Epidemiology of Pediatric Primary Central Nervous System Tumors

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors encompass tumors of the brain, spinal cord, and meninges and represent the most common group of solid tumors in pediatric oncology. These tumors occur at all ages, are most frequently found in the posterior fossa region of the brain, and are the most common cause of cancer death among children. This chapter will review the epidemiology globally and in Canada as well as epidemiological challenges. Finally, it will review the survival of children with CNS tumors.