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Epidemiology of Primary Brain Tumors

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Tumors of the Central Nervous System, Volume 4

Part of the book series: Tumors of the Central Nervous System ((TCNS,volume 4))

Abstract

Epidemiology of primary brain tumors includes a descriptive approach (determination of prevalence and incidence) and an analytical approach (identification of risk factors). Among risk factors, some are intrinsic to the person and others are external causes that are more easily preventable. Descriptive epidemiological data have concluded an increase of annual incidence of primary brain tumor in most industrialized countries. Main explanations for this increase are the ageing of the population and a better access to the diagnostic imaging, albeit it is not possible to exclude changes in risks factors. Comparing incidences between registries is difficult. Spatial and temporal variations constitute one explanation for the discrepancies and evolutions of coding methods another one. Intrinsic factors likely to modify the risk are age, genetic predisposition and susceptibility, gender, race, birth weight, and allergy. Extrinsic factors likely to modify the risk are mainly radiation exposures. Many studies concerning, among others, electro magnetic fields, and especially cellular phones, pesticides, substitutive hormonal therapy, and diet have been published. Until now, results remain globally inconclusive. Weak incidence of primary brain tumors constitutes a huge limiting factor in the progress of knowledge, both on incidence and risk factors. Important mobilization of the neuro-oncological community is mandatory to obtain consistent and valuable data that will lead to a significant improvement in our knowledge of brain tumor epidemiology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire Sante Travail Environnement, ISPED, University Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2, Bordeaux Cedex, France

    Isabelle Baldi & Hugues Loiseau

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  1. Isabelle Baldi
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  2. Hugues Loiseau
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Correspondence to Isabelle Baldi .

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  1. , Kean University, Room 213, Library building, Morris Avenue 1000, Union, 07083, New Jersey, USA

    M.A. Hayat

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Baldi, I., Loiseau, H. (2012). Epidemiology of Primary Brain Tumors. In: Hayat, M. (eds) Tumors of the Central Nervous System, Volume 4. Tumors of the Central Nervous System, vol 4. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1706-0_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1706-0_1

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