Brain Tumor Rates Rising In Europe, US
Reuters
Journalist: Rosella Lorenzi
March 12, 2003

The number of brain tumor cases in the US and Europe has increased by up to 40% in the past 20 years, according to data to be released at a medical conference this week.

The incidence rate for brain tumors is increasing among people of all ages, but males between 20 and 40 years old are the most affected, according to Dr. Alba Brandes, an oncologist at the Azienda-Ospedale in Padua.

Brandes is chairman of the 2nd International Conference on Neuro-Oncology being held Friday and Saturday in Padua.

"The latest epidemiological studies indicate that white collar workers--intellectuals and professionals--are among the most affected," he told Reuters Health.

"The reason is still unknown, though environmental causes such as cellular phones, computers and exposure to electromagnetic fields cannot be ruled out," he said.

At the conference, scientists will discuss new treatment options that are moving from laboratories into the clinic and a more rigorous approach to conducting clinical trials in neuro-oncology, Brandes said.