An increasing number of Kiwis are being diagnosed with brain cancer, but experts don't know why.
In fact, there is little known about the cancer, which has a high death rate.
With International Brain Tumour Awareness Week underway, advocates are calling for more research.
Alice Chambers-Smith has been fighting off brain tumours for six years, but they keep coming back despite extensive treatment.
The mother-of-two teared up as she talked about the impact it has had on her family, including her sister and nephew.
"I don't see how any children are going to be okay without their mother, but that is realistically what's going to be the situation one day," she told Newshub.
It's a situation that more Kiwis seem to be facing. Ministry of Health data shows 413 people were diagnosed with the disease in 2021.
"Normally it's around the 350 mark per year so 2021 saw a big jump and we're not sure why that is," Brain Tumour Support NZ chair Chris Tse said.
The cause of brain cancer is still largely unknown and it has a high death rate. Around 260 people die from it each year in New Zealand.
"Lifestyle factors such as smoking and obesity seem to have no effect, so you can be one of the fittest people in New Zealand and still have a brain tumour," Tse said.
It's prompted calls for more investigation into the disease.
"We need more research into the epidemiology of brain tumours, right through to the biology of the tumours, and better treatments," Tse said.
"Something has to change, there needs to be more resources, more money to fund research," Chambers-Smith added.
A desperate plea from a mother who just wants to spend more time with her family.
