Brain Tumor

Causes & Prevention

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.

Risk Factors for Developing Brain Cancer

Because doctors don't know exactly what causes primary brain tumors, it's difficult to pinpoint risk factors. In rare cases, brain tumors strike several members of a family, suggesting heredity may be a risk factor. But this accounts for only a fraction of cases.

Causes of Primary and Secondary Brain Tumors

According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors generally divide brain tumors into two categories to explain where or how they originate: Primary and Secondary.

Follow the link below for a discussion of the