When researching how to know if you have brain cancer, the question of likelihood gets asked. What are the odds? Just how common is it?

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 18,500 people are diagnosed with brain cancer each year and the average age for being diagnosed is 55 years of age. The average age at death of the nearly 13,000 who will die from brain cancer is 64 years of age. That would indicate that an individual will typically live for 9 years once he/she becomes diagnosed and that it is of concern for those advanced in age.

However, the data for being diagnosed by age groups is as follows:
* 13.8 percent under age 20
* 10.0 percent between 20 and 34
* 11.7 percent between 35 and 44
* 14.4 percent between 45 and 54
* 15.4 percent between 55 and 64
* 17.1 percent between 65 and 74
* 14.2 percent between 75 and 84
* 3.6 percent 85+ years of age.

The statistics show that the odds are not all that different by age, meaning anyone from any age should pay attention to symptoms (see the first article in this series).

Statistics on the mortality rate of brain cancer are as follows:
* 0.3 percent deaths under age 20
* 4.2 percent between 20 and 34
* 8.3 percent between 35 and 44
* 15.2 percent between 45 and 54
* 19.2 percent between 55 and 64
* 23.9 percent between 65 and 74
* 19.5 percent between 75 and 84
* 5.5 percent 85+ years of age.

Those in the younger age groups will survive longer with the disease according to the statistics.

Death rates by race and sex are listed as follows:
* All races Men, 6.3 per 100,000 Women, 3.2 per 100,000
* Caucasian Men, 5.6 per 100,000 Women, 2.8 per 100,000
* African American Men, 12.8 per 100,000 Women, 6.3 per 100,000
* Asian/Pac Islander Men, 11.2 per 100,000 Women, 6.8 per 100,000
* Amer Indian/Alaska Native Men, 7.3 per 100,000 Women, 4.1 per 100,000
* Hispanic Men, 9.5 per 100,000 Women, 5.3 per 100,000

For one seeking how to know if you have brain cancer the statistical information assists in the process. It all relates to the likelihood of having it. If cancer is diagnosed, the question then becomes how can you survive the diagnosis, what treatments are effective, how can you beat it.

We will examine the quality of life of those living with brain cancer in an upcoming report in this series.

I am a father of five and a grandfather of one. I am at an age where health issues have become relevant as cancer, Alzheimers, and a host of others have started affecting family and lifelong friends.

I am educated in journalism and computers and I have extensive background as an executive in the computer and telecomm industries. I have spent a career researching and data gathering for business purposes. I now apply those same skills in a search for effective solutions to health issues affecting my loved ones.

I am sharing my discoveries. An important link for those interested in treatment choices and cures is: http://howtoknowifyouhavebraincancer.blogspot.com/