The only national Australian organisation for the brain tumour patient, family and caregiver. Freecall number: 1800 857 221

Resources

We strongly recommend the following resources for newly-diagnosed patients and their families:

The Primer of Brain Tumors, published by the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) and can be downloaded chapter by chapter (BTAA can also send you a printed copy of the Primer)

Al Musella's Virtual Trials website which contains a wealth of information and has a built-in search facility

The BrainLife website which is maintained by Giovanni and Elisabetta Camporeale (who is a brain tumour patient)

Headlines is a quarterly newsletter produced for brain tumour patients and their families by Rosemary Cashman for the BC (Canada) Cancer Agency and contains articles on specific subjects. The website for the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada also contains useful resources.

A Fact Sheet on brain tumours and depression and anxiety disorders co-released by Beyond Blue and BTAA: Go to:  www.beyondblue.org.au > Get information > Download information materials and click on Depression and chronic physical illness > Fact sheet 46 Brain tumours, depression and anxiety disorders.

Locally, we also recommend a series of Fact Sheets and Resource Sheets for brain tumour patients, family and caregivers, developed by the Cancer Institute NSW NSWOG Neuro-Oncology group, and the booklet Understanding Brain Tumours, developed by the Cancer Council NSW.

Brain tumours and driving: This is a link to the story of one patient and their experience.

Solidarity symbol: Click on the image below of embroidery thread ready to be woven into a wrist bracelet which you can wear in solidarity with someone who is undergoing radiation therapy/chemotherapy as part of their treatment for a brain tumour. The image is linked to a PDF file of instructions on how tomake the solidarity symbol. Start wearing the woven symbol when your friend commences treatment and only remove it when their treatment has concluded. Our thanks to a breast cancer advocate who thought up this idea and uses it to raise funds for her cause. You could do the same. BTAA is currently developing a list of brain tumour-relevant charities to which Australian supporters can donate.