Brain tumours are the mass of abnormal cells in the brain may be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous(benign), and can occur at any stage.

They are found to be associated with symptoms like difficulty in speech, hearing and vision; memory problems, mood and personality changes, numbness in arms and legs, balance and walking problems; and many more functions get impaired which are under the control and coordinated of brain.

Normally, benign tumours which are localised can be cured if diagnosed at early stages but malignant tumours often comes back and sometimes it isn’t possible to remove it.

Raising awareness about brain tumours

Not all headaches are due to brain tumour but around 50% of people with brain tumour had headaches as one of the complaints they went to the doctor with, and up to 60% will develop headaches at some time. It is also estimated that around 18,020 adults mortality is from brain and other nervous system cancer which is the tenth leading cause of the death for both men and women across the world.

There is a need to take steps towards achieving our vision of a world where brain tumours are defeated. Therefore, in order to create awareness in general public, every 8th June is commemorated as the World Brain Tumours Awareness Day. It was initiated by Deutsche German Brain Tumour Association in 2000.

Every year on that day is celebrated not only to increase awareness in public, but also to give a ray of hope to all tumour patients that it is not the end of life if diagnosed at the earliest.

Is brain tumour hereditary or is it influenced by our lifestyle?

• Significant factors lead to brain tumour is still questionable. However, research suggests that around 5% of brain tumours are supposed to be due hereditary genetic factors or conditions such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, turret syndrome, Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome.
• Inheritance of genetic mutation in a tumour suppression gene down the generation causes brain tumour.
• Exposure to high dose of radiation
• Exposure to solvents, pesticides, oil products, rubber, vinyl chloride can be a high risk to cancer.
• N-Nitroso compounds from cigarette, meat and cosmetics leads to concentration of nitrates can contribute to the development of tumours

Can diet cure tumour?

A balanced diet can help you keep your strength and energy up, lower your risk of infection and help you recover well from treatment. However, according to The Brain Tumour Charity: ‘There’s no evidence that shows any specific food or diet is associated with the development, management or treatment of brain tumours. Controlling your diet, however, may help to improve your quality of life and manage the side-effects of treatment.’

Where to find more information?

This article is mainly for information purposes only. Brain tumour is a delicate issue and you need to see a tumour specialist to help you with your condition.

If you need more reliable resources about brain tumour, here are some resources that you can go to:

• Brain and Spine Foundation.They offer tailored information and specialist support for anyone affected by a neurological problem. They have a booklet about brain tumour.
• Cancer Research UK. They have a dedicated page that has comprehensive information about brain tumour. 
• Headway. They promote understanding of all aspects of brain injury and provide information, support and services to survivors, their families and carers. Here’s their page about brain tumour.
• Macmillan Cancer Support. This is one of the largest British charities and provides specialist healthcare, information and financial support to people affected by cancer.They offer information and support for people with brain tumours and their families. 
• The Brain Tumour Charity. The world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally.

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Image credit: Freepik

Meghana DP is studying MSc in Plant Breeding and Genetics at Punjab Agricultural University.