Justin's Quest Raises Its Goal to Reflect New Brain Tumor Statistics

ROCKVILLE, Md., May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- A teen diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and determined to raise awareness for the disease will be undertaking an even greater challenge in response to recent findings by the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS).

Justin Friedlander, a 13-year-old basketball enthusiast, is aiming to shoot a basket for each person who will be diagnosed with a primary brain tumor in the United States this year. Friedlander originally planned to shoot 40,000 baskets as part of Justin's Quest http://www.justinsquest.com, but CBTRUS has released findings that the number of new cases of primary malignant and non-malignant brain tumors has risen to 62,930. Accounting for this increase, the new goal for Justin's Quest is 63,000.

Justin's Quest is a national awareness initiative benefitting the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS http://www.braintumor.org). Friedlander decided to embark on Justin's Quest after he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in March 2009. In addition to shooting baskets, Justin's Quest also seeks to raise $250,000 to fund vital research aimed at finding a cure for brain tumors. All proceeds from Justin's Quest benefit NBTS.

"I just want to do what I can to help people with this terrible disease," stated Justin Friedlander. "Thankfully, a lot of really great people have decided to join me and support me along the way." Friedlander continued. "My dream is to shoot a basket with the biggest celebrities in the world in order to bring as much attention as possible to this cause."

"The new figures released by CBTRUS underscore the importance of raising brain tumor awareness," stated NBTS Executive Director, Paul TonThat. "Since brain tumors do not discriminate against age, race, sex or socio-economic status, we think that brain tumors need to be on everyone's radar. By raising awareness, we also hope to drive a greater focus to research to find better therapies and ultimately, a cure," TonThat concluded.

The increase in the number of new cases of primary brain tumors is due in part to a rise in the reporting of non-malignant brain tumors as well as an aging population. Glioblastoma Multiforme, the most common form of adult brain tumor, is primarily diagnosed in people over age 50.

About Justin's Quest

In March 2009, Justin Friedlander was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor called an optic nerve glioma in the chiasm. He and his family were devastated by this life-changing news; however, Justin decided to take action and now he is on a mission to find a cure for brain tumors. For more information about Justin's Quest, please visit www.justinsquest.com.

About NBTS

With offices on both coasts, and events and influence across the United States, National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) brings together the best of research, patient services, and advocacy to be a comprehensive resource for patients, families, caregivers, researchers, and medical professionals. For more information about NBTS, please visit www.braintumor.org.

Brain Tumor Quick Facts

• Currently there are over 600,000 people in the US living with a primary brain tumor.
• Each year approximately 210,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor. That's over 575 people a day. Breakdown:
  • An estimated 62,930 new cases of primary malignant and non-malignant tumors
  • An estimated 150,000 cases are brain metastases (cancer that spreads from other parts of the body to the brain) 
• Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer death in children under age 20 now surpassing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and are the third leading cause of cancer death in young adults ages 20-39.
• Brain tumor patients, including those with certain "benign" brain tumors, have poorer survival rates than breast cancer patients.
• The incidence of brain tumors has been increasing as cancer patients live longer. 
• There are over 120 different types of brain tumors, making effective treatment very complicated.
• Because brain tumors are located at the control center for thought, emotion and movement, their effects on an individual's physical and cognitive abilities can be devastating.
• At present, brain tumors are treated by surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, used either individually or in combination.
• Thirty percent of brain tumor patients survive five years following the diagnosis of a primary malignant brain tumor.
• Brain tumors in children are different from those in adults and are often treated differently. Although as many as 74 percent of children with brain tumors will survive, they are often left with long-term side effects.

SOURCE Justin's Quest