Brain cancers are the second most common type of cancer in children. Brain and spinal cord tumours begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. 

The two most common types of primary brain tumours that affect children are called Gliomas and Medulloblastomas. 

• Gliomas develop from the supporting cells of the brain and are also called astrocytomas, which can be slow growing or fast growing (also called low grade or high grade). 
• Medulloblastomas usually develop in the cerebellum at the back of the brain. They may spread to other parts of the brain or spinal cord overtime. 

Children are more likely to develop tumours in the lower part of the brain, which includes the areas that control sleep/wake functions, movement and coordination. 

In Australia, about 100 children aged 0–14 are diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord tumour each year.