What are brain cancers and brain tumours?

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth in the brain or central nervous system. Some brain tumours are benign, while others are malignant and may be referred to as brain cancers. 

Symptoms and treatment needs vary depending on the type, grade and location of the tumour. Supportive care is often used alongside medical treatment to help reduce symptoms and improve day-to-day function.

Brain tumours may affect:

• walking and mobility

• balance and coordination

• arm and hand function

• speech and language

• swallowing and mealtime safety

• thinking, memory or concentration

• fatigue and endurance

• daily routines and independence.
  
  

How brain cancers and tumours may affect daily function

The effects of a brain tumour can vary widely from person to person. Depending on the tumour and its treatment, people may experience:

• weakness on one side of the body

• reduced balance or increased falls risk

• difficulty walking or transferring

• speech and communication changes

• swallowing difficulties

• fatigue and reduced activity tolerance

• cognitive changes such as difficulty concentrating, planning or remembering

• changes in confidence, independence and participation

Rehabilitation can help people recover from, or adapt to, these changes and support a more active and functional daily life.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support adults with brain cancers or tumours where there are goals related to mobility, walking, balance, transfers, strength, endurance or physical participation. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• walking and mobility support

• balance and falls prevention strategies

• transfer practice and functional movement training

• strength and movement-based programs

• fatigue-aware rehabilitation

• mobility aid input where clinically appropriate
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help when a brain tumour is affecting daily living, hand use, self-care, routines, home safety, equipment needs or independence. OT may include:

• self-care and daily routine strategies

• upper limb and hand function support

• task adaptation and environmental modification

• fatigue management and pacing

• equipment or assistive technology recommendations where appropriate
  
  

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology may be highly relevant where brain tumours affect speech, language, communication, cognitive-communication, feeding or swallowing. Some people with brain tumours can experience difficulty finding words, understanding language, physically producing speech, or swallowing safely.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some people with brain tumours who need support with strength, conditioning, endurance or structured physical activity, especially during later recovery or rehabilitation phases. Programs should always be tailored carefully to the person’s function, fatigue, balance and safety needs.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how the brain tumour and its treatment are affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help most at that point in time. Therapy may focus on:

improving walking and mobility

supporting balance and movement confidence

helping with transfers and everyday tasks

supporting communication or swallowing needs

adapting routines as function changes

supporting safety and participation in daily life

Rehabilitation after a brain tumour often involves both recovery and adjustment, depending on the person’s situation and treatment journey.

FAQ

What is the difference between a brain tumour and brain cancer?

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth in the brain. Some are benign and some are malignant. Malignant brain tumours may be referred to as brain cancers.

Can brain tumours affect walking and balance?

Yes. Brain tumours can affect movement, coordination, strength and balance, depending on the area of the brain involved and the effects of treatment.

Can physiotherapy help after brain tumour treatment?

Physiotherapy may help support mobility, walking, balance, transfers, strength and physical participation after brain tumour diagnosis or treatment, depending on the person’s needs and goals.

Can occupational therapy help after a brain tumour?

Yes. Occupational therapy may assist with self-care, upper limb function, daily routines, fatigue management, home safety, equipment and independence in everyday activities.

Can brain tumours affect speech or swallowing?

Yes. Brain tumours and their treatment can affect speech, language, cognition and swallowing. Speech pathology may be relevant where these concerns are present.

Can brain tumours affect memory or thinking?

They can. Some people experience changes in attention, concentration, memory, planning or problem-solving after a brain tumour or its treatment.

Can allied health treat the tumour itself?

No. Brain cancers and tumours require specialist medical diagnosis and treatment. Allied health does not treat the tumour itself, but may support movement, communication, swallowing, daily function and rehabilitation.

When should someone with a brain tumour see allied health?

Allied health may be worth considering when a brain tumour is affecting mobility, balance, hand function, communication, swallowing, daily living or independence.

If you or your family member is living with a brain tumour and would like support with mobility, balance, daily function, communication or swallowing, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs. 

Please visit these other websites for further information:

Brain Cancer Australia – A national organisation providing information and support for individuals affected by brain cancer.

https://www.braincanceraustralia.org

Cancer Council Australia – Offers resources and support for those affected by cancer, including information on brain tumours.

https://www.cancer.org.au

Brain Foundation Australia – Provides educational resources on brain conditions, including brain cancer research.

https://brainfoundation.org.au

Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital – Offers specialized services and information regarding brain tumour treatment.

https://metronorth.health.qld.gov.au/rbwh

Royal Melbourne Hospital – Provides resources and treatment options for patients with brain cancers and tumours.

https://www.royalmelbournehospital.org.au

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) – Offers statistics and reports related to health conditions, including brain cancer.

https://www.aihw.gov.au

Neurosurgical Society of Australasia – A professional body providing information on brain surgery and related conditions.

https://nsa.org.au

Healthdirect Australia – A government-funded service providing health information, including brain cancer resources.

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au

Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre – Supports cancer survivors and provides information on life after cancer treatment.

https://www.cancer.org.au/survivorship

Griffith University: Brain Tumour Research – Offers insights into ongoing research and support related to brain tumours.

https://www.griffith.edu.au

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.