance groups only collect data on primary CNS tumors (meaning tumors that originate within the brain and spinal cord) and do not collect data on tumors that metastasize to the brain or spinal cord from other primary sites. As a result, only primary brain and other CNS tumors are included in this report.

Estimation of expected numbers of brain and other CNS tumors in 2019 and 2020

Estimated numbers of expected malignant and non-malignant primary brain and other CNS tumors were calculated for 2019 and 2020. To project estimates of newly diagnosed brain and other CNS tumors in 2019 and 2020, age-adjusted annual brain tumor incidence rates were generated for 2000–2016 for malignant tumors, and 2006–2016 for non-malignant tumors. These were generated by state, age, and histologic type. Joinpoint 4.7.0.036 was used to fit regression models to these incidence rates,37 which were used to predict numbers of cases in future years using the parameter from the selected models. Joinpoint regression allows for multiple lines to be fitted to incidence data across time, rather than assuming a consistent trend across the whole period. The points where these lines intersect are called ‘joinpoints’. The models allowed for a maximum of two joinpoints (one for non-malignant tumors), a minimum of three observations from a joinpoint to either end of the data, and a minimum of three observations between joinpoints.38 Modified Bayesian Information Criterion procedures included in Joinpoint were used to select the best fitting model. The overall totals presented are based on total malignant and non-malignant incidence, and the presented stratified rates may not add up to these totals. Estimated numbers of cases are highly dependent on input data. Different patterns of incidence within strata can significantly affect the projected estimates, especially when the number of cases within a stratum is low. For state-specific projections, a model with no joinpoints was used to generate predictions as annual variability within some states was extremely high. As a result, strata-specific estimates may not equal the total estimate presented. Caution should be used when utilizing these estimates.

Estimation of mortality rates for brain and other CNS tumors

Age-adjusted mortality rates for deaths resulting from all primary malignant brain and other CNS tumors were calculated using the mortality data available in SEER*Stat Online Database provided by NCHS from death certificates per 100,000 population.12 In addition to the total age-adjusted rate for the US, age-adjusted rates are presented by sex and state.

Estimation of survival rates

SEER*Stat 8.3.5 statistical software was used to estimate one-, two-, three-, four-, five-, and ten-year relative survival rates for primary malignant CNS tumor cases diagnosed between 2001–2015 in 43 NPCR CCRs and for primary non-malignant CNS tumor cases diagnosed between 2004–2015. This software utilizes life-table (actuarial) methods to compute survival estimates and accounts for current follow-up. Second or later primary tumors, cases diagnosed at autopsy, cases in which race or sex is coded as other or unknown, and cases known to be alive but for whom follow-up time could not be calculated, were excluded from survival data analyses.

Estimation of time trends

Joinpoint 4.7.0.036 was used to estimate incidence time trends, and generate annual percentage changes (APC) and 95% CI. The models allowed for a maximum of two joinpoints (two for non-malignant tumors), a minimum of three observations from a joinpoint to either end of the data, and a minimum of three observations between joinpoints.38 APC is the average percent change in incidence per year over the period included in the trend segment. Time trends analysis methods were used to estimate if the APC was significantly different from 0% (meaning no change in incidence from year to year). The 95% CI is a range around an estimate that, if sampling of the population were to be repeated, should contain the ‘true’ value for the population 95% of the time. If the 95% CI contains zero, one cannot be confident that the ‘true’ population APC value is significantly different from 0%. The joinpoint regression program fits a linear regression to annual incidence rates to test significance of changes overtime, with different trends lines connected at ‘joinpoints’ where there are changes in the direction of incidence trends. The best fitting model was determined through permutation tests, with a minimum of three observations required between two joinpoints, as well as a minimum of three observations required between a joinpoint and either end of the data.

Data interpretation

CBTRUS works diligently to support the broader surveillance efforts aimed at improving the collection and reporting of primary brain and other CNS tumors. CCR data provided to NPCR and SEER and, subsequently, to CBTRUS vary from year-to-year due to ongoing updates in collection and data refinement aimed to improve completeness and accuracy. Therefore, it is important to note that data from previous CBTRUS Reports cannot be compared to data in this current report, CBTRUS Statistical Report: Primary Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors Diagnosed in the United States in 2012–2016. This current report supersedes all previous reports in terms of coverage of the US population with the most up-to-date population-based information available, making these data the most accurate and timely to reference.

Several factors should be considered when interpreting the data presented in this report:

  • Incident counts of cases represent individual tumors and not persons. A single person could contribute multiple counted primary tumor cases to the data included in this report. The 405,740 tumors cases, from 50 state CCR and the District of Columbia, included in this report came from 400,337 individuals. Of these 400,337 individuals, there were 5,153 individuals (1.3%) that contributed information on multiple tumors (two or more) to this report.

  • Random fluctuations in average annual rates are common, especially for rates based on small case counts. The CBTRUS policy to suppress data presentation for cells with counts of fewer than 16 cases is consistent with the NPCR policy.

  • A 2007 policy change guiding the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) resulted in underreporting of cancer data—especially for men—to CCR. Recent investigations suggest that underreporting for VHA facilities has diminished over time, and that the Veterans Affairs Central Cancer Registry (VACCR) now captures approximately 87–90% of cases.40,41 It is important to note that improved reporting to VACCR does not necessarily mean that reporting to the state CCR has improved. The VACCR does not submit data to NPCR or SEER.

  • Delays in reporting and late ascertainment are a reality and a known issue influencing registry completeness and, consequently, rate underestimations occur, especially for the most recent years.42,43 The SEER and NPCR programs allow for reporting delay of up to 22–23 months prior to public data release, but additional cases may still be discovered after that point.44 On average across all cancer sites, the submissions for the most recent diagnosis year are approximately 4% lower than the total number of cases that will eventually be submitted. This problem may be even more likely to occur in the reporting of non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors, where reporting often comes from non-hospital-based sources, such as free standing clinics or outpatient facilities.

  • Type of diagnostic confirmation may also lead to increased reporting delay, with histologically confirmed tumors being subject to less reporting delay than radiographically confirmed tumors. In 2016, a study assessing the incidence of non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors corroborated the large variation in incidence between CCR reported in this statistical report.45 The reasons for this variation remain inconclusive but what is consistently noted is the correlation between high incidence and high proportion of non-malignant cases collected without microscopic confirmation or surgery, in other words, clinically diagnosed cases of non-malignant brain tumors. At this current time, given the variation across CCR, there is potential evidence of underreporting of non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors, the extent to which cannot be quantified.45

  • Population estimates used for denominators affect incidence rates. CBTRUS has utilized population estimates based on the 2000 US Census for calculation of incidence and mortality rates in this report, as is standard practice in US cancer registry reporting.46,47

CBTRUS editing practices are reviewed, revised, and conducted yearly. These practices are aimed at refining the data for accuracy and clinical relevance and play a role in interpreting these report data. Exclusion of site and histology combinations considered invalid by the consulting neuropathologists who revised the CBTRUS site/histology validation list in 2012 may have the impact of underestimating the incidence of primary brain and other CNS tumors. Editing changes, such as the Multiple Primary and Histology Rules issued in 2007 and revised in 2018,48,49 also incorporate updates to the cancer registration coding rules that influence case ascertainment and data collection.3

Supplemental Data

CBTRUS has made supplemental additional figures and tables available. These materials are noted in the text as Supplementary Tables and Figures.

noz150_suppl_Supplementary_Figures
noz150_suppl_Supplementary_Tables

Results

Incidence and Mortality in Comparison to Other Common Neoplasms in the US

AAAIR for all primary brain and other CNS tumors (2012–2016) and a selection of common cancers (USCS, 2012–2016) in the US are presented by age in Figure 3A: Children (Age 0–14 Years), Figure 3B: Adolescents and Young Adults (Age 15–39 Years), and Figure 3C: Older Adults (Age 40+ Years). Incidence rates stratified by sex are presented by age in Supplementary Figure 1 and Supplementary Figure 2, respectively. Please see Supplementary Table 6 for incidence rates of comparison cancers.

Fig. 3.

Fig. 3

Average Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Ratesa with 95% Confidence Intervals of All Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors in Comparison To Top Eight Highest Incidence Cancers for A) Children Age 0–14 Years, B) Adolescents and Young Adults Age 15–39 Years, and C) Older Adults Age 40+ Years, CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER 2012–2016

  • Brain and other CNS tumors (both malignant and non-malignant) were the most common cancer site in persons age 0–14 years, with AAAIR of 5.74 per 100,000 population. Brain and other CNS tumors were the most common cancer in both males and females in this age group.

  • Leukemia was the second most common neoplasm in persons age 0–14 years, with an AAAIR of 4.99 per 100,000 population. Leukemia was the second most common cancer in both males and females in this age group.

  • Brain and other CNS tumors (both malignant and non-malignant) among those age 15–39 years had an AAAIR of 11.40 per 100,000 population. These tumors were the third most common cancer overall, the second most common cancer in males in this age group, and the third most common cancer in females in this age group.

  • Testicular cancer was the most common cancer in males age 15–39 years, with an AAAIR of 10.76 per 100,000.

  • Breast cancer was the most common cancer among females age 15–39 years, with an AAAIR of 22.03 per 100,000.

  • Brain and other CNS tumors (both malignant and non-malignant) were the eighth most common cancer among persons age 40+ years with an AAAIR of 42.14 per 100,000 population. These tumors were the eighth most common cancer among males and the fifth most common cancer among females in this age group.

  • Prostate and breast cancer were the most common cancers among those age 40+ years in the US, with an AAAIR of 238.05 per 100,000 population (males only) and 271.01 per 100,000 (females only) population, respectively.10

Average annual age-adjusted mortality rates (AAAMR) for primary malignant brain and other CNS tumors (NVSS 2012–2016), a selection of common cancers, and the top three non-cancer causes of death in the US are presented by age in Figure 4A: (Age 0–14 Years), Figure 4B: (Age 15–39 Years), and Figure 4C: (Age 40+ Years). Mortality rates for males only and females only are presented by age in Supplementary Figure 3 and Supplementary Figure 4, respectively. Please see Supplementary Table 7 for mortality rates in relation to comparison cancers and other non-cancer conditions.

Fig. 4.

Fig. 4

Average Annual Age-Adjusted Mortality Ratesa with 95% Confidence Intervals of All Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors in Comparison To Top Five Causes of Cancer Death and Top Three Non-Cancer Causes of Death (COD) for A) Children Age 0–14 Years, B) Adolescents and Young Adults Age 15–39 Years, and C) Older Adults Age 40+ Years, CBTRUS Statistical Report: NVSS 2012–2016

  • Malignant brain and other CNS tumors among persons age 0–14 years had an AAAMR of 0.72 per 100,000 and were the seventh most common cause of death in this age-group, and the most common cause of cancer death.

  • Childhood brain and CNS cancer, while rare, contributes substantially to cancer-related mortality in this population, surpassing other cancers as the top reason for cancer mortality in those age 0–14 years at death. 50

  • The most common causes of death in persons age 0–14 years were conditions originating in the perinatal period (19.20 per 100,000).

  • Malignant brain and other CNS tumors among persons age 15–39 years had an AAAMR of 0.97 per 100,000 and were the twelfth most common cause of death in this age group and the second most common cause of cancer death, where their AAAMR was equal to that of leukemia. The most common cause of cancer death in this age-group was female breast cancer.

  • Accidents and adverse effects were the leading causes of death in persons age 15–39 years (36.75 per 100,000).

  • Malignant brain and other CNS tumors among persons age 40+ years had an AAAMR of 9.10 per 100,000, and were the twenty-seventh most common cause of death and the thirteenth most common cause of cancer death. The most common cause of cancer death in this age-group was lung and bronchus cancer.

  • Heart disease was the largest contributor to mortality in persons age 40+ years in the US, with an AAAMR of 383.16 per 100,000 for major cardiovascular diseases.

Distributions and Incidence by Site, Behavior, Histology, and Year

Counts and rates from the 405,740 incident brain and other CNS tumors (122,569 malignant; 283,171 non-malignant shown in Figure 5) reported to 50 state CCR and the District of Columbia during 2012–2016 by histology, behavior, and sex for all ages are presented in Table 3. Counts and rates are shown by histology and behaviors for selected histologies where there is a sufficient number of cases to calculate rates. The predominant tumor categories by behavior are presented in Supplementary Figures 5, 6.

Fig. 5.

Fig. 5

Distributiona of Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors by Behavior (Five-Year Total = 405,740; Annual Average Cases = 81,148), CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Table 3.

Five-year total, annual average totala, and average annual age-adjusted incidence ratesb with 95% confidence intervals for all brain and other central nervous system tumors by major histology grouping, histology, behavior, and sex, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Histology Total Male Female
5 year Total Annual average % of all tumors Median Age Rate 95% CI 5 year Total Annual average % Malignant % Non- Malignant Rate 95% CI 5 year Total Annual average % Malignant % Non- Malignant Rate 95% CI
Tumors of Neuroepithelial Tissue 112,280 22,456 27.7% 57.0 6.56 6.52–6.60 62,981 12,596 92.8% 7.2% 7.69 7.62–7.75 49,299 9,860 92.3% 7.7% 5.56 5.51–5.61
Pilocytic Astrocytoma 5,166 1,033 1.3% 12.0 0.35 0.34–0.36 2,686 537 100.0% 0.0% 0.36 0.34–0.37 2,480 496 100.0% 0.0% 0.34 0.33–0.36
Diffuse Astrocytoma 7,500 1,500 1.8% 47.0 0.46 0.45–0.47 4,127 825 100.0% 0.0% 0.52 0.50–0.53 3,373 675 100.0% 0.0% 0.40 0.39–0.42
Anaplastic Astrocytoma 7,015 1,403 1.7% 53.0 0.42 0.41–0.43 3,868 774 100.0% 0.0% 0.48 0.46–0.49 3,147 629 100.0% 0.0% 0.36 0.35–0.37
Unique Astrocytoma Variants 1,161 232 0.3% 23.0 0.07 0.07–0.08 628 126 68.3% 31.7% 0.08 0.08–0.09 533 107 66.8% 33.2% 0.07 0.06–0.07
 Malignant 785 157 0.2% 32.0 0.05 0.05-0.05 429 86 -- -- 0.05 0.05–0.06 356 71 -- -- 0.04 0.04–0.05
 Non-Malignant 376 75 0.1% 10.0 0.03 0.02–0.03 199 40 -- -- 0.03 0.02–0.03 177 35 -- -- 0.02 0.02–0.03
Glioblastoma 59,164 11,833 14.6% 65.0 3.22 3.19–3.24 34,149 6,830 100.0% 0.0% 4.00 3.96–4.05 25,015 5,003 100.0% 0.0% 2.54 2.51–2.57
Oligodendroglioma 3,668 734 0.9% 43.0 0.23 0.22–0.24 2,006 401 100.0% 0.0% 0.26 0.25–0.27 1,662 332 100.0% 0.0% 0.21 0.20–0.22
Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma 1,808 362 0.4% 50.0 0.11 0.10–0.11 1,000 200 100.0% 0.0% 0.12 0.12–0.13 808 162 99.9% 0.1% 0.10 0.09–0.10
Oligoastrocytic Tumors 2,103 421 0.5% 41.0 0.13 0.13–0.14 1,208 242 100.0% 0.0% 0.15 0.15–0.16 895 179 99.9% 0.1% 0.11 0.10–0.12
Ependymal Tumors 6,877 1,375 1.7% 45.0 0.43 0.41–0.44 3,913 783 55.9% 44.1% 0.49 0.47–0.50 2,964 593 61.3% 38.7% 0.37 0.35–0.38
 Malignant 4,005 801 1.0% 23.0 0.25 0.24–0.26 2,189 438 -- -- 0.28 0.26–0.29 1,816 363 -- -- 0.23 0.22–0.24
 Non-Malignant 2,872 574 0.7% 47.0 0.17 0.17–0.18 1,724 345 -- -- 0.21 0.20–0.22 1,148 230 -- -- 0.14 0.13–0.15
Glioma Malignant, NOS 7,751 1,550 1.9% 36.0 0.49 0.47–0.50 3,920 784 100.0% 0.0% 0.51 0.49–0.53 3,831 766 100.0% 0.0% 0.47 0.45–0.48
Choroid Plexus Tumors 817 163 0.2% 19.0 0.05 0.05–0.06 412 82 16.0% 84.0% 0.05 0.05–0.06 405 81 16.0% 84.0% 0.05 0.05–0.06
 Malignant 131 26 0.0% 2.0 0.01 0.01-0.01 66 13 -- -- 0.01 0.01-0.01 65 13 -- -- 0.01 0.01-0.01
 Non-Malignant 686 137 0.2% 23.5 0.04 0.04–0.05 346 69 -- -- 0.04 0.04–0.05 340 68 -- -- 0.04 0.04–0.05
Other Neuroepithelial Tumors 109 22 0.0% 30.0 0.01 0.01-0.01 40 8 47.5% 52.5% 0.01 0.00–0.01 69 14 76.8% 23.2% 0.01 0.01-0.01
 Malignant 72 14 0.0% 26.5 0.00 0.00–0.01 19 4 -- -- 0.00 0.00-0.00 53 11 -- -- 0.01 0.01-0.01
 Non-Malignant 37 7 0.0% 38.0 0.00 0.00-0.00 21 4 -- -- 0.00 0.00-0.00 16 3 -- -- 0.00 0.00-0.00
Neuronal and Mixed Neuronal Glial Tumors 4,852 970 1.2% 27.0 0.31 0.30–0.32 2,640 528 21.6% 78.4% 0.34 0.33–0.35 2,212 442 18.4% 81.6% 0.29 0.27–0.30
 Malignant 976 195 0.2% 53.0 0.06 0.05–0.06 570 114 -- -- 0.07 0.06–0.08 406 81 -- -- 0.05 0.04–0.05
 Non-Malignant 3,876 775 1.0% 22.0 0.25 0.25–0.26 2,070 414 -- -- 0.27 0.26–0.28 1,806 361 -- -- 0.24 0.23–0.25
Tumors of the Pineal Region 796 159 0.2% 34.5 0.05 0.05-0.05 340 68 67.9% 32.1% 0.04 0.04–0.05 456 91 46.9% 53.1% 0.06 0.05–0.06
Malignant 445 89 0.1% 27.0. 0.03 0.03-0.03 231 46 -- -- 0.03 0.03-0.03 214 43 -- -- 0.03 0.02–0.03
Non-Malignant 351 70 0.1% 42.0 0.02 0.02-0.02 109 22 -- -- 0.01 0.01–0.02 242 48 -- -- 0.03 0.03-0.03
Embryonal Tumors 3,493 699 0.9% 8.0 0.24 0.23–0.24 2044 409 97.8% 2.2% 0.27 0.26–0.29 1,449 290 95.7% 4.3% 0.20 0.19–0.21
Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves 35,053 7,011 8.6% 56 2.01 1.99–2.03 16,811 3,362 0.7% 99.3% 2.01 1.98–2.04 18,242 3,648 0.7% 99.3% 2.02 1.99–2.05
Nerve Sheath Tumors 35,017 7,003 8.6% 56.0 2.01 1.99–2.03 16,789 3,358 0.7% 99.3% 2.01 1.98–2.04 18,228 3,646 0.7% 99.3% 2.02 1.99–2.05
 Malignant 231 46 0.1% 53.0 0.01 0.01–0.02 112 22 -- -- 0.01 0.01–0.02 119 24 -- -- 0.01 0.01–0.02
 Non-Malignant 34,786 6,957 8.6% 56.0 1.99 1.97–2.02 16,677 3,335 -- -- 1.99 1.96–2.02 18,109 3,622 -- -- 2.00 1.97–2.03
Other Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves 36 7 0.0% 54.0 0.00 0.00-0.00 22 4 0.0% 100.0% 0.00 0.00-0.00 -- -- 0.0% 100.0% -- --
Tumors of Meninges 157,310 31,462 38.8% 65.0 8.83 8.79–8.88 43,396 8,679 2.8% 97.2% 5.37 5.32–5.42 113,914 22,783 1.2% 98.8% 11.89 11.82–11.96
Meningioma 152,756 30,551 37.6% 66.0 8.56 8.51–8.60 41,032 8,206 1.9% 98.1% 5.08 5.03–5.13 111,724 22,345 0.9% 99.1% 11.63 11.56–11.70
 Malignant 1,774 355 0.4% 65.0 0.10 0.09–0.10 772 154 -- -- 0.09 0.09–0.10 1,002 200 -- -- 0.10 0.10–0.11
 Non-Malignant 150,982 30,196 37.2% 66.0 8.46 8.42–8.50 40,260 8,052 -- -- 4.98 4.93–5.03 110,722 22,144 -- -- 11.53 11.46–11.60
Mesenchymal Tumors 1,433 287 0.4% 49.0 0.09 0.08–0.09 705 141 34.5% 65.5% 0.09 0.08–0.10 728 146 28.7% 71.3% 0.09 0.08–0.09
Primary Melanocytic Lesions 109 22 0.0% 57.0 0.01 0.01-0.01 61 12 82.0% 18.0% 0.01 0.01-0.01 48 10 58.3% 41.7% 0.01 0.00–0.01
Other Neoplasms Related to the Meninges 3,012 602 0.7% 49.0 0.18 0.17–0.19 1,598 320 8.6% 91.4% 0.20 0.19–0.21 1,414 283 8.7% 91.3% 0.17 0.16–0.18
Lymphomas and Hematopoietic Neoplasms 7,914 1,583 2.0% 66.0 0.44 0.43–0.45 4,018 804 99.9% 0.1% 0.48 0.47–0.50 3,896 779 99.8% 0.2% 0.40 0.39–0.42
Lymphoma 7,680 1,536 1.9% 66.0 0.43 0.42–0.44 3,881 776 100.0% 0.0% 0.47 0.45–0.48 3,799 760 100.0% 0.0% 0.39 0.38–0.41
Other Hematopoietic Neoplasms 234 47 0.1% 43.0 0.01 0.01–0.02 137 27 95.6% 4.4% 0.02 0.01–0.02 97 19 91.8% 8.2% 0.01 0.01-0.01
Germ Cell Tumors and Cysts 1,543 309 0.4% 16.0 0.10 0.10–0.11 1,056 211 75.8% 24.2% 0.14 0.13–0.15 487 97 48.7% 51.3% 0.07 0.06–0.07
Germ cell tumors, cysts, and heterotopias 1,543 309 0.4% 16.0 0.10 0.10–0.11 1056 211 75.8% 24.2% 0.14 0.13–0.15 487 97 48.7% 51.3% 0.07 0.06–0.07
 Malignant 1,037 207 0.3% 15.0 0.07 0.07-0.07 800 160 -- -- 0.10 0.10–0.11 237 47 -- -- 0.03 0.03–0.04
 Non-Malignant 506 101 0.1% 25.5 0.03 0.03–0.04 256 51 -- -- 0.03 0.03–0.04 250 50 -- -- 0.03 0.03–0.04
Tumors of Sellar Region 71,084 14,217 17.5% 51.0 4.27 4.24–4.31 32,262 6,452 0.3% 99.7% 3.94 3.89–3.98 38,822 7,764 0.2% 99.8% 4.69 4.65–4.74
Tumors of the Pituitary 68,020 13,604 16.8% 51.0 4.08 4.05–4.12 30,726 6,145 0.3% 99.7% 3.74 3.70–3.79 37,294 7,459 0.2% 99.8% 4.51 4.46–4.56
 Malignant 157 31 0.0% 57.0 0.01 0.01-0.01 89 18 -- -- 0.01 0.01-0.01 68 14 -- -- 0.01 0.01-0.01
 Non-Malignant 67,863 13,573 16.7% 51.0 4.07 4.04–4.11 30,637 6,127 -- -- 3.73 3.69–3.78 37,226 7,445 -- -- 4.50 4.45–4.55
Craniopharyngioma 3,064 613 0.8% 43.0 0.19 0.18–0.20 1,536 307 0.7% 99.3% 0.19 0.18–0.20 1,528 306 0.2% 99.8% 0.19 0.18–0.20
Unclassified Tumors 20,556 4,111 5.1% 63.0 1.19 1.18–1.21 9,344 1,869 34.6% 65.4% 1.19 1.17–1.22 11,212 2,242 30.8% 69.2% 1.21 1.19–1.23
Hemangioma 5,982 1,196 1.5% 50.0 0.36 0.35–0.37 2,600 520 0.3% 99.7% 0.32 0.31–0.34 3,382 676 0.3% 99.7% 0.40 0.38–0.41
Neoplasm Unspecified 14,418 2,884 3.6% 69.0 0.83 0.81–0.84 6,647 1,329 48.2% 51.8% 0.86 0.84–0.88 7,771 1,554 44.1% 55.9% 0.81 0.79–0.82
 Malignant 6,634 1,327 1.6% 76.0 0.37 0.36–0.38 3,205 641 -- -- 0.42 0.40–0.43 3,429 686 -- -- 0.34 0.32–0.35
 Non-Malignant 7,784 1,557 1.9% 63.0 0.45 0.44–0.46 3,442 688 -- -- 0.44 0.43–0.46 4,342 868 -- -- 0.47 0.45–0.48
All Other 156 31 0.0% 67.0 0.01 0.01-0.01 97 19 23.7% 76.3% 0.01 0.01–0.02 59 12 32.2% 67.8% 0.01 0.01-0.01
TOTAL c 405,740 81,148 100% 60.0 23.41 23.34–23.49 169,868 33,974 40% 60% 20.82 20.72–20.92 235,872 47,174 23.2% 76.8% 25.84 25.73–25.95
Malignant 122,569 24,514 30.2% 60.0 7.08 7.04–7.12 67,930 13,586 -- -- 8.29 8.23–8.35 54,639 10,928 -- -- 6.02 5.97–6.07
Non-Malignant 283,171 56,634 69.8% 60.0 16.33 16.27–16.39 101,938 20,388 -- -- 12.53 12.45–12.61 181,233 36,247 -- -- 19.82 19.73–19.91

a. Annual average cases are calculated by dividing the five-year total by five.

b. Rates are per 100,000 and are age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population.

c. Refers to all brain tumors including histologies not presented in this table.

-- Counts and rates are not presented when fewer than 16 cases were reported for the specific category, or where the inclusion of the count and rate would allow for back-calculation of suppressed values. The suppressed cases are included in the counts and rates for Totals.

Abbreviations : CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; SEER, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program; CI, Confidence Interval; NOS, Not otherwise specified

Incidence by year and behavior

Figure 6 presents the overall AAAIR of all primary brain and other CNS tumors by year, 2012–2016, and behavior. AAAIR for all primary brain and other CNS tumors, 2012–2016, did not differ substantially by year (both overall and by behavior). AAAIR stratified by sex are presented in Supplementary Figure 7.

Fig. 6.

Fig. 6

Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Ratesa of Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors by Year and Behavior, CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Distribution of tumors by site and histology

The distribution of all brain and other CNS tumors by site is shown in Figure 7A.

Fig. 7.

Fig. 7

Distributiona of All Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors (Five-Year Total = 405,740; Annual Average Cases = 81,148), by A) Site and B) Histology, CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

  • Overall, the most common tumor site was the meninges, representing 37.7% of all tumors.

  • Frontal (8.0%), temporal (5.9%), parietal (3.4%), and occipital lobes (0.9%) accounted for 18.2% of all tumors.

  • The cranial nerves and the spinal cord/cauda equina accounted for 10.1% of all tumors.

  • The pituitary and craniopharyngeal duct accounted for 17.8% of all tumors.

  • For malignant tumors, frontal (24.0%), temporal (17.5%), parietal (10.4%), and occipital (2.6%) accounted for 54.5% of tumors (Figure 8A).

  • For non-malignant tumors, 53.3% of all tumors occurred in the meninges (Figure 9A).

Fig. 8.

Fig. 8

Distributiona of Malignant Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors (Five-Year Total = 122,569; Annual Average Cases = 24,514), by A) Site and B) Histology, CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Fig. 9.

Fig. 9

Distributiona of Non-Malignant Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors (Five-Year Total = 283,171; Annual Average Cases = 56,634), by A) Site and B) Histology, CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Distribution of all brain and other CNS tumors by site in males only is shown in Supplementary Figure 8, and distribution of all brain and other CNS tumors by site in females only is shown in Supplementary Figure 9.

The distribution of all primary brain and other CNS tumors by histologies is shown in Figure 7B.

  • The most frequently reported histology overall was meningioma (37.6%), followed by tumors of the pituitary (16.8%) and glioblastoma (14.6%).

  • Tumors of the pituitary and nerve sheath tumors combined accounted for slightly more than one-fourth of all tumors (25.4%), the vast majority of which were non-malignant.

The distribution of malignant and non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors by histology are shown in Figure 8B and Figure 9B, respectively, as well as in Table 3.

  • The most common of all malignant CNS tumors was glioblastoma (48.3%).

  • The most common of all non-malignant tumors was meningioma (53.3%).

  • The most common non-malignant nerve sheath tumor (based on multiple sites in the brain and CNS) was vestibular schwannoma (defined by histology code 9560, also formerly called acoustic neuromas) (95.7%).

Distribution of all brain and other CNS tumors by histology in males only is shown in Supplementary Figure 10, and distribution of all brain and other CNS tumors by histology in females only is shown in Supplementary Figure 11.

Distribution of Gliomas by site and histology

The broad category glioma (ICD-O-3 histology codes 9380–9384, 9391–9460, see Table 2 and footnotes for more information) represented approximately 25.5% of all primary brain and other CNS tumors and 80.8% of malignant tumors. The distribution of gliomas by site and histology are shown in Figure 10A and Figure 10B, respectively.

Fig. 10.

Fig. 10

Distributiona of Primary Brain and Other CNS Gliomasb (Five-Year Total = 39,917; Annual Average Cases = 7,983) by A) Site and B) Histology Subtypes, CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

  • The majority of gliomas occurred in the supra-tentorium (frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes combined) (61.3%). Only a very small proportion of gliomas occurred in areas of the CNS other than the brain.

  • Glioblastoma accounted for the majority of gliomas (57.3%).

  • Astrocytic tumors (pilocytic astrocytoma, anaplastic astrocytoma, diffuse astrocytoma, glioblastoma, all other gliomas) accounted for 76.4% of all gliomas.

Incidence rates by major histology grouping, specific histologies, and behavior

Incidence rates overall by major histology grouping, specific histology, and behavior are provided in Table 3.

  • Among CBTRUS major histology groupings, AAAIR were highest for tumors of the meninges (8.83 per 100,000 population), followed by tumors of the neuroepithelial tissue (6.56 per 100,000 population), tumors of the sellar region (4.27 per 100,000 population), and tumors of the cranial and spinal nerves (2.01 per 100,000 population).

  • Among CBTRUS specific histologies, AAAIR were highest for meningiomas (8.58 per 100,000 population), tumors of the pituitary (4.08 per 100,000 population), glioblastomas (3.22 per 100,000 population), and nerve sheath tumors (2.01 per 100,000 population).

  • The majority of nerve sheath tumors are vestibular schwannoma (1.90 per 100,000, Table 4)

  • For malignant tumors, AAAIR was highest for glioblastoma (3.22 per 100,000 population), followed by glioma malignant, NOS (0.49 per 100,000), diffuse astrocytoma (0.46 per 100,000 population), and lymphoma (0.43 per 100,000 population).

  • For non-malignant tumors, AAAIR was highest for meningioma (8.6 per 100,000 population), followed by tumors of the pituitary (4.07 per 100,000 population).

Table 4.

Five-year total, annual average totala, and average annual age-adjusted incidence ratesb with 95% confidence intervals for selected non-malignant brain and other central nervous system histologies by sex, age-groups, race, and ethnicity, CBTRUS Statistical Reportt: NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Group Vestibular Schwannomac Pituitary Adenomad WHO Grade I Meningiomae WHO Grade II Meningiomaf
5-Year Total Annual Average Rate 95% CI 5-Year Total Annual Average Rate 95% CI 5-Year Total Annual Average Rate 95% CI 5-Year Total Annual Average Rate 95% CI
Male 15,868 3,174 1.89 1.86–1.92 26,537 5,307 3.23 3.19–3.27 37,301 7,460 4.63 4.58–4.67 2,959 592 0.36 0.34–0.37
Female 17,379 3,476 1.91 1.88–1.94 31,893 6,379 3.84 3.80–3.88 106,423 21,285 11.06 10.99–11.13 4,299 860 0.47 0.45–0.48
0–14 years 290 58 0.10 0.08–0.11 787 157 0.26 0.24–0.28 197 39 0.06 0.06–0.07 73 15 0.02 0.02–0.03
15–39 years 4,942 988 0.96 0.93–0.99 16,599 3,320 3.15 3.10–3.20 8315 1,663 1.67 1.64–1.71 827 165 0.16 0.15–0.17
40–64 years 18,137 3,627 3.29 3.24–3.34 25,604 5,121 4.83 4.77–4.89 57,454 11,491 10.18 10.09–10.26 3,387 677 0.61 0.59–0.63
65+ years 9,878 1,976 4.24 4.16–4.33 15,440 3,088 6.75 6.65–6.86 77,758 15,552 34.38 34.13–34.62 2,971 594 1.30 1.26–1.35
White 28,481 5,696 2.00 1.98–2.03 42,232 8,446 3.16 3.13–3.19 117,347 23,469 7.88 7.84–7.93 5,687 1,137 0.39 0.38–0.41
Black 1,900 380 0.91 0.87–0.95 11,425 2,285 5.58 5.48–5.69 17,723 3,545 9.25 9.11–9.39 1,061 212 0.53 0.50–0.57
American Indian/Alaska Native 207 41 1.02 0.88–1.17 502 100 2.54 2.32–2.79 860 172 5.18 4.81–5.56 32 6 0.19 0.13–0.28
Asian or Pacific Islander 1,860 372 1.89 1.80–1.98 3,063 613 3.14 3.03–3.26 5,946 1,189 6.72 6.54–6.89 371 74 0.39 0.35–0.43
Non-Hispanic 30,369 6,074 1.99 1.97–2.01 49,190 9,838 3.43 3.40–3.46 129,882 25,976 8.13 8.08–8.17 6,602 1,320 0.43 0.42–0.44
Hispanic 2,878 576 1.32 1.27–1.37 9,240 1,848 3.97 3.88–4.05 13,842 2,768 7.70 7.56–7.83 656 131 0.32 0.30–0.35
TOTAL 33,247 6,649 1.90 1.88–1.92 58,430 11,686 3.50 3.47–3.53 143,724 28,745 8.05 8.00–8.09 7,258 1,452 0.41 0.40–0.42

a. Annual average cases are calculated by dividing the five-year total by five.

b. Rates are per 100,000 and are age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population.

c. ICD-O-3 histology code 9560/0.

d. ICD-O-3 histology code 8272/0 and ICD-O-3 topography code C75.1.

e. ICD-O-3 histology codes 9530/0, 9531/0, 9532/0, 9533/0, 9534/0, and 9537/0.

f. ICD-O-3 histology codes 9530/1, 9531/1, 9532/1, 9533/1, 9534/1, 9537/1, 9538/1, and 9539/1.

- Counts and rates are not presented when fewer than 16 cases were reported for the specific category. The suppressed cases are included in the counts and rates for Totals.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; SEER, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program; CI, Confidence Interval; NOS, Not otherwise specified

Distributions and Incidence by Age

Incidence rates by age

The overall AAAIR for 2012–2016 for all primary brain and other CNS tumors was 23.41 per 100,000 population (Table 3). The AAAIR was 5.74 per 100,000 population for children age 0–14 years, 11.40 per 100,000 population for adolescents and young adults age 15–39 years, and 42.14 per 100,000 population for adults age 40+ years (Table 5). AAAIR of tumors by behavior and age group (age 0–19 years and 20+ years) are shown in Figure 11. AAAIR stratified by sex are presented in Supplementary Figure 12.

Table 5.

Five-year total, annual average totala, and average annual age-adjusted incidence ratesb with 95% confidence intervals of all brain and other central nervous system tumors by major histology grouping, histology, and NCI age-groups, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Histology Age at Diagnosis
Childrenc (Age 0–14 Years) AYAd (Age 15–39 Years) Adults (Age 40+ Years)
5-year Total Annual Average Rate 95% CI 5-year Total Annual Average Rate 95% CI 5-year Total Annual Average Rate 95% CI
Tumors of Neuroepithelial Tissue 12,693 2,539 4.15 4.08–4.23 18,297 3,659 3.46 3.41–3.51 81,290 16,258 10.31 10.24–10.39
Pilocytic Astrocytoma 3,118 624 1.02 0.98–1.06 1,463 293 0.27 0.26–0.28 585 117 0.08 0.07–0.09
Diffuse Astrocytoma 708 142 0.23 0.21–0.25 2,316 463 0.44 0.42–0.45 4,476 895 0.59 0.57–0.60
Anaplastic Astrocytoma 292 58 0.10 0.09–0.11 1,793 359 0.34 0.32–0.35 4,930 986 0.64 0.62–0.66
Unique Astrocytoma Variants 402 80 0.13 0.12–0.15 394 79 0.07 0.07–0.08 365 73 0.05 0.04–0.05
 Malignant 162 32 0.05 0.05–0.06 292 58 0.05 0.05–0.06 331 66 0.04 0.04–0.05
 Non-Malignant 240 48 0.08 0.07–0.09 102 20 0.02 0.02-0.02 34 7 0.00 0.00–0.01
Glioblastoma 503 101 0.17 0.15–0.18 2,713 543 0.53 0.51–0.55 55,948 11,190 6.95 6.89–7.01
Oligodendroglioma 101 20 0.03 0.03–0.04 1,429 286 0.27 0.26–0.29 2,138 428 0.30 0.28–0.31
Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma -- -- -- -- 465 93 0.09 0.08–0.10 1,332 266 0.18 0.17–0.19
Oligoastrocytic Tumors 47 9 0.02 0.01–0.02 920 184 0.17 0.16–0.19 1,136 227 0.16 0.15–0.17
Ependymal Tumors 934 187 0.31 0.29–0.33 1,932 386 0.37 0.35–0.38 4,011 802 0.53 0.52–0.55
 Malignant 822 164 0.27 0.25–0.29 1,055 211 0.20 0.19–0.21 2,128 426 0.28 0.27–0.30
 Non-Malignant 112 22 0.04 0.03–0.04 877 175 0.17 0.16–0.18 1,883 377 0.25 0.24–0.26
Glioma Malignant, NOS 2,456 491 0.80 0.77–0.84 1,599 320 0.30 0.28–0.31 3,696 739 0.48 0.47–0.50
Choroid Plexus Tumors 360 72 0.12 0.11–0.13 216 43 0.04 0.04–0.05 241 48 0.03 0.03–0.04
 Malignant 102 20 0.03 0.03–0.04 -- -- -- -- 16 3 0.00 0.00-0.00
 Non-Malignant 258 52 0.08 0.07–0.10 -- -- -- -- 225 45 0.03 0.03-0.03
Other Neuroepithelial Tumors 31 6 0.01 0.01-0.01 35 7 0.01 0.00–0.01 43 9 0.01 0.00–0.01
 Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 26 5 0.00 0.00–0.01
 Non-Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 17 3 0.00 0.00-0.00
Neuronal and Mixed Neuronal Glial Tumors 1,278 256 0.42 0.40–0.44 1,903 381 0.35 0.34–0.37 1,671 334 0.23 0.21–0.24
 Malignant 65 13 0.02 0.02–0.03 199 40 0.04 0.03–0.04 712 142 0.09 0.09–0.10
 Non-Malignant 1,213 243 0.40 0.38–0.42 1,704 341 0.32 0.30–0.33 959 192 0.13 0.12–0.14
Tumors of the Pineal Region 158 32 0.05 0.04–0.06 293 59 0.05 0.05–0.06 345 69 0.05 0.04–0.05
 Malignant 138 28 0.05 0.04–0.05 155 31 0.03 0.02–0.03 152 30 0.02 0.02-0.02
 Non-Malignant 20 4 0.01 0.00–0.01 138 28 0.03 0.02–0.03 193 39 0.03 0.02–0.03
Embryonal Tumors 2,294 459 0.75 0.72–0.78 826 165 0.15 0.14–0.16 373 75 0.05 0.05–0.06
 Medulloblastoma 1,475 295 0.48 0.46–0.51 596 119 0.11 0.10–0.12 163 33 0.02 0.02–0.03
 Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors 239 48 0.08 0.07–0.09 129 26 0.02 0.02–0.03 124 25 0.02 0.01–0.02
 Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor 365 73 0.12 0.11–0.13 23 5 0.00 0.00–0.01 -- -- -- --
 Other Embryonal Histologies e 215 43 0.07 0.06–0.08 78 16 0.01 0.01–0.02 -- -- -- --
Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves 862 172 0.28 0.26–0.30 5,325 1,065 1.03 1.01–1.06 28,866 5,773 3.68 3.64–3.72
Nerve Sheath Tumors 862 172 0.28 0.26–0.30 5,316 1,063 1.03 1.00–1.06 28,839 5,768 3.68 3.63–3.72
 Malignant -- -- -- -- 49 10 0.01 0.01-0.01 170 34 0.02 0.02–0.03
 Non-Malignant -- -- -- -- 5,267 1,053 1.02 0.99–1.05 28,669 5,734 3.65 3.61–3.70
Other Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 27 5 0.00 0.00–0.01
Tumors of Meninges 563 113 0.18 0.17–0.20 10,583 2,117 2.11 2.07–2.15 146,164 29,233 18.69 18.59–18.79
Meningioma 293 59 0.10 0.09–0.11 9,260 1,852 1.86 1.82–1.90 143,203 28,641 18.30 18.21–18.40
 Malignant 23 5 0.01 0.00–0.01 118 24 0.02 0.02–0.03 1,633 327 0.21 0.20–0.22
 Non-Malignant 270 54 0.09 0.08–0.10 9,142 1,828 1.84 1.80–1.87 141,570 28,314 18.10 18.00–18.19
Mesenchymal Tumors 203 41 0.07 0.06–0.08 342 68 0.06 0.06–0.07 888 178 0.12 0.11–0.12
Primary Melanocytic Lesions -- -- -- -- 16 3 0.00 0.00-0.00 85 17 0.01 0.01-0.01
Other Neoplasms Related to the Meninges -- -- -- -- 965 193 0.18 0.17–0.19 1,988 398 0.26 0.25–0.27
Lymphomas and Hematopoietic Neoplasms 82 16 0.03 0.02–0.03 561 112 0.11 0.10–0.12 7,271 1,454 0.92 0.90–0.95
Lymphoma 30 6 0.01 0.01-0.01 502 100 0.10 0.09–0.11 7,148 1,430 0.91 0.89–0.93
Other Hematopoietic Neoplasms 52 10 0.02 0.01–0.02 59 12 0.01 0.01-0.01 123 25 0.02 0.01–0.02
Germ Cell Tumors and Cysts 666 133 0.22 0.20–0.24 682 136 0.12 0.12–0.13 195 39 0.03 0.02–0.03
Germ cell tumors, cysts, and heterotopias 666 133 0.22 0.20–0.24 682 136 0.12 0.12–0.13 195 39 0.03 0.02–0.03
 Malignant 479 96 0.16 0.14–0.17 530 106 0.10 0.09–0.10 28 6 0.00 0.00–0.01
 Non-Malignant 187 37 0.06 0.05–0.07 152 30 0.03 0.02–0.03 167 33 0.02 0.02–0.03
Tumors of Sellar Region 1,646 329 0.54 0.52–0.57 20,816 4,163 3.95 3.90–4.00 48,622 9,724 6.40 6.34–6.46
Tumors of the Pituitary 958 192 0.32 0.30–0.34 20,115 4,023 3.82 3.76–3.87 46,947 9,389 6.18 6.13–6.24
 Malignant -- -- -- -- 26 5 0.01 0.00–0.01 131 26 0.02 0.01–0.02
 Non-Malignant -- -- -- -- 20,089 4018 3.81 3.76–3.87 46,816 9,363 6.17 6.11–6.22
Craniopharyngioma 688 138 0.23 0.21–0.24 701 140 0.13 0.12–0.14 1,675 335 0.22 0.21–0.23
Unclassified Tumors 1,028 206 0.34 0.32–0.36 3,251 650 0.62 0.60–0.64 16,277 3,255 2.10 2.07–2.13
Hemangioma 375 75 0.12 0.11–0.14 1,605 321 0.31 0.29–0.32 4,002 800 0.52 0.51–0.54
Neoplasm Unspecified 623 125 0.20 0.19–0.22 1,632 326 0.31 0.29–0.33 12,163 2,433 1.56 1.53–1.59
 Malignant 174 35 0.06 0.05–0.07 373 75 0.07 0.06–0.08 6,087 1,217 0.77 0.75–0.79
 Non-Malignant 449 90 0.15 0.13–0.16 1,259 252 0.24 0.23–0.25 6,076 1,215 0.79 0.77–0.81
All Other 30 6 0.01 0.01-0.01 -- -- -- -- 112 22 0.01 0.01–0.02
TOTAL f 17,540 3,508 5.74 5.66–5.83 59,515 11,903 11.40 11.31–11.49 328,685 65,737 42.14 41.99–42.28
Malignant 11,697 2,339 3.83 3.76–3.90 17,066 3,413 3.23 3.18–3.28 93,806 18,761 11.88 11.80–11.96
Non-Malignant 5,843 1,169 1.92 1.87–1.97 42,449 8,490 8.17 8.09–8.25 234,879 46,976 30.26 30.13–30.38

a. Annual average cases are calculated by dividing the five-year total by five.

b. Rates are per 100,000 and are age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population.

c. Children as defined by the National Cancer Institute, see: https://www.cancer.gov/research/areas/childhood.

d. Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA), as defined by the National Cancer Institute, see: https://www.cancer.gov/types/aya.

e. ICD-O-3 histology and behavior codes: 8963/3, 9364/3, 9480/3, 9490/0, 9490/3, 9500/3, 9501/3, and 9502/3.

f. Refers to all brain tumors including histologies not presented in this table.

-- Counts and rates are not presented when fewer than 16 cases were reported for the specific category, or where the inclusion of the count and rate would allow for back-calculation of suppressed values. The suppressed cases are included in the counts and rates for Totals.

Abbreviations: AYA, Adolescents and young adults; CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; SEER, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program; CI, Confidence Interval; NOS, Not otherwise specified

Fig. 11.

Fig. 11

Average Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Ratesa of All Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors by Age and Behavior, CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Incidence rates by age and histology

AAAIR by age and histology at diagnosis are presented in Tables 5–7, as well as in Figure 12A (Age 20+ Years), and Figure 12B (Age 0–19 Years).

Table 6.

Five-year total, annual average totala, and average annual age-adjusted incidence ratesb with 95% confidence intervals for children and adolescents (age 0–19 years), brain and other central nervous system tumors by major histology grouping, histology, and age at diagnosis, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Histology Age at Diagnosis
0–19 Years 0–4 Years 5–9 Years 10–14 Years 15–19 Years
5-Year Total Annual Average Rate 95% CI 5-Year Total Annual Average Rate 95% CI 5-Year Total Annual Average Rate 95% CI 5-Year Total Annual Average Rate 95% CI 5-Year Total Annual Average Rate 95% CI
Tumors of Neuroepithelial Tissue 15,778 3,156 3.84 3.78–3.90 4,972 994 4.99 4.86–5.14 4072 814 3.97 3.85–4.10 3,649 730 3.53 3.42–3.65 3,085 617 2.91 2.81–3.02
Pilocytic Astrocytoma 3,730 746 0.91 0.88–0.94 1143 229 1.15 1.08–1.22 1068 214 1.04 0.98–1.11 907 181 0.88 0.82–0.94 612 122 0.58 0.53–0.63
Diffuse Astrocytoma 968 194 0.24 0.22–0.25 272 54 0.27 0.24–0.31 197 39 0.19 0.17–0.22 239 48 0.23 0.20–0.26 260 52 0.25 0.22–0.28
Anaplastic Astrocytoma 406 81 0.10 0.09–0.11 69 14 0.07 0.05–0.09 116 23 0.11 0.09–0.14 107 21 0.10 0.08–0.13 114 23 0.11 0.09–0.13
Unique Astrocytoma Variants 519 104 0.13 0.12–0.14 112 22 0.11 0.09–0.14 139 28 0.14 0.11–0.16 151 30 0.15 0.12–0.17 117 23 0.11 0.09–0.13
 Malignant 243 49 0.06 0.05–0.07 18 4 0.02 0.01–0.03 57 11 0.06 0.04–0.07 87 17 0.08 0.07–0.10 81 16 0.08 0.06–0.10
 Non-Malignant 276 55 0.07 0.06–0.08 94 19 0.09 0.08–0.12 82 16 0.08 0.06–0.10 64 13 0.06 0.05–0.08 36 7 0.03 0.02–0.05
Glioblastoma 744 149 0.18 0.17–0.19 124 25 0.12 0.10–0.15 175 35 0.17 0.15–0.20 204 41 0.20 0.17–0.23 241 48 0.23 0.20–0.26
Oligodendroglioma 195 39 0.05 0.04–0.05 20 4 0.02 0.01–0.03 34 7 0.03 0.02–0.05 47 9 0.05 0.03–0.06 94 19 0.09 0.07–0.11
Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma 27 5 0.01 0.00–0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 16 3 0.02 0.01–0.02
Oligoastrocytic Tumors 84 17 0.02 0.02–0.03 -- -- -- -- 18 4 0.02 0.01–0.03 17 3 0.02 0.01–0.03 37 7 0.03 0.02–0.05
Ependymal Tumors 1,173 235 0.29 0.27–0.30 435 87 0.44 0.40–0.48 242 48 0.24 0.21–0.27 257 51 0.25 0.22–0.28 239 48 0.23 0.20–0.26
 Malignant 985 197 0.24 0.22–0.26 418 84 0.42 0.38–0.46 217 43 0.21 0.18–0.24 187 37 0.18 0.16–0.21 163 33 0.15 0.13–0.18
 Non-Malignant 188 38 0.05 0.04–0.05 17 3 0.02 0.01–0.03 25 5 0.02 0.02–0.04 70 14 0.07 0.05–0.09 76 15 0.07 0.06–0.09
Glioma Malignant, NOS 2,870 574 0.70 0.67–0.73 936 187 0.94 0.88–1.00 902 180 0.88 0.82–0.94 618 124 0.60 0.55–0.65 414 83 0.39 0.35–0.43
Choroid Plexus Tumors 409 82 0.10 0.09–0.11 258 52 0.26 0.23–0.29 52 10 0.05 0.04–0.07 50 10 0.05 0.04–0.06 49 10 0.05 0.03–0.06
 Malignant 105 21 0.03 0.02–0.03 85 17 0.09 0.07–0.11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant 304 61 0.07 0.07–0.08 173 35 0.17 0.15–0.20 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Other Neuroepithelial Tumors 38 8 0.01 0.01-0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Neuronal and Mixed Neuronal Glial Tumors 1,889 378 0.46 0.44–0.48 332 66 0.33 0.30–0.37 360 72 0.35 0.32–0.39 586 117 0.57 0.52–0.62 611 122 0.58 0.53–0.62
 Malignant 100 20 0.02 0.02–0.03 25 5 0.03 0.02–0.04 16 3 0.02 0.01–0.03 24 5 0.02 0.01–0.03 35 7 0.03 0.02–0.05
 Non-Malignant 1,789 358 0.43 0.41–0.46 307 61 0.31 0.27–0.35 344 69 0.34 0.30–0.37 562 112 0.54 0.50–0.59 576 115 0.54 0.50–0.59
Tumors of the Pineal Region 218 44 0.05 0.05–0.06 70 14 0.07 0.05–0.09 43 9 0.04 0.03–0.06 45 9 0.04 0.03–0.06 60 12 0.06 0.04–0.07
 Malignant 180 36 0.04 0.04–0.05 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 42 8 0.04 0.03–0.05
 Non-Malignant 38 8 0.01 0.01-0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 18 4 0.02 0.01–0.03
Embryonal Tumors 2,508 502 0.61 0.59–0.64 1,173 235 1.18 1.11–1.25 713 143 0.70 0.65–0.75 408 82 0.40 0.36–0.44 214 43 0.20 0.18–0.23
 Medulloblastoma 1,632 326 0.40 0.38–0.42 535 107 0.54 0.49–0.58 603 121 0.59 0.54–0.64 337 67 0.33 0.29–0.36 157 31 0.15 0.13–0.17
 Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors 270 54 0.07 0.06–0.07 145 29 0.15 0.12–0.17 55 11 0.05 0.04–0.07 39 8 0.04 0.03–0.05 31 6 0.03 0.02–0.04
 Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor 370 74 0.09 0.08–0.10 322 64 0.32 0.29–0.36 30 6 0.03 0.02–0.04 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Other Embryonal Histologies c 236 47 0.06 0.05–0.07 171 34 0.17 0.15–0.20 25 5 0.02 0.02–0.04 19 4 0.02 0.01–0.03 21 4 0.02 0.01–0.03
Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves 1,336 267 0.32 0.31–0.34 303 61 0.30 0.27–0.34 252 50 0.25 0.22–0.28 307 61 0.30 0.27–0.33 474 95 0.45 0.41–0.49
Nerve Sheath Tumors 1,333 267 0.32 0.31–0.34 303 61 0.30 0.27–0.34 252 50 0.25 0.22–0.28 307 61 0.30 0.27–0.33 471 94 0.44 0.41–0.49
 Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Other Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Tumors of Meninges 1,132 226 0.27 0.26–0.29 185 37 0.19 0.16–0.22 133 27 0.13 0.11–0.15 245 49 0.24 0.21–0.27 569 114 0.54 0.49–0.58
Meningioma 653 131 0.16 0.15–0.17 73 15 0.07 0.06–0.09 73 15 0.07 0.06–0.09 147 29 0.14 0.12–0.17 360 72 0.34 0.31–0.38
 Malignant 37 7 0.01 0.01-0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant 616 123 0.15 0.14–0.16 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Mesenchymal Tumors 254 51 0.06 0.05–0.07 105 21 0.11 0.09–0.13 50 10 0.05 0.04–0.06 48 10 0.05 0.03–0.06 51 10 0.05 0.04–0.06
Primary Melanocytic Lesions -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Other Neoplasms Related to the Meninges -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Lymphomas and Hematopoietic Neoplasms 131 26 0.03 0.03–0.04 -- -- -- -- 37 7 0.04 0.03–0.05 30 6 0.03 0.02–0.04 49 10 0.05 0.03–0.06
Lymphoma 64 13 0.02 0.01–0.02 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 34 7 0.03 0.02–0.04
Other Hematopoietic Neoplasms 67 13 0.02 0.01–0.02 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Germ Cell Tumors and Cysts 951 190 0.23 0.22–0.25 186 37 0.19 0.16–0.22 153 31 0.15 0.13–0.17 327 65 0.32 0.28–0.35 285 57 0.27 0.24–0.30
Germ cell tumors, cysts, and heterotopias 951 190 0.23 0.22–0.25 186 37 0.19 0.16–0.22 153 31 0.15 0.13–0.17 327 65 0.32 0.28–0.35 285 57 0.27 0.24–0.30
 Malignant 733 147 0.18 0.17–0.19 77 15 0.08 0.06–0.10 110 22 0.11 0.09–0.13 292 58 0.28 0.25–0.32 254 51 0.24 0.21–0.27
 Non-Malignant 218 44 0.05 0.05–0.06 109 22 0.11 0.09–0.13 43 9 0.04 0.03–0.06 35 7 0.03 0.02–0.05 31 6 0.03 0.02–0.04
Tumors of Sellar Region 4,080 816 0.98 0.95–1.01 179 36 0.18 0.15–0.21 583 117 0.57 0.52–0.62 884 177 0.86 0.80–0.91 2,434 487 2.30 2.21–2.39
Tumors of the Pituitary 3,232 646 0.78 0.75–0.80 40 8 0.04 0.03–0.05 272 54 0.27 0.23–0.30 646 129 0.63 0.58–0.68 2,274 455 2.15 2.06–2.24
 Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant -- -- -- --- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Craniopharyngioma 848 170 0.21 0.19–0.22 139 28 0.14 0.12–0.16 311 62 0.30 0.27–0.34 238 48 0.23 0.20–0.26 160 32 0.15 0.13–0.18
Unclassified Tumors 1,523 305 0.37 0.35–0.39 354 71 0.36 0.32–0.40 287 57 0.28 0.25–0.31 387 77 0.37 0.34–0.41 495 99 0.47 0.43–0.51
Hemangioma 601 120 0.15 0.13–0.16 139 28 0.14 0.12–0.17 95 19 0.09 0.08–0.11 141 28 0.14 0.11–0.16 226 45 0.21 0.19–0.24
Neoplasm Unspecified 886 177 0.22 0.20–0.23 199 40 0.20 0.17–0.23 187 37 0.18 0.16–0.21 237 47 0.23 0.20–0.26 263 53 0.25 0.22–0.28
 Malignant 225 45 0.05 0.05–0.06 74 15 0.07 0.06–0.09 52 10 0.05 0.04–0.07 48 10 0.05 0.03–0.06 51 10 0.05 0.04–0.06
 Non-Malignant 661 132 0.16 0.15–0.17 125 25 0.13 0.10–0.15 135 27 0.13 0.11–0.16 189 38 0.18 0.16–0.21 212 42 0.20 0.17–0.23
All Other 36 7 0.01 0.01-0.01 16 3 0.02 0.01–0.03 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
TOTAL d 24,931 4,986 6.06 5.98–6.13 6,194 1,239 6.22 6.07–6.38 5,517 1,103 5.38 5.24–5.53 5,829 1,166 5.65 5.50–5.79 7,391 1,478 6.98 6.82–7.14
Malignant 14,421 2,884 3.51 3.45–3.57 4,580 916 4.60 4.47–4.74 3,807 761 3.72 3.60–3.84 3,310 662 3.21 3.10–3.32 2,724 545 2.57 2.48–2.67
Non-Malignant 10,510 2,102 2.54 2.50–2.59 1,614 323 1.62 1.54–1.70 1,710 342 1.67 1.59–1.75 2,519 504 2.44 2.35–2.54 4,667 933 4.41 4.28–4.54

a. Annual average cases are calculated by dividing the five-year total by five.

b. Rates are per 100,000 and are age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population.

c. ICD-O-3 histology and behavior codes: 8963/3, 9364/3, 9480/3, 9490/0, 9490/3, 9500/3, 9501/3, and 9502/3.

d. Refers to all brain tumors including histologies not presented in this table.

-- Counts and rates are not presented when fewer than 16 cases were reported for the specific category, or where the inclusion of the count and rate would allow for back-calculation of suppressed values. The suppressed cases are included in the counts and rates for Totals.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; SEER, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program; CI, Confidence Interval; NOS, Not otherwise specified

Table 7.

Average annual age-specific incidence ratesa with 95% confidence intervals for all brain and other central nervous system tumors by major histology grouping, histology, and age at diagnosis, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Histology Age At Diagnosis
20–34 Years 35–44 Years 45–54 Years 55–64 Years 65–74 Years 75–84 Years 85+ Years
Rate 95% CI Rate 95% CI Rate 95% CI Rate 95% CI Rate 95% CI Rate 95% CI Rate 95% CI
Tumors of Neuroepithelial Tissue 3.34 3.28–3.40 4.44 4.35–4.54 6.67 6.56–6.78 11.32 11.17–11.47 16.88 16.65–17.10 19.34 19.01–19.67 12.21 11.82–12.60
Pilocytic Astrocytoma 0.21 0.20–0.23 0.12 0.11–0.14 0.09 0.08–0.11 0.07 0.06–0.08 0.06 0.05–0.08 0.07 0.05–0.09 -- --
Diffuse Astrocytoma 0.47 0.44–0.49 0.49 0.46–0.52 0.47 0.44–0.50 0.59 0.56–0.63 0.80 0.75–0.85 0.89 0.82–0.96 0.49 0.42–0.58
Anaplastic Astrocytoma 0.37 0.35–0.39 0.47 0.44–0.50 0.50 0.47–0.53 0.67 0.64–0.71 0.93 0.88–0.99 0.94 0.87–1.02 0.42 0.35–0.50
Unique Astrocytoma Variants 0.07 0.06–0.08 0.04 0.04–0.06 0.03 0.03–0.04 0.04 0.03–0.05 0.07 0.05–0.08 0.08 0.06–0.11 0.07 0.05–0.11
Malignant 0.05 0.04–0.06 0.04 0.03–0.05 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Non-Malignant 0.02 0.01–0.02 0.01 0.01-0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Glioblastoma 0.46 0.44–0.49 1.24 1.19–1.29 3.57 3.49–3.65 8.07 7.94–8.19 12.98 12.78–13.17 15.29 14.99–15.58 9.06 8.73–9.41
Oligodendroglioma 0.28 0.26–0.30 0.42 0.39–0.44 0.37 0.34–0.40 0.28 0.25–0.30 0.19 0.17–0.22 0.13 0.11–0.16 0.08 0.05–0.12
Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma 0.09 0.08–0.10 0.18 0.16–0.20 0.21 0.19–0.23 0.19 0.17–0.21 0.16 0.14–0.19 0.12 0.09–0.15 -- --
Oligoastrocytic Tumors 0.19 0.18–0.21 0.24 0.21–0.26 0.17 0.15–0.19 0.15 0.13–0.17 0.14 0.12–0.16 0.09 0.06–0.11 -- --
Ependymal Tumors 0.36 0.34–0.38 0.52 0.49–0.56 0.57 0.54–0.60 0.55 0.52–0.59 0.60 0.56–0.64 0.42 0.37–0.47 0.13 0.10–0.18
Malignant 0.19 0.17–0.20 0.28 0.26–0.30 0.29 0.27–0.31 0.30 0.27–0.32 0.32 0.29–0.35 0.25 0.22–0.29 0.06 0.04–0.10
Non-Malignant 0.17 0.16–0.19 0.25 0.22–0.27 0.28 0.26–0.31 0.25 0.23–0.28 0.28 0.25–0.31 0.16 0.14–0.20 0.07 0.04–0.11
Glioma Malignant, NOS 0.27 0.26–0.29 0.26 0.24–0.29 0.31 0.29–0.34 0.36 0.34–0.39 0.59 0.55–0.64 1.04 0.96–1.12 1.74 1.60–1.90
Choroid Plexus Tumors 0.04 0.03–0.04 0.04 0.03–0.05 0.03 0.02–0.04 0.03 0.02–0.04 0.04 0.03–0.05 0.03 0.02–0.05 -- --
Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Non-Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Other Neuroepithelial Tumors 0.01 0.00–0.01 0.01 0.01-0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Non-Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Neuronal and Mixed Neuronal Glial Tumors 0.31 0.29–0.33 0.26 0.24–0.28 0.24 0.22–0.26 0.22 0.20–0.24 0.23 0.20–0.25 0.18 0.15–0.21 0.08 0.06–0.12
Malignant 0.03 0.03–0.04 0.07 0.05–0.08 0.08 0.07–0.09 0.10 0.08–0.11 0.12 0.10–0.14 0.11 0.08–0.13 -- --
Non-Malignant 0.28 0.26–0.30 0.19 0.18–0.21 0.16 0.14–0.18 0.12 0.10–0.13 0.10 0.09–0.12 0.07 0.05–0.09 -- --
Tumors of the Pineal Region 0.05 0.05–0.06 0.06 0.05–0.07 0.05 0.04–0.06 0.04 0.03–0.05 0.05 0.04–0.06 0.03 0.02–0.05 -- --
Malignant 0.03 0.02–0.03 0.02 0.02–0.03 0.03 0.02–0.03 0.02 0.01–0.03 0.02 0.01–0.03 -- -- -- --
Non-Malignant 0.03 0.02–0.03 0.03 0.03–0.04 0.03 0.02–0.03 0.02 0.02–0.03 0.03 0.02–0.04 -- -- -- --
Embryonal Tumors 0.15 0.14–0.17 0.09 0.08–0.11 0.05 0.04–0.06 0.05 0.04–0.06 0.04 0.03–0.05 0.04 0.02–0.05 -- --
Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves 0.94 0.90–0.97 2.11 2.05–2.17 3.27 3.20–3.35 4.50 4.40–4.59 5.23 5.11–5.36 4.01 3.86–4.16 1.75 1.60–1.90
Nerve Sheath Tumors 0.94 0.90–0.97 2.11 2.04–2.17 3.27 3.19–3.35 4.49 4.40–4.59 5.23 5.10–5.35 4.00 3.85–4.16 1.75 1.60–1.90
Malignant 0.01 0.01-0.01 0.02 0.01–0.02 0.02 0.01–0.03 0.02 0.01–0.03 0.03 0.02–0.05 0.03 0.02–0.05 -- --
Non-Malignant 0.93 0.89–0.96 2.09 2.03–2.15 3.25 3.17–3.33 4.47 4.38–4.57 5.19 5.07–5.32 3.97 3.83–4.13 -- --
Other Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Tumors of Meninges 1.69 1.64–1.73 5.71 5.61–5.82 10.60 10.47–10.74 16.52 16.34–16.70 28.62 28.32–28.91 42.23 41.74–42.72 53.52 52.70–54.34
Meningioma 1.44 1.40–1.48 5.39 5.29–5.50 10.22 10.09–10.36 16.09 15.92–16.27 28.16 27.87–28.46 41.80 41.31–42.28 53.37 52.56–54.20
Malignant 0.02 0.01–0.02 0.05 0.04–0.06 0.11 0.09–0.12 0.20 0.18–0.22 0.35 0.32–0.38 0.45 0.40–0.50 0.57 0.49–0.66
Non-Malignant 1.42 1.38–1.46 5.34 5.24–5.45 10.12 9.98–10.25 15.89 15.72–16.07 27.81 27.52–28.10 41.35 40.87–41.83 52.81 52.00–53.62
Mesenchymal Tumors -- -- -- -- 0.12 0.11–0.14 0.12 0.11–0.14 -- -- -- -- -- --
Primary Melanocytic Lesions -- -- -- -- 0.01 0.00–0.01 0.02 0.01–0.02 -- -- -- -- -- --
Other Neoplasms Related to the Meninges 0.18 0.17–0.20 0.23 0.21–0.26 0.25 0.23–0.27 0.29 0.27–0.31 0.30 0.27–0.33 0.27 0.23–0.31 0.08 0.05–0.12
Lymphomas and Hematopoietic Neoplasms 0.10 0.09–0.11 0.23 0.21–0.25 0.40 0.38–0.43 0.87 0.83–0.91 1.81 1.73–1.88 2.41 2.30–2.53 1.18 1.06–1.31
Lymphoma 0.09 0.08–0.10 0.21 0.19–0.23 0.39 0.36–0.42 0.85 0.81–0.89 1.78 1.71–1.85 2.39 2.28–2.51 1.16 1.05–1.29
Other hematopoietic Neoplasms 0.01 0.01-0.01 0.01 0.01–0.02 0.01 0.01–0.02 0.01 0.01–0.02 0.03 0.02–0.04 -- -- -- --
Germ Cell Tumors and Cysts 0.11 0.10–0.12 0.04 0.03–0.05 0.03 0.02–0.04 0.02 0.02–0.03 0.02 0.02–0.03 -- -- -- --
Germ cell tumors, cysts, and heterotopias 0.11 0.10–0.12 0.04 0.03–0.05 0.03 0.02–0.04 0.02 0.02–0.03 0.02 0.02–0.03 -- -- -- --
Malignant 0.08 0.07–0.09 0.01 0.01-0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Non-Malignant 0.03 0.02–0.03 0.03 0.02–0.04 0.03 0.02–0.03 0.02 0.01–0.03 0.02 0.02–0.03 -- -- -- --
Tumors of Sellar Region 3.96 3.89–4.03 5.45 5.35–5.55 5.56 5.46–5.66 6.39 6.28–6.51 8.22 8.06–8.38 8.41 8.19–8.63 5.03 4.78–5.29
Tumors of the Pituitary 3.84 3.77–3.91 5.28 5.18–5.38 5.34 5.24–5.44 6.15 6.04–6.26 7.95 7.80–8.11 8.18 7.97–8.40 4.95 4.70–5.21
Malignant -- -- 0.01 0.01–0.02 0.01 0.01–0.02 0.02 0.01–0.03 0.02 0.01–0.03 -- -- -- --
Non-Malignant -- -- 5.27 5.17–5.37 5.33 5.23–5.43 6.13 6.02–6.24 7.93 7.78–8.09 -- -- -- --
Craniopharyngioma 0.12 0.11–0.13 0.17 0.15–0.18 0.22 0.20–0.24 0.24 0.22–0.26 0.27 0.24–0.30 0.22 0.19–0.26 0.08 0.05–0.12
Unclassified Tumors 0.59 0.57–0.62 0.86 0.82–0.90 1.10 1.05–1.14 1.51 1.45–1.56 2.48 2.39–2.57 4.88 4.72–5.05 10.79 10.42–11.16
Hemangioma 0.30 0.28–0.32 0.42 0.39–0.45 0.47 0.45–0.50 0.53 0.50–0.56 0.65 0.60–0.69 0.65 0.59–0.72 0.54 0.46–0.63
Neoplasm Unspecified 0.30 0.28–0.31 0.43 0.40–0.46 0.62 0.59–0.65 0.97 0.93–1.02 1.80 1.73–1.88 4.19 4.04–4.35 10.18 9.83–10.55
Malignant 0.07 0.06–0.07 0.11 0.10–0.13 0.21 0.19–0.23 0.43 0.41–0.46 0.88 0.83–0.94 2.37 2.26–2.49 5.99 5.72–6.27
Non-Malignant 0.23 0.21–0.25 0.32 0.30–0.35 0.41 0.38–0.44 0.54 0.51–0.57 0.92 0.86–0.97 1.82 1.72–1.93 4.19 3.97–4.43
All Other -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 0.03 0.02–0.04 0.04 0.02–0.05 0.07 0.04–0.10
TOTAL b 10.72 10.61–10.84 18.83 18.65–19.02 27.63 27.41–27.86 41.13 40.85–41.41 63.25 62.82–63.69 81.29 80.62–81.97 84.48 83.46–85.52
 Malignant 3.12 3.06–3.18 4.39 4.30–4.48 6.98 6.87–7.09 12.51 12.36–12.67 19.61 19.36–19.85 24.43 24.06–24.80 19.89 19.39–20.39
 Non-Malignant 7.61 7.51–7.70 14.44 14.28–14.61 20.65 20.46–20.85 28.62 28.38–28.85 43.65 43.29–44.01 56.87 56.30–57.43 64.59 63.70–65.50

a. Rates are per 100,000 and age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population.

b. Refers to all brain tumors including histologies not presented in this table.

-- Counts and rates are not presented when fewer than 16 cases were reported for the specific category, or where the inclusion of the count and rate would allow for back-calculation of suppressed values. The suppressed cases are included in the counts and rates for Totals.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; SEER, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program; CI, Confidence Interval; NOS, Not otherwise specified

Fig. 12.

Fig. 12

Age-Adjusted Incidence Ratesa of Brain and Other CNS Tumors by Selected Histologies and Age Group A) Age 20+ Yearsb and B) Age 0–19 Yearsb, CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

  • The incidence rate for all brain and other CNS tumors was highest among age 85+ years (84.48 per 100,000 population) and

  • The incidence rate for all brain and other CNS tumors was lowest among children and adolescents age 0–19 years (6.06 per 100,000 population), while incidence among those 20+ was 30.40 per 100,000 population.

  • Incidence rates of pilocytic astrocytoma, germ cell tumors, and embryonal tumors were higher in the younger age groups and decreased with advancing age.

  • Incidence rates of meningioma increased with age.

  • Incidence rates declined with increasing age for those ages 0–19 years, particularly for the gliomas and embryonal tumors (primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT), and medulloblastoma).

  • Incidence rates increased with age for tumors of the pituitary.

Median age at diagnosis

The median age at diagnosis for all primary brain and other CNS tumors was 60 years (Table 3), and was 60 years for both males and females (data not shown).

  • The histology-specific median ages ranged from 8 years for embryonal tumors to 69 years for neoplasm, unspecified.

  • Pilocytic astrocytoma, choroid plexus tumors, neuronal and mixed neuronal-glial tumors, tumors of the pineal region, embryonal tumors, and germ cell tumors and cysts were histologies with younger median ages at diagnosis compared to other histologies.

  • Meningioma and glioblastoma were primarily diagnosed at older ages (median age of 66 and 65 years, respectively).

Distributions and Incidence by Sex

Distribution by sex and behavior

  • Overall, 41.9% of all tumors diagnosed between 2012 and 2016 occurred in males (169,868 tumors) and 58.1% in females (235,872 tumors) (Table 3).

  • Approximately 55.4% of the malignant tumors occurred in males (67,930 tumors between 2011 and 2016) and 44.6% in females (54,639 tumors between 2012 and 2016).

  • Approximately 36.0% of the non-malignant tumors occurred in males (101,938 tumors between 2012 and 2016) and 64.0% in females (181,233 tumors between 2012 and 2016).

Incidence rates by site and sex

Incidence counts and AAAIR for all brain and other CNS tumors by site and sex are provided in Table 8.

Table 8.

Five-year total, annual average totala, and average annual age-adjusted incidence ratesb with 95% confidence intervals of brain and other central nervous system tumors by site and sex, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Site (ICD-O-3 Code)c Total Male Female
5-Year Total Annual Average % of All Tumors Rate 95% CI 5-Year Total Annual Average % Malignant % Non- Malignant Rate 95% CI 5-Year Total Annual Average % Malignant % Non- Malignant Rate 95% CI
Frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes of the brain (C71.1-C71.4) 74,346 14,869 18.3% 4.24 4.21–4.27 41,349 8,270 91.4% 8.6% 4.99 4.94–5.04 32,997 6,599 88.2% 11.8% 3.58 3.54–3.62
Frontal lobe (C71.1) 32,419 6,484 8.0% 1.87 1.85–1.89 17,232 3,446 92.1% 7.9% 2.10 2.06–2.13 15,187 3,037 89.4% 10.6% 1.67 1.64–1.70
Temporal lobe (C71.2) 24,129 4,826 5.9% 1.37 1.35–1.38 14,353 2,871 90.6% 9.4% 1.72 1.69–1.75 9,776 1,955 86.9% 13.1% 1.06 1.04–1.08
Parietal lobe (C71.3) 13,987 2,797 3.4% 0.78 0.77–0.80 7,653 1,531 93.0% 7.0% 0.92 0.90–0.94 6,334 1,267 89.2% 10.8% 0.67 0.65–0.69
Occipital lobe (C71.4) 3,811 762 0.9% 0.22 0.21–0.22 2,111 422 86.0% 14.0% 0.26 0.24–0.27 1,700 340 82.5% 17.5% 0.18 0.17–0.19
Cerebrum (C71.0) 6,985 1,397 1.7% 0.41 0.40–0.42 3,783 757 82.9% 17.1% 0.46 0.45–0.48 3,202 640 79.8% 20.2% 0.36 0.35–0.38
Ventricle (C71.5) 4,071 814 1.0% 0.25 0.25–0.26 2,167 433 42.4% 57.6% 0.27 0.26–0.29 1,904 381 40.3% 59.7% 0.24 0.23–0.25
Cerebellum (C71.6) 8,838 1,768 2.2% 0.56 0.55–0.57 4,685 937 62.9% 37.1% 0.60 0.59–0.62 4,153 831 55.3% 44.7% 0.52 0.50–0.53
Brain stem (C71.7) 6,171 1,234 1.5% 0.40 0.39–0.41 3,363 673 76.1% 23.9% 0.43 0.42–0.45 2,808 562 77.2% 22.8% 0.36 0.35–0.38
Other brain (C71.8-C71.9) 33,741 6,748 8.3% 1.93 1.91–1.95 17,694 3,539 83.3% 16.7% 2.18 2.15–2.21 16,047 3,209 78.5% 21.5% 1.72 1.69–1.74
Spinal cord and cauda equina (C72.0-C72.1) 12,775 2,555 3.1% 0.77 0.75–0.78 6,687 1,337 28.3% 71.7% 0.83 0.81–0.85 6,088 1,218 26.7% 73.3% 0.71 0.69–0.73
Cranial nerves (C72.2-C72.5) 28,534 5,707 7.0% 1.64 1.62–1.66 13,398 2,680 6.0% 94.0% 1.60 1.57–1.63 15,136 3,027 5.4% 94.6% 1.68 1.65–1.70
Other nervous system (C72.8-C72.9) 2,510 502 0.6% 0.15 0.14–0.15 1,269 254 55.8% 44.2% 0.16 0.15–0.17 1,241 248 54.2% 45.8% 0.14 0.13–0.15
Meninges (cerebral and spinal) (C70.0-C70.9) 153,078 30,616 37.7% 8.58 8.53–8.62 41,300 8,260 2.3% 97.7% 5.11 5.06–5.16 111,778 22,356 1.1% 98.9% 11.64 11.57–11.71
Pituitary and craniopharyngeal duct (C75.1-C75.2) 72,162 14,432 17.8% 4.34 4.31–4.37 32,701 6,540 0.8% 99.2% 3.99 3.95–4.04 39,461 7,892 0.5% 99.5% 4.77 4.72–4.82
Pineal (C75.3) 1,762 352 0.4% 0.11 0.11–0.12 1,018 204 74.2% 25.8% 0.13 0.12–0.14 744 149 42.3% 57.7% 0.09 0.09–0.10
Olfactory tumors of the nasal cavity (C30.0 d) 767 153 0.2% 0.04 0.04–0.05 454 91 100.0% 0.0% 0.05 0.05–0.06 313 63 100.0% 0.0% 0.04 0.03–0.04
TOTAL 405,740 81,148 100.0% 23.41 23.34–23.49 169,868 33,974 40.0% 60.0% 20.82 20.72–20.92 235,872 47,174 23.2% 76.8% 25.84 25.73–25.95

a. Annual average cases are calculated by dividing the five-year total by five.

b. Rates are per 100,000 and are age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population.

c. The sites referred to in this table are loosely based on the categories and site code defined in the SEER site/histology validation list.

d. ICD-O-3 histology codes 9522–9523 only.

- Counts and rates are not presented when fewer than 16 cases were reported for the specific category, or where the inclusion of the count and rate would allow for back-calculation of suppressed values. The suppressed cases are included in the counts and rates for Totals.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; SEER, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program; CI, Confidence Interval; NOS, Not otherwise specified

  • AAAIR were highest for tumors located in the meninges (8.58 per 100,000 population) and lowest for olfactory tumors of the nasal cavity (0.04 per 100,000 population).

  • AAAIR were higher in females than in males for tumors located in the meninges (11.64 per 100,000 in females vs 5.11 per 100,000 in males), pituitary and craniopharyngeal duct (4.77 per 100,000 in females vs 3.99 per 100,000 in males), and cranial nerves (1.68 per 100,000 in females vs 1.60 per 100,000 in males) while males had higher AAAIR for tumors located in most other locations.

Incidence rates by sex and histology

AAAIR by sex and histology are presented in Table 3. AAAIR for all primary brain and other CNS tumors combined were higher among females (25.84 per 100,000 population) than males (20.82 per 100,000 population).

  • The AAAIR of tumors of neuroepithelial tissue was higher in males (7.69 per 100,000 population) than in females 5.56 per 100,000 population).

  • The AAAIR of tumors of meninges was higher in females (11.89 per 100,000 population) than in males (5.37 per 100,000 population).

Incidence rate ratios (male:female) for selected histologies and histology groupings are shown in Figure 13.

Fig. 13.

Fig. 13

Incidence Rate Ratios by Sex (Males:Females) for Selected Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumor Histologies, CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

  • Incidence was higher in males for many histologies, such as germ cell tumors (P < 0.001), most glial tumors, lymphomas (P < 0.001), and embryonal tumors (P < 0.001).

  • Incidence was higher in females for non-malignant (P < 0.001) and malignant (P = 0.0153) meningiomas and tumors of the pituitary (P < 0.001).

Distribution and Incidence Rates by CCR, Age, Diagnostic Confirmation, and Behavior

The overall number of reported tumors is listed by CCR in Table 9. While most malignant tumors are diagnosed by histologic confirmation (where the patient receives surgery and diagnosis is confirmed by a pathologist), brain and other CNS tumors may also be diagnosed by radiographic confirmation only (where the tumor was visualized on MRI, CT, X-ray, or other imaging technology but surgery, including biopsy, was not performed and tissue therefore could not be collected).

Table 9.

Characteristics of all brain and other central nervous system tumors by central cancer registry and behavior, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

State Total Malignant Non-Malignant Average Annual Populationa
5-Year Total Annual Average Histologically Confirmed (%) Radiographically Confirmed (%) 5-Year Total % Malignant Histologically Confirmed (%) Radiographically Confirmed (%) 5-Year Total % Non-Malignant Histologically Confirmed (%) Radiographically Confirmed (%)
Alabama 4,817 963 65.2% 29.5% 1868 38.8% 81.7% 6.91% 2949 61.2% 54.7% 43.8% 4,838,609
Alaska 855 171 48.8% 47.7% 246 28.8% 82.5% 11.38% 609 71.2% 35.1% 62.4% 736,769
Arizona 7,570 1,514 62.7% 31.9% 2,477 32.7% 82.8% 7.95% 5,093 67.3% 52.9% 43.5% 6,715,535
Arkansas 3,451 690 54.8% 40.0% 1,213 35.1% 79.6% 11.29% 2,238 64.8% 41.4% 55.6% 2,966,929
California 43,842 8,768 59.9% 35.7% 13,179 30.1% 85.9% 8.60% 30,663 69.9% 48.7% 47.4% 38,679,317
Colorado 7,454 1,491 49.1% 47.8% 1,919 25.7% 81.0% 12.92% 5,535 74.3% 38.1% 59.9% 5,352,349
Connecticut 4,461 892 67.7% 30.1% 1,526 34.2% 88.4% 9.04% 2,935 65.8% 57.0% 41.1% 3,596,382
Delaware 1,050 210 67.9% 28.9% 372 35.4% 82.3% 12.37% 678 64.6% 60.0% 37.9% 934,718
District of Columbia 716 143 63.1% 34.6% 196 27.4% 90.3% 4.59% 520 72.6% 52.9% 46.0% 660,723
Florida 29,531 5,906 53.1% 43.4% 8,333 28.2% 84.7% 10.40% 21,198 71.8% 40.7% 56.4% 19,949,831
Georgia 13,037 2,607 50.7% 45.2% 3,427 26.3% 84.1% 11.50% 9,610 73.7% 38.7% 57.2% 10,097,989
Hawaii 1,517 303 53.0% 39.1% 384 25.3% 85.2% 8.33% 1,133 74.7% 42.1% 49.5% 1,414,705
Idaho 1,943 389 63.7% 33.1% 694 35.7% 84.4% 11.53% 1,249 64.3% 52.1% 45.2% 1,632,920
Illinois 16,780 3,356 57.0% 40.9% 4,786 28.5% 87.5% 8.67% 11,994 71.5% 44.8% 53.7% 12,869,822
Indiana 7,902 1,580 53.2% 43.5% 2,557 32.4% 84.0% 11.73% 5,345 67.6% 38.4% 58.7% 6,588,187
Iowa 4,408 882 56.8% 40.7% 1,354 30.7% 84.5% 11.08% 3,054 69.3% 44.5% 53.8% 3,103,833
Kansas 3,686 737 53.4% 43.1% 1,149 31.2% 84.9% 10.36% 2,537 68.8% 39.2% 57.9% 2,898,258
Kentucky 6,875 1,375 48.5% 46.6% 1,953 28.4% 78.9% 12.65% 4,922 71.6% 36.4% 60.1% 4,410,276
Louisiana 5,953 1,191 57.5% 37.4% 1,642 27.6% 85.1% 10.17% 4,311 72.4% 47.0% 47.8% 4,647,128
Maine 1,565 313 65.1% 31.6% 670 42.8% 84.0% 10.75% 895 57.2% 50.9% 47.3% 1,328,600
Maryland 6,862 1,372 64.8% 31.0% 2,161 31.5% 86.8% 6.71% 4,701 68.5% 54.7% 42.1% 5,963,978
Massachusetts 6,712 1,342 70.8% 25.7% 2,595 38.7% 87.6% 7.59% 4,117 61.3% 60.2% 37.1% 6,749,283
Michigan 11,686 2,337 59.6% 35.9% 3,921 33.5% 84.0% 8.67% 7,765 66.5% 47.3% 49.6% 9,910,424
Minnesota 6,273 1,255 72.8% 23.5% 2,312 36.9% 88.3% 7.70% 3,961 63.1% 63.7% 32.7% 5,450,941
Mississippi 3,445 689 58.8% 37.7% 1,066 30.9% 85.4% 11.16% 2,379 69.1% 47.0% 49.6% 2,985,995
Missouri 8,021 1,604 54.6% 41.5% 2,463 30.7% 86.3% 8.08% 5,558 69.3% 40.5% 56.3% 6,057,248
Montana 1,402 280 54.3% 41.8% 479 34.2% 82.3% 12.73% 923 65.8% 39.8% 56.9% 1,020,469
Nebraska 2,055 411 59.4% 37.2% 749 36.5% 84.6% 8.81% 1,306 63.5% 44.9% 53.4% 1,880,873
Nevada 2,776 555 58.3% 36.0% 1,010 36.4% 82.9% 6.73% 1,766 63.6% 44.3% 52.7% 2,838,600
New Hampshire 1,671 334 64.6% 32.9% 598 35.8% 89.6% 6.19% 1,073 64.2% 50.7% 47.7% 1,327,476
New Jersey 12,551 2,510 56.5% 38.7% 3,724 29.7% 87.1% 9.10% 8,827 70.3% 43.6% 51.2% 8,935,451
New Mexico 2,127 425 65.0% 28.7% 681 32.0% 86.8% 7.05% 1,446 68.0% 54.8% 38.9% 2,083,931
New York 29,691 5,938 52.4% 44.4% 7,854 26.4% 84.1% 11.33% 21,837 73.5% 41.0% 56.3% 19,753,427
North Carolina 12,947 2,589 56.0% 40.4% 3,771 29.1% 84.3% 10.26% 9,176 70.9% 44.4% 52.8% 9,948,946
North Dakota 796 159 53.6% 43.7% 273 34.3% 85.0% 10.99% 523 65.7% 37.3% 60.8% 734,671
Ohio 13,537 2,707 64.9% 30.8% 4,873 36.0% 85.3% 7.74% 8,664 64.0% 53.5% 43.7% 11,587,427
Oklahoma 4,595 919 53.7% 42.8% 1,490 32.4% 81.6% 11.07% 3,105 67.6% 40.3% 58.1% 3,873,141
Oregon 4,592 918 66.7% 28.7% 1,744 38.0% 83.1% 7.34% 2,848 62.0% 56.7% 41.8% 3,975,357
Pennsylvania 19,515 3,903 51.3% 44.5% 5,785 29.6% 82.0% 10.49% 13,730 70.4% 38.4% 58.9% 12,783,007
Rhode Island 1,144 229 67.7% 29.9% 425 37.1% 89.6% 7.53% 719 62.9% 54.8% 43.1% 1,054,762
South Carolina 6,320 1,264 51.9% 42.5% 1,861 29.4% 83.2% 9.94% 4,459 70.5% 38.9% 56.0% 4,832,375
South Dakota 1,013 203 49.7% 47.3% 342 33.8% 80.4% 15.50% 671 66.2% 34.0% 63.5% 848,024
Tennessee 8,866 1,773 53.0% 44.5% 2,479 28.0% 86.5% 9.72% 6,387 72.0% 40.0% 58.0% 6,544,313
Texas 32,412 6,482 50.7% 42.9% 9,267 28.6% 80.3% 13.11% 23,145 71.4% 38.9% 54.8% 26,974,357
Utah 4,614 923 49.4% 49.4% 964 20.9% 85.3% 12.86% 3,650 79.1% 40.0% 59.0% 2,944,418
Vermont 877 175 56.8% 40.6% 249 28.4% 90.4% 5.22% 628 71.6% 43.5% 54.6% 625,025
Virginia 8,537 1,707 64.5% 31.0% 2,963 34.7% 84.8% 6.41% 5,574 65.3% 53.8% 44.0% 8,309,679
Washington 11,704 2,341 47.4% 48.7% 3,014 25.8% 82.1% 11.51% 8,690 74.2% 35.3% 61.5% 7,066,998
West Virginia 2,387 477 57.6% 39.5% 824 34.5% 88.2% 8.98% 1,563 65.5% 41.5% 55.7% 1,844,744
Wisconsin 8,525 1,705 51.2% 45.4% 2,457 28.8% 84.0% 11.52% 6,068 71.2% 37.9% 59.1% 5,748,336
Wyoming 674 135 65.1% 33.7% 230 34.1% 87.8% 10.43% 444 65.9% 53.4% 45.7% 582,659
TOTAL 405,740 81,148 56.3% 39.7% 122,569 30.2% 84.4% 9.85% 283,171 69.8% 44.1% 52.6% 318,659,215

a. Population estimates were obtained from the United States Bureau of the Census available on the SEER program website.

- Counts and rates are not presented when fewer than 16 cases were reported for the specific category, or where the inclusion of the count and rate would allow for back-calculation of suppressed values. The suppressed cases are included in the counts and rates for Totals.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; SEER, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program

  • Approximately 69.8% of tumors were non-malignant, but there was variation by cancer registry (range: 57.2%-79.1%).

  • Overall, 56.3% of tumors were histologically confirmed. A larger proportion of malignant tumors were histologically confirmed (84.4%) compared to non-malignant tumors (44.1%).

  • A slight majority of non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors were radiographically confirmed (52.6%).

The overall AAAIR by age, behavior, and CCR are presented in Table 10 and Figure 14.

Table 10.

Average annual age-adjusted incidence ratesa with 95% confidence intervals for all brain and other central nervous system tumors by age, behavior, and central cancer registry, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

State 0–19 Years 20+ Years All Ages
Malignant Non-Malignant All Tumors Malignant Non-Malignant All Tumors Malignant Non-Malignant All Tumors
Rate 95% CI Rate 95% CI Rate 95% CI Rate 95% CI Rate 95% CI Rate 95% CI Rate 95% CI Rate 95% CI Rate 95% CI
Alabama 3.77 3.30–4.29 1.33 1.06–1.65 5.11 4.56–5.70 8.24 7.84–8.66 14.73 14.18–15.30 22.98 22.29–23.68 6.96 6.64–7.29 10.89 10.49–11.30 17.85 17.34–18.38
Alaska 2.61 1.72–3.79 3.93 2.79–5.37 6.54 5.05–8.32 8.68 7.49–10.00 23.03 21.05–25.14 31.71 29.38–34.17 6.94 6.05–7.92 17.55 16.09–19.10 24.49 22.77–26.30
Arizona 3.03 2.68–3.41 2.43 2.12–2.77 5.46 4.99–5.96 8.11 7.77–8.46 18.44 17.92–18.98 26.55 25.92–27.19 6.65 6.39–6.93 13.85 13.46–14.24 20.50 20.03–20.98
Arkansas 3.46 2.90–4.09 2.39 1.94–2.93 5.85 5.12–6.66 8.88 8.34–9.44 18.09 17.31–18.89 26.97 26.02–27.94 7.32 6.91–7.76 13.59 13.02–14.18 20.91 20.20–21.64
California 3.07 2.92–3.23 2.24 2.12–2.38 5.32 5.12–5.52 8.01 7.86–8.16 20.59 20.35–20.83 28.60 28.32–28.88 6.59 6.48–6.71 15.33 15.15–15.50 21.92 21.71–22.13
Colorado 3.27 2.86–3.72 2.14 1.81–2.52 5.41 4.88–5.99 8.38 7.98–8.80 27.30 26.56–28.06 35.69 34.84–36.55 6.92 6.60–7.24 20.09 19.55–20.64 27.00 26.38–27.64
Connecticut 3.57 3.02–4.18 2.67 2.22–3.20 6.24 5.53–7.02 9.10 8.61–9.61 19.19 18.47–19.94 28.30 27.42–29.20 7.52 7.13–7.91 14.45 13.92–15.01 21.97 21.31–22.65
Delaware 3.84 2.79–5.15 2.92 2.03–4.09 6.76 5.35–8.44 8.21 7.32–9.18 16.88 15.56–18.29 25.09 23.49–26.78 6.95 6.25–7.72 12.88 11.90–13.92 19.83 18.61–21.11
District of Columbia 4.25 2.85–6.10 2.41 1.36–3.94 6.67 4.85–8.93 6.95 5.91–8.12 21.59 19.69–23.61 28.53 26.36–30.84 6.18 5.32–7.13 16.09 14.69–17.57 22.26 20.61–24.01
Florida 3.54 3.30–3.80 3.06 2.84–3.29 6.60 6.27–6.95 8.37 8.17–8.56 23.12 22.79–23.45 31.49 31.11–31.87 6.98 6.83–7.14 17.37 17.12–17.61 24.35 24.06–24.64
Georgia 3.49 3.18–3.81 2.68 2.41–2.96 6.16 5.76–6.59 7.97 7.68–8.27 25.30 24.78–25.84 33.28 32.68–33.88 6.68 6.46–6.92 18.81 18.43–19.20 25.50 25.05–25.95
Hawaii 1.72 1.15–2.46 1.89 1.28–2.68 3.61 2.75–4.64 5.94 5.32–6.62 18.78 17.65–19.97 24.73 23.43–26.08 4.73 4.25–5.25 13.94 13.11–14.81 18.67 17.71–19.67
Idaho 3.69 2.96–4.55 1.96 1.43–2.61 5.65 4.73–6.69 9.73 8.95–10.56 19.61 18.49–20.78 29.34 27.97–30.76 8.00 7.40–8.63 14.55 13.73–15.39 22.54 21.53–23.59
Illinois 3.35 3.08–3.64 2.54 2.31–2.79 5.89 5.53–6.27 8.34 8.09–8.60 23.28 22.85–23.72 31.62 31.12–32.13 6.91 6.71–7.11 17.33 17.02–17.65 24.24 23.87–24.62
Indiana 3.37 3.00–3.77 2.47 2.16–2.82 5.84 5.35–6.36 8.78 8.41–9.16 20.04 19.48–20.61 28.82 28.15–29.50 7.23 6.94–7.52 15.00 14.59–15.42 22.22 21.73–22.73
Iowa 3.59 3.04–4.22 3.66 3.10–4.29 7.25 6.45–8.12 9.39 8.85–9.96 23.26 22.40–24.16 32.66 31.63–33.71 7.73 7.31–8.17 17.64 17.00–18.30 25.37 24.60–26.15
Kansas 3.68 3.11–4.32 2.51 2.04–3.06 6.19 5.44–7.01 8.85 8.29–9.43 22.14 21.25–23.06 30.99 29.93–32.07 7.36 6.93–7.81 16.51 15.86–17.18 23.87 23.09–24.68
Kentucky 4.12 3.61–4.69 3.58 3.10–4.11 7.70 7.00–8.46 9.70 9.24–10.18 27.13 26.34–27.94 36.83 35.91–37.76 8.10 7.74–8.48 20.37 19.79–20.97 28.47 27.79–29.17
Louisiana 3.75 3.28–4.26 2.60 2.21–3.04 6.35 5.73–7.01 7.81 7.40–8.24 23.48 22.76–24.22 31.29 30.45–32.14 6.64 6.32–6.98 17.49 16.96–18.03 24.14 23.51–24.77
Maine 3.77 2.84–4.91 1.63 1.05–2.41 5.40 4.28–6.72 10.14 9.32–11.02 14.81 13.79–15.88 24.95 23.63–26.33 8.32 7.66–9.01 11.03 10.28–11.82 19.34 18.34–20.38
Maryland 3.26 2.86–3.69 1.62 1.35–1.94 4.88 4.39–5.41 8.17 7.80–8.55 19.55 18.97–20.13 27.72 27.03–28.42 6.76 6.47–7.06 14.40 13.99–14.83 21.17 20.66–21.69
Massachusetts 3.27 2.89–3.70 2.22 1.91–2.57 5.50 4.99–6.03 8.39 8.04–8.74 14.26 13.80–14.72 22.64 22.07–23.23 6.92 6.65–7.20 10.80 10.47–11.15 17.72 17.29–18.17
Michigan 3.50 3.18–3.85 1.88 1.65–2.13 5.38 4.98–5.81 8.51 8.22–8.80 18.73 18.29–19.17 27.23 26.71–27.77 7.07 6.84–7.30 13.90 13.58–14.22 20.97 20.58–21.36
Minnesota 3.95 3.50–4.43 2.42 2.07–2.81 6.36 5.79–6.98 9.44 9.02–9.87 17.62 17.05–18.21 27.07 26.36–27.79 7.86 7.54–8.20 13.26 12.84–13.69 21.13 20.59–21.67
Mississippi 2.72 2.24–3.28 2.42 1.97–2.95 5.15 4.47–5.89 8.18 7.66–8.73 19.96 19.13–20.81 28.14 27.15–29.15 6.61 6.22–7.03 14.93 14.32–15.55 21.54 20.81–22.29
Missouri 3.98 3.55–4.45 2.30 1.97–2.66 6.28 5.73–6.86 8.62 8.25–9.01 22.21 21.60–22.83 30.83 30.12–31.56 7.29 7.00–7.59 16.50 16.05–16.95 23.79 23.26–24.33
Montana 2.71 1.88–3.78 1.90 1.22–2.83 4.61 3.50–5.96 10.16 9.20–11.20 21.34 19.91–22.86 31.51 29.77–33.32 8.02 7.29–8.81 15.77 14.72–16.87 23.79 22.51–25.13
Nebraska 3.93 3.21–4.77 3.12 2.48–3.88 7.05 6.07–8.15 8.81 8.12–9.53 17.13 16.16–18.15 25.94 24.75–27.17 7.41 6.87–7.97 13.11 12.39–13.86 20.52 19.62–21.45
Nevada 3.03 2.49–3.65 1.45 1.08–1.90 4.48 3.82–5.22 7.96 7.43–8.51 15.60 14.85–16.38 23.56 22.64–24.50 6.54 6.14–6.97 11.54 11.00–12.11 18.08 17.40–18.79
New Hampshire 4.63 3.60–5.86 2.01 1.38–2.84 6.64 5.41–8.07 9.12 8.33–9.96 18.60 17.44–19.82 27.72 26.31–29.19 7.83 7.19–8.52 13.84 12.99–14.73 21.67 20.60–22.79
New Jersey 3.70 3.35–4.07 2.92 2.62–3.26 6.62 6.15–7.12 9.14 8.83–9.47 23.69 23.18–24.21 32.83 32.23–33.44 7.58 7.33–7.83 17.73 17.36–18.11 25.31 24.86–25.77
New Mexico 2.44 1.89–3.09 1.69 1.24–2.24 4.12 3.40–4.95 7.28 6.70–7.90 17.10 16.19–18.05 24.38 23.29–25.50 5.89 5.44–6.36 12.68 12.02–13.37 18.57 17.77–19.40
New York 4.03 3.78–4.29 3.88 3.64–4.14 7.91 7.56–8.27 8.58 8.37–8.79 26.50 26.14–26.87 35.08 34.66–35.51 7.27 7.11–7.44 20.01 19.74–20.29 27.29 26.97–27.61
North Carolina 3.53 3.22–3.88 2.31 2.05–2.59 5.84 5.43–6.28 8.31 8.03–8.61 22.70 22.22–23.18 31.01 30.45–31.58 6.94 6.72–7.17 16.85 16.50–17.20 23.79 23.37–24.21
North Dakota 2.78 1.83–4.05 2.82 1.86–4.11 5.60 4.20–7.31 8.55 7.48–9.73 18.38 16.74–20.14 26.93 24.96–29.01 6.89 6.08–7.79 13.92 12.71–15.21 20.81 19.34–22.36
Ohio 4.10 3.78–4.44 2.61 2.36–2.88 6.71 6.30–7.14 8.89 8.62–9.17 17.68 17.29–18.08 26.58 26.10–27.06 7.52 7.30–7.74 13.36 13.07–13.65 20.88 20.52–21.24
Oklahoma 3.27 2.80–3.80 2.16 1.78–2.59 5.43 4.82–6.09 8.61 8.14–9.10 20.08 19.35–20.83 28.69 27.82–29.58 7.08 6.72–7.45 14.94 14.41–15.49 22.02 21.37–22.68
Oregon 3.92 3.38–4.52 2.79 2.34–3.30 6.71 5.99–7.48 9.37 8.90–9.86 16.74 16.10–17.41 26.12 25.32–26.94 7.81 7.43–8.20 12.74 12.26–13.23 20.55 19.94–21.17
Pennsylvania 4.15 3.83–4.49 2.44 2.20–2.69 6.59 6.19–7.01 9.34 9.08–9.61 24.72 24.29–25.16 34.06 33.55–34.57 7.85 7.64–8.06 18.33 18.01–18.65 26.18 25.80–26.56
Rhode Island 2.23 1.47–3.25 1.69 1.05–2.57 3.92 2.89–5.19 8.90 8.02–9.85 15.79 14.60–17.05 24.69 23.20–26.25 6.99 6.32–7.71 11.74 10.87–12.67 18.73 17.62–19.89
South Carolina 3.14 2.71–3.62 2.27 1.91–2.68 5.41 4.84–6.02 8.29 7.89–8.71 22.03 21.36–22.72 30.32 29.54–31.12 6.81 6.50–7.14 16.36 15.87–16.86 23.17 22.59–23.77
South Dakota 3.38 2.42–4.61 1.36 0.78–2.21 4.74 3.58–6.16 8.91 7.90–10.02 19.93 18.38–21.58 28.84 26.98–30.80 7.33 6.55–8.17 14.60 13.48–15.79 21.93 20.56–23.37
Tennessee 3.56 3.17–3.99 2.72 2.38–3.10 6.28 5.76–6.85 8.20 7.86–8.56 23.75 23.15–24.37 31.96 31.26–32.67 6.87 6.60–7.16 17.72 17.28–18.17 24.59 24.07–25.12
Texas 3.59 3.41–3.78 2.54 2.39–2.71 6.13 5.89–6.38 8.31 8.12–8.50 23.91 23.59–24.23 32.22 31.85–32.59 6.96 6.81–7.10 17.78 17.55–18.01 24.73 24.46–25.01
Utah 2.73 2.29–3.23 3.25 2.76–3.81 5.98 5.31–6.71 9.03 8.41–9.68 38.65 37.35–39.97 47.68 46.24–49.15 7.22 6.76–7.70 28.49 27.56–29.45 35.71 34.67–36.78
Vermont -- -- 3.66 2.42–5.33 5.50 3.92–7.52 8.83 7.69–10.08 22.68 20.81–24.67 31.50 29.31–33.82 6.82 5.96–7.78 17.22 15.84–18.70 24.05 22.40–25.78
Virginia 3.09 2.77–3.45 1.76 1.51–2.03 4.85 4.44–5.29 8.06 7.75–8.38 16.61 16.16–17.07 24.67 24.12–25.22 6.63 6.39–6.88 12.35 12.02–12.68 18.98 18.57–19.40
Washington 4.11 3.70–4.55 3.49 3.11–3.90 7.60 7.03–8.19 9.49 9.12–9.87 30.63 29.97–31.31 40.12 39.36–40.90 7.94 7.66–8.24 22.85 22.36–23.34 30.79 30.22–31.37
West Virginia 3.91 3.11–4.85 2.28 1.68–3.01 6.18 5.17–7.34 9.12 8.45–9.83 19.11 18.12–20.14 28.23 27.03–29.47 7.63 7.09–8.19 14.28 13.55–15.04 21.90 21.00–22.84
Wisconsin 3.70 3.27–4.18 2.68 2.32–3.08 6.39 5.82–6.99 9.23 8.84–9.64 25.36 24.70–26.04 34.59 33.82–35.38 7.65 7.34–7.96 18.85 18.37–19.35 26.50 25.92–27.09
Wyoming 2.45 1.47–3.82 -- -- 3.65 2.43–5.28 9.13 7.90–10.51 19.50 17.65–21.48 28.63 26.39–31.01 7.22 6.28–8.25 14.25 12.91–15.69 21.46 19.82–23.21
TOTAL 3.51 3.45–3.57 2.54 2.50–2.59 6.06 5.98–6.13 8.52 8.47–8.57 21.88 21.79–21.96 30.40 30.30–30.49 7.08 7.04–7.12 16.33 16.27–16.39 23.41 23.34–23.49

a. Rates are per 100,000 and are age-adjusted to the 2000 United States standard population.

- Counts are not presented when fewer than 16 cases were reported for the specific category, or where the inclusion of the count and rate would allow for back-calculation of suppressed values. The suppressed cases are included in the counts and rates for Totals. Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; SEER, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program; CI, Confidence Interval

Fig. 14.

Fig. 14

Average Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Ratesa of A) Malignant and B) Non-Malignant Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors by Central Cancer Registry, CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

  • The overall AAAIR of all tumors (malignant and non-malignant) for each individual CCR ranged from 17.72 to 35.71 per 100,000 population. Please see Supplementary Figure 13 for combined incidence of malignant and non-malignant tumors by CCR.

  • AAAIR of all primary malignant tumors ranged from 4.73 to 8.32 per 100,000 population, and AAAIR of all primary non-malignant tumors ranged from 10.80 to 28.49 per 100,000 population.

  • There was less variation by region for malignant tumor incidence rates (Fig. 14A) compared to incidence rates for non-malignant tumors (Fig. 14B). CCR and regional variations likely reflect differences in reporting and case ascertainment practices.

  • Among adults 20 years of age and older, CCR-specific AAAIR ranged from 5.94 to 10.16 per 100,000 population for malignant tumors and from 14.26 to 38.65 per 100,000 population for non-malignant tumors.

  • In persons less than 20 years of age, incidence rates ranged from 1.72 to 4.63 per 100,000 population for malignant tumors and from 1.33 to 3.93 per 100,000 population for non-malignant tumors.

Distribution by histology, WHO grade, diagnostic confirmation, and treatment completeness

The distribution of reported tumors with histologically confirmed diagnosis from 2012 to 2016 is listed by histology and reported WHO grade in Table 11.

Table 11.

Distribution of all histologically-confirmed brain and other central nervous system tumors by WHO grade, treatment information completeness, and major histology grouping, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Histology Number of Newly Diagnosed Tumors Histologically Confirmed (%) WHO Grade Completeness (%) Assigned WHO Grade Radiation Information Completenessb (%) Surgical Extent of Resection Information Completenessc (%)
Completea Incomplete Not Applicable WHO Grade I WHO Grade II WHO
Grade III
WHO Grade IV
Tumors of Neuroepithelial Tissue 112,280 89.2% 85.6% 12.9% 1.5% 10.6% 14.0% 13.3% 62.0% 54.9% 98.0%
Pilocytic Astrocytoma 5,166 90.8% 87.4% 12.1% 0.5% 92.9% 5.9% 0.8% 0.4% 6.0% 99.1%
Diffuse Astrocytoma 7,500 92.4% 85.6% 14.3% 0.1% 3.4% 64.1% 19.5% 13.0% 49.6% 97.7%
Anaplastic Astrocytoma 7,015 99.2% 94.8% 5.1% 0.1% 0.1% 1.3% 90.2% 8.5% 77.3% 99.2%
Unique Astrocytoma Variants 1,161 75.5% 75.8% 23.9% 0.3% 21.4% 55.3% 18.1% 5.3% 20.9% 98.2%
 Malignant 785 87.1% 78.4% 21.3% 0.3% 2.6% 68.5% 22.4% 6.5% 30.2% 97.9%
 Non-Malignant 376 51.1% 66.7% 32.8% 0.5% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.7% 98.8%
Glioblastoma 59,164 93.2% 88.7% 11.2% 0.0% 0.2% 0.2% 0.8% 98.9% 69.4% 97.7%
Oligodendroglioma 3,668 96.9% 92.9% 7.1% 0.0% 1.5% 87.9% 5.8% 4.8% 32.7% 98.4%
Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma 1,808 98.9% 95.1% 4.9% 0.0% 0.1% 2.9% 88.7% 8.3% 69.3% 98.5%
Oligoastrocytic Tumors 2,103 99.2% 95.0% 5.0% 0.0% 0.8% 51.1% 40.1% 8.0% 56.5% 99.3%
Ependymal Tumors 6,877 89.2% 86.1% 13.9% 0.0% 36.2% 48.9% 14.1% 0.8% 26.2% 98.5%
 Malignant 4,005 93.6% 89.0% 11.0% 0.1% 2.5% 74.2% 22.1% 1.1% 38.2% 98.6%
 Non-Malignant 2,872 82.9% 81.5% 18.5% 0.0% 94.1% 5.5% 0.3% 0.1% 9.4% 98.4%
Glioma Malignant, NOS 7,751 33.8% 46.5% 52.4% 1.1% 18.2% 28.0% 25.3% 28.5% 27.5% 97.5%
Choroid Plexus Tumors 817 88.1% 76.1% 23.9% 0.0% 63.9% 18.8% 16.4% 0.9% 4.5% 98.2%
 Malignant 131 96.9% 82.7% 17.3% 0.0% 5.7% 3.8% 85.7% 4.8% 14.9% 100.0%
 Non-Malignant 686 86.4% 74.7% 25.3% 0.0% 77.7% 22.3% 0.0% 0.0% 2.5% 98.0%
Other Neuroepithelial Tumors 109 93.6% 48.0% 51.0% 1.0% 8.2% 53.1% 26.5% 12.2% 37.6% 100.0%
 Malignant 72 98.6% 40.8% 57.7% 1.4% 10.3% 24.1% 44.8% 20.7% 50.8% 100.0%
 Non-Malignant 37 83.8% 64.5% 35.5% 0.0% 5.0% 95.0% 0.0% 0.0% 13.9% 100.0%
Neuronal and Mixed Neuronal Glial Tumors 4,852 92.7% 62.7% 20.0% 17.3% 80.5% 15.1% 3.6% 0.7% 15.9% 98.6%
 Malignant 976 98.8% 16.3% 5.0% 78.7% 25.5% 8.9% 56.7% 8.9% 62.0% 98.1%
 Non-Malignant 3,876 91.1% 75.4% 24.0% 0.5% 83.7% 15.5% 0.5% 0.3% 4.4% 98.7%
Tumors of the Pineal Region 796 76.0% 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% -- -- -- -- 40.4% 97.7%
 Malignant 445 95.7% 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% -- -- -- -- 65.2% 98.6%
 Non-Malignant 351 51.0% 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% -- -- -- -- 9.3% 97.0%
Embryonal Tumors 3,493 98.0% 75.2% 24.1% 0.7% 1.4% 0.2% 1.4% 97.0% 61.9% 97.6%
Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves 35,053 50.6% 34.1% 65.9% 0.0% 99.0% 0.5% 0.2% 0.2% 18.2% 98.2%
Nerve Sheath Tumors 35,017 50.6% 34.1% 65.9% 0.0% 99.0% 0.5% 0.2% 0.2% 18.2% 98.2%
 Malignant 231 80.5% 21.5% 78.5% 0.0% 47.5% 17.5% 20.0% 15.0% 38.6% 83.2%
 Non-Malignant 34,786 50.4% 34.2% 65.8% 0.0% 99.4% 0.4% 0.1% 0.1% 18.1% 98.3%
Other Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves 36 41.7% 26.7% 73.3% 0.0% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.8% 100.0%
Tumors of Meninges 157,310 41.3% 77.7% 22.2% 0.1% 80.3% 17.5% 2.1% 0.1% 7.5% 97.7%
Meningioma 152,756 40.0% 79.3% 20.7% 0.0% 80.5% 17.7% 1.7% 0.1% 7.2% 97.7%
 Malignant 1,774 79.0% 84.9% 15.1% 0.0% 21.9% 17.3% 59.6% 1.2% 38.4% 85.3%
 Non-Malignant 150,982 39.5% 79.1% 20.8% 0.0% 82.0% 17.7% 0.2% 0.1% 6.9% 97.8%
Mesenchymal Tumors 1,433 72.8% 52.3% 47.2% 0.5% 8.1% 47.4% 39.9% 4.6% 30.6% 98.1%
Primary Melanocytic Lesions 109 91.7% 13.0% 84.0% 3.0% 53.8% 30.8% 7.7% 7.7% 43.6% 89.7%
Other Neoplasms Related to the Meninges 3,012 91.5% 55.2% 43.4% 1.3% 99.2% 0.5% 0.1% 0.2% 7.3% 98.4%
Lymphoma and Hematopoietic Neoplasms 7,914 94.6% 5.1% 94.0% 0.8% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 22.0% 99.2%
Lymphoma 7,680 94.8% 5.4% 94.2% 0.4% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 21.7% 99.1%
Other Hematopoietic Neoplasms 234 88.5% 0.0% 88.8% 11.2% -- -- -- -- 31.7% 99.2%
Germ Cell Tumors and Cysts 1,543 81.1% 3.0% 55.3% 41.8% 24.3% 5.4% 5.4% 64.9% 46.4% 98.5%
Germ cell tumors, cysts, and heterotopias 1,543 81.1% 3.0% 55.3% 41.8% 24.3% 5.4% 5.4% 64.9% 46.4% 98.5%
 Malignant 1,037 88.4% 3.3% 43.4% 53.3% 6.7% 6.7% 6.7% 80.0% 68.0% 98.7%
 Non-Malignant 506 66.2% 2.1% 87.8% 10.1% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.5% 97.9%
Tumors of Sellar Region 71,084 48.3% 0.4% 0.6% 99.0% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 3.2% 97.8%
Tumors of the Pituitary 68,020 46.7% 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% -- -- -- -- 2.3% 97.8%
 Malignant 157 66.9% 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% -- -- -- -- 17.4% 87.0%
 Non-Malignant 67,863 46.6% 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% -- -- -- -- 2.3% 97.8%
Craniopharyngioma 3,064 83.5% 5.7% 7.5% 86.7% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 22.0% 97.8%
Unclassified Tumors 20,556 17.5% 4.4% 87.5% 8.1% 64.2% 8.2% 8.2% 19.5% 4.0% 70.2%
Hemangioma 5,982 29.3% 2.3% 97.2% 0.5% 87.8% 7.3% 2.4% 2.4% 2.1% 97.6%
Neoplasm Unspecified 14,418 12.3% 6.1% 78.7% 15.3% 57.4% 9.3% 9.3% 24.1% 5.1% 60.3%
 Malignant 6,634 8.7% 7.7% 85.7% 6.6% 13.6% 11.4% 20.5% 54.5% 9.9% 42.7%
 Non-Malignant 7,784 15.4% 5.3% 75.3% 19.4% 87.5% 7.8% 1.6% 3.1% 2.7% 75.8%
All Other 156 38.5% 16.7% 66.7% 16.7% 40.0% 0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 12.7% 89.6%
TOTAL 405,740 56.5% 62.9% 21.1% 16.0% 39.3% 14.7% 8.8% 37.3% 21.3% 95.9%
Malignant 122,569 85.3% 80.5% 17.5% 2.0% 6.2% 14.2% 15.0% 64.7% 54.8% 92.3%
Non-Malignant 283,171 44.1% 48.4% 24.0% 27.5% 84.3% 15.3% 0.3% 0.1% 7.1% 97.1%

a. Completeness is defined as having an assigned code that corresponds with a WHO grade as defined by the American Joint Commission on Cancer’s Collaborative Staging schema.

b. Radiation is defined using a recoded variable based on NAACCR Item #1360 (http://datadictionary.naaccr.org/default.aspx?c=10#136). Completeness is defined as having a value other than ‘none’ or ‘unknown.’

c. Surgery is defined using a recoded variable based on NAACCR Item #1290 (http://datadictionary.naaccr.org/default.aspx?c=10#1290). Please see the SEER site-specific surgery codes for more information on coding for this variable (https://seer.cancer.gov/archive/tools/SEER2003.surg.prim.site.codes.pdf). Completeness is defined as having a value other than ‘unknown.’

- Percentages are not presented when category is not applicable.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; CNS, central nervous system; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; SEER, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program; WHO, World Health Organization

  • Overall, 56.5% of tumors had histologic confirmation (85.3% of malignant tumors and 44.1% of non-malignant tumors).

  • The proportion of tumors with histologic confirmation varied substantially by histology, with the highest proportion in anaplastic astrocytoma (99.2%) and oligoastrocytic tumors (99.2%). The proportion with histologic confirmation was lowest in neoplasm unspecific (12.3%), hemangioma (29.3%), glioma malignant, NOS (33.8%) and non-malignant meningioma (39.5%).

  • Overall, 62.9% of tumors had complete WHO grade information, but there was substantial variation by histology.

  • The histologic types with the highest WHO grade completeness were anaplastic oligodendroglioma (95.1%), oligoastrocytic tumors (95.0%), and anaplastic astrocytoma (94.8%).

Incidence by urban or rural residence

Incidence counts and AAAIR for brain and other CNS tumors are shown by urban/rural residence and histology in Supplementary Table 8. Incidence of selected histologies by urban/rural residence is show in Figure 15.

Fig. 15.

Fig. 15

Average Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Ratesa with 95% Confidence Intervals of Selected Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumor Histologies by Urban Or Rural Location of Residenceb, CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

  • The overall incidence of brain and other CNS tumors was 11% higher in urban areas as compared to rural areas (23.22 per 100,000 and 20.80 per 100,000, respectively, P < 0.0001).

  • Incidence of malignant brain and other CNS tumors was slightly higher in urban areas (6.90 per 100,000) as compared to rural areas (6.80 per 100,000, P = 0.0822).

  • Incidence of non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors was 17% higher in urban areas as compared to rural areas (16.33 per 100,000 and 14.00 per 100,000, respectively, P < 0.0001).

  • Incidence of glioblastoma (3%, P = 0.436) was higher in urban as compared to rural areas.

  • Non-malignant histologies were primarily diagnosed more frequently in urban areas, including meningioma (18% higher, P < 0.0001), nerve sheath tumors (20% higher, P < 0.0001), and tumors of the pituitary (20% higher, P < 0.0001).

Distribution of tumors in Puerto Rico

The distribution of all brain and other CNS tumors diagnosed among residents of Puerto Rico by histology is shown in Supplementary Figure 14.

  • Approximately 39.4% of tumors were malignant and 60.6% were non-malignant.

  • Non-malignant meningioma was the most common tumor type (26.3%), followed by glioblastoma (18.1%).

Incidence Rates by Race and Histology

AAAIR by race and histology are shown in Table 12.

Table 12.

Five-year total, annual average totala, and average annual age-adjusted incidence ratesb with 95% confidence intervals for all brain and other central nervous system tumors by major histology grouping, histology, and racec, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Histology White Black American Indian/Alaska Native Asian/Pacific Islander
5-year Total Annual average Rate 95% CI 5-year Total Annual average Rate 95% CI 5-year Total Annual average Rate 95% CI 5-year Total Annual average Rate 95% CI
Tumors of Neuroepithelial Tissue 98,423 19,685 7.09 7.04–7.13 8,480 1696 3.97 3.89–4.06 625 125 3.12 2.86–3.39 3,348 670 3.57 3.45–3.69
Pilocytic Astrocytoma 4,218 844 0.38 0.36–0.39 601 120 0.26 0.24–0.28 38 8 0.15 0.10–0.20 200 40 0.22 0.19–0.26
Diffuse Astrocytoma 6,513 1,303 0.50 0.49–0.51 585 117 0.27 0.25–0.29 58 12 0.28 0.21–0.37 254 51 0.26 0.23–0.30
Anaplastic Astrocytoma 6,227 1,245 0.46 0.45–0.47 465 93 0.22 0.20–0.24 41 8 0.20 0.14–0.27 201 40 0.21 0.18–0.24
Unique Astrocytoma Variants 919 184 0.08 0.07–0.08 150 30 0.07 0.06–0.08 -- -- -- -- 64 13 0.07 0.05–0.09
 Malignant 643 129 0.05 0.05–0.06 78 16 0.04 0.03–0.04 -- -- -- -- 44 9 0.05 0.03–0.06
 Non-Malignant 276 55 0.02 0.02–0.03 72 14 0.03 0.02–0.04 -- -- -- -- 20 4 0.02 0.01–0.04
Glioblastoma 53,426 10,685 3.49 3.46–3.52 3,647 729 1.79 1.73–1.85 242 48 1.43 1.25–1.64 1,345 269 1.46 1.38–1.54
Oligodendroglioma 3,200 640 0.26 0.25–0.27 247 49 0.12 0.10–0.13 28 6 0.12 0.08–0.18 126 25 0.13 0.10–0.15
Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma 1,576 315 0.12 0.11–0.13 101 20 0.05 0.04–0.06 -- -- -- -- 89 18 0.09 0.07–0.11
Oligoastrocytic Tumors 1,860 372 0.15 0.14–0.16 123 25 0.06 0.05–0.07 -- -- -- -- 72 14 0.07 0.05–0.09
Ependymal Tumors 5,890 1,178 0.46 0.45–0.47 565 113 0.26 0.24–0.28 50 10 0.22 0.17–0.30 251 50 0.26 0.23–0.29
 Malignant 3,372 674 0.27 0.26–0.28 375 75 0.17 0.15–0.19 25 5 0.11 0.07–0.16 161 32 0.17 0.14–0.20
 Non-Malignant 2,518 504 0.19 0.19–0.20 190 38 0.09 0.07–0.10 25 5 0.12 0.07–0.17 90 18 0.09 0.07–0.11
Glioma Malignant, NOS 6,415 1,283 0.51 0.49–0.52 869 174 0.40 0.38–0.43 48 10 0.22 0.16–0.29 277 55 0.30 0.27–0.34
Choroid Plexus Tumors 677 135 0.06 0.05–0.06 77 15 0.03 0.03–0.04 -- -- -- -- 36 7 0.04 0.03–0.05
 Malignant 100 20 0.01 0.01-0.01 17 3 0.01 0.00–0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant 577 115 0.05 0.04–0.05 60 12 0.03 0.02–0.03 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Other Neuroepithelial Tumors 86 17 0.01 0.01-0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Malignant 56 11 0.00 0.00–0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant 30 6 0.00 0.00-0.00 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Neuronal and Mixed Neuronal Glial Tumors 3,990 798 0.33 0.32–0.34 518 104 0.23 0.21–0.25 39 8 0.16 0.11–0.23 219 44 0.23 0.20–0.26
Malignant 819 164 0.06 0.06-0.06 75 15 0.04 0.03–0.05 -- -- -- -- 59 12 0.06 0.05–0.08
 Non-Malignant 3,171 634 0.27 0.26–0.28 443 89 0.19 0.17–0.21 29 6 0.11 0.08–0.17 160 32 0.17 0.14–0.19
Tumors of the Pineal Region 630 126 0.05 0.05–0.06 116 23 0.05 0.04–0.06 -- -- -- -- 29 6 0.03 0.02–0.04
 Malignant 333 67 0.03 0.02–0.03 79 16 0.04 0.03–0.04 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant 297 59 0.02 0.02–0.03 37 7 0.02 0.01–0.02 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Embryonal Tumors 2,796 559 0.25 0.24–0.26 406 81 0.17 0.15–0.19 34 7 0.13 0.09–0.19 179 36 0.20 0.17–0.23
Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves 29,894 5,979 2.11 2.09–2.14 2137 427 1.01 0.97–1.06 229 46 1.12 0.98–1.29 1,943 389 1.98 1.89–2.07
Nerve Sheath Tumors 29,864 5,973 2.11 2.09–2.14 2,135 427 1.01 0.97–1.06 228 46 1.12 0.97–1.28 1,940 388 1.97 1.88–2.06
 Malignant 177 35 0.01 0.01–0.02 28 6 0.01 0.01–0.02 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant 29,687 5,937 2.10 2.07–2.12 2107 421 1.00 0.96–1.04 -- -- - -- -- -- -- --
Other Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves 30 6 0.00 0.00-0.00 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Tumors of Meninges 128,202 25,640 8.66 8.61–8.70 19,519 3,904 10.13 9.99–10.28 929 186 5.55 5.18–5.95 6,616 1,323 7.42 7.23–7.60
Meningioma 124,430 24,886 8.37 8.32–8.42 19,053 3,811 9.92 9.77–10.06 902 180 5.43 5.06–5.82 6,400 1,280 7.20 7.02–7.38
 Malignant 1,396 279 0.09 0.09–0.10 269 54 0.14 0.12–0.16 -- -- -- -- 83 17 0.09 0.07–0.12
 Non-Malignant 123,034 24,607 8.28 8.23–8.32 18,784 3,757 9.78 9.63–9.92 -- -- -- -- 6,317 1,263 7.10 6.93–7.29
Mesenchymal Tumors 1,195 239 0.09 0.09–0.10 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Primary Melanocytic Lesions 102 20 0.01 0.01-0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Other Neoplasms Related to the Meninges 2,475 495 0.19 0.18–0.20 325 65 0.15 0.13–0.17 22 4 0.10 0.06–0.16 137 27 0.14 0.11–0.16
Lymphoma and Hematopoietic Neoplasms 6,691 1,338 0.45 0.44–0.46 6,25 125 0.31 0.28–0.33 46 9 0.26 0.19–0.36 446 89 0.50 0.45–0.55
Lymphoma 6,504 1,301 0.43 0.42–0.44 597 119 0.29 0.27–0.32 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Other Hematopoietic Neoplasms 187 37 0.01 0.01–0.02 28 6 0.01 0.01–0.02 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Germ Cell Tumors and Cysts 1,221 244 0.11 0.10–0.11 151 30 0.06 0.05–0.08 -- -- -- -- 126 25 0.14 0.11–0.16
Germ cell tumors, cysts, and heterotopias 1,221 244 0.11 0.10–0.11 151 30 0.06 0.05–0.08 -- -- -- -- 126 25 0.14 0.11–0.16
 Malignant 813 163 0.07 0.07–0.08 94 19 0.04 0.03–0.05 -- -- -- -- 101 20 0.11 0.09–0.14
 Non-Malignant 408 82 0.03 0.03–0.04 57 11 0.03 0.02–0.03 -- -- -- -- 25 5 0.03 0.02–0.04
Tumors of Sellar Region 51,448 10,290 3.88 3.84–3.91 13,875 2,775 6.75 6.64–6.87 636 127 3.20 2.94–3.47 3,669 734 3.76 3.63–3.88
Tumors of the Pituitary 49,254 9,851 3.71 3.67–3.74 13,243 2,649 6.46 6.35–6.58 610 122 3.07 2.81–3.33 3,508 702 3.59 3.47–3.71
 Malignant 114 23 0.01 0.01-0.01 32 6 0.02 0.01–0.02 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant 49,140 9,828 3.70 3.66–3.73 13,211 2,642 6.45 6.33–6.56 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Craniopharyngioma 2,194 439 0.17 0.16–0.18 632 126 0.29 0.27–0.32 26 5 0.13 0.08–0.19 161 32 0.17 0.14–0.20
Unclassified Tumors 17,220 3,444 1.22 1.20–1.23 2,149 430 1.10 1.05–1.15 178 36 0.99 0.84–1.16 732 146 0.83 0.77–0.90
Hemangioma 5,000 1,000 0.38 0.37–0.39 547 109 0.26 0.24–0.28 71 14 0.36 0.27–0.45 268 54 0.28 0.25–0.32
Neoplasm Unspecified 12,109 2,422 0.83 0.82–0.85 1,570 314 0.83 0.78–0.87 105 21 0.61 0.49–0.75 457 91 0.54 0.49–0.60
 Malignant 5,749 1,150 0.38 0.37–0.39 571 114 0.32 0.29–0.34 51 10 0.30 0.22–0.41 189 38 0.24 0.20–0.27
 Non-Malignant 6,360 1,272 0.45 0.44–0.46 999 200 0.51 0.48–0.54 54 11 0.31 0.23–0.41 268 54 0.31 0.27–0.35
All Other 111 22 0.01 0.01-0.01 32 6 0.02 0.01–0.02 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
TOTAL d 333,099 66,620 23.50 23.42–23.59 46,936 9,387 23.34 23.13–23.56 2,652 530 14.28 13.70–14.87 16,880 3,376 18.18 17.90–18.46
Malignant 107,119 21,424 7.58 7.54–7.63 9356 1,871 4.48 4.38–4.57 677 135 3.51 3.24–3.81 3,928 786 4.25 4.12–4.39
Non-Malignant 225,980 45,196 15.92 15.85–15.99 37,580 7,516 18.87 18.67–19.06 1,975 395 10.76 10.26–11.28 12,952 2,590 13.93 13.68–14.17

a. Annual average cases are calculated by dividing the five-year total by five.

b. Rates are per 100,000 and are age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population.

c. Individuals with unknown race were excluded (N = 6173).

d. Refers to all brain tumors including histologies not presented in this table.

- Counts and rates are not presented when fewer than 16 cases were reported for the specific category, or where the inclusion of the count and rate would allow for back-calculation of suppressed values. The suppressed cases are included in the counts and rates for Totals.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; SEER, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program; CI, Confidence Interval; NOS, Not otherwise specified

  • AAAIR for all primary brain and other CNS tumors combined were lower for race groups AIAN (14.28 per 100,000 population) compared to Whites (23.50 per 100,000 population), Blacks (23.34 per 100,000 population), and API (18.18 per 100,000 population).

  • AAAIR for non-malignant primary brain and other CNS tumors were highest in Blacks (18.87 per 100,000) compared to Whites (15.92 per 100,000), AIAN (10.76 per 100,000), and API (13.93 per 100,000).

  • AAAIR for malignant primary brain and other CNS tumors were highest in Whites (7.58 per 100,000) compared to Blacks (4.48 per 100,000), AIAN (3.51 per 100,000), and API (4.25 per 100,000).

  • AAAIR for meningioma, tumors of the pituitary, and craniopharyngioma observed for Blacks exceeded those observed for Whites, AIAN, and API.

  • The AAAIR for tumors of the cranial and spinal nerves in the API group was the highest for all racial groups.

Incidence rate ratios (White:Black) for selected histologies are shown in Figure 16.

Fig. 16.

Fig. 16

Incidence Rate Ratios by Race (Whites:Blacks and Whites:Asian Or Pacific Islanders [API]) for Selected Selected Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumor Histologies, CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

  • Incidence rates for glioblastoma (P < 0.0001), all other astrocytoma (P < 0.0001), and nerve sheath tumors (P < 0.0001) were approximately 2 times greater in Whites than in Blacks.

  • Incidence of oligodendroglioma was approximately 2.28 times greater in Whites than in Blacks (P < 0.0001).

  • Incidence rates for pilocytic astrocytoma (P < 0.0001), ependymal tumors (P < 0.0001), embryonal tumors (P < 0.0001), lymphoma (P < 0.0001), and germ cell tumors (P < 0.0001) were also higher among Whites than Blacks.

  • Incidence rates for non-malignant (P < 0.0001) and malignant (P < 0.0001) meningioma and tumors of the pituitary (P < 0.0001) were higher among Blacks than Whites.

Incidence rate ratios (White:API) for selected histologies are shown in Figure 16.

  • Incidence rates for glioblastoma (P < 0.0001) were over 2.39 times greater in Whites than in API.

  • Incidence of germ cell tumors was approximately 22% higher in API compared to Whites (P < 0.0001).

Incidence Rates by Hispanic Ethnicity and Histology

AAAIR by Hispanic ethnicity and histology are shown in Table 13.

Table 13.

Five-year total, annual average totala, and average annual age-adjusted incidence ratesb with 95% confidence intervals for all brain and other central nervous system tumors by major histology grouping, histology, hispanic ethnicityc, and race, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Histology All Hispanic White Hispanic Black Hispanic All Non-Hispanic
5-year Total Annual average Rate 95% CI 5-year Total Annual average Rate 95% CI 5-year Total Annual average Rate 95% CI 5-year Total Annual average Rate 95% CI
Tumors of Neuroepithelial Tissue 11,414 2,283 4.96 4.86–5.06 10,492 2,098 5.04 4.94–5.15 276 55 2.51 2.18–2.87 100,866 20,173 6.85 6.81–6.89
Pilocytic Astrocytoma 826 165 0.25 0.23–0.27 744 149 0.25 0.23–0.27 25 5 0.13 0.08–0.20 4,340 868 0.38 0.37–0.39
Diffuse Astrocytoma 804 161 0.33 0.31–0.36 732 146 0.33 0.31–0.36 17 3 0.13 0.07–0.23 6,696 1,339 0.49 0.47–0.50
Anaplastic Astrocytoma 659 132 0.29 0.26–0.31 611 122 0.29 0.27–0.32 17 3 0.15 0.08–0.25 6,356 1,271 0.44 0.43–0.45
Unique Astrocytoma Variants 189 38 0.06 0.06–0.08 175 35 0.07 0.06–0.08 -- -- -- -- 972 194 0.08 0.07–0.08
 Malignant 115 23 0.04 0.03–0.05 109 22 0.04 0.04–0.05 -- -- -- -- 670 134 0.05 0.05–0.06
 Non-Malignant 74 15 0.02 0.02–0.03 66 13 0.02 0.02–0.03 -- -- -- -- 302 60 0.03 0.02–0.03
Glioblastoma 4,491 898 2.41 2.33–2.48 4,208 842 2.46 2.39–2.54 111 22 1.35 1.09–1.65 54,673 10,935 3.31 3.29–3.34
Oligodendroglioma 429 86 0.17 0.15–0.18 386 77 0.17 0.15–0.18 -- -- -- -- 3,239 648 0.25 0.24–0.26
Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma 217 43 0.09 0.08–0.11 199 40 0.09 0.08–0.11 -- -- -- -- 1,591 318 0.11 0.11–0.12
Oligoastrocytic Tumors 223 45 0.09 0.08–0.10 207 41 0.09 0.08–0.11 -- -- -- -- 1,880 376 0.14 0.14–0.15
Ependymal Tumors 950 190 0.36 0.34–0.39 858 172 0.36 0.34–0.39 18 4 0.15 0.08–0.26 5,927 1,185 0.44 0.43–0.45
 Malignant 632 126 0.23 0.21–0.25 580 116 0.24 0.22–0.26 -- -- -- -- 3,373 675 0.25 0.25–0.26
 Non-Malignant 318 64 0.13 0.12–0.15 278 56 0.13 0.11–0.14 -- -- -- -- 2,554 511 0.18 0.18–0.19
Glioma Malignant, NOS 966 193 0.37 0.34–0.40 874 175 0.37 0.35–0.40 30 6 0.20 0.13–0.31 6,785 1,357 0.52 0.50–0.53
Choroid Plexus Tumors 152 30 0.05 0.04–0.06 137 27 0.05 0.04–0.06 -- -- -- -- 665 133 0.05 0.05–0.06
 Malignant 23 5 0.01 0.00–0.01 20 4 0.01 0.00–0.01 -- -- -- -- 108 22 0.01 0.01-0.01
 Non-Malignant 129 26 0.04 0.04–0.05 117 23 0.04 0.04–0.05 -- -- -- -- 557 111 0.05 0.04–0.05
Other Neuroepithelial Tumors 21 4 0.01 0.00–0.01 18 4 0.01 0.00–0.01 -- -- -- -- 88 18 0.01 0.01-0.01
 Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 60 12 0.00 0.00–0.01
 Non-Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 28 6 0.00 0.00-0.00
Neuronal and Mixed Neuronal Glial Tumors 631 126 0.22 0.20–0.24 556 111 0.21 0.19–0.23 -- -- -- -- 4,221 844 0.34 0.33–0.35
 Malignant 127 25 0.05 0.04–0.06 113 23 0.05 0.04–0.06 -- -- -- -- 849 170 0.06 0.05–0.06
 Non-Malignant 504 101 0.16 0.15–0.18 443 89 0.16 0.15–0.18 -- -- -- -- 3,372 674 0.28 0.27–0.29
Tumors of the Pineal Region 108 22 0.04 0.03–0.05 99 20 0.04 0.03–0.05 -- -- -- -- 688 138 0.05 0.05–0.06
 Malignant 71 14 0.02 0.02–0.03 65 13 0.02 0.02–0.03 -- -- -- -- 374 75 0.03 0.03-0.03
 Non-Malignant 37 7 0.01 0.01–0.02 34 7 0.01 0.01–0.02 -- -- -- -- 314 63 0.02 0.02–0.03
Embryonal Tumors 748 150 0.22 0.21–0.24 688 138 0.23 0.22–0.25 -- -- -- -- 2,745 549 0.24 0.23–0.25
Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves 3,128 626 1.41 1.36–1.46 2,794 559 1.39 1.34–1.44 81 16 0.77 0.60–0.98 31,925 6,385 2.11 2.09–2.14
Nerve Sheath Tumors 3,122 624 1.41 1.36–1.46 2,788 558 1.39 1.33–1.44 81 16 0.77 0.60–0.98 31,895 6,379 2.11 2.09–2.13
 Malignant 37 7 0.02 0.01–0.02 33 7 0.02 0.01–0.02 -- -- -- -- 194 39 0.01 0.01–0.02
 Non-Malignant 3,085 617 1.39 1.34–1.44 2,755 551 1.37 1.32–1.42 -- -- -- -- 31,701 6,340 2.10 2.07–2.12
Other Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 30 6 0.00 0.00-0.00
Tumors of Meninges 15,279 3,056 8.36 8.22–8.50 13,917 2,783 8.32 8.18–8.47 438 88 5.56 5.01–6.15 142,031 28,406 8.93 8.89–8.98
Meningioma 14,679 2,936 8.11 7.98–8.25 13,359 2,672 8.07 7.93–8.22 428 86 5.48 4.93–6.07 138,077 27,615 8.65 8.61–8.70
 Malignant 181 36 0.09 0.08–0.11 170 34 0.10 0.08–0.11 -- -- -- -- 1,593 319 0.10 0.09–0.10
 Non-Malignant 14,498 2,900 8.02 7.88–8.16 13,189 2,638 7.97 7.83–8.12 -- -- -- -- 136,484 27,297 8.55 8.51–8.60
Mesenchymal Tumors 206 41 0.09 0.07–0.10 193 39 0.09 0.08–0.10 -- -- -- -- 1,227 245 0.09 0.08–0.09
Primary Melanocytic Lesions -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 99 20 0.01 0.01-0.01
Other Neoplasms Related to the Meninges 384 77 0.16 0.14–0.17 356 71 0.16 0.14–0.18 -- -- -- -- 2,628 526 0.19 0.18–0.19
Lymphoma and Hematopoietic Neoplasms 920 184 0.49 0.46–0.52 864 173 0.51 0.47–0.54 16 3 0.14 0.08–0.23 6,994 1,399 0.44 0.43–0.45
Lymphoma 879 176 0.47 0.44–0.51 828 166 0.49 0.46–0.53 -- -- -- -- 6,801 1,360 0.42 0.41–0.43
Other Hematopoietic Neoplasms 41 8 0.02 0.01–0.02 36 7 0.02 0.01–0.02 -- -- -- -- 193 39 0.01 0.01–0.02
Germ Cell Tumors and Cysts 334 67 0.10 0.09–0.12 300 60 0.10 0.09–0.12 -- -- -- -- 1,209 242 0.10 0.10–0.11
Germ cell tumors, cysts, and heterotopias 334 67 0.10 0.09–0.12 300 60 0.10 0.09–0.12 -- -- -- -- 1,209 242 0.10 0.10–0.11
 Malignant 235 47 0.07 0.06–0.08 215 43 0.07 0.06–0.08 -- -- -- -- 802 160 0.07 0.06–0.07
 Non-Malignant 99 20 0.03 0.03–0.04 85 17 0.03 0.03–0.04 -- -- -- -- 407 81 0.03 0.03–0.04
Tumors of Sellar Region 11,235 2,247 4.77 4.68–4.86 10,015 2,003 4.71 4.61–4.80 370 74 3.32 2.95–3.71 59,849 11,970 4.20 4.17–4.24
Tumors of the Pituitary 10,775 2,155 4.60 4.51–4.69 9,593 1,919 4.53 4.44–4.63 357 71 3.24 2.88–3.63 57,245 11,449 4.01 3.98–4.04
 Malignant 28 6 0.01 0.01–0.02 22 4 0.01 0.01–0.02 -- -- -- -- 129 26 0.01 0.01-0.01
 Non-Malignant 10,747 2,149 4.58 4.49–4.68 9,571 1,914 4.52 4.42–4.62 356 71 3.23 2.87–3.62 57,116 11,423 4.00 3.97–4.03
Craniopharyngioma 460 92 0.17 0.16–0.19 422 84 0.18 0.16–0.20 -- -- -- -- 2,604 521 0.19 0.19–0.20
Unclassified Tumors 2,379 476 1.19 1.13–1.24 2,172 434 1.19 1.14–1.25 67 13 0.70 0.52–0.92 18,177 3,635 1.21 1.19–1.22
Hemangioma 807 161 0.34 0.32–0.37 736 147 0.35 0.32–0.38 22 4 0.19 0.11–0.30 5,175 1,035 0.37 0.36–0.38
Neoplasm Unspecified 1,548 310 0.83 0.78–0.87 1,414 283 0.83 0.79–0.88 45 9 0.51 0.35–0.71 12,870 2,574 0.83 0.81–0.84
 Malignant 600 120 0.36 0.33–0.39 552 110 0.36 0.33–0.39 -- -- -- -- 6,034 1,207 0.37 0.36–0.38
 Non-Malignant 948 190 0.47 0.44–0.50 862 172 0.47 0.44–0.51 -- -- -- -- 6,836 1,367 0.46 0.45–0.47
All Other 24 5 0.01 0.01–0.02 22 4 0.01 0.01–0.02 -- -- -- -- 132 26 0.01 0.01-0.01
TOTAL d 44,689 8,938 21.28 21.07–21.49 40,554 8,111 21.27 21.05–21.49 1,257 251 13.04 12.25–13.87 361,051 72,210 23.84 23.76–23.92
Malignant 12,451 2,490 5.66 5.56–5.77 11,507 2,301 5.78 5.67–5.90 287 57 2.64 2.30–3.01 110,118 22,024 7.33 7.29–7.38
Non-Malignant 32,238 6,448 15.61 15.43–15.80 29,047 5,809 15.49 15.30–15.68 970 194 10.40 9.69–11.15 250,933 50,187 16.51 16.44–16.58

a. Annual average cases are calculated by dividing the five-year total by five.

b. Rates are per 100,000 and are age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population.

c. Hispanic ethnicity is not mutually exclusive of race; Classified using the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries Hispanic Identification Algorithm, version 2 (NHIA v2).

d. Refers to all brain tumors including histologies not presented in this table.

- Counts and rates are not presented when fewer than 16 cases were reported for the specific category, or where the inclusion of the count and rate would allow for back-calculation of suppressed values. The suppressed cases are included in the counts and rates for Totals.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; SEER, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program; CI, Confidence Interval; NOS, Not otherwise specified

  • The overall incidence rate for primary brain and other CNS tumors was 21.28 per 100,000 population among Hispanics and 23.84 per 100,000 population among non-Hispanics.

  • Tumors of the pituitary, lymphoma, and other hematopoietic neoplasms were the only histologies that were higher in Hispanics than in non-Hispanics.

While there are multiple histologies, discussed above, where significant differences in incidence were observed by race and/or ethnicity, in most cases the actual difference in incidence rates is small and may not be biologically significant.

Incidence and Distribution of Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors in Childhood and Adolescence by Site, Histology, Sex, and Age

Distribution of tumors by site and histology in children and adolescents (age 0–19 years)

The distribution of brain and other CNS tumors for children and adolescents age 0–19 years by site is shown in Figure 17A. Brain and other CNS tumors are the most common form of solid tumors in children50 and account for the majority of cancer mortality in this age group.51 About 6.1% of the reported brain and other CNS tumors during 2012–2016 occurred in children and adolescents age 0–19 years.

  • The largest percentages of tumors in childhood and adolescence were located in the pituitary and craniopharyngeal duct (16.5%).

  • Frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes of the brain accounted for 5.9%, 6.8%, 2.7%, and 1.2% of all brain and other CNS tumors in childhood and adolescence, respectively.

  • Cerebrum, ventricle, brain stem, and cerebellum tumors accounted for 5.2%, 5.3%, 10.9%, and 12.9% of all brain and other CNS tumors in childhood and adolescence, respectively.

  • Tumors of the meninges represented 2.9% of all tumors in childhood and adolescence.

  • The cranial nerves and the spinal cord and cauda equina accounted for 7.3% and 4.9% of all brain and other CNS tumors in childhood and adolescence, respectively.

Figure 17B presents the most common brain and other CNS histologies in children and adolescents age 0–19 years.

Fig. 17.

Fig. 17

Distributiona in Children and Adolescents (Age 0–19 Years) of Primary Brain and CNS Tumors (Five-Year Total = 24,931; Annual Average Cases = 4,986) by A) Site and B) Histology, CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

  • For children and adolescents age 0–19 years, pilocytic astrocytoma, glioma malignant, NOS, and embryonal tumors accounted for 15.0%, 7.6%, and 11.5%, respectively.

  • Tumors of the pituitary were the most common non-malignant histology, and accounted for 13.0% of all tumors in this age group.

  • Gliomas accounted for approximately 45.7% of tumors in children and adolescents age 0–19 years.

  • Medulloblastoma accounted for 64.9% of all embryonal tumors in this age group.

Distribution of tumors by site and histology in children (age 0–14 years)

The distribution of brain and other CNS tumors for children age 0–14 years by site is shown in Figure 18A. Approximately 4.3% of all reported tumors occurred in children age 0–14 years.

Fig. 18.

Fig. 18

Distributiona in Children (Age 0–14 Years) of Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors (Five-Year Total = 17,540; Annual Average Cases = 3,508) by A) Site and B) Histology, CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

  • Tumors of cerebellum (15.2%) comprised the largest proportion of tumors followed by the other brain (15.0%) and brain stem (13.3%).

Figure 18B presents the most common brain and other CNS histologies in children age 0–14 years.

  • For children age 0–14 years, pilocytic astrocytoma, glioma malignant, NOS, and embryonal tumors accounted for 17.8%, 14.0%, and 13.1%, respectively.

  • Gliomas accounted for approximately 51.6% of tumors in children age 0–14 years of embryonal tumors, medulloblastoma, ATRT, and PNET accounted for 64.1%, 15.9%, and 10.4%, respectively.

Distribution of tumors by site and histology in adolescents (age 15–19 years)

The distribution of these tumors by site is presented in Figure 19A. About 1.8% of all brain and other CNS tumors occurred in adolescents age 15–19 years for a total of 7,391 tumors diagnosed between 2012 and 2016 (Table 3).

Fig. 19.

Fig. 19

Distributiona in Adolescents (Age 15–19 Years) of Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors (Five-Year Total = 7,391; Annual Average Cases = 1,478) by A) Site and B) Histology, CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

  • 33.5% of these tumors were diagnosed in the pituitary and craniopharyngeal duct.

  • The frontal lobe, temporal lobe, occipital lobe, and parietal lobe accounted for 19.9% of tumors in this age group.

The distribution of brain and other CNS tumors in adolescents age 15–19 years by histology is presented in Figure 19B.

  • The most common histology in adolescents was tumors of the pituitary (30.8%).

  • Gliomas accounted for approximately 31.5% of tumors in adolescents. Of these gliomas, the histology pilocytic astrocytoma accounted for 8.3% of all tumors in this age group.

Incidence rates by histology, histology groupings, and sex in children and adolescents (age 0–19 years)

The incidence rates of the most common brain and other CNS tumors in children and adolescents by major histology grouping, histology, and sex are shown in Table 14.

Table 14.

Five-year total, annual average totala, and average annual age-adjusted incidence ratesb with 95% confidence intervals for children and adolescents (age 0–19 years), brain and other central nervous system tumors by major histology grouping, histology, and sex, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Histology Total Male Female
5-year Total Annual average Rate 95% CI 5-year Total Annual average Rate 95% CI 5-year Total Annual average Rate 95% CI
Tumors of Neuroepithelial Tissue 15,778 3,156 3.84 3.78–3.90 8,535 1,707 4.07 3.98–4.15 7,243 1,449 3.61 3.52–3.69
Pilocytic Astrocytoma 3,730 746 0.91 0.88–0.94 1,948 390 0.93 0.89–0.97 1782 356 0.89 0.85–0.93
Diffuse Astrocytoma 968 194 0.24 0.22–0.25 508 102 0.24 0.22–0.26 460 92 0.23 0.21–0.25
Anaplastic Astrocytoma 406 81 0.10 0.09–0.11 229 46 0.11 0.10–0.12 177 35 0.09 0.08–0.10
Unique Astrocytoma Variants 519 104 0.13 0.12–0.14 292 58 0.14 0.12–0.16 227 45 0.11 0.10–0.13
 Malignant 243 49 0.06 0.05–0.07 139 28 0.07 0.06–0.08 104 21 0.05 0.04–0.06
 Non-Malignant 276 55 0.07 0.06–0.08 153 31 0.07 0.06–0.09 123 25 0.06 0.05–0.07
Glioblastoma 744 149 0.18 0.17–0.19 410 82 0.19 0.18–0.21 334 67 0.17 0.15–0.18
Oligodendroglioma 195 39 0.05 0.04–0.05 98 20 0.05 0.04–0.06 97 19 0.05 0.04–0.06
Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma 27 5 0.01 0.00–0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Oligoastrocytic Tumors 84 17 0.02 0.02–0.03 44 9 0.02 0.02–0.03 40 8 0.02 0.01–0.03
Ependymal Tumors 1,173 235 0.29 0.27–0.30 650 130 0.31 0.29–0.33 523 105 0.26 0.24–0.28
 Malignant 985 197 0.24 0.22–0.26 548 110 0.26 0.24–0.28 437 87 0.22 0.20–0.24
 Non-Malignant 188 38 0.05 0.04–0.05 102 20 0.05 0.04–0.06 86 17 0.04 0.03–0.05
Glioma Malignant, NOS 2,870 574 0.70 0.67–0.73 1,460 292 0.70 0.66–0.73 1,410 282 0.70 0.67–0.74
Choroid Plexus Tumors 409 82 0.10 0.09–0.11 230 46 0.11 0.10–0.12 179 36 0.09 0.08–0.10
 Malignant 105 21 0.03 0.02–0.03 53 11 0.03 0.02–0.03 52 10 0.03 0.02–0.03
 Non-Malignant 304 61 0.07 0.07–0.08 177 35 0.08 0.07–0.10 127 25 0.06 0.05–0.08
Other Neuroepithelial Tumors 38 8 0.01 0.01-0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Neuronal and Mixed Neuronal Glial Tumors 1,889 378 0.46 0.44–0.48 1,041 208 0.49 0.47–0.53 848 170 0.42 0.39–0.45
 Malignant 100 20 0.02 0.02–0.03 59 12 0.03 0.02–0.04 41 8 0.02 0.01–0.03
 Non-Malignant 1,789 358 0.43 0.41–0.46 982 196 0.47 0.44–0.50 807 161 0.40 0.37–0.43
Tumors of the Pineal Region 218 44 0.05 0.05–0.06 111 22 0.05 0.04–0.06 107 21 0.05 0.04–0.06
 Malignant 180 36 0.04 0.04–0.05 -- -- -- -- 81 16 0.04 0.03–0.05
 Non-Malignant 38 8 0.01 0.01-0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Embryonal Tumors 2,508 502 0.61 0.59–0.64 1,487 297 0.71 0.67–0.75 1,021 204 0.51 0.48–0.54
 Medulloblastoma 1,632 326 0.40 0.38–0.42 1,047 209 0.50 0.47–0.53 585 117 0.29 0.27–0.32
 Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors 270 54 0.07 0.06–0.07 139 28 0.07 0.06–0.08 131 26 0.07 0.05–0.08
 Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor 370 74 0.09 0.08–0.10 180 36 0.09 0.07–0.10 190 38 0.09 0.08–0.11
 Other Embryonal Histologies c 236 47 0.06 0.05–0.07 121 24 0.06 0.05–0.07 115 23 0.06 0.05–0.07
Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves 1,336 267 0.32 0.31–0.34 716 143 0.34 0.32–0.37 620 124 0.31 0.28–0.33
Nerve Sheath Tumors 1,333 267 0.32 0.31–0.34 713 143 0.34 0.31–0.36 620 124 0.31 0.28–0.33
 Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Other Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Tumors of Meninges 1,132 226 0.27 0.26–0.29 538 108 0.25 0.23–0.28 594 119 0.29 0.27–0.32
Meningioma 653 131 0.16 0.15–0.17 299 60 0.14 0.13–0.16 354 71 0.17 0.16–0.19
 Malignant 37 7 0.01 0.01-0.01 16 3 0.01 0.00–0.01 21 4 0.01 0.01–0.02
 Non-Malignant 616 123 0.15 0.14–0.16 283 57 0.13 0.12–0.15 333 67 0.16 0.15–0.18
Mesenchymal Tumors 254 51 0.06 0.05–0.07 132 26 0.06 0.05–0.07 122 24 0.06 0.05–0.07
Primary Melanocytic Lesions -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Other Neoplasms Related to the Meninges -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Lymphoma and Hematopoietic Neoplasms 131 26 0.03 0.03–0.04 82 16 0.04 0.03–0.05 49 10 0.02 0.02–0.03
Lymphoma 64 13 0.02 0.01–0.02 42 8 0.02 0.01–0.03 22 4 0.01 0.01–0.02
Other Hematopoietic Neoplasms 67 13 0.02 0.01–0.02 40 8 0.02 0.01–0.03 27 5 0.01 0.01–0.02
Germ Cell Tumors and Cysts 951 190 0.23 0.22–0.25 651 130 0.31 0.29–0.33 300 60 0.15 0.13–0.17
Germ cell tumors, cysts, and heterotopias 951 190 0.23 0.22–0.25 651 130 0.31 0.29–0.33 300 60 0.15 0.13–0.17
 Malignant 733 147 0.18 0.17–0.19 531 106 0.25 0.23–0.27 202 40 0.10 0.09–0.12
 Non-Malignant 218 44 0.05 0.05–0.06 120 24 0.06 0.05–0.07 98 20 0.05 0.04–0.06
Tumors of Sellar Region 4,080 816 0.98 0.95–1.01 1,301 260 0.62 0.58–0.65 2,779 556 1.37 1.32–1.42
Tumors of the Pituitary 3,232 646 0.78 0.75–0.80 856 171 0.40 0.38–0.43 2,376 475 1.17 1.12–1.22
 Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Craniopharyngioma 848 170 0.21 0.19–0.22 445 89 0.21 0.19–0.23 403 81 0.20 0.18–0.22
Unclassified Tumors 1,523 305 0.37 0.35–0.39 753 151 0.36 0.33–0.38 770 154 0.38 0.36–0.41
Hemangioma 601 120 0.15 0.13–0.16 302 60 0.14 0.13–0.16 299 60 0.15 0.13–0.17
Neoplasm Unspecified 886 177 0.22 0.20–0.23 432 86 0.21 0.19–0.23 454 91 0.23 0.21–0.25
 Malignant 225 45 0.05 0.05–0.06 116 23 0.06 0.05–0.07 109 22 0.05 0.04–0.07
 Non-Malignant 661 132 0.16 0.15–0.17 316 63 0.15 0.13–0.17 345 69 0.17 0.15–0.19
All Other 36 7 0.01 0.01-0.01 19 4 0.01 0.01-0.01 17 3 0.01 0.00–0.01
TOTAL d 24,931 4,986 6.06 5.98–6.13 12,576 2,515 5.98 5.88–6.09 12,355 2,471 6.13 6.02–6.24
Malignant 14,421 2,884 3.51 3.45–3.57 7,922 1,584 3.77 3.69–3.86 6,499 1,300 3.24 3.16–3.32
Non-Malignant 10,510 2,102 2.54 2.50–2.59 4,654 931 2.21 2.15–2.27 5,856 1,171 2.89 2.82–2.97

a. Annual average cases are calculated by dividing the five-year total by five.

b. Rates are per 100,000 and are age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population.

c. ICD-O-3 histology and behavior codes: 8963/3, 9364/3, 9480/3, 9490/0, 9490/3, 9500/3, 9501/3, and 9502/3.

d. Refers to all brain tumors including histologies not presented in this table.

- Counts and rates are not presented when fewer than 16 cases were reported for the specific category, or where the inclusion of the count and rate would allow for back-calculation of suppressed values. The suppressed cases are included in the counts and rates for Totals.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; SEER, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program; CI, Confidence Interval; NOS, Not otherwise specified

  • Average annual incidence rates were highest for tumors of neuroepithelial tissue (3.84 per 100,000 population). Among these tumors, the most common histologies were pilocytic astrocytoma (0.91 per 100,000 population), glioma malignant, NOS (0.70 per 100,000 population), and embryonal tumors (0.61 per 100,000 population).

  • There were notable differences in incidence rates between males and females for ependymal tumors, embryonal tumors, germ cell tumors, and tumors of the pituitary.

Incidence rates by histology and race in children and adolescents (age 0–19 years)

Table 15 shows incidence rates for brain and other CNS tumors by histology and race for children and adolescents age 0–19 years.

Table 15.

Five-year total, annual average totala, and average annual age-adjusted incidence ratesb with 95% confidence intervals for children and adolescents (age 0–19 years), brain and other central nervous system tumors by major histology grouping, histology, and racec, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Histology White Black American Indian/Alaska Native Asian/Pacific Islander
5-year Total Annual average Rate 95% CI 5-year Total Annual average Rate 95% CI 5-year Total Annual average Rate 95% CI 5-year Total Annual average Rate 95% CI
Tumors of Neuroepithelial Tissue 12,505 2,501 4.04 3.97–4.11 2,021 404 2.95 2.82–3.08 142 28 1.85 1.56–2.18 750 150 3.01 2.80–3.23
Pilocytic Astrocytoma 3,008 602 0.97 0.94–1.01 451 90 0.66 0.60–0.72 30 6 0.39 0.26–0.55 157 31 0.63 0.53–0.74
Diffuse Astrocytoma 779 156 0.25 0.23–0.27 113 23 0.17 0.14–0.20 -- -- -- -- 45 9 0.18 0.13–0.24
Anaplastic Astrocytoma 318 64 0.10 0.09–0.11 55 11 0.08 0.06–0.11 -- -- -- -- 23 5 0.09 0.06–0.14
Unique Astrocytoma Variants 390 78 0.13 0.11–0.14 82 16 0.12 0.10–0.15 -- -- -- -- 32 6 0.13 0.09–0.18
 Malignant 194 39 0.06 0.05–0.07 25 5 0.04 0.02–0.05 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant 196 39 0.06 0.05–0.07 57 11 0.08 0.06–0.11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Glioblastoma 580 116 0.19 0.17–0.20 99 20 0.14 0.12–0.18 -- -- -- -- 39 8 0.16 0.11–0.22
Oligodendroglioma 151 30 0.05 0.04–0.06 26 5 0.04 0.02–0.06 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma 19 4 0.01 0.00–0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Oligoastrocytic Tumors 70 14 0.02 0.02–0.03 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Ependymal Tumors 945 189 0.30 0.29–0.33 135 27 0.20 0.16–0.23 -- -- -- -- 53 11 0.21 0.16–0.28
 Malignant 787 157 0.25 0.24–0.27 122 24 0.18 0.15–0.21 -- -- -- -- 44 9 0.18 0.13–0.24
 Non-Malignant 158 32 0.05 0.04–0.06 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Glioma Malignant, NOS 2,263 453 0.73 0.70–0.76 392 78 0.57 0.52–0.63 20 4 0.26 0.16–0.40 127 25 0.51 0.42–0.60
Choroid Plexus Tumors 319 64 0.10 0.09–0.12 54 11 0.08 0.06–0.10 -- -- -- -- 24 5 0.10 0.06–0.14
 Malignant 78 16 0.03 0.02–0.03 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant 241 48 0.08 0.07–0.09 39 8 0.06 0.04–0.08 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Other Neuroepithelial Tumors 28 6 0.01 0.01-0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Malignant 21 4 0.01 0.00–0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Neuronal and Mixed Neuronal Glial Tumors 1,512 302 0.49 0.46–0.51 243 49 0.36 0.31–0.40 16 3 0.21 0.12–0.34 82 16 0.33 0.26–0.41
 Malignant 76 15 0.02 0.02–0.03 18 4 0.03 0.02–0.04 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant 1,436 287 0.46 0.44–0.49 225 45 0.33 0.29–0.38 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Tumors of the Pineal Region 148 30 0.05 0.04–0.06 48 10 0.07 0.05–0.09 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Malignant 117 23 0.04 0.03–0.05 44 9 0.06 0.05–0.09 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant 31 6 0.01 0.01-0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Embryonal Tumors 1,975 395 0.64 0.61–0.67 304 61 0.44 0.39–0.49 26 5 0.33 0.22–0.49 144 29 0.58 0.49–0.68
 Medulloblastoma 1,307 261 0.42 0.40–0.45 173 35 0.25 0.22–0.29 18 4 0.23 0.14–0.37 101 20 0.40 0.33–0.49
 Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors 207 41 0.07 0.06–0.08 43 9 0.06 0.05–0.08 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor 275 55 0.09 0.08–0.10 59 12 0.08 0.06–0.11 -- -- -- -- 25 5 0.10 0.06–0.15
 Other Embryonal Histologies d 186 37 0.06 0.05–0.07 29 6 0.04 0.03–0.06 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves 1,034 207 0.33 0.31–0.35 170 34 0.25 0.21–0.29 -- -- -- -- 75 15 0.30 0.24–0.38
Nerve Sheath Tumors 1,031 206 0.33 0.31–0.35 170 34 0.25 0.21–0.29 -- -- -- -- 75 15 0.30 0.24–0.38
 Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant 1,020 204 0.33 0.31–0.35 166 33 0.24 0.21–0.28 -- -- -- -- 75 15 0.30 0.24–0.38
Other Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Tumors of Meninges 901 180 0.29 0.27–0.31 146 29 0.21 0.18–0.25 -- -- -- -- 51 10 0.21 0.15–0.27
Meningioma 514 103 0.16 0.15–0.18 92 18 0.13 0.11–0.16 -- -- -- -- 28 6 0.11 0.08–0.16
  Malignant 30 6 0.01 0.01-0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant 484 97 0.15 0.14–0.17 87 17 0.13 0.10–0.16 -- -- -- -- 26 5 0.11 0.07–0.16
Mesenchymal Tumors 201 40 0.06 0.06–0.07 28 6 0.04 0.03–0.06 -- -- -- -- 16 3 0.06 0.04–0.10
Primary Melanocytic Lesions -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Other Neoplasms Related to the Meninges 174 35 0.06 0.05–0.06 26 5 0.04 0.02–0.06 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Lymphoma and Hematopoietic Neoplasms 97 19 0.03 0.03–0.04 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 17 3 0.07 0.04–0.11
Lymphoma 46 9 0.01 0.01–0.02 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Other Hematopoietic Neoplasms 51 10 0.02 0.01–0.02 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Germ Cell Tumors and Cysts 739 148 0.24 0.22–0.26 93 19 0.14 0.11–0.17 -- -- -- -- 88 18 0.36 0.29–0.44
Germ cell tumors, cysts, and heterotopias 739 148 0.24 0.22–0.26 93 19 0.14 0.11–0.17 -- -- -- -- 88 18 0.36 0.29–0.44
 Malignant 571 114 0.18 0.17–0.20 66 13 0.10 0.08–0.12 -- -- -- -- 76 15 0.31 0.24–0.39
 Non-Malignant 168 34 0.05 0.05–0.06 27 5 0.04 0.03–0.06 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Tumors of Sellar Region 3,055 611 0.97 0.94–1.01 605 121 0.88 0.81–0.96 59 12 0.79 0.60–1.02 231 46 0.94 0.82–1.07
Tumors of the Pituitary 2,436 487 0.77 0.74–0.80 449 90 0.65 0.59–0.72 52 10 0.70 0.52–0.91 183 37 0.74 0.64–0.86
 Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant 2,435 487 0.77 0.74–0.80 449 90 0.65 0.59–0.72 51 10 0.68 0.51–0.90 182 36 0.74 0.64–0.86
Craniopharyngioma 619 124 0.20 0.18–0.22 156 31 0.23 0.20–0.27 -- -- -- -- 48 10 0.19 0.14–0.26
Unclassified Tumors 1,200 240 0.39 0.36–0.41 184 37 0.27 0.23–0.31 24 5 0.32 0.20–0.47 71 14 0.29 0.22–0.36
Hemangioma 497 99 0.16 0.15–0.17 54 11 0.08 0.06–0.10 -- -- -- -- 28 6 0.11 0.07–0.16
Neoplasm Unspecified 678 136 0.22 0.20–0.24 122 24 0.18 0.15–0.21 18 4 0.24 0.14–0.38 43 9 0.17 0.13–0.23
 Malignant 162 32 0.05 0.04–0.06 37 7 0.05 0.04–0.07 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant 516 103 0.17 0.15–0.18 85 17 0.12 0.10–0.15 -- -- -- -- 28 6 0.11 0.08–0.16
All Other 25 5 0.01 0.01-0.01 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
TOTAL e 19,531 3,906 6.29 6.20–6.37 3,231 646 4.71 4.55–4.88 256 51 3.37 2.97–3.80 1,283 257 5.17 4.89–5.46
Malignant 11,393 2,279 3.68 3.61–3.75 1,821 364 2.66 2.54–2.78 139 28 1.81 1.52–2.14 742 148 2.98 2.77–3.20
Non-Malignant 8,138 1,628 2.61 2.55–2.66 1,410 282 2.06 1.95–2.17 117 23 1.56 1.29–1.86 541 108 2.19 2.01–2.38

a. Annual average cases are calculated by dividing the five-year total by five.

b. Rates are per 100,000 and are age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population.

c. Individuals with unknown race were excluded (N = 630).

d. ICD-O-3 histology and behavior codes: 8963/3, 9364/3, 9480/3, 9490/0, 9490/3, 9500/3, 9501/3, and 9502/3.

e. Refers to all brain tumors including histologies not presented in this table.

- Counts and rates are not presented when fewer than 16 cases were reported for the specific category, or where the inclusion of the count and rate would allow for back-calculation of suppressed values. The suppressed cases are included in the counts and rates for Totals.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; SEER, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program; CI, Confidence Interval; NOS, Not otherwise specified

  • Incidence rates were highest among White (6.29 per 100,000 population) compared to Blacks (4.71 per 100,000 population), AIAN (3.37 per 100,000 population), and API (5.17 per 100,000 population).

Incidence rates by histology and hispanic ethnicity in children and adolescents (age 0–19 years)

AAAIR of brain and other CNS tumors for children and adolescents age 0–19 years by Hispanic ethnicity are shown in Table 16.

Table 16.

Five-year total, annual average totala, and average annual age-adjusted incidence ratesb with 95% confidence intervals for children and adolescents (age 0–19 years), brain and other central nervous system tumors by major histology grouping, histology, hispanic ethnicityc, and race, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Histology All Hispanic White Hispanic Black Hispanic All Non-Hispanic
5-year total Annual average Rate 95% CI 5-year total Annual average Rate 95% CI 5-year total Annual average Rate 95% CI 5- year total Annual average Rate 95% CI
Tumors of Neuroepithelial Tissue 2,942 588 2.93 2.82–3.03 2,679 536 3.02 2.91–3.14 82 16 1.35 1.07–1.67 12,836 2,567 4.13 4.06–4.21
Pilocytic Astrocytoma 656 131 0.65 0.60–0.70 594 119 0.67 0.61–0.72 20 4 0.33 0.20–0.51 3,074 615 0.99 0.96–1.03
Diffuse Astrocytoma 131 26 0.13 0.11–0.16 119 24 0.14 0.11–0.16 -- -- -- -- 837 167 0.27 0.25–0.29
Anaplastic Astrocytoma 86 17 0.09 0.07–0.11 78 16 0.09 0.07–0.11 -- -- -- -- 320 64 0.10 0.09–0.11
Unique Astrocytoma Variants 115 23 0.12 0.10–0.14 105 21 0.12 0.10–0.15 -- -- -- -- 404 81 0.13 0.12–0.14
 Malignant 57 11 0.06 0.04–0.08 54 11 0.06 0.05–0.08 -- -- -- -- 186 37 0.06 0.05–0.07
 Non-Malignant 58 12 0.06 0.04–0.07 51 10 0.06 0.04–0.08 -- -- -- -- 218 44 0.07 0.06–0.08
Glioblastoma 163 33 0.17 0.14–0.19 156 31 0.18 0.15–0.21 -- -- -- -- 581 116 0.19 0.17–0.20
Oligodendroglioma 25 5 0.03 0.02–0.04 24 5 0.03 0.02–0.04 -- -- -- -- 170 34 0.05 0.05–0.06
Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 23 5 0.01 0.00–0.01
Oligoastrocytic Tumors -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 71 14 0.02 0.02–0.03
Ependymal Tumors 272 54 0.27 0.24–0.30 249 50 0.28 0.25–0.32 -- -- -- -- 901 180 0.29 0.27–0.31
 Malignant 240 48 0.24 0.21–0.27 223 45 0.25 0.22–0.28 -- -- -- -- 745 149 0.24 0.22–0.26
 Non-Malignant 32 6 0.03 0.02–0.05 26 5 0.03 0.02–0.04 -- -- -- -- 156 31 0.05 0.04–0.06
Glioma Malignant, NOS 489 98 0.48 0.44–0.53 437 87 0.49 0.45–0.54 18 4 0.29 0.17–0.46 2,381 476 0.77 0.74–0.80
Choroid Plexus Tumors 90 18 0.09 0.07–0.11 80 16 0.09 0.07–0.11 -- -- -- -- 319 64 0.10 0.09–0.12
 Malignant 20 4 0.02 0.01–0.03 18 4 0.02 0.01–0.03 -- -- -- -- 85 17 0.03 0.02–0.03
 Non-Malignant 70 14 0.07 0.05–0.09 62 12 0.07 0.05–0.09 -- -- -- -- 234 47 0.08 0.07–0.09
Other Neuroepithelial Tumors -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 30 6 0.01 0.01-0.01
 Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 24 5 0.01 0.00–0.01
 Non-Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Neuronal and Mixed Neuronal Glial Tumors 298 60 0.30 0.27–0.34 269 54 0.31 0.27–0.35 -- -- -- -- 1,591 318 0.51 0.48–0.53
 Malignant 22 4 0.02 0.01–0.03 21 4 0.02 0.01–0.04 -- -- -- -- 78 16 0.02 0.02–0.03
 Non-Malignant 276 55 0.28 0.25–0.32 248 50 0.29 0.25–0.32 -- -- -- -- 1,513 303 0.48 0.46–0.51
Tumors of the Pineal Region 44 9 0.04 0.03–0.06 37 7 0.04 0.03–0.06 -- -- -- -- 174 35 0.06 0.05–0.06
 Malignant 37 7 0.04 0.03–0.05 32 6 0.04 0.02–0.05 -- -- -- -- 143 29 0.05 0.04–0.05
 Non-Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 31 6 0.01 0.01-0.01
Embryonal Tumors 548 110 0.53 0.49–0.58 507 101 0.56 0.51–0.61 -- -- -- -- 1,960 392 0.64 0.61–0.67
 Medulloblastoma 347 69 0.34 0.31–0.38 323 65 0.36 0.32–0.40 -- -- -- -- 1,285 257 0.42 0.39–0.44
 Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors 63 13 0.06 0.05–0.08 57 11 0.06 0.05–0.08 -- -- -- -- 207 41 0.07 0.06–0.08
 Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor 91 18 0.09 0.07–0.11 85 17 0.09 0.07–0.11 -- -- -- -- 279 56 0.09 0.08–0.10
  Other Embryonal Histologies d 47 9 0.05 0.03–0.06 42 8 0.05 0.03–0.06 -- -- -- -- 189 38 0.06 0.05–0.07
Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves 238 48 0.24 0.21–0.27 207 41 0.24 0.21–0.27 -- -- -- -- 1,098 220 0.35 0.33–0.37
Nerve Sheath Tumors 237 47 0.24 0.21–0.27 206 41 0.24 0.21–0.27 -- -- -- -- 1,096 219 0.35 0.33–0.37
 Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Other Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Tumors of Meninges 227 45 0.23 0.21–0.27 205 41 0.24 0.21–0.27 -- -- -- -- 905 181 0.29 0.27–0.30
Meningioma 127 25 0.13 0.11–0.16 113 23 0.13 0.11–0.16 -- -- -- -- 526 105 0.17 0.15–0.18
 Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 28 6 0.01 0.01-0.01
 Non-Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 498 100 0.16 0.14–0.17
Mesenchymal Tumors 52 10 0.05 0.04–0.07 46 9 0.05 0.04–0.07 -- -- -- -- 202 40 0.07 0.06–0.07
Primary Melanocytic Lesions -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Other Neoplasms Related to the Meninges 46 9 0.05 0.04–0.06 44 9 0.05 0.04–0.07 -- -- -- -- 167 33 0.05 0.04–0.06
Lymphoma and Hematopoietic Neoplasms 28 6 0.03 0.02–0.04 24 5 0.03 0.02–0.04 -- -- -- -- 103 21 0.03 0.03–0.04
Lymphoma -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 50 10 0.02 0.01–0.02
Other Hemopoietic Neoplasms -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 53 11 0.02 0.01–0.02
Germ Cell Tumors and Cysts 234 47 0.24 0.21–0.27 215 43 0.25 0.22–0.28 -- -- -- -- 717 143 0.23 0.21–0.25
Germ Cell Tumors, Cysts and Heterotopias 234 47 0.24 0.21–0.27 215 43 0.25 0.22–0.28 -- -- -- -- 717 143 0.23 0.21–0.25
 Malignant 184 37 0.19 0.16–0.22 170 34 0.20 0.17–0.23 -- -- -- -- 549 110 0.17 0.16–0.19
 Non-Malignant 50 10 0.05 0.04–0.06 45 9 0.05 0.04–0.07 -- -- -- -- 168 34 0.05 0.05–0.06
Tumors of Sellar Region 1,100 220 1.16 1.09–1.23 971 194 1.15 1.08–1.22 34 7 0.61 0.42–0.85 2,980 596 0.93 0.90–0.97
Tumors of the Pituitary 908 182 0.96 0.90–1.03 792 158 0.94 0.88–1.01 27 5 0.49 0.32–0.71 2,324 465 0.72 0.69–0.75
 Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
 Non-Malignant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Craniopharyngioma 192 38 0.19 0.17–0.22 179 36 0.20 0.18–0.24 -- -- -- -- 656 131 0.21 0.20–0.23
Unclassified Tumors 310 62 0.32 0.28–0.35 271 54 0.31 0.28–0.35 -- -- -- -- 1,213 243 0.39 0.37–0.41
Hemangioma 121 24 0.12 0.10–0.15 110 22 0.13 0.10–0.15 -- -- -- -- 480 96 0.15 0.14–0.17
Neoplasm Unspecified 182 36 0.19 0.16–0.21 154 31 0.18 0.15–0.21 -- -- -- -- 704 141 0.23 0.21–0.24
 Malignant 46 9 0.05 0.03–0.06 38 8 0.04 0.03–0.06 -- -- -- -- 179 36 0.06 0.05–0.07
 Non-Malignant 136 27 0.14 0.12–0.17 116 23 0.13 0.11–0.16 -- -- -- -- 525 105 0.17 0.15–0.18
All Other -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 29 6 0.01 0.01-0.01
TOTAL e 5,079 1,016 5.14 5.00–5.29 4,572 914 5.23 5.08–5.39 145 29 2.45 2.06–2.88 19,852 3,970 6.35 6.26–6.44
Malignant 2,796 559 2.78 2.68–2.89 2,556 511 2.88 2.77–3.00 75 15 1.23 0.97–1.55 11,625 2,325 3.75 3.68–3.81
Non-Malignant 2,283 457 2.36 2.26–2.46 2,016 403 2.35 2.25–2.46 70 14 1.21 0.94–1.53 8,227 1,645 2.60 2.55–2.66

a. Annual average cases are calculated by dividing the five-year total by five.

b. Rates are per 100,000 and are age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population.

c. Hispanic ethnicity is not mutually exclusive of race; Classified using the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries Hispanic Identification Algorithm, version 2 (NHIA v2).

d. ICD-O-3 histology and behavior codes: 8963/3, 9364/3, 9480/3, 9490/0, 9490/3, 9500/3, 9501/3, and 9502/3.

e. Refers to all brain tumors including histologies not presented in this table.

- Counts and rates are not presented when fewer than 16 cases were reported for the specific category, or where the inclusion of the count and rate would allow for back-calculation of suppressed values. The suppressed cases are included in the counts and rates for Totals.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; SEER, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program; CI, Confidence Interval; NOS, Not otherwise specified

  • Incidence rates for non-Hispanics (6.35 per 100,000 population; 19,852 total tumors) were higher than those for Hispanics (5.14 per 100,000 population; 5,079 total tumors).

  • The largest differences between non-Hispanics and Hispanics were in incidence rates of tumors of neuroepithelial tissue and tumors of cranial and spinal nerves.

  • Incidence of most histologic types was higher among non-Hispanics than Hispanics, with the exception of tumors of the pituitary where incidence was 0.96 per 100,000 in Hispanics and 0.72 per 100,000 in non-Hispanics.

Incidence rates by age and histology in children and adolescents (age 0–19 years)

The detailed AAAIR for brain and other CNS tumors by histology for, children and adolescents age 0–19 years overall, and age-groups 0–4 years, 5–9 years, 10–14 years, and 15–19 years are shown in Table 6.

  • Overall, incidence rates for age-groups 0–4 years (6.22 per 100,000 population) and 15–19 years (6.98 per 100,000 population) exceeded those observed in age-groups 5–9 years (5.38 per 100,000 population) and 10–14 years (5.65 per 100,000 population).

  • Individual histology distributions varied substantially within these age-groups.

  • Incidence rates of pilocytic astrocytoma, glioma malignant, NOS, ependymal tumors, choroid plexus tumors, and embryonal tumors decreased with increasing age.

Incidence rates by histology defined by ICCC in children and adolescents (age 0–19 years)

Supplementary Table 10 presents the CBTRUS brain and other CNS tumor data for children and adolescents used for this report according to the ICCC grouping system for pediatric cancers (See Supplementary Table 1 for more additional information on the ICCC classification scheme).15

Estimated Numbers of Expected Cases, Mortality Rates, and Relative Survival

Estimated numbers of expected cases of all primary brain and other CNS tumors by state

Overall total rates presented are based on total malignant and non-malignant incidence, and presented stratified rates may not add up to these totals. Estimated numbers of cases are highly dependent on input data. Different patterns of incidence within strata can substantively affect the projected estimates, and strata-specific estimates may not equal the total estimate presented. Caution should be used when utilizing these estimates.

  • The total number of new cases of all primary brain and other CNS tumors for all 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2019 is estimated to be 86,010, with 25,510 malignant and 60,490 non-malignant cases (Table 17).

  • For 2020, the estimate is 87,240 new cases of all primary brain and other CNS tumors of which 25,800 and 61,430 are expected to be malignant and non-malignant, respectively.

Table 17.

Estimated number of casesa,b of brain and other central nervous system tumors overall and by behavior by state, 2019, 2020

State 2019 Estimated Cases 2020 Estimated Cases
All Malignant Non-Malignant All Malignant Non-Malignant
Alabama 1,050 390 660 1,070 400 680
Alaska 190 60 130 200 60 130
Arizona 1,640 570 1,070 1,660 580 1,080
Arkansas 770 280 500 790 280 500
California 9,790 2,800 6,980 10,000 2,840 7,160
Colorado 1,650 430 1,230 1,690 440 1,250
Connecticut 1,000 310 680 1,020 310 700
Delaware 230 80 140 230 80 150
District of Columbia 190 -- -- 200 -- --
Florida 6,430 17,60 4,670 6,540 1,780 4,760
Georgia 3,290 760 2,530 3,440 780 2,670
Hawaii 320 80 240 320 80 240
Idaho 450 150 310 470 150 320
Illinois 3,720 1,020 2,700 3,800 1,030 2,760
Indiana 1,720 550 1,170 1,750 560 1,190
Iowa 1,000 280 720 1,030 280 740
Kansas 840 240 600 860 240 620
Kentucky 1,520 450 1,070 1,550 460 1,090
Louisiana 1,420 340 1,080 1,480 350 1,130
Maine 320 140 180 320 140 180
Maryland 1,610 460 1,150 1,660 460 1,200
Massachusetts 1,360 520 850 1,360 520 850
Michigan 2,420 800 1,630 2,430 800 1,640
Minnesota 1,540 500 1,040 1,620 510 1,100
Mississippi 780 230 550 800 230 570
Missouri 1,750 520 1,230 1,780 520 1,260
Montana 300 100 200 310 100 200
Nebraska 450 160 280 450 160 290
Nevada 680 230 450 710 240 470
New Hampshire 380 130 250 390 140 250
New Jersey 2,970 760 2,210 3,080 770 2,310
New Mexico 470 150 320 480 150 330
New York 6,540 1,560 4,980 6,680 1,570 5,110
North Carolina 3,010 850 2,150 3,090 870 2,220
North Dakota 190 60 140 200 60 140
Ohio 3,070 1,020 2,050 3,150 1,030 2,120
Oklahoma 1,100 310 790 1,140 310 830
Oregon 970 380 590 980 380 600
Pennsylvania 4,250 1,220 3,030 4,320 1,240 3,090
Rhode Island 220 80 140 220 80 140
South Carolina 1,520 420 1,100 1,580 430 1,150
South Dakota 230 70 160 240 70 170
Tennessee 2,040 560 1,490 2,090 570 1,530
Texas 7,220 2,010 5,210 7,370 2,040 5,330
Utah 1,330 220 1,110 1,440 230 1,210
Vermont 180 60 130 180 60 130
Virginia 1,850 670 1,180 1,870 690 1,190
Washington 2,830 670 2,170 2,940 680 2,260
West Virginia 500 160 340 510 160 350
Wisconsin 2,000 540 1,460 2,060 550 1,520
Wyoming 160 50 100 160 60 110
US TOTAL c 86,010 25,510 60,490 87,240 25,800 61,430

a. Source: Estimation based on CBTRUS NPCR and SEER 2000–2016 data for malignant tumors, and NPCR and SEER 2006–2016 data for non-malignant tumors.

b. Rounded to the nearest 10. Numbers may not add up due to rounding.

c. Total estimate is based on overall estimate. Histology-specific estimates may not add up to Total.

– Estimated number is less than 50. These cases are included in overall rates.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; SEER, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program

Estimated number of expected cases of all primary brain and other CNS tumors by histology, histology grouping, and age

The estimated number of cases of all primary brain and other CNS tumors for 2019 and 2020 by histology and age are shown in Table 18.

Table 18.

Estimated number of casesa,b of brain and other central nervous system tumors overall and by behavior, by age, major histology groupingc, and histology, 2019, 2020

Histology 2019 Estimated Cases 2020 Estimated Cases
All Malignant Non-Malignant All Malignant Non-Malignant
All Ages 0–14 0–19 15–39 40–64 65+ All Ages All Ages All Ages 0–14 0–19 15–39 40–64 65+ All Ages All Ages
Tumors of Neuroepithelial Tissue 23,440 2,530 2,950 3,760 8,550 8,600 21,600 1,840 23,720 2,530 2,940 3,810 8,600 8,790 21,850 1,870
Pilocytic Astrocytoma 960 540 600 280 100 -- 960 -- 940 530 580 280 100 -- 940 --
Diffuse Astrocytoma 1,340 130 170 460 420 330 1,340 -- 1,310 120 160 460 400 330 1,310 --
Anaplastic Astrocytoma 1,640 60 80 500 660 410 1,640 -- 1,690 70 90 530 670 420 1,690 --
Unique Astrocytoma Variants 250 80 100 90 -- -- 180 80 260 90 100 90 -- 50 180 80
Glioblastoma 12,900 110 160 570 5,430 6,780 12,900 -- 13,140 120 170 580 5,490 6,950 13,140 --
Oligodendroglioma 680 -- -- 250 340 70 680 -- 660 -- -- 240 330 70 660 --
Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma 380 -- -- 110 210 60 380 -- 390 -- -- 110 210 60 390 --
Oligoastrocytic Tumors 50 -- -- -- -- -- 50 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Ependymal Tumors 1,410 200 230 380 560 280 770 640 1,420 200 230 380 560 290 760 660
Glioma Malignant, NOS 1,670 510 580 400 350 420 1,670 -- 1,690 510 590 410 350 420 1,690 --
Choroid Plexus Tumors 160 70 60 -- -- -- -- 130 160 70 60 -- -- -- -- 130
Other Neuroepithelial Tumors -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Neuronal and Mixed Neuronal Glial Tumors 1,100 290 420 430 270 100 220 880 1,120 300 440 440 280 110 230 900
Tumors of the Pineal Region 190 -- -- 70 70 -- 110 80 200 -- -- 70 70 -- 120 80
Embryonal Tumors 700 470 450 170 50 -- 670 -- 690 470 450 170 -- -- 670 --
Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves 7,520 160 250 1,140 4,010 2,210 -- 7,480 7,640 150 250 1,160 4,070 2,250 -- 7,600
Nerve Sheath Tumors 7,510 160 250 1,140 4,000 2,210 -- 7,470 7,620 150 250 1,160 4,070 2,250 -- 7,580
Other Tumors of Cranial and Spinal Nerves -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Tumors of Meninges 34,530 130 250 2,160 13,520 18,720 480 34,050 35,200 130 260 2,170 13,690 19,200 470 34,720
Meningioma 33,560 60 140 1,900 13,110 18,490 300 33,260 34,210 60 140 1,910 13,280 18,970 290 33,920
Mesenchymal Tumors 310 60 60 60 120 80 100 210 320 60 60 60 120 80 100 220
Primary Melanocytic Lesions -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Other Neoplasms Related to the Meninges 630 -- 50 200 280 140 50 570 630 -- 50 200 280 140 50 570
Lymphoma and Hematopoietic Neoplasms 1,740 -- -- 110 580 1,020 1,740 -- 1,770 -- -- 110 580 1,050 1,770 --
Lymphoma 1,670 -- -- 90 570 1,010 1,670 -- 1,690 -- -- 90 570 1,040 1,690 --
Other Hematopoietic Neoplasms 70 -- -- -- -- -- 70 -- 80 -- -- -- -- -- 80 --
Germ Cell Tumors and Cysts 340 150 190 150 -- -- 230 110 340 150 190 150 -- -- 230 110
Germ cell tumors, cysts, and heterotopias 340 150 190 150 -- -- 230 110 340 150 190 150 -- -- 230 110
Tumors of Sellar Region 14,650 310 820 4,150 6,250 3,950 -- 14,620 14,750 310 820 4,140 6,290 4,020 -- 14,720
Tumors of the Pituitary 14,020 170 650 4,010 6,020 3,820 -- 13,990 14,120 170 650 4,000 6,050 3,890 -- 14,090
Craniopharyngioma 630 140 170 140 230 120 -- 630 640 140 170 130 230 130 -- 630
Unclassified Tumors 3,790 230 260 560 900 2,100 1,400 2,390 3,810 240 260 540 840 2,190 1,410 2,400
Hemangioma 870 70 100 250 330 210 -- 860 820 70 100 240 300 200 -- 810
Neoplasm Unspecified 2,750 140 140 300 570 1,740 1,380 1,370 2,730 150 140 300 540 1,750 1,390 1,340
All Other 170 -- -- -- -- 150 -- 160 260 -- -- -- -- 240 -- 250
TOTAL d 86,010 3,540 4,750 12,030 33,840 36,600 25,510 60,490 87,240 3,540 4,760 12,090 34,100 37,500 25,800 61,430

a. Source: Estimation based on CBTRUS NPCR and SEER 2000–2016 data for malignant tumors, and NPCR and SEER 2006–2016 data for non-malignant tumors.

b. Rounded to the nearest 10. Numbers may not add up due to rounding.

c. Major histology grouping estimates are calculated by summing estimates for all included histologies.

d. Total estimate is based on overall estimate. Histology-specific estimates may not add up to Total.

– Estimated number is less than 50. These cases are included in overall rates.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; SEER, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program

  • Meningiomas have the highest number of all estimated new cases, with 33,560 cases projected in 2019 and 34,210 in 2020.

  • Glioblastoma has the highest number of cases of all malignant tumors, with 12,900 cases projected in 2019 and 13,140 in 2020.

  • For 2019, the highest number of new cases is predicted in those age 65+ years, with 36,600 cases.

  • For 2020, the highest number of new cases is estimated to be in those age 65+ years, with 37,500 cases.

  • For 2019 and 2020, children age 0–14 years are estimated to have 3,540 and 3,540 new cases of primary brain and other CNS tumors each year, respectively.

  • For 2019 and 2020, children age 0–19 years are estimated to have 4,750 and 4,760 new cases of primary brain and other CNS tumors each year, respectively.

Estimated mortality rates formalignant brain and other CNS tumors by state, sex, and urban/ rural residence

Table 19 and Figure 20 show average annual age-adjusted mortality rates for primary malignant brain and other CNS tumors in the US during 2012–2016 by state and sex. Average annual age-adjusted mortality rates for primary malignant brain and other CNS tumors by state and urban/rural residence are shown in Supplementary Table 9.

Table 19.

Five-year total, average annual totala, and average annual age-adjusted mortality ratesb for malignant brain and other central nervous system cancer overall and by state and sex, United States, 2012-2016c

State Total Male Female
5-year Total Annual average Rate 95% CI 5-year Total Annual average Rate 95% CI 5-year Total Annual average Rate 95% CI
Alabama 1,470 294 5.18 4.91–5.46 816 163 6.34 5.90–6.80 654 131 4.23 3.90–4.58
Alaska 141 28 4.13 3.42–4.93 74 15 4.28 3.26–5.50 67 13 3.97 3.03–5.11
Arizona 1,704 341 4.41 4.20–4.63 961 192 5.25 4.92–5.60 743 149 3.66 3.39–3.94
Arkansas 889 178 5.12 4.78–5.48 489 98 6.16 5.62–6.75 400 80 4.29 3.87–4.74
California 8,885 1,777 4.38 4.29–4.48 5,039 1,008 5.39 5.24–5.54 3,846 769 3.53 3.41–3.64
Colorado 1,255 251 4.44 4.19–4.70 682 136 5.11 4.72–5.52 573 115 3.87 3.55–4.20
Connecticut 927 185 4.28 4.00–4.57 532 106 5.43 4.96–5.92 395 79 3.30 2.97–3.66
Delaware 248 50 4.35 3.81–4.95 130 26 5.08 4.22–6.07 118 24 3.82 3.14–4.61
Washington DC 78 16 2.40 1.89–3.02 46 9 3.11 2.26–4.19 32 6 1.82 1.23–2.60
Florida 5,491 1,098 4.19 4.08–4.31 3,070 614 5.09 4.91–5.28 2,421 484 3.39 3.25–3.53
Georgia 2,212 442 4.25 4.07–4.43 1,242 248 5.23 4.94–5.55 970 194 3.42 3.21–3.65
Hawaii 245 49 2.83 2.48–3.22 139 28 3.35 2.80–3.98 106 21 2.35 1.91–2.87
Idaho 468 94 5.16 4.69–5.66 296 59 6.88 6.09–7.73 172 34 3.59 3.07–4.19
Illinois 3,020 604 4.20 4.05–4.36 1,694 339 5.16 4.91–5.42 1,326 265 3.40 3.22–3.60
Indiana 1,712 342 4.63 4.41–4.86 976 195 5.69 5.33–6.06 736 147 3.75 3.48–4.04
Iowa 938 188 5.10 4.77–5.45 532 106 6.20 5.67–6.76 406 81 4.09 3.69–4.53
Kansas 819 164 5.03 4.68–5.40 471 94 6.17 5.62–6.77 348 70 4.04 3.62–4.51
Kentucky 1,252 250 4.92 4.64–5.20 696 139 5.89 5.45–6.36 556 111 4.06 3.72–4.42
Louisiana 1,106 221 4.34 4.09–4.61 618 124 5.34 4.91–5.79 488 98 3.53 3.22–3.86
Maine 451 90 5.06 4.58–5.58 277 55 6.64 5.85–7.51 174 35 3.70 3.14–4.34
Maryland 1,356 271 4.08 3.86–4.31 755 151 5.01 4.65–5.39 601 120 3.32 3.05–3.60
Massachusetts 1,777 355 4.49 4.28–4.71 993 199 5.56 5.21–5.92 784 157 3.61 3.35–3.88
Michigan 2,780 556 4.70 4.52–4.88 1,568 314 5.73 5.44–6.03 1,212 242 3.81 3.60–4.04
Minnesota 1,438 288 4.68 4.43–4.93 859 172 5.91 5.51–6.33 579 116 3.57 3.28–3.89
Mississippi 880 176 5.29 4.94–5.66 466 93 6.29 5.72–6.91 414 83 4.51 4.07–4.97
Missouri 1,571 314 4.37 4.15–4.60 869 174 5.31 4.95–5.68 702 140 3.58 3.31–3.86
Montana 306 61 4.72 4.19–5.31 176 35 5.67 4.83–6.61 130 26 3.80 3.15–4.55
Nebraska 527 105 5.04 4.61–5.50 298 60 6.11 5.42–6.86 229 46 4.12 3.58–4.71
Nevada 690 138 4.40 4.07–4.75 388 78 5.04 4.54–5.59 302 60 3.78 3.36–4.24
New Hampshire 397 79 4.88 4.39–5.40 236 47 6.13 5.35–7.01 161 32 3.83 3.23–4.50
New Jersey 2,092 418 4.02 3.84–4.20 1,172 234 4.96 4.68–5.26 920 184 3.24 3.03–3.46
New Mexico 434 87 3.60 3.26–3.97 237 47 4.15 3.62–4.73 197 39 3.12 2.69–3.60
New York 4,385 877 3.84 3.72–3.96 2,370 474 4.61 4.42–4.80 2,015 403 3.21 3.07–3.36
North Carolina 2,459 492 4.36 4.19–4.54 1,362 272 5.36 5.07–5.66 1,097 219 3.52 3.31–3.74
North Dakota 181 36 4.33 3.71–5.03 109 22 5.59 4.57–6.77 72 14 3.29 2.56–4.18
Ohio 3,176 635 4.60 4.44–4.77 1,831 366 5.78 5.51–6.06 1,345 269 3.60 3.41–3.81
Oklahoma 1,017 203 4.70 4.41–5.00 571 114 5.72 5.25–6.22 446 89 3.82 3.47–4.20
Oregon 1,198 240 5.04 4.75–5.34 686 137 6.08 5.62–6.57 512 102 4.10 3.74–4.48
Pennsylvania 3,514 703 4.42 4.27–4.58 1,964 393 5.41 5.16–5.66 1,550 310 3.61 3.42–3.80
Rhode Island 297 59 4.67 4.14–5.26 168 34 5.77 4.90–6.74 129 26 3.72 3.08–4.45
South Carolina 1,288 258 4.49 4.25–4.75 741 148 5.69 5.27–6.13 547 109 3.49 3.20–3.81
South Dakota 264 53 5.29 4.66–6.00 150 30 6.31 5.32–7.44 114 23 4.48 3.66–5.43
Tennessee 1,784 357 4.75 4.53–4.98 1,029 206 5.99 5.62–6.38 755 151 3.69 3.42–3.97
Texas 5,548 1,110 4.22 4.10–4.33 3,080 616 5.03 4.85–5.22 2,468 494 3.52 3.38–3.66
Utah 599 120 4.68 4.30–5.08 361 72 5.96 5.35–6.63 238 48 3.52 3.08–4.00
Vermont 212 42 5.44 4.70–6.26 114 23 6.20 5.07–7.52 98 20 4.78 3.84–5.89
Virginia 1,902 380 4.12 3.93–4.31 1,014 203 4.81 4.51–5.12 888 178 3.56 3.32–3.81
Washington 1,963 393 4.96 4.74–5.19 1,128 226 6.02 5.67–6.40 835 167 4.02 3.74–4.31
West Virginia 564 113 4.70 4.31–5.13 325 65 5.76 5.13–6.45 239 48 3.77 3.29–4.31
Wisconsin 1,644 329 4.86 4.62–5.11 921 184 5.77 5.40–6.17 723 145 4.03 3.73–4.34
Wyoming 164 33 5.01 4.24–5.87 84 17 5.33 4.21–6.66 80 16 4.80 3.76–6.03
US TOTAL 79,718 15,944 4.42 4.38–4.45 44,805 8,961 5.38 5.33–5.44 34,913 6,983 3.59 3.55–3.63

a. Annual average deaths are calculated by dividing the five-year total by five.

b. Rates are per 100,000 and are age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population.

c. Estimated by CBTRUS using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program (www.seer.cancer.gov) SEER*Stat Database: Mortality - All COD, Aggregated With State, Total U.S. (1990–2016) <Katrina/Rita Population Adjustment>, National Cancer Institute, DCCPS, Surveillance Research Program, released December 2018. Underlying mortality data provided by NCHS (www.cdc.gov/nchs).

- Counts and rates are not presented when fewer than 16 cases were reported for the specific category, or where the inclusion of the count and rate would allow for back-calculation of suppressed values. The suppressed cases are included in the counts and rates for Totals.

Abbreviations: NCHS, National Center for Health Statistics; CI, Confidence Interval.

Fig. 20.

Fig. 20

Average Annual Age-Adjusted Mortality Ratesa for Malignant Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors by Central Cancer Registry, CBTRUS Statistical Report: NVSS, 2012–2016

  • The aggregate total number of observed deaths was 79,718, for an average annual age-adjusted mortality rate of 4.42 per 100,000 population.

  • There was considerable variation between individual states, which ranged from a low of 2.40 deaths per 100,000 population to a high of 5.44 deaths per 100,000 population. Rates may vary by state for multiple reasons, including demographic variation and procedures for deciding primary cause of death on a death certificate.

  • Males had a higher mortality rate for malignant brain and other CNS tumors than females in the US population, with 5.38 per 100,000 population as compared to 3.59 per 100,000 population.

  • Mortality rates for malignant brain and other CNS tumors were higher in rural areas (4.69 per 100,000) as compared to urban areas (4.37 per 100,000).

  • There was considerable variation by state, where mortality rates in urban areas ranged from 2.40 per 100,000 population to 5.93 per 100,000 population, and mortality rates in rural areas ranged from 3.19 per 100,000 population to 5.51 per 100,000 population.

Relative survival rates for all brain and other CNS tumors by site and behavior

Relative survival estimates by site and behavior are presented in Table 20.

Table 20.

One-, five-, and ten-year relative survival ratesa,b with 95% confidence intervals for all primary brain and other central nervous system tumors by behavior and site, U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR Registries, 2001–2015 (varying)

Site (ICD-O Topography Code) Malignant (2001–2015) Non-Malignant (2004–2015)
Nc 1-Year 5-Year 10-Year Nc 1-Year 5-Year 10-Year
% 95% CI % 95% CI % 95% CI % 95% CI % 95% CI % 95% CI
Cerebrum (C71.0) 13,173 52.9 52.0–53.8 29.8 28.9–30.6 26.1 52.0-27.1 2,328 88.6 87.1–89.9 84.3 82.3–86.1 77.6 87.1-80.6
Frontal lobe (C71.1) 64,405 61.4 61.0–61.8 34.8 34.4–35.2 27.6 61.0-28.0 6,534 89.5 88.6–90.2 84.2 82.9–85.3 79.4 88.6-81.2
Temporal lobe (C71.2) 47,133 58.1 57.6–58.5 23.9 23.5–24.3 18.6 57.6-19.1 5,460 93.4 92.6–94.1 90.5 89.5–91.5 88.5 92.6-89.8
Parietal lobe (C71.3) 30,558 50.9 50.4–51.5 21.0 20.5–21.5 16.6 50.4-17.1 2,799 87.5 86.1–88.8 82.8 80.9–84.5 78.6 86.1-81.2
Occipital lobe (C71.4) 7,718 53.1 51.9–54.2 22.0 20.9–23.0 18.4 51.9-19.4 1,225 91.0 89.0–92.6 88.5 85.9–90.7 84.7 89.0-88.2
Ventricle, NOS (C71.5) 4,415 77.1 75.8–78.4 64.4 62.8–65.9 59.7 75.8-61.4 4948 93.9 93.2–94.6 91.0 89.9–92.0 87.2 93.2-88.8
Cerebellum, NOS (C71.6) 13,440 85.8 85.1–86.4 72.5 71.7–73.3 68.0 85.1-68.9 7,580 94.7 94.1–95.2 91.9 91.0–92.8 89.3 94.1-90.7
Brain stem (C71.7) 11,599 72.2 71.3–73.0 52.6 51.7–53.6 47.8 71.3-48.9 3,020 91.5 90.4–92.5 88.0 86.4–89.4 82.4 90.4-84.8
Other brain (C71.8-C71.9) 59,054 46.3 45.9–46.7 25.3 24.9–25.7 21.4 45.9-21.9 12,406 84.6 83.9–85.3 79.2 78.2–80.0 74.6 83.9-75.9
Spinal cord and cauda equina (C72.0-C72.1) 8,790 90.0 89.3–90.7 82.0 81.0–82.9 78.7 89.3-79.9 17,157 99.0 98.8–99.2 98.3 97.8–98.7 97.8 98.8-98.5
Cranial nerves (C72.2-C72.5) 3,674 97.1 96.5–97.6 93.4 92.4–94.3 92.4 96.5-93.5 54,180 99.4 99.3–99.5 99.4 99.3–99.5 99.4 99.3–99.5
Other nervous system (C72.8-C72.9) 2,613 63.8 61.9–65.7 49.3 47.1–51.5 44.4 61.9-47.0 2,417 97.4 96.5–98.1 94.5 92.9–95.7 92.1 96.5-94.2
Meninges (cerebral and spinal) (C70.0–9) 5,453 83.7 82.6–84.8 67.7 66.2–69.3 61.2 82.6-63.2 289,544 93.1 93.0–93.2 88.0 87.8–88.3 83.8 93.0-84.1
Pituitary and craniopharyngeal duct (C75.1-C75.2) 1,208 86.7 84.5–88.6 75.2 72.1–78.0 70.4 84.5-73.9 137,770 97.9 97.8–98.0 96.2 96.0–96.4 94.3 97.8-94.7
Pineal gland (C75.3) 2,513 89.2 87.9–90.4 75.9 73.9–77.7 71.5 87.9-73.6 1,388 94.3 92.8–95.5 90.2 87.8–92.0 86.5 92.8-89.6
Nasal cavity (C30.0)d 1,529 92.4 90.8–93.8 82.2 79.6–84.5 74.2 90.8-77.7 -- -- -- -- -- -- --
TOTAL 277,275 60.1 59.9–60.3 35.8 35.6–36.0 30.8 59.9-31.0 548,756 94.9 94.8–95.0 91.5 91.4–91.7 88.7 94.8-88.9

a. The cohort analysis of survival rates was utilized for calculating the survival estimates presented in this table. Long-term cohort-based survival estimates reflect the survival experience of individuals diagnosed over the time period, and they may not necessarily reflect the long-term survival outlook of newly diagnosed cases.

b. Rates are an estimate of the percentage of patients alive at one, five, and ten years, respectively.

c. Total number of case that occurred within the NPCR registries between 2001 and 2015.

d. ICD-O-3 histology codes 9522–9523 only.

- Rates were not presented for categories with 50 or fewer cases and were suppressed for rates where fewer than 16 cases were surviving within a category.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; CI, Confidence Interval; NOS, Not otherwise specified

  • The highest five-year survival among malignant tumors was for tumors occurring in the cranial nerves (93.4%).

  • The lowest five-year survival among malignant tumors was for tumors of the parietal lobe (21.0%).

Survival rates for malignant brain and other CNS tumors by histology and age

Survival estimates for malignant brain and other CNS tumors by histology and age at diagnosis are presented in Tables 21, 22. Histology-specific rates are presented for the CBTRUS histology groupings which contain a substantial number of incident malignant tumors.

Table 21.

One-, two-, five-, and ten-year relative survival ratesa,b with 95% confidence intervals for selected malignant brain and other central nervous system tumors overall and by NCI age groups, U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR Registries, 2001–2015

Histology Age-group (years) Nc 1-Year 2-Year 5-Year 10-Year
% 95% CI % 95% CI % 95% CI % 95% CI
Pilocytic astrocytomad` 0-14e 8,009 98.8 98.5–99.0 98.3 98.0–98.6 97.0 96.6–97.4 95.7 95.0–96.2
15-39f 4,105 98.2 97.8–98.6 97.2 96.6–97.7 94.6 93.8–95.3 92.8 91.7–93.7
40+ 1,370 91.3 89.5–92.8 86.0 83.8–87.9 78.0 75.2–80.5 76.4 73.2–79.3
All Ages 13,484 97.9 97.6–98.1 96.7 96.4–97.0 94.4 93.9–94.8 92.9 92.3–93.4
Diffuse astrocytoma 0–14 2,347 92.3 91.1–93.3 86.8 85.4–88.2 83.0 81.3–84.5 80.8 78.9–82.5
15–39 6,668 95.0 94.4–95.5 89.5 88.7–90.2 76.1 75.0–77.2 59.0 57.5–60.6
40+ 12,528 60.6 59.7–61.5 46.1 45.2–47.1 32.3 31.4–33.2 23.8 22.9–24.8
All Ages 21,543 74.7 74.1–75.3 64.1 63.4–64.8 51.6 50.9–52.3 41.3 40.5–42.1
Anaplastic astrocytoma 0–14 676 65.4 61.6–68.9 36.3 32.5–40.1 25.2 21.7–28.9 20.4 16.9–24.2
15–39 3,919 90.6 89.6–91.5 78.3 76.9–79.6 59.7 57.9–61.4 44.4 42.3–46.5
40+ 10,629 54.6 53.6–55.5 34.6 33.6–35.6 19.5 18.6–20.3 14.1 13.2–15.0
All Ages 15,224 64.3 63.5–65.1 46.0 45.1–46.8 30.2 29.3–31.0 22.3 21.4–23.1
Unique astrocytoma variants 0–14 367 94.7 91.7–96.6 89.1 85.3–92.0 79.0 73.9–83.2 75.0 69.1–79.9
15–39 671 94.8 92.8–96.3 90.3 87.7–92.4 79.2 75.5–82.5 75.0 70.8–78.7
40+ 655 59.5 55.4–63.3 44.6 40.5–48.6 30.3 26.3–34.5 25.4 20.9–30.1
All Ages 1,693 81.2 79.2–83.0 72.5 70.2–74.7 60.5 57.8–63.1 56.2 53.3–59.1
Glioblastoma 0–14 1,136 58.1 55.2–61.0 33.0 30.2–35.9 21.8 19.2–24.5 18.1 15.6–20.8
15–39 6,434 75.0 73.9–76.1 49.8 48.5–51.0 26.2 25.0–27.5 18.6 17.4–19.8
40+ 116,347 38.7 38.4–39.0 16.6 16.3–16.8 5.5 5.4–5.7 3.7 3.5–3.8
All Ages 123,917 40.8 40.5–41.1 18.5 18.2–18.7 6.8 6.7–7.0 4.7 4.5–4.8
Oligodendroglioma 0–14 362 97.5 95.2–98.7 96.0 93.3–97.7 94.5 91.4–96.5 91.6 87.6–94.4
15–39 4,373 98.6 98.2–98.9 97.2 96.7–97.7 91.4 90.4–92.3 76.2 74.4–77.9
40+ 6,013 91.3 90.5–92.0 85.4 84.4–86.3 75.5 74.2–76.8 61.6 59.9–63.3
All Ages 10,748 94.5 94.0–94.9 90.6 90.0–91.2 82.7 81.9–83.5 68.7 67.5–69.9
Anaplastic oligodendroglioma 0–14 54 85.1 72.3–92.3 69.7 55.3–80.2 57.0 42.1–69.3 52.0 37.0–65.0
15–39 1,353 95.0 93.6–96.0 88.6 86.7–90.2 75.2 72.5–77.6 60.3 56.9–63.5
40+ 3,311 82.0 80.6–83.3 68.5 66.7–70.1 53.9 52.0–55.8 41.6 39.3–43.9
All Ages 4,718 85.8 84.7–86.8 74.3 73.0–75.6 60.2 58.6–61.7 47.3 45.4–49.2
Oligoastrocytic tumors 0–14 198 89.3 84.0–92.9 79.2 72.7–84.3 76.2 69.4–81.7 75.5 68.6–81.1
15–39 3,232 97.3 96.7–97.8 93.5 92.5–94.3 80.0 78.4–81.5 59.5 57.2–61.8
40+ 3,869 81.8 80.5–83.0 68.6 67.0–70.1 53.3 51.5–55.0 41.0 38.9–43.1
All Ages 7,299 88.9 88.1–89.6 80.0 79.0–80.9 65.9 64.6–67.0 50.3 48.7–51.8
Ependymal tumors 0–14 2,263 94.8 93.8–95.7 88.9 87.5–90.2 76.7 74.7–78.5 67.1 64.6–69.4
15–39 2,863 97.1 96.4–97.7 95.1 94.2–95.9 91.7 90.5–92.7 87.5 85.8–89.0
40+ 5,149 92.9 92.1–93.6 90.2 89.3–91.1 86.4 85.1–87.5 82.8 81.0–84.4
All Ages 10,275 94.5 94.0–95.0 91.3 90.7–91.9 85.7 84.9–86.5 80.6 79.5–81.7
Glioma malignant, NOS 0–14 6,008 81.1 80.1–82.1 70.7 69.5–71.8 67.6 66.4–68.9 66.4 65.1–67.7
15–39 3,457 91.5 90.5–92.5 85.3 84.0–86.5 76.8 75.2–78.3 69.4 67.4–71.4
40+ 7,898 50.4 49.2–51.5 41.6 40.5–42.8 33.1 31.9–34.3 27.5 26.1–28.9
All Ages 17,363 69.4 68.6–70.1 60.5 59.8–61.3 54.1 53.2–54.9 49.8 48.9–50.7
Choroid plexus tumors 0–14 248 85.5 80.3–89.5 77.2 71.2–82.2 64.0 57.0–70.2 58.6 50.9–65.6
15–39 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
40+ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
All Ages 341 84.6 80.2–88.2 76.8 71.7–81.1 65.7 59.8–70.9 57.3 50.6–63.5
Other neuroepithelial tumors 0–14 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
15–39 56 94.5 83.6–98.2 92.5 80.8–97.2 87.8 74.1–94.5 78.2 60.5–88.7
40+ 55 67.1 52.4–78.2 55.2 40.3–67.9 40.7 26.4–54.5 -- --
All Ages 155 85.8 79.0–90.6 79.5 71.8–85.3 71.7 63.0–78.7 63.2 52.7–72.0
Neuronal and mixed neuronal-glial tumors 0–14 195 90.6 85.5–94.0 85.6 79.7–89.9 79.5 72.7–84.8 78.0 70.9–83.5
15–39 511 94.6 92.2–96.3 87.2 83.8–89.9 78.9 74.7–82.5 71.4 66.1–76.1
40+ 1,394 90.4 88.6–92.0 84.9 82.7–86.9 77.4 74.5–80.1 69.4 65.3–73.2
All Ages 2,100 91.5 90.1–92.7 85.5 83.8–87.1 78.0 75.8–80.0 71.0 68.0–73.8
Tumors of the pineal region 0–14 328 86.2 81.9–89.6 75.3 70.0–79.8 62.6 56.5–68.1 56.3 49.7–62.3
15–39 341 92.0 88.5–94.5 85.9 81.4–89.3 71.9 66.0–77.0 64.2 57.0–70.5
40+ 286 85.3 80.3–89.1 78.3 72.5–82.9 67.3 60.4–73.3 57.4 48.8–65.1
All Ages 955 88.0 85.7–90.0 79.9 77.0–82.4 67.3 63.8–70.6 59.7 55.5–63.6
Embryonal tumors 0–14 6,426 81.5 80.5–82.4 72.2 71.0–73.3 62.7 61.4–63.9 58.1 56.7–59.5
15–39 2,340 90.1 88.8–91.2 82.5 80.8–84.0 69.6 67.5–71.6 59.7 57.2–62.0
40+ 860 69.5 66.2–72.6 55.9 52.4–59.3 46.5 42.8–50.2 36.4 32.2–40.7
All Ages 9,626 82.5 81.7–83.3 73.3 72.3–74.2 62.9 61.9–64.0 56.6 55.4–57.7
Medulloblastoma 0–14 3,975 89.5 88.4–90.4 82.1 80.8–83.3 72.3 70.8–73.8 66.8 65.0–68.5
15–39 1,753 92.8 91.5–93.9 88.9 87.2–90.3 78.5 76.3–80.5 67.9 65.0–70.5
40+ 411 82.7 78.6–86.2 73.9 69.1–78.1 66.2 60.7–71.0 50.6 43.2–57.5
All Ages 6,139 90.0 89.2–90.7 83.5 82.5–84.4 73.7 72.4–74.8 66.1 64.7–67.5
Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor 0–14 1,044 74.5 71.7–77.0 59.7 56.6–62.7 47.8 44.6–51.0 43.4 40.0–46.6
15–39 447 83.2 79.3–86.3 63.3 58.5–67.7 41.5 36.5–46.3 34.2 29.2–39.1
40+ 331 56.0 50.3–61.2 36.4 31.0–41.8 24.6 19.7–29.9 19.5 14.8–24.8
All Ages 1,822 73.3 71.2–75.3 56.4 54.0–58.7 42.1 39.7–44.5 37.0 34.6–39.5
Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors 0–14 897 52.9 49.5–56.2 39.8 36.4–43.1 32.1 28.7–35.4 29.8 26.3–33.3
15–39 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
40+ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
All Ages 945 53.4 50.1–56.6 40.4 37.1–43.7 32.4 29.2–35.7 30.0 26.6–33.4
Nerve sheath tumors 0–14 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
15–39 151 83.3 76.2–88.4 77.7 70.0–83.7 73.4 65.3–79.9 68.6 59.7–76.0
40+ 433 87.5 83.6–90.4 82.3 77.8–85.9 78.7 73.7–82.9 77.9 71.1–83.4
All Ages 625 86.4 83.3–89.0 80.8 77.2–83.9 77.1 73.1–80.6 75.4 70.2–79.8
Meningioma 0–14 57 92.6 81.3–97.2 82.2 68.5–90.4 75.3 60.4–85.2 72.5 56.9–83.2
15–39 385 94.2 91.3–96.2 91.2 87.7–93.7 84.1 79.6–87.6 78.4 72.9–82.9
40+ 4,250 83.4 82.1–84.6 77.1 75.6–78.5 66.6 64.8–68.4 60.0 57.5–62.3
All Ages 4,692 84.4 83.2–85.5 78.4 77.0–79.7 68.2 66.5–69.9 61.7 59.5–63.8
Mesenchymal tumors 0–14 132 80.3 72.3–86.3 68.3 59.1–75.8 61.5 51.9–69.7 55.0 44.4–64.4
15–39 257 89.6 85.0–92.8 84.4 79.1–88.5 74.0 67.6–79.4 63.5 55.5–70.4
40+ 574 83.4 79.9–86.4 76.8 72.7–80.2 62.1 57.1–66.6 48.3 42.1–54.3
All Ages 963 84.7 82.1–86.9 77.6 74.7–80.3 65.3 61.6–68.6 53.5 49.0–57.7
Primary melanocytic lesions 0–14 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
15–39 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
40+ 108 57.3 47.1–66.3 39.0 29.2–48.6 27.7 18.5–37.5 18.4 8.5–31.2
All Ages 156 52.9 44.5–60.5 38.2 30.2–46.1 28.9 21.3–37.0 22.6 14.6–31.7
Lymphoma 0–14 80 89.8 80.7–94.8 83.2 72.8–89.9 78.9 67.7–86.5 73.2 60.7–82.2
15–39 1,647 60.0 57.6–62.4 56.3 53.8–58.7 50.8 48.2–53.3 47.0 44.2–49.7
40+ 15,028 52.6 51.8–53.4 44.1 43.2–44.9 33.2 32.3–34.1 24.7 23.7–25.8
All Ages 16,755 53.5 52.8–54.3 45.5 44.7–46.3 35.3 34.5–36.1 27.5 26.5–28.5
Other hematopoietic neoplasms 0–14 76 94.4 85.8–97.9 94.4 85.8–97.9 94.4 85.8–97.9 94.4 85.8–97.9
15–39 71 92.8 83.5–97.0 86.7 75.7–92.9 76.5 61.6–86.3 76.5 61.6–86.3
40+ 273 76.8 71.0–81.5 66.0 59.6–71.7 54.1 47.0–60.6 52.4 45.1–59.1
All Ages 420 82.6 78.5–86.1 74.4 69.6–78.6 64.5 58.9–69.6 63.2 57.3–68.5
Germ cell tumors, cysts, and heterotopias 0–14 1,208 92.8 91.2–94.2 90.2 88.3–91.8 87.0 84.8–88.9 83.9 81.2–86.2
15–39 1,413 94.2 92.8–95.3 91.4 89.7–92.8 87.7 85.7–89.5 85.7 83.3–87.7
40+ 85 77.7 66.9–85.3 71.8 60.4–80.5 64.1 51.9–73.9 56.9 41.7–69.6
All Ages 2,706 93.0 92.0–94.0 90.2 89.0–91.3 86.6 85.2–88.0 84.0 82.3–85.6
Tumors of the pituitary 0–14 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
15–39 92 97.9 91.2–99.5 96.8 89.6–99.0 88.9 79.0–94.3 88.9 79.0–94.3
40+ 343 88.2 83.8–91.4 86.5 81.7–90.2 80.0 73.5–85.0 75.8 66.7–82.7
All Ages 439 90.3 86.8–92.9 88.8 84.9–91.8 82.1 76.8–86.3 79.3 72.2–84.7
Neoplasm, unspecified 0–14 339 62.1 56.7–67.1 57.3 51.7–62.4 53.5 47.9–58.9 51.4 45.6–56.9
15–39 768 76.3 73.0–79.2 72.0 68.6–75.1 65.2 61.5–68.6 60.0 55.9–63.9
40+ 8,931 26.8 25.8–27.7 21.7 20.8–22.6 16.8 15.9–17.8 14.9 13.9–15.9
All Ages 10,038 31.9 31.0–32.9 26.9 26.0–27.9 22.0 21.1–23.0 19.9 18.9–20.9
TOTAL g 0–14 30,711 87.4 87.0–87.7 80.2 79.7–80.6 74.7 74.2–75.2 71.6 71.0–72.1
15–39 45,462 90.5 90.2–90.7 82.8 82.4–83.2 71.3 70.9–71.8 60.8 60.3–61.4
40+ 201,102 48.9 48.7–49.1 32.0 31.8–32.2 21.3 21.1–21.5 17.2 17.0–17.4
All Ages 277,275 60.1 59.9–60.3 45.9 45.7–46.1 35.8 35.6–36.0 30.8 30.6–31.0

a. The cohort analysis of survival rates was utilized for calculating the survival estimates presented in this table. Long-term cohort-based survival estimates reflect the survival experience of individuals diagnosed over a specific time period, and they may not necessarily reflect the long-term survival outlook of newly diagnosed cases.

b. Rates are estimates of the percentage of patients alive at one, two, five, and ten years, respectively.

c. Total number of cases that occurred within the NPCR registries between 2001 and 2015.

d. While pilocytic astrocytoma is listed as a tumor of uncertain behavior (/2), the cancer registry community historically codes this histology as a malignant tumor and as a result they are included in this table. e. Children as defined by the National Cancer Institute, see: https://www.cancer.gov/research/areas/childhood.

f. Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA), as defined by the National Cancer Institute, see: https://www.cancer.gov/types/aya.

g. Total includes histologies not listed in this table.

- Rates were not presented for categories with 50 or fewer cases and were suppressed for rates where fewer than 16 cases were surviving within a category.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; CI, Confidence Interval; NOS, Not otherwise specified

Table 22.

One-, two-, five-, and ten-year relative survival ratesa,b with 95% confidence intervals for selected malignant brain and other central nervous system tumors by selected age-groups, U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR Registries, 2001–2015

Histology Age- group (years) Nc 1-Year 2-Year 5-Year 10-Year
% 95% CI % 95% CI % 95% CI % 95% CI
Pilocytic astrocytomad 0–19 9,749 98.8 98.6–99.0 98.3 98.0–98.6 96.9 96.5–97.3 95.7 95.2–96.2
20–44 2,684 97.1 96.4–97.7 95.5 94.5–96.2 92.3 91.1–93.3 89.5 88.0–90.9
45–54 498 94.6 92.1–96.3 88.8 85.4–91.4 80.4 76.0–84.1 77.5 72.1–82.1
55–64 301 91.1 87.0–94.0 85.0 80.0–88.9 74.0 67.5–79.4 73.6 65.2–80.3
65–74 164 82.1 74.8–87.4 76.5 68.3–82.9 68.3 58.2–76.5 63.4 51.9–72.9
75+ 88 83.0 71.3–90.2 76.2 62.8–85.4 67.0 50.8–78.9 67.0 50.8–78.9
Diffuse astrocytoma 0–19 3,128 93.0 92.0–93.9 87.3 86.0–88.5 82.8 81.3–84.1 79.9 78.3–81.4
20–44 7,551 94.0 93.4–94.5 87.9 87.1–88.6 73.1 72.0–74.2 55.0 53.5–56.5
45–54 3,366 78.8 77.4–80.2 64.4 62.7–66.0 46.3 44.4–48.1 35.1 33.0–37.2
55–64 3,104 61.0 59.2–62.7 42.1 40.3–43.9 26.1 24.4–27.9 18.4 16.6–20.4
65–74 2,442 43.6 41.5–45.6 26.5 24.7–28.4 15.5 13.9–17.3 10.3 8.5–12.2
75+ 1,952 22.0 20.1–24.0 12.7 11.1–14.3 7.7 6.3–9.4 5.3 3.5–7.7
Anaplastic astrocytoma 0–19 951 70.1 67.0–72.9 41.8 38.5–45.1 27.8 24.7–30.9 22.9 19.8–26.2
20–44 4,890 89.6 88.7–90.4 77.0 75.7–78.2 57.9 56.3–59.5 43.0 41.1–44.8
45–54 2,683 73.1 71.3–74.8 50.0 48.0–52.0 29.1 27.1–31.0 22.1 20.1–24.1
55–64 2,881 55.9 54.0–57.8 32.4 30.6–34.2 15.3 13.8–16.9 9.8 8.3–11.5
65–74 2,290 37.5 35.4–39.5 17.7 16.0–19.4 7.7 6.4–9.1 4.8 3.5–6.4
75+ 1,529 18.9 16.9–21.0 7.6 6.2–9.1 2.9 1.9–4.3 1.9 1.0–3.3
Unique astrocytoma variants 0–19 596 95.7 93.7–97.1 90.4 87.6–92.6 80.6 76.8–83.8 76.5 72.1–80.3
20–44 529 92.3 89.6–94.3 86.6 83.2–89.3 74.5 69.9–78.4 70.7 65.7–75.2
45–54 163 77.2 69.8–83.0 55.5 47.2–63.0 39.4 31.2–47.5 31.4 22.6–40.6
55–64 155 62.7 54.4–70.0 44.3 36.0–52.4 29.1 21.3–37.4 21.4 13.3–30.6
65–74 126 36.5 27.9–45.1 27.1 19.1–35.7 -- -- -- --
75+ 124 34.4 25.6–43.4 26.3 17.8–35.5 -- -- -- --
Glioblastoma 0–19 1,659 62.5 60.0–64.8 36.1 33.7–38.6 20.8 18.7–23.0 16.6 14.5–18.8
20–44 10,448 71.8 70.9–72.7 43.6 42.6–44.6 21.9 21.0–22.8 15.2 14.3–16.1
45–54 20,730 58.6 57.9–59.2 27.1 26.4–27.7 9.3 8.9–9.8 5.7 5.3–6.2
55–64 34,309 47.4 46.9–48.0 19.9 19.4–20.3 5.9 5.6–6.2 3.5 3.2–3.8
65–74 31,664 31.2 30.7–31.7 12.1 11.7–12.5 3.9 3.6–4.1 3.0 2.7–3.3
75+ 25,107 13.4 12.9–13.8 4.8 4.5–5.2 1.9 1.7–2.2 1.9 1.7–2.2
Oligodendroglioma 0–19 646 98.0 96.5–98.8 96.7 94.9–97.8 94.8 92.6–96.3 89.7 86.4–92.3
20–44 5,552 98.3 97.9–98.7 96.5 96.0–97.0 90.1 89.1–90.9 75.1 73.5–76.6
45–54 2,324 95.3 94.3–96.1 91.3 90.0–92.5 82.0 80.2–83.8 68.0 65.3–70.6
55–64 1,370 89.9 88.1–91.5 80.4 78.0–82.5 69.4 66.5–72.2 54.4 50.4–58.2
65–74 579 78.5 74.7–81.8 68.5 64.2–72.5 52.3 47.2–57.2 35.7 29.2–42.3
75+ 277 56.0 49.5–62.1 43.7 37.0–50.1 31.9 24.7–39.2 14.7 8.5–22.6
Anaplastic oligodendroglioma 0–19 115 85.1 77.1–90.5 65.8 56.1–73.8 49.5 39.5–58.7 39.7 29.8–49.4
20–44 1,855 95.4 94.3–96.3 88.9 87.3–90.3 75.8 73.5–77.8 61.6 58.7–64.4
45–54 1,140 91.2 89.3–92.8 80.4 77.9–82.8 66.6 63.4–69.7 50.0 45.9–53.9
55–64 937 79.9 77.0–82.4 62.0 58.6–65.2 45.0 41.3–48.6 34.7 30.3–39.0
65–74 456 63.9 59.1–68.3 47.1 42.0–52.0 30.3 25.2–35.5 21.1 15.5–27.3
75+ 215 43.4 36.3–50.3 26.8 20.5–33.5 17.4 11.4–24.5 13.1 6.0–23.0
Oligoastrocytic tumors 0–19 355 92.0 88.7–94.5 84.3 80.0–87.8 78.4 73.4–82.5 71.2 65.4–76.2
20–44 3,935 96.9 96.3–97.4 92.4 91.5–93.3 78.7 77.2–80.0 59.3 57.1–61.3
45–54 1,361 90.2 88.5–91.7 80.4 78.1–82.5 64.7 61.8–67.4 48.5 44.8–52.2
55–64 965 78.3 75.5–80.9 57.3 54.0–60.5 39.7 36.2–43.1 31.8 27.9–35.8
65–74 475 61.4 56.7–65.8 42.1 37.4–46.8 26.0 21.5–30.8 15.6 10.6–21.5
75+ 208 30.5 24.1–37.1 18.2 12.9–24.3 10.1 5.7–16.1 -- --
Ependymal tumors 0–19 2,734 95.2 94.3–96.0 89.8 88.5–90.9 78.9 77.1–80.5 69.9 67.7–72.0
20–44 3,231 97.1 96.4–97.6 95.2 94.3–95.9 91.9 90.7–92.9 88.7 87.2–90.1
45–54 1,835 95.8 94.7–96.7 93.5 92.2–94.7 89.5 87.7–91.0 86.1 83.6–88.3
55–64 1,353 92.5 90.8–93.8 90.4 88.5–92.0 87.3 84.8–89.3 84.5 80.9–87.5
65–74 785 88.6 85.9–90.9 82.7 79.3–85.5 77.9 73.6–81.6 69.0 61.9–75.0
75+ 337 77.8 72.3–82.4 76.7 70.4–81.8 72.8 63.7–80.0 61.5 47.2–73.0
Glioma malignant, NOS 0–19 6,852 82.5 81.5–83.4 72.4 71.3–73.5 69.3 68.2–70.5 68.0 66.8–69.2
20–44 3,344 90.0 88.9–91.0 83.4 82.0–84.6 73.2 71.5–74.8 64.0 61.8–66.1
45–54 1,621 77.1 74.9–79.1 66.2 63.8–68.6 55.9 53.2–58.6 48.0 44.8–51.1
55–64 1,522 62.3 59.7–64.7 50.5 47.9–53.1 37.6 34.8–40.4 29.1 25.9–32.4
65–74 1,464 41.9 39.3–44.5 31.4 28.9–33.9 23.1 20.6–25.7 18.7 15.6–22.0
75+ 2,560 19.1 17.5–20.7 14.6 13.1–16.1 10.2 8.6–11.8 7.9 5.9–10.1
Neuronal and mixed neuronal-glial tumors 0–19 282 91.7 87.7–94.4 84.3 79.3–88.2 78.3 72.7–82.9 76.8 70.9–81.6
20–44 598 95.1 93.0–96.6 90.2 87.4–92.4 82.6 78.8–85.7 74.3 69.4–78.6
45–54 419 94.8 92.0–96.6 89.5 85.8–92.2 83.3 78.6–87.0 79.4 73.1–84.3
55–64 391 90.0 86.3–92.7 81.6 77.0–85.4 72.3 66.5–77.2 64.4 56.6–71.2
65–74 245 89.3 84.0–92.9 86.2 80.1–90.6 79.4 70.9–85.6 66.1 54.0–75.8
75+ 165 75.1 66.6–81.7 68.1 58.5–76.0 56.6 44.3–67.3 34.8 18.0–52.2
Tumors of the pineal region 0–19 422 87.2 83.5–90.1 78.0 73.5–81.8 64.3 59.0–69.1 57.2 51.3–62.6
20–44 290 92.9 89.2–95.4 85.9 81.0–89.6 74.9 68.6–80.1 68.7 61.0–75.2
45–54 116 86.6 78.6–91.8 77.0 67.5–84.0 70.4 59.6–78.8 60.1 47.3–70.8
55–64 81 85.1 74.5–91.5 81.4 70.0–88.8 64.6 50.2–75.8 47.6 28.7–64.3
65–74 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
75+ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Embryonal tumors 0–19 7,089 82.5 81.6–83.4 73.4 72.3–74.4 63.6 62.4–64.8 58.5 57.1–59.8
20–44 1,899 88.8 87.3–90.2 80.9 79.0–82.7 68.3 66.0–70.6 58.3 55.6–61.0
45–54 308 75.6 70.3–80.1 61.0 55.1–66.4 51.3 45.0–57.2 40.1 32.8–47.2
55–64 188 62.1 54.5–68.8 48.5 40.8–55.8 35.8 28.1–43.5 23.7 16.1–32.3
65–74 78 45.3 33.6–56.2 23.1 13.9–33.7 -- -- -- --
75+ 64 28.9 17.9–40.9 -- -- -- -- -- --
Nerve sheath tumors 0–19 58 89.4 77.9–95.1 81.9 68.9–89.9 80.0 66.6–88.4 77.3 62.9–86.7
20–44 180 84.3 78.0–88.9 78.4 71.5–83.9 73.6 66.1–79.6 70.7 62.7–77.3
45–54 139 90.1 83.5–94.1 85.0 77.5–90.2 82.1 74.1–87.9 81.2 71.4–88.0
55–64 105 84.1 75.2–90.0 78.6 68.8–85.6 75.1 64.2–83.1 73.1 59.5–82.7
65–74 86 94.6 84.7–98.2 91.2 79.5–96.3 85.7 69.1–93.7 83.8 63.2–93.5
75+ 57 73.1 57.5–83.7 65.2 48.2–77.7 58.6 39.4–73.6 58.6 39.4–73.6
Meningioma 0–19 89 91.8 83.5–96.0 84.0 74.0–90.5 79.7 68.8–87.1 78.0 66.6–85.9
20–44 600 94.0 91.7–95.7 91.7 89.0–93.7 84.0 80.5–86.9 76.8 72.5–80.6
45–54 747 91.7 89.3–93.5 86.1 83.2–88.5 79.4 75.9–82.4 74.9 70.7–78.5
55–64 991 89.7 87.5–91.5 84.2 81.6–86.5 73.8 70.4–76.8 65.3 61.0–69.3
65–74 1,036 84.5 82.0–86.8 77.7 74.7–80.4 63.3 59.4–66.9 57.9 53.0–62.4
75+ 1,229 69.5 66.5–72.3 61.3 57.9–64.6 50.2 45.9–54.4 39.5 32.8–46.0
Mesenchymal tumors 0–19 169 82.4 75.6–87.4 71.2 63.5–77.6 61.2 52.8–68.6 54.1 44.9–62.5
20–44 301 88.0 83.7–91.3 84.0 79.2–87.9 74.5 68.6–79.5 61.1 53.6–67.9
45–54 179 90.7 85.1–94.2 83.7 77.1–88.6 75.5 67.4–81.8 63.6 53.6–72.0
55–64 154 85.3 78.4–90.2 77.2 69.1–83.4 58.5 48.3–67.4 47.7 35.0–59.4
65–74 97 82.0 71.9–88.7 76.2 64.9–84.2 49.7 35.8–62.1 24.5 8.6–44.6
75+ 63 58.8 44.6–70.6 49.5 34.8–62.6 30.4 16.5–45.4 -- --
Other neoplasms related
to the meninges
0–19 62 95.0 85.3–98.4 89.7 78.5–95.3 85.5 72.8–92.6 77.9 62.9–87.4
20–44 224 96.0 92.3–98.0 91.7 86.9–94.8 86.5 80.5–90.8 76.7 68.0–83.2
45–54 125 95.3 89.2–98.0 93.9 87.0–97.2 87.7 78.5–93.1 76.8 63.9–85.5
55–64 116 90.3 82.8–94.7 84.6 75.8–90.4 67.0 55.9–76.0 41.5 27.8–54.7
65–74 103 95.0 86.2–98.2 90.4 80.1–95.5 84.4 70.5–92.1 58.5 40.0–73.2
75+ 74 85.0 71.5–92.4 79.1 63.2–88.7 61.3 41.3–76.3 48.4 28.8–65.5
Lymphoma 0–19 164 86.1 79.7–90.7 80.6 73.4–86.1 76.0 68.2–82.2 72.1 63.6–79.0
20–44 2,413 57.1 55.1–59.1 52.6 50.5–54.6 45.9 43.8–48.0 41.0 38.7–43.2
45–54 2,488 64.6 62.6–66.5 56.8 54.7–58.8 46.3 44.1–48.4 35.8 33.4–38.2
55–64 3,688 63.4 61.8–65.0 54.7 53.0–56.4 42.1 40.3–44.0 30.6 28.4–32.8
65–74 4,348 52.6 51.1–54.2 43.1 41.5–44.7 30.1 28.5–31.8 21.5 19.5–23.6
75+ 3,654 32.4 30.8–34.0 23.9 22.4–25.5 15.8 14.3–17.5 11.3 9.1–13.7
Other hematopoietic neoplasms 0–19 92 92.0 83.9–96.1 92.0 83.9–96.1 90.2 81.0–95.1 90.2 81.0–95.1
20–44 89 88.7 79.8–93.8 81.5 71.3–88.3 74.4 62.3–83.2 72.4 59.6–81.7
45–54 65 86.3 74.9–92.8 75.3 62.4–84.3 67.2 53.2–77.9 60.5 44.1–73.5
55–64 74 85.3 74.3–91.9 72.3 59.5–81.6 62.1 48.1–73.4 62.1 48.1–73.4
65–74 63 64.5 50.9–75.2 54.0 40.2–65.9 40.9 26.9–54.5 36.5 22.4–50.8
75+ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Tumors of the pituitary 0–19 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
20–44 134 95.6 90.2–98.0 94.2 88.2–97.2 89.1 81.5–93.7 88.3 80.0–93.3
45–54 86 89.6 80.4–94.6 88.7 79.1–94.0 78.6 66.2–86.9 73.1 58.8–83.2
55–64 82 86.9 76.7–92.8 83.4 72.2–90.4 79.8 66.6–88.2 79.8 66.6–88.2
65–74 72 88.9 77.6–94.7 88.9 77.6–94.7 78.8 63.2–88.4 68.7 41.4–85.2
75+ 52 82.3 65.6–91.5 79.5 59.6–90.3 68.9 42.6–85.0 52.9 27.4–73.0
Neoplasm, unspecified 0–19 435 66.6 61.9–70.9 61.8 56.9–66.2 58.5 53.5–63.1 55.8 50.5–60.8
20–44 955 71.9 68.9–74.7 66.9 63.7–69.8 59.4 56.0–62.6 55.1 51.4–58.6
45–54 809 59.3 55.8–62.7 51.8 48.2–55.3 44.2 40.5–47.8 39.0 35.0–42.9
55–64 1,188 42.2 39.3–45.0 34.1 31.3–36.9 27.5 24.8–30.3 24.4 21.4–27.4
65–74 1,567 27.8 25.6–30.1 22.4 20.3–24.6 16.4 14.4–18.6 15.0 12.8–17.3
75+ 5,084 14.6 13.6–15.7 10.8 9.9–11.8 7.3 6.3–8.3 5.7 4.6–6.9
TOTAL e 0–19 37,967 88.5 88.1–88.8 81.3 80.9–81.8 75.5 75.1–76.0 72.2 71.7–72.7
20–44 52,662 87.6 87.3–87.9 77.8 77.4–78.1 65.1 64.6–65.5 54.2 53.6–54.7
45–54 41,351 70.1 69.7–70.5 49.2 48.7–49.8 34.5 34.0–35.0 27.9 27.4–28.5
55–64 54,095 55.3 54.8–55.7 33.1 32.7–33.5 19.8 19.4–20.1 15.3 14.9–15.8
65–74 48,251 38.6 38.1–39.0 22.1 21.7–22.5 13.1 12.7–13.5 10.4 9.9–10.8
75+ 42,949 19.6 19.2–20.0 11.8 11.5–12.2 7.7 7.3–8.0 6.4 6.0–6.9

a. The cohort analysis of survival rates was utilized for calculating the survival estimates presented in this table. Long-term cohort-based survival estimates reflect the survival experience of individuals diagnosed over the time period, and they may not necessarily reflect the long-term survival outlook of newly diagnosed cases.

b. Rates are an estimate of the percentage of patients alive at one, two, five, and ten years, respectively.

c. Total number of case that occurred within the NPCR registries between 2001 and 2015.

d. While pilocytic astrocytoma is coded as a tumor of uncertain behavior (/2), the cancer registry community historically codes this histology as a malignant tumor and as a result they are included in this table.

e. Total includes histologies not listed in this table.

- Rates were not presented for categories with 50 or fewer cases and were suppressed for rates where fewer than 16 cases were surviving within a category.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; CI, Confidence Interval; NOS, Not otherwise specified

  • The estimated five- and ten-year relative survival rates for all malignant brain and other CNS tumors were 35.8% and 30.8%, respectively.

  • There was large variation in survival estimates depending upon tumor histology; five-year survival rates were 94.4% for pilocytic astrocytoma but are 6.8% for glioblastoma.

  • Survival generally decreased with older age at diagnosis; children and young adults generally had better survival outcomes for most histologies.

Survival rates for non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors by histology and age

Survival estimates for non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors by histology and age at diagnosis are presented in Table 23, 24. Histology-specific rates are presented for the CBTRUS histology groupings which contain a substantial number of incident non-malignant tumors.

Table 23.

One-, two-, five-, and ten-year relative survival ratesa,b with 95% confidence intervals for selected non-malignant brain and other central nervous system tumors by NCI age-groups, U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR Registries, 2004–2015

Histology Age-group (years) Nc 1-Year 2-Year 5-Year 10-Year
% 95% CI % 95% CI % 95% CI % 95% CI
Unique astrocytoma variants 0-14d 517 98.5 96.9–99.3 97.9 96.1–98.8 97.3 95.3–98.5 94.9 90.1–97.4
15-39e 274 97.1 94.1–98.5 96.3 93.1–98.1 93.7 89.6–96.3 89.1 82.0–93.6
40+ 64 94.0 83.3–97.9 87.0 74.3–93.7 83.7 69.2–91.7 65.7 40.4–82.3
All Ages 855 97.7 96.4–98.5 96.6 95.1–97.7 95.3 93.4–96.6 91.1 87.3–93.8
Ependymal tumors 0–14 229 99.1 96.3–99.8 98.7 95.7–99.6 96.8 92.7–98.6 96.0 91.3–98.2
15–39 1,879 99.5 98.9–99.7 99.3 98.7–99.7 98.7 97.8–99.3 97.5 95.7–98.6
40+ 3,761 96.6 95.8–97.2 96.2 95.3–96.9 95.8 94.5–96.8 93.3 90.7–95.3
All Ages 5,869 97.6 97.1–98.0 97.3 96.7–97.8 96.8 95.9–97.5 94.8 93.2–96.1
Choroid plexus tumors 0–14 586 98.3 96.6–99.1 97.9 96.2–98.8 97.0 95.0–98.2 96.7 94.6–98.0
15–39 446 98.2 96.3–99.1 97.8 95.7–98.9 97.0 94.6–98.3 93.0 87.4–96.2
40+ 517 88.8 85.5–91.4 88.2 84.6–91.0 84.1 79.4–87.8 79.4 71.5–85.3
All Ages 1,549 95.1 93.8–96.1 94.6 93.2–95.8 92.8 91.0–94.3 90.1 87.2–92.3
Neuronal and mixed neuronal-glial tumors 0–14 2,329 99.2 98.7–99.5 98.3 97.6–98.8 96.9 96.0–97.6 95.8 94.4–96.8
15–39 3,527 98.8 98.3–99.1 98.4 97.9–98.8 97.3 96.6–97.9 95.1 93.7–96.2
40+ 1,991 94.8 93.6–95.8 92.5 91.1–93.8 89.1 87.1–90.8 86.5 83.2–89.2
All Ages 7,847 97.9 97.5–98.2 96.9 96.4–97.3 95.2 94.5–95.7 93.2 92.1–94.1
Tumors of the pineal region 0–14 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
15–39 285 97.5 94.7–98.8 97.2 94.2–98.6 96.8 93.4–98.5 96.2 91.8–98.2
40+ 363 92.7 89.2–95.2 91.0 86.8–93.9 86.6 80.7–90.8 79.4 68.1–87.1
All Ages 697 95.1 93.0–96.5 94.0 91.6–95.7 91.8 88.5–94.1 87.7 81.7–91.9
Embryonal tumors 0–14 53 100.0 ** 100.0 ** 100.0 ** 95.4 69.7–99.4
15–39 85 100.0 ** 100.0 ** 100.0 ** 96.3 63.5–99.7
40+ 106 96.1 88.7–98.7 96.1 88.7–98.7 95.4 82.8–98.8 86.8 69.3–94.7
All Ages 244 98.3 95.0–99.5 98.3 95.0–99.5 98.1 91.6–99.6 91.7 82.0–96.3
Nerve sheath tumors 0–14 1,942 99.9 99.2–100.0 99.7 99.2–99.9 99.0 98.3–99.4 98.2 97.0–98.8
15–39 10,679 99.4 99.3–99.6 99.2 99.0–99.4 98.6 98.3–98.9 97.7 97.1–98.2
40+ 56,346 99.3 99.1–99.4 99.3 99.1–99.4 99.3 99.1–99.4 99.3 99.1–99.4
All Ages 68,967 99.3 99.2–99.4 99.3 99.2–99.4 99.3 99.2–99.4 99.3 99.2–99.4
Meningioma 0–14 534 98.3 96.7–99.1 97.5 95.6–98.5 95.7 93.3–97.3 89.9 84.9–93.3
15–39 18,574 98.8 98.6–98.9 98.2 98.0–98.4 97.0 96.7–97.3 94.8 94.2–95.3
40+ 271,578 92.7 92.5–92.8 90.9 90.7–91.0 87.3 87.1–87.6 82.8 82.4–83.2
All Ages 290,686 93.1 93.0–93.2 91.4 91.2–91.5 88.0 87.8–88.2 83.7 83.3–84.0
Mesenchymal tumors 0–14 518 99.8 96.4–100.0 98.6 96.8–99.4 97.6 95.2–98.8 96.5 93.4–98.2
15–39 571 98.8 97.4–99.5 98.7 97.2–99.4 97.5 95.2–98.7 94.8 90.2–97.3
40+ 1,364 95.1 93.5–96.2 94.2 92.4–95.6 89.2 86.5–91.4 81.3 76.2–85.4
All Ages 2,453 97.0 96.0–97.7 96.2 95.1–97.0 92.9 91.2–94.2 87.4 84.2–90.0
Primary melanocytic lesions 0–14 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
15–39 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
40+ 60 80.3 66.8–88.8 71.7 56.8–82.2 55.7 38.0–70.1 41.2 21.3–60.2
All Ages 82 84.6 74.1–91.1 78.7 67.0–86.7 63.3 49.2–74.4 52.8 37.0–66.3
Other neoplasms related to the meninges 0–14 100 98.0 92.0–99.5 96.9 90.4–99.0 94.1 86.1–97.6 84.3 66.0–93.2
15–39 1,858 98.3 97.6–98.8 97.7 96.9–98.4 96.7 95.5–97.5 93.7 91.6–95.3
40+ 3,930 95.2 94.4–96.0 94.5 93.5–95.3 92.7 91.3–93.9 88.7 86.0–90.9
All Ages 5,888 96.3 95.7–96.8 95.5 94.9–96.2 94.0 93.0–94.8 90.2 88.4–91.8
Germ cell tumors, cysts, and heterotopias 0–14 356 96.9 94.4–98.3 96.6 94.0–98.1 96.6 94.0–98.1 96.2 93.1–97.9
15–39 365 99.5 97.5–99.9 98.4 96.1–99.3 96.8 93.7–98.4 95.5 89.8–98.0
40+ 415 94.9 91.8–96.8 93.8 90.1–96.1 91.8 86.5–95.0 83.7 73.8–90.1
All Ages 1,136 97.0 95.7–98.0 96.2 94.6–97.3 94.9 92.8–96.4 91.6 87.8–94.2
Tumors of the pituitary 0–14 1,750 99.9 99.5–100.0 99.7 99.2–99.9 99.4 98.7–99.8 98.8 97.8–99.4
15–39 38,856 99.7 99.6–99.7 99.6 99.5–99.6 99.3 99.1–99.4 98.7 98.4–98.9
40+ 88,937 97.4 97.3–97.5 96.9 96.7–97.1 95.6 95.3–95.9 93.3 92.7–93.9
All Ages 129,543 98.1 98.0–98.2 97.7 97.6–97.9 96.8 96.6–97.0 95.1 94.7–95.5
Craniopharyngioma 0–14 1,519 98.7 97.9–99.1 97.9 97.0–98.5 95.2 93.8–96.3 92.8 90.8–94.4
15–39 1,595 95.9 94.8–96.8 94.5 93.2–95.5 91.3 89.6–92.8 88.0 85.7–90.0
40+ 3,462 89.4 88.2–90.5 86.2 84.8–87.4 79.4 77.6–81.1 72.7 69.8–75.2
All Ages 6,576 93.1 92.5–93.8 90.9 90.1–91.7 86.1 85.0–87.1 81.4 79.8–82.9
Hemangioma 0–14 616 99.0 97.7–99.6 98.5 97.0–99.2 97.8 96.0–98.8 97.8 96.0–98.8
15–39 2,885 99.5 99.1–99.7 99.3 98.8–99.6 98.8 98.1–99.3 96.8 95.1–98.0
40+ 6,830 95.4 94.8–96.0 94.1 93.3–94.8 91.6 90.4–92.6 88.4 85.9–90.5
All Ages 10,331 96.8 96.4–97.2 95.8 95.3–96.3 94.0 93.3–94.7 91.5 89.9–92.9
Neoplasm, unspecified 0–14 888 94.7 93.0–96.1 94.2 92.4–95.6 93.8 91.9–95.3 92.4 89.7–94.3
15–39 2,943 95.7 94.8–96.4 94.8 93.9–95.6 93.5 92.5–94.5 91.9 90.4–93.2
40+ 11,065 69.5 68.6–70.5 65.9 64.9–66.8 60.4 59.2–61.6 53.2 51.5–54.9
All Ages 14,896 76.3 75.6–77.1 73.4 72.6–74.2 69.2 68.3–70.2 63.8 62.5–65.1
TOTAL f 0–14 12,233 98.8 98.6–99.0 98.2 98.0–98.5 97.2 96.8–97.5 95.8 95.2–96.2
15–39 85,129 99.1 99.0–99.2 98.8 98.7–98.9 98.1 98.0–98.2 96.7 96.5–97.0
40+ 451,394 93.9 93.9–94.0 92.6 92.5–92.7 90.1 89.9–90.2 86.8 86.5–87.1
All Ages 548,756 94.9 94.8–95.0 93.7 93.6–93.8 91.5 91.4–91.7 88.7 88.5–88.9

a. The cohort analysis of survival rates was utilized for calculating the survival estimates presented in this table. Long-term cohort-based survival estimates reflect the survival experience of individuals diagnosed over the time period, and they may not necessarily reflect the long-term survival outlook of newly diagnosed cases.

b. Rates are an estimate of the percentage of patients alive at one, two, five, and ten years, respectively.

c. Total number of case that occurred within the NPCR registries between 2004 and 2015.

d. Children as defined by the National Cancer Institute, see: https://www.cancer.gov/research/areas/childhood.

e. Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA), as defined by the National Cancer Institute, see: https://www.cancer.gov/types/aya.

f. Total includes histologies not listed in this table.

- Rates were not presented for categories with 50 or fewer cases and were suppressed for rates where fewer than 16 cases were surviving within a category.

** Confidence interval could not be calculated.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; CI, Confidence Interval; NOS, Not otherwise specified

Table 24.

Brain and other central nervous system one-, two-, five-, and ten-year relative survival ratesa,b with 95% confidence intervals for selected non-malignant brain and other central nervous system tumors by selected age-groups, U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR Registries, 2004–2015

Histology Age group (year) Nc 1-Year 2-Year 5-Year 10-Year
% 95% CI % 95% CI % 95% CI % 95% CI
Unique astrocytoma variants 0–19 617 98.7 97.4–99.4 97.9 96.3–98.8 97.0 95.2–98.2 94.7 90.5–97.1
20–44 193 95.3 91.0–97.6 95.3 91.0–97.6 92.5 87.0–95.7 87.3 78.2–92.8
45–54 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
55–64 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
65–74 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
75+ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Ependymal tumors 0–19 426 99.6 98.0–99.9 99.3 97.6–99.8 98.5 96.2–99.4 97.5 93.8–99.0
20–44 2,223 99.2 98.7–99.6 99.1 98.5–99.5 98.6 97.7–99.1 97.3 95.5–98.4
45–54 1,300 98.5 97.5–99.1 98.4 97.2–99.1 98.0 96.6–98.8 97.1 93.2–98.8
55–64 1,007 96.7 95.1–97.8 96.2 94.3–97.4 94.0 91.2–96.0 92.3 86.6–95.6
65–74 634 93.5 90.9–95.5 91.8 88.6–94.2 91.8 88.6–94.2 84.9 72.9–91.9
75+ 279 89.5 83.7–93.3 89.5 83.7–93.3 89.2 78.2–94.9 81.1 59.6–91.9
Choroid plexus tumors 0–19 689 98.4 97.0–99.1 98.1 96.6–98.9 97.3 95.6–98.4 96.8 94.8–98.1
20–44 424 97.9 95.8–98.9 97.2 94.8–98.5 95.9 93.0–97.7 92.2 86.4–95.6
45–54 166 94.8 89.7–97.4 94.5 89.0–97.2 90.1 82.8–94.4 83.1 70.3–90.7
55–64 127 86.7 79.0–91.7 86.5 78.4–91.7 83.9 74.0–90.3 76.4 62.7–85.6
65–74 81 81.1 70.0–88.5 79.8 67.8–87.7 72.9 57.0–83.7 64.5 37.5–82.3
75+ 62 75.5 60.8–85.3 74.6 57.9–85.5 68.4 49.8–81.2 -- --
Neuronal and mixed neuronal-glial tumors 0–19 3,453 99.3 98.9–99.5 98.5 98.0–98.9 97.4 96.7–98.0 95.9 94.8–96.8
20–44 2,805 98.4 97.8–98.8 97.9 97.2–98.4 96.5 95.5–97.2 94.4 92.8–95.7
45–54 729 96.7 95.0–97.8 95.2 93.2–96.7 92.1 89.2–94.3 88.9 83.6–92.5
55–64 494 93.5 90.7–95.5 90.0 86.5–92.7 85.7 81.0–89.2 81.9 74.8–87.2
65–74 250 90.7 85.7–94.0 87.0 81.0–91.2 80.2 71.9–86.3 75.1 57.7–86.1
75+ 116 85.8 76.1–91.8 83.0 71.3–90.2 80.9 64.9–90.2 76.3 38.0–92.7
Tumors of the pineal region 0–19 90 98.9 91.7–99.8 98.9 91.7–99.8 98.9 91.7–99.8 96.7 84.8–99.3
20–44 314 96.7 93.9–98.3 96.1 93.0–97.8 95.4 91.8–97.5 94.9 90.6–97.3
45–54 107 93.6 86.5–97.0 93.6 86.5–97.0 93.4 84.9–97.2 90.9 79.5–96.1
55–64 93 91.9 83.5–96.1 90.2 80.9–95.1 83.0 70.3–90.6 62.1 30.6–82.6
65–74 61 90.9 78.1–96.4 86.2 71.1–93.7 79.5 58.5–90.7 78.4 44.9–92.9
75+ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Nerve sheath tumors 0–19 2,787 99.8 99.5–99.9 99.6 99.2–99.8 98.9 98.3–99.3 97.5 96.3–98.3
20–44 15,012 99.5 99.4–99.7 99.3 99.1–99.4 98.8 98.5–99.0 98.2 97.7–98.7
45–54 15,479 99.6 99.5–99.7 99.6 99.3–99.7 99.5 99.2–99.7 99.5 99.2–99.7
55–64 17,350 99.4 99.2–99.5 99.4 99.1–99.6 99.4 99.1–99.6 99.4 99.1–99.6
65–74 12,010 99.2 98.8–99.4 99.2 98.8–99.4 99.2 98.8–99.4 99.2 98.8–99.4
75+ 6,329 97.6 96.8–98.3 97.6 96.8–98.3 97.6 96.8–98.3 97.6 96.8–98.3
Meningioma 0–19 1,158 98.8 97.9–99.3 98.3 97.3–99.0 96.6 95.1–97.6 92.3 89.2–94.5
20–44 31,887 98.6 98.5–98.8 98.1 97.9–98.2 96.8 96.6–97.1 94.8 94.3–95.2
45–54 45,550 97.9 97.7–98.0 97.1 97.0–97.3 95.5 95.2–95.8 93.3 92.8–93.8
55–64 60,364 96.1 95.9–96.2 94.7 94.5–94.9 92.3 91.9–92.6 88.7 88.1–89.2
65–74 64,743 93.2 93.0–93.5 91.2 90.9–91.4 87.3 86.9–87.7 81.3 80.4–82.1
75+ 86,984 85.8 85.5–86.1 83.0 82.6–83.4 76.9 76.3–77.5 68.9 67.5–70.3
Mesenchymal tumors 0–19 600 99.7 98.0–99.9 98.7 97.0–99.4 97.2 94.8–98.5 95.4 91.5–97.5
20–44 673 98.5 97.1–99.2 98.3 96.7–99.1 97.0 94.9–98.3 93.7 89.4–96.3
45–54 390 97.7 95.3–98.9 96.9 94.1–98.4 93.5 89.1–96.1 86.8 79.0–91.8
55–64 367 96.8 93.9–98.3 95.2 91.6–97.2 90.5 85.3–94.0 83.4 71.9–90.5
65–74 272 92.8 88.2–95.6 90.9 85.5–94.3 84.5 76.5–89.9 71.0 53.9–82.7
75+ 151 84.8 76.2–90.4 84.8 76.2–90.4 71.5 54.6–83.0 52.8 27.1–73.1
Other neoplasms related to the meninges 0–19 344 98.5 96.4–99.4 97.9 95.5–99.0 95.8 92.4–97.7 88.8 81.5–93.4
20–44 2,158 98.4 97.7–98.9 97.8 97.0–98.4 96.8 95.7–97.5 94.2 92.2–95.6
45–54 1,205 96.9 95.6–97.8 96.3 94.9–97.4 95.4 93.5–96.8 91.5 87.7–94.2
55–64 1,075 96.2 94.6–97.3 95.7 93.9–97.0 93.3 90.7–95.2 90.6 85.3–94.1
65–74 705 93.4 90.9–95.2 91.9 88.9–94.1 88.1 83.5–91.4 88.0 82.2–92.0
75+ 401 85.5 80.7–89.2 84.4 78.6–88.7 81.5 73.5–87.3 60.0 40.6–74.8
Germ cell tumors, cysts, and heterotopias 0–19 443 97.6 95.5–98.7 96.8 94.5–98.2 96.2 93.7–97.8 95.8 93.1–97.5
20–44 352 98.7 96.5–99.5 98.2 95.7–99.2 97.5 94.4–98.9 94.7 86.8–97.9
45–54 140 94.5 88.7–97.3 94.0 87.9–97.1 92.2 84.4–96.2 84.3 71.7–91.6
55–64 78 98.2 86.6–99.8 98.2 86.6–99.8 98.2 86.6–99.8 83.9 52.7–95.3
65–74 74 94.5 83.9–98.2 93.1 80.5–97.6 85.5 68.8–93.7 85.5 68.8–93.7
75+ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Tumors of the pituitary 0–19 6,053 99.9 99.8–100.0 99.8 99.6–99.9 99.8 99.5–99.9 99.2 98.7–99.6
20–44 45,659 99.6 99.5–99.6 99.4 99.3–99.5 99.1 98.9–99.2 98.4 98.1–98.7
45–54 23,601 98.8 98.6–99.0 98.5 98.2–98.7 97.7 97.4–98.0 96.5 95.9–97.1
55–64 22,384 98.0 97.8–98.2 97.5 97.2–97.8 96.9 96.4–97.3 95.0 93.9–95.8
65–74 18,446 96.8 96.5–97.1 96.2 95.7–96.6 94.8 94.1–95.5 91.5 89.6–93.0
75+ 13,400 92.9 92.3–93.5 91.9 91.0–92.7 87.2 85.7–88.6 79.4 75.4–82.8
Craniopharyngioma 0–19 1,904 98.5 97.8–99.0 97.7 96.8–98.3 95.1 93.9–96.1 92.7 90.9–94.2
20–44 1,679 95.0 93.8–96.0 93.1 91.7–94.3 89.3 87.5–90.9 84.7 82.1–87.0
45–54 1,036 91.3 89.4–93.0 90.0 87.8–91.8 84.8 82.0–87.2 79.6 75.5–83.1
55–64 966 90.9 88.7–92.6 88.1 85.5–90.2 81.4 78.0–84.3 75.5 69.9–80.2
65–74 643 83.2 79.8–86.1 76.8 72.8–80.3 68.3 63.3–72.8 55.1 46.4–63.0
75+ 348 84.0 78.8–88.0 78.4 72.1–83.5 65.1 55.9–72.8 54.0 42.4–64.3
Hemangioma 0–19 1,011 99.3 98.5–99.7 99.0 98.1–99.5 98.3 97.0–99.1 97.0 93.7–98.6
20–44 3,340 99.2 98.8–99.5 98.8 98.3–99.2 98.1 97.4–98.7 96.2 94.5–97.3
45–54 1,970 97.9 97.0–98.5 97.1 96.1–97.9 94.9 93.4–96.2 94.1 91.8–95.7
55–64 1,803 96.1 95.0–97.0 95.1 93.7–96.1 93.2 91.2–94.7 86.6 81.1–90.6
65–74 1,253 92.8 91.0–94.3 90.4 88.1–92.2 85.9 82.4–88.8 83.6 76.6–88.7
75+ 954 89.2 86.3–91.5 86.9 83.2–89.8 82.9 76.3–87.8 71.0 50.8–84.1
Neoplasm, unspecified 0–19 1,390 96.3 95.1–97.2 95.9 94.7–96.9 95.5 94.2–96.5 94.5 92.7–95.8
20–44 3,282 94.7 93.8–95.4 93.3 92.4–94.2 91.5 90.4–92.5 89.0 87.4–90.5
45–54 1,944 89.4 87.9–90.7 87.0 85.3–88.5 83.9 81.9–85.7 76.6 73.3–79.5
55–64 2,075 82.7 81.0–84.4 78.0 76.0–79.8 72.2 69.8–74.4 66.2 62.6–69.5
65–74 2,134 73.8 71.8–75.7 68.6 66.4–70.7 62.5 59.8–65.0 52.8 48.3–57.1
75+ 4,071 44.6 42.9–46.2 41.2 39.4–42.9 33.8 31.6–36.0 24.6 20.9–28.5
TOTAL d 0–19 21,369 99.1 99.0–99.2 98.7 98.5–98.9 97.9 97.6–98.1 96.4 96.0–96.8
20–44 110,384 99.0 98.9–99.0 98.6 98.5–98.7 97.8 97.7–97.9 96.4 96.2–96.6
45–54 93,842 98.1 98.0–98.2 97.5 97.4–97.7 96.3 96.2–96.5 94.7 94.4–95.0
55–64 108,382 96.7 96.5–96.8 95.6 95.5–95.8 93.9 93.7–94.2 91.4 91.0–91.8
65–74 101,457 94.1 93.9–94.2 92.4 92.2–92.7 89.6 89.2–89.9 85.0 84.3–85.7
75+ 113,322 85.8 85.6–86.1 83.4 83.1–83.7 78.1 77.6–78.6 71.1 69.9–72.3

a. The cohort analysis of survival rates was utilized for calculating the survival estimates presented in this table. Long-term cohort-based survival estimates reflect the survival experience of individuals diagnosed over the time period, and they may not necessarily reflect the long-term survival outlook of newly diagnosed cases.

b. Rates are an estimate of the percentage of patients alive at one, two, five, and ten years, respectively.

c. Total number of case that occurred within the NPCR registries between 2004 and 2015.

d. Total includes histologies not listed in this table.

- Rates were not presented for categories with 50 or fewer cases and were suppressed for rates where fewer than 16 cases were surviving within a category.

** Confidence interval could not be calculated.

Abbreviations: CBTRUS, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; NPCR, National Program of Cancer Registries; CI, Confidence Interval; NOS, Not otherwise specified

  • Overall, 91.5% of persons with non-malignant tumor survived five years after diagnosis.

  • Five-year survival was highest in nerve sheath tumors and embryonal tumors, which had five-year relative survival of 99.3% and 98.1%, respectively.

  • Five-year survival was lowest in primary melanocytic lesions, craniopharyngioma, and meningioma, which had five-year relative survival of 63.3%, 86.1% and 88.0%, respectively.

  • Overall, five-year survival in adolescents and young adults was highest (98.1%) compared to children (97.2%) and adults (90.1%).

Survival rates for malignant brain and other CNS tumors by urban/rural residence

Survival estimates for malignant and non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors are shown by urban/rural residence and selected histologies in Supplementary Table 11 and Supplementary Table 12. Overall, one-, five-, and ten-year survival were higher in urban areas as compared to rural areas.

Descriptive Summary of Spinal Cord Tumors

Although spinal cord tumors account for a relatively small percentage of brain and other CNS tumors, they result in significant morbidity. The most common histologies found in the spinal cord, spinal meninges, and cauda equina are presented in Figure 21 for both children (age 0–19 years, Fig. 21A) and adults (age 20+ years, Fig. 21B).

Fig. 21.

Fig. 21

Distributiona of Primary Spinal Cord, Spinal Meninges, and Cauda Equina Tumors by Histology in A) Children and Adolescents (Age 0–19 Years, Five-Year Total = 1,322; Annual Average Cases = 264) and B) Adults (Age 20+ Years, Five-Year Total = 18,184; Annual Average Cases = 3,637), CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

  • The predominant histology group for those age 0–19 years was ependymal tumors (20.6%) followed by nerve sheath tumors (17.8%).

  • Tumors of meninges (38.8%) accounted for the largest proportion of spinal cord tumors among those age 20 years and older.

  • Five-year survival after diagnosis with a malignant tumor of the spinal cord and cauda equina was 82.0%, with a ten-year relative survival of 78.7% (Table 19).

Descriptive Summary of Meningioma, Glioblastoma, and Embryonal Tumors

The data in the CBTRUS Statistical Report 2012–2016 were synthesized to describe three of the most common histologic types: meningioma and glioblastoma for adults and embryonal tumors for children and adolescents.

Meningioma

  • Meningioma was the most frequently reported brain and other CNS tumor, accounting for 37.6% of tumors overall (Fig. 7B). Most meningiomas (80.3%) were located in the cerebral meninges, 4.2% were located in the spinal meninges, and approximately 14.7% did not have a specific meningeal site listed.

  • Non-malignant meningioma with ICD-O-3 behavior codes /0 (benign) or /1 (uncertain) accounted for 97.7% of meningiomas reported to CBTRUS (Table 3).

  • Overall, 40% of meningioma diagnoses were histologically confirmed (Table 11), and this proportion varied by behavior (39.5% in non-malignant meningioma and 79.0% in malignant meningioma)

  • Of meningioma with documented WHO grade (79.3%, Table 11), 80.5% were WHO grade I, 17.7% were WHO grade II, and 1.7% were WHO grade III.

  • Meningioma was most common in adults age 65 years and older (Table 7), and one of the least common in children age 0–14 years (Table 5).

  • Incidence of meningioma increased with age, with a dramatic increase after age 65 years. Even among the population age 85 years and older, these rates continued to be high (Table 7).

  • Non-malignant meningiomas overall were 2.32 times more common in females compared to males (Fig. 13). Incidence rate ratios were lowest between males and females in persons <20 years old (where incidence rates for males and females were approximately equal), and highest from 35–44, where incidence rates were 3.28 times higher in females (Supplementary Figure 15).

  • Incidence of meningioma was significantly higher in Blacks than in Whites (Fig. 16).

  • Ten-year relative survival for malignant meningioma was 61.7% (Table 21). Age had a large effect on survival after diagnosis with malignant meningioma: 10-year relative survival was 76.8% for the population age 20–44 years, and 39.5% for age 75+ years (Table 22).

  • Ten-year relative survival for non-malignant meningioma was 83.7% (Table 23). Age had a large effect on survival after diagnosis with non-malignant meningioma: 10-year relative survival was 89.9% in children (age 0–14 years), 94.8% in AYA (age 15–39 years), and 82.8% in adults (age 40+ years old).

  • Site of meningioma had an effect on survival after diagnosis with meningioma. For non-malignant meningioma, 10-year relative survival was 83.2% for tumors in the cerebral meninges, but 95.6% for tumors in the spinal meninges.

  • Survival was also higher in malignant meningioma for spinal tumors, where 10-year relative survival was 73.4%, as compared to 55.7% for tumors in the cerebral meninges (Supplementary Figure 16).

Glioblastoma

  • Glioblastoma was the third most frequently reported CNS histology and the most common malignant tumor overall (Fig. 7BandFig. 8B).

  • Glioblastoma accounted for 14.6% of all primary brain and other CNS tumors (Fig. 7B), 48.3% of primary malignant brain tumors (Fig. 8B) and 57.3% of all gliomas (Fig. 10B)

  • Glioblastoma was more common in older adults (Table 7) and was less common in children (Table 6); these tumors comprised 3.0% of all brain and other CNS tumors reported among age 0–19 years.

  • Incidence of glioblastoma increased with age, with rates highest in individuals age 75 to 84 years (Table 7).

  • Glioblastoma was 1.58 times more common in males compared to females (Fig. 13).

  • Glioblastoma was 1.95 times higher among Whites compared to Blacks (Fig. 16).

  • Relative survival estimates for glioblastoma were quite low; 6.8% of patients survived five years post-diagnosis (Table 21). These survival estimates were somewhat higher for the small number of patients who were diagnosed under age 20 years (Table 22).

Embryonal Tumors

  • Embryonal tumors were the most frequently reported brain and other CNS tumor histology grouping in children age 0–4 years, and the fifth most common tumor type overall in children and adolescents age 0–19 years (Table 6, Fig. 17B).

  • Embryonal tumors within the CBTRUS histologic grouping scheme include multiple different histologies: medulloblastoma, PNET, ATRT, and several other rare histologies (Table 2).

  • Embryonal tumors accounted for 13.1% of all primary brain and other CNS tumors in children age 0–14 years (Fig. 18B), 10.1% of tumors in children and adolescents age 0–19 years (Fig. 17B), and 0.9% of tumors diagnosed overall (Fig. 7B).

  • Incidence of medulloblastoma decreased with increasing age after 9 years old. Incidence was 0.54 per 100,000 population, 0.59 per 100,000 population, 0.33 per 100,000 population, and 0.15 per 100,000 population in children age 0–4, 5–9, 10–14 years, and adolescents age groups 15–19 years, respectively (Table 6).

  • Incidence of PNET was 0.15 per 100,000 population, 0.05 per 100,000 population, 0.04 per 100,000 population, and 0.03 per 100,000 population in children age 0–4, 5–9, 10–14 years, and adolescents age 15–19 years, respectively (Table 6).

  • Incidence of ATRT was 0.32 per 100,000 population and 0.03 per 100,000 population in children age 0–4 and 5–9 years, respectively. There were too few of these cases in older age groups to report (Table 6).

  • Relative survival estimates for embryonal tumors were low but varied significantly by histology. 10-year survival was 66.1% for medulloblastoma, 30.0% for PNET, and 37.0% for ATRT (Table 21).

  • Embryonal tumors were more common in males than females (Table 3, Table 14). This difference was greatest in medulloblastoma, which occurred 1.66 times as frequently in males 0–14 years as compared to females in this age group (Supplementary Figure 17). Incidence of ATRT and PNET in children age 0–14 years were not significantly different between males and females.

Descriptive Summary of Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors (Age 15–39 Years)

Brain and other CNS tumors are less common in AYA (age 15–39 years)52 compared to older adults (Table 4). These tumors are the third most commonly occurring cancer in persons age 15–39 years in the US, and the third most common cause of cancer death.53

  • There were 59,515 primary brain and other CNS tumors diagnosed in AYA between 2012 and 2016, representing 14.7% of all brain and other CNS tumors (Fig. 22).

  • The overall incidence rate in this age group was 11.40 per 100,000 population (Table 5). Incidence of malignant tumors was 3.23 per 100,000, and incidence of non-malignant tumors was 8.17 per 100,000 (Table 5).

  • Tumors of the sellar region had the highest incidence (3.95 per 100,000 population), followed by tumors of the neuroepithelial tissue (3.46 per 100,000 population) (Table 2).

  • The most common histology in AYA was tumors of the pituitary (3.82 per 100,000 population), followed by meningioma (1.86 per 100,000 population) and nerve sheath tumors (1.03 per 100,000 population) (Table 5).

  • The majority of AYA brain and other CNS tumors occurred in the pituitary and craniopharyngeal duct (35.4%), followed by the meninges (15.8%) (Fig. 22A).

  • 18.7% of tumors diagnosed in AYA were located within the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes of the brain combined (Figure 22A, occipital percentage not shown in figure due to low count).

  • Cerebrum, ventricle, cerebellum, and brain stem tumors combined accounted for 10.2% of all AYA tumors (Fig. 22A).

  • The predominately non-malignant tumors of the pituitary (27.3%), meningioma (12.4%), and nerve sheath (8.0%) represented over half of all brain and other CNS tumors diagnosed in AYA (Fig. 22B).

  • Glioma accounted for approximately 26.0% of all brain and other CNS tumors in AYA, and about 82.4% of all malignant tumors (Fig. 22B).

  • AYA are estimated to have 12,030 new primary brain and other CNS tumors in 2019 and 12,090 in 2020 (Table 18).

  • AYA had higher rates of relative survival than adults greater than 40 years old for all histologic types. Though 1-year relative survival for most tumor types was higher for AYA than children, 5- and 10-year survival were usually higher for children as compared to AYA (Table 24).

Fig. 22.

Fig. 22

Distributiona in Adolescents and Young Adultsb (Age 15–39 Years) of All Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors (Five-Year Total = 59,515; Annual Average Cases = 11,903) by A) Site and B) Histology, CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Descriptive Summary of Time Trends in Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors

Time trends in cancer incidence rates are an important measure of the changing burden of cancer in a population over time. Many factors may lead to fluctuations in rates over time and all of these must be considered when interpreting time trends results. When assessing trends in incidence over time it is critical to use the most recent data available, as delay in reporting may cause small fluctuations in incidence. Time trends analysis methods are used to estimate if the APC is significantly different from 0% (meaning no change in incidence from year to year). In addition to assessing statistical significance of changes in incidence over time, the size of this change must also be considered because with datasets as large as CBTRUS very small fluctuations in incidence over time may be statistically significant but not truly represent a large change in proportion of individuals over time.

Incidence rates of cancer overall, and many specific cancer histologies, have decreased over time.54 Overall, changes in incidence rates of all primary brain and other CNS tumors between 2000 and 2016 (limited to 2004–2016 for non-malignant tumors) have been small. As stated previously, there are many things that can affect incidence rates over time that are not related to ‘true’ changes in incidence of these tumors such as demographic changes, changes in histologic classification, and changes in cancer registration procedures. The latetr is especially applicable to the collection of non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors, which have only been collected since 2004 in accordance with Public Law 107–260. Though these tumors are included in cancer collection, some surveillance reports do not include these tumors under their brain and other CNS tumors classification, but restrict reporting to malignant CNS tumors, including cancer trends. Incidence of non-malignant brain and CNS tumors increased substantially during the first years of collection as completeness of reporting improved, and CBTRUS has previously reported that there was increasing incidence of non-malignant brain tumors from 2004 to 2006.55,56

All malignant brain and other CNS tumors

  • Overall, there was a small but statistically significant decrease in incidence of malignant brain and other CNS tumors from 2000–2016 (APC = -0.4% [95% CI: -0.6%, -0.2%]).

  • From 2008–2016, there was a slight decrease in overall incidence (APC = -0.9% [95% CI: -1.2%, -0.7%], Fig. 23, Supplementary Table 13). These changes likely represent random variation or changes in underlying demographics rather than a true change in incidence of malignant brain tumors.

  • There was a small but statistically significant increase in incidence in children (age 0–14 years, APC = 0.6% [95% CI: 0.3%, 0.9%], Fig. 23), a small but statistically significant decrease in AYA (age 15–39 years, APC = -0.4% [95% CI: -0.6%, -0.2%], Fig. 23) from 2000–2016, and a small but statistically significant decrease in older adults from 2008–2016 (age 40+ years, APC = -1.1% [95% CI: -1.5%, -0.8%], Fig. 23).

Fig. 23.

Fig. 23

Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Rates of Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors, and Incidence Trends by Behavior and Age Group, CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2000–2016 (Varying)

Glioma

  • Overall, there was no significant change in incidence of glioma from 2000–2016.

  • There was a slight increase in incidence between 2000 and 2007 (APC = 0.9% [95% CI: 0.5%, 1.3%], Fig. 24), followed by a small but significant decrease in incidence from 2008–2016 (APC = -0.8% [95% CI: -1.2%, -0.4%], Fig. 24).

  • There was a significant increase in incidence in children (age 0–14 years, APC = 1.9% [95% CI: 1.4%, 2.4%]) from 2000–2013, and a significant increase in incidence in AYA from 2000–2006 (age 15–39 years, APC = 2.3% [95% CI: 0.7%, 3.8%], Fig. 24).

  • Incidence in older adults (age 40+ years) was relatively stable: there was a statistically significant increase from 2000–2007 (APC = 0.6%, [95% CI: 0.2%, 1.1%]), followed by a statistically significant decrease from 2007–2016 (APC = -0.8% [95% CI: -1.1%, -0.6%], Fig. 24).

  • There was a small but significant increase in incidence of glioblastoma from 2000–2007 (APC = 1.0 [95% CI: 0.2%, 1.2%]), with no significant change between 2007 and 2016 (Fig. 24, Supplementary Table 13).

  • Despite finding statistically significant variation, this likely represents random variation or changes in underlying demographics rather than a true change in incidence of glioma.

Fig. 24.

Fig. 24

Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Rates of Primary Brain and Other CNS Gliomas and Glioblastoma, and Incidence Trends by Age Group, CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2000–2016

Malignant Meningioma

  • There was a significant decrease in incidence between 2000 and 2016 (APC = -4.5% [95% CI: -5.3%, -3.7%], Supplementary Table 13).

  • Changes were made to histological classification of meningioma in both the 2000 and 2007 revisions of the WHO classification, and gradual uptake of these classification changes may result in changing incidence of these tumors. 57

All non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors

  • Overall, there was a statistically significant increase in incidence of non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors from 2004–2018 (APC = 2.2% [95% CI: 1.3%, 3.0%]).

  • There was a significant increase in incidence of non-malignant brain tumors from 2004–2009 (APC = 5.2% [95% CI: 3.3%, 7.2%], Fig. 23, Supplementary Table 14), and no significant change between 2009 and 2016.

  • There was a small but statistically significant increase in incidence of these tumors in children (2004–2016, APC = 2.1% [95% CI: 1.4%, 2.9%], Fig. 23), in AYA (2004–2009, APC = 6.4% [95% CI: 3.9%, 9.0%], Fig. 23), and older adults (2004–2009, APC = 5.0% [95% CI: 3.1%, 6.9%], Fig. 23).

  • From 2012–2016, only 44.1% of non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors were histologically confirmed (Table 11). When analysis was limited to histologically confirmed tumors only, there was a small but significant increase in incidence of non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors from 2004–2009 (APC = 1.6% [95% CI: 0.5%, 2.7%]), followed by a small but significant decrease from 2009–2016 (APC = -1.2% [95% CI: -1.8%, -0.5%]).

  • There was a statistically significant increase in incidence of radiographically confirmed non-malignant tumors from 2004–2009 (APC = 9.6% [95% CI: 6.5%, 12.8%]), with no significant change from 2009–2016.

  • The increases in incidence in the non-malignant tumors are partially attributable to improved collection of radiographically diagnosed cases as well as improvement in collection of non-malignant cases in general over time.

Non-malignant meningioma

  • There was a significant increase of non-malignant meningioma between 2004 and 2009 (APC = 5.0% [95% CI: 3.5%, 6.5%], Fig. 25A), but there was no significant change after 2009.

  • From 2012–2016, only 39.5% of non-malignant meningiomas were histologically confirmed (Table 11). When analysis was limited to histologically confirmed cases, there was a slight increase in incidence from 2004–2009 (APC = 1.1% [95% CI: 0.1%, 2.1%]) and there was a slight decrease (APC = -1.5% [95% CI: -2.1%, -1.0%]) from 2009–2016.

  • There was a significant increase in incidence of radiographically diagnosed cases from 2004–2009 (APC = 8.9% [95% CI: 6.2%, 11.6%]), with no significant change from 2009 to 2016.

  • The increases in incidence in these non-malignant tumors are partially attributable to improved collection of radiographically diagnosed cases as well as improvement in collection of non-malignant cases in general over time.

Fig. 25.

Fig. 25

Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Rates of Selected Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors, and Incidence Trends by Behavior and Histology, CBTRUS Statistical Report: US Cancer Statistics - NPCR and SEER, 2000–2016 (Varying).

Non-Malignant nerve sheath tumors

  • There was a small but significant increase in the incidence of non-malignant nerve sheath tumors between 2004 and 2016 (APC = 1.0% [95% CI: 0.4%, 1.7%], Fig. 25A).

  • From 2012–2016, only 50.4% of non-malignant nerve sheath tumors were histologically confirmed (Table 11). When analysis was limited to histologically confirmed cases only, there was no significant change in incidence (APC = -0.1% [95% CI: -0.8%, 0.5%]) from 2004–2016.

  • There was a significant increase in incidence of radiographically diagnosed tumors between 2004 and 2007 (APC = 8.8%, [95% CI: 3.3%, 14.6%]) and 2007 to 2013 (APC = 2.7 [95% CI: 0.8%, 1.8%]).

  • The increases in incidence in these non-malignant tumors are partially attributable to improved collection of radiographically diagnosed cases as well as improvement in collection of non-malignant cases in general over time.

Non-Malignant tumors of the pituitary

  • There was a significant increase in non-malignant tumors of the pituitary from 2004–2008 (APC = 7.7% [95% CI: 4.9%, 10.7%], Fig. 25A), but no significant change in incidence from 2008–2016.

  • From 2012–2016, only 46.6% of non-malignant tumors of the pituitary were histologically confirmed (Table 11). When analysis was limited to histologically confirmed tumors only, there was a significant increase (APC = 4.5% [95% CI: 3.3%, 5.8%]) from 2004–2009, followed by a small but significant decrease from 2009–2016 (APC = -1.8% [95% CI: -2.4%, -1.1%]).

  • There was a significant increase in incidence of radiographically diagnosed tumors of the pituitary from 2004–2008 (APC = 11.4% [95% CI: 6.4%, 16.7%]) and 2008–2012 (APC = 6.7% [95% CI: 0.6%, 13.2%]), with no significant change in incidence from 2012–2016.

  • The increases in incidence in these non-malignant tumors are partially attributable to improved collection of radiographically diagnosed cases as well as improvement in collection of non-malignant cases in general over time.

Prevalence of Primary Malignant Brain and Other CNS Tumors

Prevalence is an estimate of the total number of individuals with a disease who currently exist within a population, as compared to incidence, which is a calculation based on new diagnoses only. These calculations take into account not only the number of new cases being diagnosed, but also the length of time that individuals survive after diagnosis. CBTRUS previously estimated the 2010 point prevalence rate for all primary malignant brain and CNS tumors to be 47.6 per 100,000 population, or a total of 103,634 cases.58 Prevalence in children (0–14 years old) was estimated to be 22.31 per 100,000 population (13,657 cases), while prevalence in AYA (15–39 years old) was estimated to be 48.49 per 100,000 (31,299 cases). These ages represent age at time of prevalence calculation and not the age at which individuals were diagnosed. Please refer to Zhang, et al58 for more details.

CBTRUS also previously estimated the 2014 prevalence of selected adult malignant brain tumor histologies. Glioblastoma had the highest prevalence, at 9.23 per 100,000 population (23,327 cases), followed by diffuse astrocytoma (4.68 per 100,000 population; 10,868 cases), and oligodendroglioma (3.57 per 100,000 population; 8,217 cases). Please refer to Gittleman, et al59 for more details, including sex-, race-, and ethnicity-specific prevalence estimates.

Years of Life Lost due to Primary Malignant Brain and Other CNS Tumors in the United States

Years of potential life lost (YPLL) are an estimate of the amount that an individual’s life has been shortened by premature death due to cancer. Malignant brain tumors cause an average of 20 YPLL for individuals diagnosed as adults, which exceeds most common cancers.60 Among children 0–19 years old, brain and other CNS tumors represent the largest cause of YPLL due to cancer, with a mean YPLL of ~80 years.51 Please refer to de Blank, et al and Rouse, et al for more details.51,60

Lifetime Risk of Primary Malignant Brain and Other CNS Tumors

From birth, a person in the US has a 0.62% chance of ever being diagnosed with a primary malignant brain and other CNS tumor (excluding lymphomas, leukemias, tumors of the pituitary and pineal glands, and olfactory tumors of the nasal cavity) and a 0.48% chance of dying from a primary malignant brain/other CNS tumor.61–64

  • For males (all races), the risk of developing and the risk of dying from a primary malignant brain and other CNS tumor is 0.69% and 0.54%, respectively.

  • For females (all races), the risk of developing and the risk of dying from a primary malignant brain and other CNS tumor is 0.55% and 0.42%, respectively.

  • For White non-Hispanics (both sexes), the risk of developing and the risk of dying from a primary malignant brain and other CNS tumor is 0.72% and 0.55%, respectively.

  • For White Hispanics (both sexes), the risk of developing and the risk of dying from a primary malignant brain and other CNS tumor is 0.55% and 0.40%, respectively.

  • For Blacks (both sexes), the risk of developing and the risk of dying from a primary malignant brain and other CNS tumor is 0.33% and 0.26%, respectively.

  • For API (both sexes), the risk of developing and the risk of dying from a primary malignant brain and other CNS tumor is 0.41% and 0.32%, respectively.

Risk Factors for Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors

Many environmental and behavioral risk factors have been investigated for primary brain and other CNS tumors. The only well-validated factors are increased risk for these tumors (particularly meningiomas) with exposure to ionizing radiation65 (the type of radiation generated by atomic bombs, therapeutic radiation treatment, and some forms of medical imaging) and decreased risk for these tumors (particularly glioma) in persons with a history of allergy or other atopic disease66 (including eczema, psoriasis, and asthma). Having a first-degree family member (including parents, children, and full siblings) that has been diagnosed with a brain tumor has been shown to increase risk approximately two-fold.67–71 Several recent review articles have elaborated on the current state of risk factor research in primary brain and other CNS tumors.72–75

Biomarkers for Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors

Primary brain and other CNS tumors are a highly heterogeneous group of diseases, and characterization of unique tumor histologies within this group has been refined over time. The development of technologies for characterizing DNA, RNA, and DNA methylation has led to the discovery of several factors (known as ‘biomarkers’) that can be used to more accurately classify these tumors than histologic appearance alone. See Table 25 for a brief overview of selected biomarkers for primary brain and other CNS tumors, as well as a more in depth discussion in Scheie, et al76 and Velázquez Vega and Brat,77 as well as in Guerreiro Stucklin, et al.78 for pediatric biomarkers specifically.

Table 25.

Summary of biomarkers identified for primary brain and other CNS tumors

Histology Gene or Marker Outcome Related scientific publications Collected by US Cancer Registry System
Glioma (especially oligodendroglial tumors) Large deletions (missing parts of the chromosome) in the short arm of chromosome 1 (1p) and the long arm of chromosome 19 (19q) Improved response to chemotherapy and radiation, and increased survival Cairncross JG, Ueki K et al. (1998)79
Vogelbaum MA, Hu C et al. (2015)80
van den Bent MJ, Brandes AA et al. (2013)81
The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network, Brat DJ et al. (2015)82
Ceccarelli M, Barthel FP et al. (2016)83
Yes
Site-specific factor 5: http://web2.facs.org/cstage0205/brain/Brain_ nph.html
Site-specific factor 6: http://web2.facs.org/cstage0205/brain/Brain_ opf.html
Glioma (especially low grade astrocytomas and oligodendroglial tumors) Protein-truncating mutation in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) or in isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) Increased survival time Yan H, Parsons DW et al. (2009)84
The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network, Brat DJ et al. (2015)82
Ceccarelli M, Barthel FP et al. (2016)83
Yes
Began in collection year 2018 (January 1), http://datadictionary. naaccr.org/default.aspx?c=10#3816
Glioma (especially IDH mutated glioma) Loss of function mutation in alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X‐linked (ATRX) Increased survival time Jiao Y, Killela PJ et al. (2012)110
Wiestler B, Capper D et al. (2013)112
The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network, Brat DJ et al. (2015)82
No
Glioblastoma Methylation of the promoter of O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) Limits ability of the tumor cells to repair DNA damage caused by chemotherapy and radiation; results in increased survival time Hegi ME, Diserens AC et al. (2005)85
Stupp R, Hegi ME et al. (2007)86
Hegi ME, Liu L et al. (2008)87
Yes
Site-specific factor 4: http://web2.facs.org/cstage0205/brain/Brain_mpn.html
Glioblastoma Glioma-CpG island methylator phenotype (G-CIMP), Genome-wide DNA methylation Significantly increased survival time Noushmehr H, Weisenberger DJ et al. (2010)88 No
Glioblastoma Amplification of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Activates the RTK/RAS/PI3K pathway, leading to increased proliferation. Associated with poorer survival. Maire CL and Ligon KL (2014) 113
Ceccarelli M, Barthel FP et al. (2016)83
No
Glioma (oligodendroglial tumors and IDH wild type glioblastoma) Mutation of promotor of Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) Facilitates increased telomere lengthening, and decreases survival in IDH wild type glioma Arita H, Narita Y et al. (2013) 114
Eckel-Passow JE, Lachance DH et al. (2015) 115
Ceccarelli M, Barthel FP et al. (2016)83
No
Glioma (particularly pediatric lower grade gliomas) Mutation or fusion of B-Raf (BRAF) Activates the RAS/MAPK pathway. Fusion leads to improved survival. Hawkins C, Walker E et al. (2011)116 No
Medulloblastoma Wingless (WNT) subtype Low prevalence of metastatic disease (~5–10%)
Highest five-year survival (~95%)
Kool M, Korshunov A et al. (2012)89
Northcott PA, Dubuc AM et al. (2012)90
Northcott PA, Jones DT et al. (2012)91
Northcott PA, Buchhalter I et al. (2017)92
Yes
Began in collection year 2018 (January 1), http://datadictionary. naaccr.org/default.aspx?c=10#3816
Medulloblastoma Sonic hedgehog subtype (SHH) Moderate prevalence of metastatic disease (~15–20%)
Moderate five-year survival (~75%)
Kool M, Korshunov A et al. (2012)89
Northcott PA, Dubuc AM et al. (2012)90
Northcott PA, Jones DT et al. (2012)91
Northcott PA, Buchhalter I et al. (2017)92
Yes
Began in collection year 2018 (January 1), http://datadictionary. naaccr.org/default.aspx?c=10#3816
Medulloblastoma Group 3 subtype (also known as Group C) Increased prevalence of metastatic disease (~40–45%)
Poorest five-year survival (~50%)
Kool M, Korshunov A et al. (2012)89
Northcott PA, Dubuc AM et al. (2012)90
Northcott PA, Jones DT et al. (2012)91
Northcott PA, Buchhalter I et al. (2017)92
Yes
Began in collection year 2018 (January 1), http://datadictionary. naaccr.org/default.aspx?c=10#3816
Medulloblastoma Group 4 subtype (also known as Group D) Increased prevalence of metastatic disease (40–45%)
Moderate five-year survival (~75%)
Kool M, Korshunov A et al. (2012)89
Northcott PA, Dubuc AM et al. (2012)90
Northcott PA, Jones DT et al. (2012)91
Northcott PA, Buchhalter I et al. (2017)92
Yes
Began in collection year 2018 (January 1), http://datadictionary. naaccr.org/default.aspx?c=10#3816
Embryonal tumor C19MC amplification and presence of multilayered rosettes Highly aggressive, with average survival of 12 months after diagnosis Ceccom J, Bourdeaut F et al. (2014)117
Korshunov A, Sturm D et al. (2014)118
Yes
Began in collection year 2018 (January 1), http://datadictionary. naaccr.org/default.aspx?c=10#3816

Gliomas, as the most common malignant primary brain and other CNS tumor type, have been subject to the greatest amount of investigation. A recent review has described in detail the current state of glioma biomarker research.93 One of the earliest discoveries in glioma biomarkers was that oligodendroglioma often had large deletions (missing parts of the chromosome, also known as loss of heterozygosity) in the short arm of chromosome 1 (1p) and the long arm of chromosome 19 (19q).79 In general, these deletions significantly predict positive response to chemotherapy and radiation treatment in oligodendroglioma and anaplastic oligodendroglioma.80,81,94 Mutations to the genes in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) and in isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) have also been shown to be associated with improved prognosis in glioma. These mutations are common in lower grade gliomas (WHO grade II and WHO grade III), but are rare in glioblastoma.84 Both of these alterations are thought to occur relatively early in the development of gliomas; the prevalence of this mutation varies by anatomic location in the brain.95,96 The combination of these two factors can be used to more accurately stratify glioma by prognosis than the previously utilized histological criteria,82,83 and have been incorporated into the definition of oligodendroglioma and astrocytoma in the 2016 update to the WHO classification.18These classification changes are not reflected in the data presented in this report, which were collected prior to the adoption of these biomarkers as diagnostic criteria. These new biomarkers began to be collected by CCR in the United States starting January 1, 2018.

Another alteration that is associated with improved survival in glioma is increased methylation (where methyl molecules are bonded to the DNA) of the promotor region of the gene O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT).85,87 The promoter region of a gene is located upstream of the coding part of the gene and exerts control over whether a gene is transcribed into RNA. Methylation of this region effectively silences the gene, and prevents transcription into RNA. MGMT is a DNA repair protein, and it is assumed that the decreases in protein levels increase sensitivity to the alkylating chemotherapies (eg, temozolomide) often used in the treatment of gliomas aimed to combat tumor growth through DNA damage.86 This alteration is common in glioblastoma and less common in lower grade gliomas. Recent analyses of data generated by The Cancer Genome Atlas have shown that genome-wide DNA methylation predicts improved prognosis in addition to methylation of specific genes.83 Persons whose tumor has a higher proportion of methylation across the genome are termed to have glioma-CpG island methylator phenotype (G-CIMP).88 G-CIMP and MGMT methylation are correlated,97 but G-CIMP is much rarer in glioblastoma than MGMT methylation.

Medulloblastoma is another tumor type that has been subject to significant molecular analysis. Using an analysis of gene expression (based on quantity of RNA transcribed from a gene), medulloblastoma was able to be subdivided into four distinct subtypes: wingless (WNT), sonic hedgehog (SHH), group 3 (also called group C), and group 4 (also called group D).89 These groups are associated with specific age-groups, with SHH being most common in infants and adults, and all other groups being more common in childhood. Several review articles have elaborated on the details of these subgroups and their implications for diagnosis and treatment.90–92

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an aggressive tumor of the brain stem that occurs primarily in children, and accounts for ~75% of brain stem tumors in children. Survival is very poor after diagnoses with these tumors. Due to the location of these tumors, they are often not biopsied and, therefore, have not been molecularly characterized to the extent of many other primary brain and other CNS tumor types. Recently, biopsy and autopsy protocols have allowed for collection of primary tumor samples that have been used for genomic profiling.98–100 These tumors have been found to be highly heterogeneous. Mutations in histone H3, Activin A receptor, type I (ACVR1), tumor protein p53 (TP53), platelet-derived growth factor receptor A (PDGFRA), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), and Myc (MYC) have been identified as characteristic of these tumors.99,101,102 A recent review has further summarized recent developments in the genomics of DIPG.103

As of 2011, SEER registries currently collect information on three validated biomarkers for primary brain and other CNS tumors as Site Specific Factors (SSF): promoter methylation status of MGMT (SSF 4), deletion of the 1p (SSF 5), and deletion of 19q (SSF 6).104 Completeness of these biomarker data varies significantly by histology, but is gradually improving over time.

Starting with diagnosis year 2018, the US cancer registry system began collecting information on multiple brain and other CNS markers, including IDH1/2 mutation, 1p/19q codeletion, medulloblastoma molecular subtypes, and all biomarkers found in 2016 WHO classification.

Strengths and Limitations of Cancer Registry Data

CBTRUS, in collaboration with the CDC and NCI, is the largest population-based registry focused exclusively on primary brain and other CNS tumors in the US and represents cases collected from the entire US population. The CBTRUS Statistical Report: Primary Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors Diagnosed in the United States in 2012–2016 contains the most up-to-date population-based data on all primary brain tumor and other CNS tumors available through the cancer surveillance system in the US.

Registration of individual cases is conducted by cancer registrars at the institution where diagnosis or treatment occurs and is then transmitted to the central cancer registry, which further transmits this information to NPCR and/or SEER. Central cancer registries (both NPCR and SEER) only report cases to the CDC and NCI for persons whot are residents of that particular state, so duplicate records should not occur for persons who may have traveled across state lines for treatment. As a result, the CBTRUS dataset is a complete recording of all cases for the time period examined with minimal duplicates.

Currently, there is no publicly available data source for the collection of survival and outcomes data from all geographic regions in the US via the cancer registry system. Survival data are collected by NPCR for 43 of the 51 CCR in the US (93% of the US population)—primarily through linkage with death certificate and other administrative records—and the feasibility of these data for use in survival studies has been evaluated105,106 and shown to produce reliable and robust estimates of cancer survival. Use of passive follow-up with record linkage may result in overestimation of survival in some populations, such as those that are more likely to leave the state or country.

No mechanism currently exists for central pathology review of cases within the US cancer registry system, and histology code assignment at case registration is based on histology information contained in the patient’s medical record. The WHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System underwent revision in 1993,107 2000,17 2007,2 and 2016.18 As of 2018, the US cancer registry system is using the 2016 classification for data abstraction, but tumors included in this report may have been diagnosed using any of the available classifications prior to 2013 due to the variation in adoption of new standards by individual physicians and medical practices. As a result, histologies are reflective of the prevailing criteria for a histology at the time of registration. This means that despite changes to the histology schema that may occur over time, it is not possible, without additional variables, to go back and reclassify any tumors based on the new criteria. In addition to changes in histologic criteria over time, there is significant inter-rater variability in histopathological diagnosis of glioma.108,109 This also means that incomplete, incorrect, or alternatively stated diagnoses included in a pathology report or other medical record can result in an incorrect reporting of the details of an individual case. For example, an anaplastic oligodendroglioma recorded in a pathology record as oligodendroglioma WHO grade III may be incorrectly recorded as an oligodendroglioma when the accurate category is an anaplastic oligodendroglioma.

US cancer registration requires the reporting of cases that are confirmed by different types of diagnostic procedures, including both histologic confirmation (where surgery was performed and the diagnosis confirmed by a pathologist) and radiographic confirmation (where diagnosis was made based solely on imaging criteria, such as an MRI, CT scan, or X-ray). Only histologic confirmation allows certainty on the assignment of a specific histology as well as for an assignment of a WHO grade. Many tumors have unique characteristics that make them identifiable on imaging, and thereby qualify as a valid type of diagnostic procedure, but it is important to consider the decreased level of certainty of specifying the correct histology in these tumors.

The 2016 WHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System18 contains significant updating to diagnostic criteria for glioma. Oligoastrocytoma has long been considered an entity that is distinct from astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma, and is included as a unique histologic grouping within the CBTRUS Histology Grouping scheme. Recent molecular analyses suggest that these tumors are not molecularly distinct from oligodendrogliomas or astrocytomas110 and can be separated into astrocytoma or oligodendroglioma using molecular markers; the diagnosis of oligoastrocytoma is strongly discouraged and is qualified with a “not otherwise specified” (NOS) designation under the 2016 WHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System. With this recent updating to the WHO criteria for central nervous system tumors,18IDH1/2 mutation and 1p/19q codeletion will become the primary factors by which gliomas are classified. While data on IDH1/2 mutation status were not collected in the US cancer registry system during the time period covered by this report, these data are required to be collected by cancer registrars (as available in the medical record) as of January 1, 2018. Cancer registry systems have collected 1p/19q deletion data for some of the report years, but data vary significantly in completeness by histology.104 It is likely that these changes to diagnostic criteria may affect the incidence of these tumor types in future years.

Concluding Comment

The CBTRUS Statistical Report: Primary Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors Diagnosed in the United States in 2012–2016 comprehensively describes the most up-to-date- (October 2019) population-based incidence, mortality, and relative survival of primary malignant and non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors collected and reported by central cancer registries covering the entire US population. This report aims to serve as a useful resource for researchers, clinicians, patients, and families. In keeping with its mission, CBTRUS continually revises its reports to reflect the current collection and reporting practices of the broader surveillance community in which it works, while integrating the input it receives from the clinical and research communities, especially from neuropathologists, when possible. In this way, CBTRUS facilitates communication between the cancer surveillance and the brain tumor research and clinical communities and contributes meaningful insight into the descriptive epidemiology of all primary brain and other CNS tumors in the United States.111

CBTRUS Mission

CBTRUS is a not-for-profit corporation committed to providing a resource for gathering and disseminating current epidemiologic data on all primary brain and other central nervous system tumors, benign and malignant, for the purposes of accurately describing their incidence and survival patterns, evaluating diagnosis and treatment, facilitating etiologic studies, establishing awareness of the disease, and ultimately, for the prevention of all brain tumors.

Supplementary Material

Supplementary material is available online at Neuro-Oncology (http://neuro-oncology.oxfordjournals.org/).

Supplementary Table 1. Main and Extended Classification for ICCC Recode ICD-O-3/WHO 2008, Based On WHO Classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues (2008), for Selected Histologies1,2

Supplementary Table 2. 2000 U.S. Standard Population

Supplementary Table 3. Average Annual Populationa for 51 Central Cancer Registries (Including 50 States and District of Columbia) for 2012–2016 by Age, Sex, and Race

Supplementary Table 4. Average Annual Populationa for 51 Central Cancer Registries (Including 50 States and District of Columbia) for 2012–2016 by Age, Sex, and Hispanic Ethnicity

Supplementary Table 5. Average Annual Populationa for 51 Central Cancer Registries (Including 50 States and District of Columbia) for 2012–2016 by Age, Sex, and Urban/Rural Location of Residenceb

Supplementary Table 6. Five-Year Total, Average Annual Totala, and Average Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Ratesb with 95% Confidence Intervals for Overall Cancer Incidence, and The Most Incident Comparison Cancers (Malignant Behavior Only) by NCI Age Group, U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR, 2012–2016

Supplementary Table 7. Five-Year Total, Average Annual Totala, and Average Annual Age-Adjusted Mortality Ratesb, with 95% Confidence Intervals by Cause of Death and NCI Age Group, United States, NVSS, 2012–2016

Supplementary Table 8. Five-Year Total, Average Annual Totala, and Average Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Ratesb with 95% Confidence Intervals for All Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors by Major Histology Grouping, Histology, Behavior, and Urban/Rural Location of Residencec, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Supplementary Table 9. Five-Year Total, Average Annual Totala, and Average Annual Age-Adjusted Mortality Ratesb with 95% Confidence Intervals for Malignant Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors Overall and by State and Urban/Rural Location of Residencec, United States, NVSS, 2012–2016

Supplementary Table 10. Five-Year Total, Annual Average Totala, and Age-Adjusted and Age-Specific Incidence Ratesb with 95% Confidence Intervals for Children and Adolescents (Age 0–19 Years), Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors: Malignant and Non-Malignant by International Classification of Childhood Cancer (ICCC)c, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Supplementary Table 11. One-, Five-, and Ten-Year Relative Survival Ratesa,B with 95% Confidence Intervals for Selected Malignant Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors Overall and by Urban/Rural Location Residencec, U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR Registries, 2001–2015

Supplementary Table 12. One-, Five-, and Ten-Year Relative Survival Ratesa,B with 95% Confidence Intervals for Selected Non-Malignant Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors Overall and by Urban/Rural Location Residencec, U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR Registries, 2004–2015

Supplementary Table 13. Annual Percent Change (APC) and 95% Confidence Intervals for Malignant Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors by Major Histology Grouping, Histology, Behavior, and Sex, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2000–2016

Supplementary Table 14. Annual Percent Change (APC) and 95% Confidence Intervals for Non-Malignant Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors by Major Histology Grouping, Histology, Behavior, and Sex, CBTRUS Statistical Report: NPCR and SEER, 2004–2016

Supplementary Figure 1. Average Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Ratesa with 95% Confidence Intervals of All Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors in Comparison To The Top Eight Most Common Cancers in Males Only for A) Children Age 0–14 Years, B) Adolescents and Young Adults Age 15–39 Years, and C) Older Adults Age 40+ Years, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER 2012–2016

Supplementary Figure 2. Average Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Ratesa with 95% Confidence Intervals of All Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors in Comparison To Top Eight Most Common Cancers in Females Only for A) Children Age 0–14 Years, B) Adolescents and Young Adults Age 15–39 Years, and C) Older Adults Age 40+ Years, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER 2012–2016, USCS, 2012–2016

Supplementary Figure 3. Average Annual Age-Adjusted Mortality Ratesa with 95% Confidence Intervals of All Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors in Comparison To Top Five Common Causes of Cancer Death and Top Three Non-Cancer Causes of Death in Males Only for A) Children Age 0–14 Years, B) Adolescents and Young Adults Age 15–39 Years, and C) Older Adults Age 40+ Years, CBTRUS Statistical Report: NVSS, 2012–2016

Supplementary Figure 4. Average Annual Age-Adjusted Mortality Ratesa with 95% Confidence Intervals of All Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors in Comparison To The Top Five Causes of Cancer Deaths and Top Three Non-Cancer Causes of Death in Females Only for A) Children Age 0–14 Years, B) Adolescents and Young Adults Age 15–39 Years, and C) Older Adults Age 40+ Years, CBTRUS Statistical Report: NVSS, 2012–2016

Supplementary Figure 5. Distributiona of Malignant Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors by Major Histology Groups (Five-Year Total = 122,569; Annual Average Cases = 24,514), CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Supplementary Figure 6. Distributiona of Non-Malignant Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors by Major Histology Groups (Five-Year Total = 283,171; Annual Average Cases = 56,634), CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Supplementary Figure 7. Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Ratesa of Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors by Year and Behavior, by Sex, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Supplementary Figure 8. Distributiona of Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors by Site, Males Only, A) Overall (Five-Year Total = 169,868; Annual Average Cases = 33,974), B) Malignant (Five-Year Total = 67,930; Annual Average Cases = 13,586), and C) Non-Malignant (Five-Year Total = 101,938; Annual Average Cases = 20,388), CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Supplementary Figure 9. Distributiona of All Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors by Site, Females Only, A) Overall (Five-Year Total = 235,872; Annual Average Cases = 47,174), B) Malignant (Five-Year Total = 54,639; Annual Average Cases = 10,928), and C) Non-Malignant (Five-Year Total = 181,233; Annual Average Cases = 36,247), CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Supplementary Figure 10. Distributiona of All Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors by CBTRUS Histology Groupings and Histology, Males Only, A) Overall (Five-Year Total = 169,868; Annual Average Cases = 33,974), B) Malignant (Five-Year Total = 67,930; Annual Average Cases = 13,586), and C) Non-Malignant (Five-Year Total = 101,938; Annual Average Cases = 20,388), CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Supplementary Figure 11. Distributiona of All Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors by CBTRUS Histology Groupings and Histology, Females Only, A) Overall (Five-Year Total = 235,872; Annual Average Cases = 47,174), B) Malignant (Five-Year Total = 54,639; Annual Average Cases = 10,928), and C) Non-Malignant (Five-Year Total = 181,233; Annual Average Cases = 36,247), CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Supplementary Figure 12. Average Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Ratesa of All Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors by Age and Behavior, by Sex, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Supplementary Figure 13. Average Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Ratesa of Malignant and Non-Malignant Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors by Central Cancer Registry, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Supplementary Figure 14. Distributiona of All Primary Brain and Other CNS Tumors Diagnosed in Puerto Rico by Behavior (Five-Year Total = 2,393; Annual Average Cases = 479), CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR, 2012–2016

Supplementary Figure 15. Incidence Rate Ratios for Meningioma with 95% Confidence Intervals by Behavior, Sex (Females:Males), and Age Group, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Supplementary Figure 16. Relative Survival Rates for Meningioma by Behavior and Site, CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR, 2004–2015

Supplementary Figure 17. Incidence Rate Ratios in Children (Age 0–14 Years) for Selected Embryonal Histologies by Sex (Males:Females), CBTRUS Statistical Report: U.S. Cancer Statistics – NPCR and SEER, 2012–2016

Acknowledgments

This report was prepared by the CBTRUS executive team and the research staff affiliated with the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. The CBTRUS data presented in this report were provided through an agreement with the CDC, NPCR. In addition, CBTRUS used data from the research data files of the NCI, SEER Program. CBTRUS acknowledges and appreciates these contributions to this report and to cancer surveillance in general.

We acknowledge the efforts of the tumor registrars at hospitals and treatment centers, the CCRs, and the staff from the NPCR and SEER programs, whose efforts to collect accurate and complete data have made this report possible. We are also grateful to the four neuropathologists, Drs. Janet Bruner, Roger McLendon, Tarik Tihan, and Daniel Brat, who reviewed the CBTRUS histology grouping scheme, to our Consulting Research Director, Dr Nancy Stroup, our Consulting Neuropathologist, Dr Janet Bruner, who answered our questions and provided feedback throughout the year, to our Board of Directors and Advisors, and especially Dr Hoda Anton-Culver, Dr Melissa Bondy, Dr John Villano, and Reda Wilson, and the assistance of Shirley Stewart who volunteers in support of the CBTRUS mission.

Glossary

Abbreviations

AAAIR

Average Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Rate

AAAMR

  Average Annual Age-Adjusted Mortality Rate

AIAN

  American Indian/Alaskan Native

AJCC

  American Joint Commission on Cancer

APC

  Annual Percent Change

API

  Asian or Pacific Islander

AYA

  Adolescents and Young Adults

ATRT

  Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor

CBTRUS

  Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States

CCR

  Central Cancer Registry

CDC

  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CS

  Collaborative Staging

CI

  Confidence Interval

CNS

  Central Nervous System

DIPG

  Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma

ICD-O-3

  International Classification of Diseases for Oncology–Third Edition

ICCC

  International Classification of Childhood Cancer

IDH1/2

  Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1/2

MGMT

O-6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase

NAACCR

  North American Association of Central Cancer Registries

NCHS

  National Center for Health Statistics

NCI

  National Cancer Institute

NOS

  Not Otherwise Specified

NPCR

National Program of Cancer Registries

NPCR-CSS

NPCR Cancer Surveillance System

NVSS

National Vital Statistics System

PNET

Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor

SEER

Surveillance–Epidemiology–and End Results

SHH

  Sonic Hedgehog

SSF

  Site Specific Factors

RUCC

  Rural Urban Continuum Codes

UDS

Uniform Data Standards

US

  United States

USCS

  United States Cancer Statistics

VACCR

  Veterans Affairs Central Cancer Registry VHA–Veteran’s Health Administration

WHO

  World Health Organization

WNT

  Wingless

YPLL

  Years of Potential Life Lost

Disclaimer

CBTRUS is a not-for-profit corporation which gathers and disseminates epidemiologic data on primary brain and other central nervous system tumors in order to facilitate research and establish awareness of the disease. CBTRUS makes no representations or warranties, and gives no other assurances or guarantees, express or implied, with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the data presented. The information provided in this report is not intended to assist in the evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment of individual diseases. Persons with questions regarding individual diseases should contact their own physician to obtain medical assistance. The contents in this report are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or of the National Cancer Institute.

The CBTRUS Board of Directors

Carol Kruchko, President & Chief Mission Officer, Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, IL

Steven Brem, M.D., Vice President, Chief of Neurosurgical Oncology, Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Co-Director, Brain Tumor Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Donald Segal, J.D., Treasurer, Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney, Ltd., Chicago, IL

Fred H. Hochberg, M.D., Visiting Scientist, Department of Neurosurgery, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA

L. Lloyd Morgan, Patient Advocate, Berkeley, CA

Darell D. Bigner, M.D., Ph.D. (Emeritus Member), Edwin L. Jones, Jr. and Lucille Finch Jones Cancer Research Professor, Department of Pathology, Emeritus Director, The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Chief, Preuss Laboratory for Brain Tumor Research, Duke, University Medical Center, Durham, NC

The CBTRUS Board of Advisors

Hoda Anton-Culver, Ph.D., Professor, College of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA

Melissa Bondy, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA

Elizabeth Claus, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, Attending Neurosurgeon, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA

Faith Davis, Ph.D., Professor, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada

Roberta McKean-Cowdin, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

John Villano, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY

Margaret Wrensch, Ph.D., Professor, Neuroepidemiology Division, Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA

Funding

CBTRUS is honored to be included among the research awardees of the following organizations which have contributed to the analyses resulting from the CBTRUS database in 2019: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under Contract No.2016-M-9030, the American Brain Tumor Association, The Sontag Foundation, Novocure, Abbvie, the Musella Foundation, National Brain Tumor Society, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) under Contract No. HHSN261201800176P, the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, the Zelda Dorin Tetenbaum Memorial Fund, the Uncle Kory Foundation, as well as private and in kind donations. QTO is supported by a Research Training Grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT; RP160097T). Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC or of the NCI.

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