Simple Summary
Brain tumors are critical conditions that affect individuals of all age groups. Their diagnosis and treatment vary by geography, income, race and ethnicity. Delays in brain tumor diagnosis or treatment worsen outcomes. This review examines documented reasons for the socioeconomic and racial/ethnic differences in brain tumor diagnosis and treatment and explores how factors like health insurance, distance from medical centers, and the availability of appropriate clinical care can influence diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. By better understanding these patterns in the United States, this review aims to identify ways to make brain tumor care more consistently accessible and help guide future research, healthcare policy, and clinical practice, to ensure that all patients, regardless of race, income, or urban/rural residence, have a fair chance at early diagnosis, effective treatment, and better survival.
Abstract
Brain tumors, both malignant and non-malignant, represent a persistent global health challenge. Differences in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes are influenced by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and geographical location. Brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors rank 19th in global cancer incidence and 12th in cancer-related mortality. U.S. Incidence is higher in females and individuals with greater socioeconomic means, contrasting with global patterns where males are more affected. Glioblastoma has a wide variation in incidence and survival by state, with rural regions showing higher mortality despite lower incidence, often due to reduced access to specialized care. Non-Hispanic Black children with CNS tumors experience higher mortality than their White peers, even after adjusting for SES. Outcomes are generally poorer in low- and middle-income countries, where healthcare infrastructure remains limited. Biological and genetic differences may also influence treatment response and tumor behavior across population groups. This review outlines key variations in brain tumor care, with a key focus on the United States, and emphasizes the need for patient-centered strategies to ensure timely diagnosis, consistent treatment, and improved outcomes.