World Brain Tumor Day is an international remembrance day observed annually on 8 June, which aims to raise awareness of brain tumors and educate people about the signs and symptoms of the disease. Experts believe that lifestyle choices increase the risk of developing brain cancer. Dr Sridhar PS, MBBS, MD (Radiotherapy), DNB (Radiotherapy) at HCG Cancer Centre, Bengaluru said that environmental factors and lifestyle choices such as chemical exposure, radiation, smoking and unhealthy diet increase the risk of developing brain tumor .
“The incidence of brain tumor cases in India has been steadily increasing. The increase is attributed to advances in diagnostic techniques, increased access to medical care, increased public awareness, and the influence of environmental and lifestyle factors.” The main symptoms of a brain tumor are unexplained headache, prolonged headache, increased neurological deficit and projectile vomiting,” explained Dr. Sridhar.
Public awareness campaigns have empowered people to recognize symptoms and seek early medical attention, leading to early intervention and better outcomes. He said prompt treatment is recommended, which includes options such as chemotherapy, cyberknife and radiotherapy.
Dr Ganesh Veerabhadraiah, Senior Consultant Brain and Spine, Neuroendovascular Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, said that the most common types of brain tumors can be classified into two groups: non-cancerous (non-malignant) and Cancers. While there are no specific risk factors identified for brain tumors, further research is needed to investigate the possible role of radiation exposure and family history of brain tumors.
According to the International Association of Cancer Registries (IARC), about 28,000 cases of brain tumors are diagnosed every year. This translates to an incidence rate of 5–10 cases per 100,000 population in India. Additionally, brain tumors account for 2 percent of all malignancies diagnosed in this area, explains Dr. Ganesh.
Dr. Bopanna KM, HOD & Consultant – Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bengaluru explained that Pediatric Brain Tumor is an important aspect of the care of children which has changed a lot in the last 2 or 3 decades. Pediatric tumors usually afflict patients everywhere from birth to about 18 or 19 years of age. In this age group, you may be affected about 5 cases per 1,00,000 patients.
Brain tumors do not vary significantly between males and females and depend on location and age, presentation, and symptoms and signs. Thus, in young children, it can be very difficult to recognize the symptoms of a brain tumor, but changes in behavior, eating patterns, and changes in sleeping patterns – such things are observed carefully, they can sometimes be a brain tumor. May reflect the likelihood of tumors. , which emphasizes the need to be seen by an appropriately trained pediatric neurologist and neurosurgeon in this area, explains Dr. Bopanna.
Also read: World Brain Tumor Day: Early signs and symptoms you shouldn’t ignore
Prior to this, radiation techniques were not widely used in children under the age of three. This is still to be implemented in a shielded situation, but is said to have improved radiation safety tremendously by delivering split radiation doses, and proton beam irradiation, and also improved the safety profile of radiation. So overall, in a center that has a multidisciplinary and modern approach to treating these children with brain tumors, very good results and outcomes can be achieved, says Dr. Bopanna.