A disease that kills thousands each year and has a five-year survival rate: brain cancer. For those who suffer from this disease, the month of May is dedicated to supporting them. 

According to the National Foundation For Cancer Research, brain cancer makes up only 1.4% of the total cancer cases in the U.S. One of the main types of brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme, is the most fatal of all brain cancers and kills 95% of diagnosed patients within five years. 

Learning about brain cancer can urge communities to spread information on the importance of supporting patients. According to Mayo Clinic, identifying brain cancer is difficult, as there are a vast number of symptoms one could experience. Symptoms include vision issues, nausea, speech difficulties and more. 

“Catching cancer early on can help treatment a lot, as there might be ways to prevent or lessen symptoms,” senior and co-founder of Relay for Life Anina Jojo said. 

Researchers are currently trying to figure out the best way to treat cancer patients since there is a high mortality rate when one undergoes brain cancer. Furthermore, as the patient’s age increases, the disease becomes more difficult to treat, and the survival rate decreases. According to Cancer.Net, patients can enter into a clinical trial to participate in an experimental treatment. For example, doctors research imaging tests that keep an eye on the growth of a tumor in order to treat it early on. Also, doctors are testing to see if combining drugs can target the tumor and traverse the growth of the tumor. 

“Although we[as students] don’t know much about [brain cancer], it’s important that we educate [other] individuals with what we do know,” senior and co-founder of Relay for Life Neha Periyapatna said. 

The Relay for Life Club also spreads awareness about different types of cancers each month. Clubs similar to Relay for Life is one of the many ways to support the cancer community and learn about brain cancer this month. Some of the many activities Relay for Life does is making cards to donate to cancer patients, sending short videos to put a smile on their faces, and making care packages. At the end of the year, they host a Relay for Life event where their objective is to raise awareness about cancer and raise funds for cancer research. 

“It’s so important to help out because, after all, as non-health professionals, that’s the most we can do,” Periyapatna said.