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[Hamilton, New Zealand] From 25 October to 1 November 2025, Brain Tumour Support NZ joins patient advocates around the world in marking International Brain Tumour Awareness Week, a global campaign to raise awareness of the impact of brain tumours on patients and their families, while highlighting the urgent need for improved data, research, and support services. Ministry of Health data shows 429 primary malignant brain tumours were diagnosed in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2023, an increase from 377 in Based on international incidence, Brain Tumour Support NZ estimates that the total number of primary brain tumours diagnosed (including both malignant and non-malignant tumours) in New Zealand is approximately 1,150 each year. Non-malignant brain tumours, while not cancerous, can still cause severe symptoms and be life-limiting depending on their location in the brain. brain tumours are tumours which start in the brain. Many more people develop secondary or metastatic brain tumours - tumours that have spread to the brain from elsewhere in the body. Due to incomplete data collection, the total number of brain tumour cases remains unknown. “New Zealand desperately needs a comprehensive national brain tumour registry,” according to Brain Tumour Support NZ chief executive, Sarah Verran. “Better data leads to better understanding, better care and more support for patients and whānau,” Sarah said. A Disease That Affects Every Aspect of Life “Brain tumours are indiscriminate, they can affect anyone, of any age or ethnicity. They attack the very essence of who we are: our thoughts, emotions, and personality. A diagnosis impacts the entire family, straining relationships, finances, and mental “They are also the leading cause of cancer-related death in New Zealand children (42%), almost double that of leukaemia (22%). Māori children are disproportionately affected, representing one-third of all childhood brain cancer cases, far above their proportion of the general population,” Sarah said. Supporting New Zealanders Living with Brain Tumours With thousands affected each year, Brain Tumour Support NZ remains steadfast in its mission to provide information, advocacy, and emotional support to all those living with a brain tumour and their whānau. International Brain Tumour Awareness Week provides an opportunity to amplify awareness, advocate for better care, and unite communities around those affected. The charity is calling on New Zealanders to host or join local events such as quiz night, walks, bike rides, or morning teas, to raise both awareness and Brain Tumour Support NZ receives no government funding and relies on the generosity of donors and community supporters to continue its vital “International Brain Tumour Awareness Week is a time to unite efforts worldwide and shine a spotlight on this critical issue,” added Sarah. “Through education, advocacy, and support, we can make a real difference for New Zealanders facing this devastating diagnosis.” to Get Involved Everyone can play a part — by attending or hosting an event, making a donation, or spreading awareness online using the hashtag Easy to use fundraising platform https://nogoingback.nz/ has been set up to support the community to either create their own fundraiser or For more information about Brain Tumour Support NZ, upcoming events, or ways to help, please visit www.braintumoursupport.org.nz. About Brain • There are over 130 types of primary brain • Causes remain largely unknown — there are no effective screening or prevention methods. Brain tumours are the leading cancer killer of people under • They account for 42% of all cancer deaths in New Zealand children aged 0–14. • In 2023, 429 New Zealanders were diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour; many more with non-malignant and metastatic • Brain cancer causes around 277 deaths per year in New Zealand, ranking 10th among all • Survival rates remain among the lowest of all cancers and have barely improved in 30 years. The most common adult brain cancer, glioblastoma, has a median survival of 15 months and a five-year survival rate of just 6%. • Brain cancer combines multiple challenges — cancer, neurological decline, physical disability, and severe mental health impacts — while placing an immense burden on caregivers and About Brain Tumour Support NZ Tumour Support NZ is a registered charity founded in 2019 to provide information, advocacy, and compassionate support for brain tumour patients and their Our vision: that everyone affected by a brain tumour feels less afraid, less alone, and more empowered. www.braintumoursupport.org.nz © Scoop Media
