International Brain Tumor Awareness Month
Raising awareness about the complexities of neurological health, fostering empathy and support for those on unique medical journeys.
Drive awareness and fundraising for brain tumor research through emotional storytelling and community participation events like Wear a Hat Day and candlelit vigils.
- Share survivor stories and research breakthroughs to inspire hope and donations
- Promote Wear a Hat Day on March 31st as a visible, shareable fundraising moment
- Highlight the funding gap: less than 3% of cancer research money goes to brain tumors—call for corporate sponsorship
- Host virtual or in-person 'Shine a Light' vigil events on March 1st at 7:30pm to build community and media coverage
Brain Tumor Awareness Month was started in 2004 when a group of charities joined together in what would become the founding members of the Brain Tumor Research charitable organization.
The collaboration of this group and also the Brain Tumor Awareness Month events are all organized with the purpose of finding a cure for this life-changing illness as well as working toward the possibility of prevention.
Sometimes also called Brain Cancer Awareness Month, the event is celebrated in March in the UK. In some places, on the last day of the month, one of the activities that shows support is Wear a Hat Day, which works to raise financial support with the goal of collectively finding a cure. The idea is also to encourage government and cancer charities to invest more in brain tumor research.
In the United States and Canada, Brain Tumor Awareness Month is celebrated in the month of May. Here, it can also be referred to as “Gray May” because of the idea that the entire month is dedicated to supporting healthy gray matter.
Brain Tumor Awareness Month offers all sorts of creative opportunities for individuals, families, schools, medical facilities and other supportive organizations to show support and care for those whose lives are affected by brain tumor.
And, in addition, the hope is to raise finances that can help fund research which will eventually lead to a cure!
Shine a Light
In the UK, March 1 brings an opportunity to hold a short vigil by lighting a candle in honor of Brain Tumor Awareness Month. This typically takes place on the first day of the month at 7:30pm UK time, and some people want to share photos of these candles on social media in honor of a loved one affected by a brain tumor. Learn Some Facts About Brain Tumors Many people don’t realize how prolific brain tumor can be. In honor of Brain Tumor Awareness Month, consider some of these statistics:It is estimated that more than 300,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with brain tumors.Brain tumors are the biggest cancer killer of children as well as adults under 40.Sadly, only 12% of brain tumor patients survive beyond the five year mark, compared to 70% with breast cancer or 50% with leukemia.Less than 3% of the money spent on cancer research in the UK goes to researching a cure for brain tumors.