FAQs
CONTENT UNDER REVIEW
DISCLAIMER: All content on the Brain Tumour Alliance Australia website is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should seek your own medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health professional.
Diagnosis
What is brain cancer?
Brain cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the brain. Tumours can be benign or malignant, and may be primary or secondary.
Source: Cancer Council of Australia
What are the symptoms of brain cancer?
Symptoms include headaches, seizures, nausea, memory loss, personality changes, and coordination issues.
Source: Cancer Council of Australia
How is brain cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis may involve neurological exams, imaging scans, biopsies, and molecular testing.
Source: Cancer Council of Australia
What are the common symptoms of brain cancer?
Symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s location and size but may include headaches, seizures, memory issues, personality changes, nausea, and difficulty with speech or movement.
Source: American Cancer Society
What types of brain cancer exist?
Brain tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They may originate in the brain or spread from other parts of the body (metastatic).
Can brain cancer affect my personality or behavior?
Yes. Tumors and treatments may cause mood swings, depression, confusion, or changes in personality. These can often be managed with medication or therapy.
Patient Support
I'm not coping with the diagnosis of a brain tumour. What support is available
Counselling services via the doctor or allied services are available to discuss options
My family does not understand the impact of brain cancer on my life. I need to see a psychologist or councellor
These sevices are avaialble through the hospital or your doctor
I am struggling financially, cannot work and bills are mounting. Is there help
Financial support is possible through state cancer counscils, the National Advocacy Service managed by PoM
I have lost my driver's licence due to a brain tumour. How do I get it back?
There is a process to have your driver’s licence reinstated. You first need to discuss it with your neuro surgeon
I need help in the home, with transport too as I do not have a driver's licence
Some help is possible through servces such as My Aged Care, state cancer councils.
What support is available for patients?
Support is available from Cancer Council, Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, BTAA, and The Brain Cancer Centre.
Carer Support
How can I support someone with brain cancer?
Be emotionally present, help with daily tasks, monitor symptoms, and encourage communication.
How can I support someone with brain cancer emotionally?
Be present, listen actively, and encourage open communication. Validate their feelings and help them feel safe and supported.
What practical tasks might I need to help with?
Medication management, transportation, communication with healthcare providers, daily living tasks, and monitoring symptoms.
How do I manage caregiver stress and burnout?
Take breaks, join support groups, seek respite care, and talk to a counselor.
Are there resources specifically for caregivers?
Yes. Organisations like National Brain Tumor Society, American Cancer Society, Family Caregiver Alliance, and Cancer Support Community offer guides and support.
What emotional challenges might I face as a caregiver?
You may experience grief, guilt, anxiety, or isolation. Support is available to help you navigate these feelings.
How do I talk to children or other family members about the diagnosis?
Use age-appropriate language, be honest, and encourage questions. Support groups and counseling can help families process the experience together.
Mental Health
Can’t seem to get yourself going? Don’t seem to care about anything?
- Use a weekly timetable and keep it in a place that is easy to see (for example, a whiteboard or timetable pinned to a notice board).
- Write the list the day before or plan the week with someone on a Sunday night.
- Use lists for tasks that need to be done, and then tick off each one as it is done.
- • Work with another person to help keep motivation – for example, cook a meal with someone else.
- Plan outings with someone else to ensure you keep up your energy levels and interests
Anger and trouble with your temper?
Anger is a normal human feeling that can range from mild annoyance to intense rage. When we feel angry a number of natural changes occur in our body. Our heart rate and blood pressure rise and stress hormones are released. Make sure you have a routine in your life.
- Try to lower your stress (see Stress fact sheet).
- Keep a check on your fatigue levels (see Fatigue fact sheet).
- Find someone to talk to who will listen openly.
- If you are starting to feel angry with someone, leave the room before you explode, or go for a walk.
- Try to avoid alcohol.
- Learn Anger Management skills (see Anger Management fact sheet).
- Try to spot triggers that set your anger off and try to avoid those triggers when possible.
- Express your anger, rather than bottling it up. Let off steam with someone you can trust, and seek counselling if you feel this will help.
- Be active in sport, housework or go for a walk. This can help to lower some of the stress that feeling angry can cause