Living with
Brain tumours can be low grade (slow growing) or high grade (fast growing), and they may not always respond to treatment. Sometimes the tumour can return after treatment, and it may not be possible to cure it. This depends on the type of brain tumour and where it is in the brain.
Even if the brain tumour can't be cured, treatment might shrink your tumour and slow its growth. It can control your symptoms for some time and make you feel better.
You might have , or . Or a combination of these treatments.
Find out more about treatments for brain tumours
Not everyone wants to have a second opinion from a different specialist. But some people might want to do this. It might be important for you and your family to feel that you have explored every option. Asking the opinion of another specialist may reassure you that everything has been done.
It is common for people to ask for a second opinion. Your specialist or GP can help you with this and advise you about who to contact.
Your specialist can send copies of all your test results and scans to another specialist.
Read more about getting a second opinion
You might find information about a treatment that you think is new, or could help you. You should take that information to your specialist. You can talk it through with them and find out if it is relevant for your situation.
Some people might consider going abroad for treatment. It is important to discuss this with your doctor. It might be that a particular treatment is not suitable for you, or it might be available in the UK. It is also important to ask about traveling and if this is safe for you.
Treatment overseas can be a big commitment. It can be expensive and involve time away from home and family and friends.
You can also consider joining a clinical trial. Go to Cancer Research UK’s clinical trials database if you are looking for a trial for brain and spinal cord tumours in the UK. You need to talk to your specialist if there are any trials that you think you might be able to take part in.
What happens at the end depends on how your brain tumour develops. Talk to your doctor or specialist nurse. They know your situation and might be able to give you specific information about what might happen.
Different parts of the brain control different functions. Your symptoms depend on where the tumour is in the brain. As a brain tumour grows larger, the pressure inside your head increases. At first, it might be possible to control this by increasing your steroid dose. Over time, the steroids may not be able to reduce the swelling any further.
You might get headaches and sickness. These can often be controlled with painkillers and anti sickness medicine. But you might feel drowsier and will need to sleep more often. This can come on quite suddenly or slowly. At this stage, you may be able to lead a relatively normal life. But you might sleep more than you used to.
Some people who have never had seizures (fits) may have them in the last few weeks of their life. Your doctor can start you on anti epileptic medication if this happens. Your specialist nurse or doctor will explain more about this to you and your family.
Gradually you will need to sleep more and it may become more difficult to wake you. Eventually, most people slip into unconsciousness. You might be unconscious for a few days or weeks before you die. During this time you will need nursing care to make you comfortable.
We have more information about what happens during the last few months or weeks of life
There are different options to think about when deciding where you would like to spend the last weeks of your life. Your specialist healthcare team will listen to your wishes and do their best to respect them. Sometimes, if you need extra care, they may suggest that you are in a place where you can be cared for more comfortably.
It can help to speak to your family and friends, so they know what your wishes are.
You might feel safer being in hospital. You may want the reassurance of knowing there are doctors and nurses nearby.
Hospices look after people who are no longer having active treatment aimed at curing them. But you have treatment to control symptoms and keep you comfortable. There is 24 hour nursing care. A local GP and palliative care specialist provide the medical care. Hospices aim to keep people well for as long as possible.
You can go into a hospice for a few days if you have a problem that they can help sort out. Then you can go home again. You can also use the hospice for respite care, to give your family a break if they become very tired looking after you. Many hospices also have day centres.
If you choose, you can be looked after at home. You might be able to be at home all of the time. This depends on your circumstances. These include the layout of your house and any adjustments needed. For example, you might need a bed downstairs and equipment around the bed. And if there is anyone to help look after you.
Your community palliative care nurse and GP can discuss these options with you and your family and help with planning.
Read about getting help and support when you are dying
It can be helpful to talk through your options with your closest family or friends while you are able. This can help to avoid misunderstanding about what everyone thinks is best. Talking through the options will help everyone to make plans that you all agree on.
You might feel happier knowing that you have made the best decisions for all of you. Making decisions during a crisis can be very hard for families. It might be easier if they know what you would have wanted.
Caring for someone who is dying can be a huge emotional and physical challenge. It's important that you get all the help and support you need.
Last reviewed: 28 Apr 2026
Next review due: 28 Apr 2029
Coping with a brain tumour can be difficult. There are things you can do and people who can help you to cope.
Primary brain tumours are tumours that start in the brain. They can start anywhere in the brain and there are many different types of tumours.
Treatment for a brain or spinal cord tumour depends on the type of tumour you have, where it is and your general health.
When someone is dying with cancer, they and their carers can get help and support. This information might help at a very emotional and difficult time.
It can be difficult to find out that you have a brain tumour. There is practical and emotional support available to help you, your family and your friends cope with a brain or spinal cord tumour.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Connect with other people affected by cancer and share your experiences.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
