Getting diagnosed
Screening means testing people for early stages of a disease. This is before they have any symptoms. For screening to be useful the tests:
need to be reliable at picking up cancers
overall must do more good than harm to people taking part
must be something that people are willing to do
Screening tests are not perfect and have some risks. The screening programme should also be good value for money for the NHS.
Talk to your GP if you think you have a higher risk than average of developing a brain tumour. You may be able to have regular check ups if you have certain risk factors.
Find out more about the risks and causes of brain tumours
It's important to see your GP if you develop symptoms of brain or spinal cord tumours. This is the best way to find brain tumours at the earliest stage, when it's most treatable.
We have information about the possible symptoms of brain tumours
Last reviewed: 27 Jan 2023
Next review due: 27 Jan 2026
Primary brain tumours are tumours that start in the brain. They can start anywhere in the brain and there are many different types of tumour.
Common symptoms of brain tumours include headaches, feeling or being sick and seizures (fits).
Find out more about Tests for brain tumours
Treatment for a brain or spinal cord tumour depends on the type of tumour you have, where it is and your general health.
Primary brain tumours are cancers that start in the brain.
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