Raising Awareness: Brain Tumor Awareness Month in Canada

Every May, Canadians come together to recognize Brain Tumor Awareness Month—a time dedicated to shedding light on a disease that affects thousands of individuals and families across the country. With an estimated 55,000 Canadians living with a brain tumour today, and over 3,000 new diagnoses each year, this month serves as a critical reminder of the need for awareness, education, and research.

Brain tumours can be either malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous), but both can lead to significant health challenges. Because they occur in the control centre of the body—the brain—their impact is often profound, regardless of whether they are cancerous. With more than 120 different types of brain tumours identified, diagnosis and treatment can be extremely complex and emotionally taxing.

One of the main goals of Brain Tumor Awareness Month is to promote early detection. The symptoms of brain tumours—such as headaches, nausea, memory problems, changes in vision, or seizures—are often mistaken for other conditions. By increasing public awareness, Canadians can learn to recognize these warning signs earlier and seek medical attention sooner, potentially improving outcomes.

This month is also about honouring the incredible strength of those living with brain tumours and the people who support them. Patients, survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals all demonstrate immense courage every day. Their stories remind us that behind each diagnosis is a human being with hopes, fears, and a desire to live life to the fullest.

In Canada, the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada plays a pivotal role in supporting patients and advancing research. From funding critical studies to providing educational resources and community programs, the Foundation continues to be a beacon of hope for many. Yet despite the efforts of organizations and individuals alike, brain tumour research remains underfunded. Increased public and private investment is essential to improve diagnostics, develop targeted therapies, and, ultimately, find a cure.

There are many ways for Canadians to get involved this May. The “Wear Grey for May” campaign encourages people to wear grey clothing—the official colour of brain tumour awareness—to show their support. Others participate in fundraising walks, donate to research initiatives, or share educational resources online to help spread awareness.

As we mark Brain Tumor Awareness Month in Canada, we stand united in our commitment to those affected. By working together to raise awareness, fund research, and support one another, we can create a future where brain tumours are better understood, more treatable, and less feared. This May, let’s show our support, honour the fighters and survivors, and continue pushing forward—because every Canadian facing a brain tumour deserves hope.