Do brain tumors run in families?

Brain tumors can run in families because families share the same genes and DNA. Certain tumors such as neurofibromatosis have a strong genetic component. Other tumors, and a few malignant tumors, occur without a significant genetic component and due to random gene mutations. read more

I don't know if brain tumors necessarily run in the family, but I'm living proof it can happen. My father had a malignant brain tumor 20 yrs ago that was inoperable. I was obviously scared when I was first diagnosed, but quickly became somewhat relieved that I had a non-cancerous tumor (AN). read more

It's possible—but rare—for brain tumors to run in the family. About five percent of brain tumors may be linked with genetic factors and conditions, Shaan M. Raza, M.D., an assistant professor of neurosurgery and head and neck surgery at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, tells SELF. read more