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 Feb 2026
Next review due: 27 Feb 2029
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).
Tests for brain or spinal cord tumours include scans to look at your brain and a test of your nervous system (neurological examination). Your doctor might also arrange some other tests.
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. Tumours can start in any part of the brain or related structures.
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