What are the causes of brain tumors?
A. The causes of brain tumors are not known. Brain tumors are not contagious. They can occur at any age, although they are most common in children 3-12 years old and adults 40-70 years old. Risk factors include working in industries such as oil refining, rubber manufacturing and drug manufacturing; other studies show chemists and embalmers have higher incidence of brain tumors. Researchers also are looking at exposure to viruses as a possible cause. Brain tumors sometimes occur in several members of the same family, so researchers are studying families to see whether heredity is a cause. Scientists do not believe that head injuries cause brain tumors to develop.
