World Brain Tumor Day 2023: Experts say early detection is the key to better prognosis

World Brain Tumor Day is observed every year on 8 June to raise awareness and educate the public about brain tumours.

Brain tumors are abnormal growths that develop within the brain or its surrounding structures. They can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The increasing number of brain tumors in India is a matter of concern.

“About 40,000 new cases of brain tumors are diagnosed every year in the country. Prevention of brain tumors is challenging as most cases are not associated with identifiable risk factors,” Dr. Amit Srivastava, Director & Senior Consultant – Dharamshila Narayan Superspeciality Neurology at the hospital, told IANS.

Thus, “early detection is critical, opening up treatment options and improving prognosis. Regular check-ups, advanced imaging, and awareness enhance early detection. Empowering individuals to intervene leads to better outcomes and survival rates.” is”, said Dr. PN Renjen, Senior Consultant. Neurology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital.

The signs and symptoms of a brain tumor vary depending on the location, size, and type of tumor. Some small tumors may not show any symptoms until they become large and may be found incidentally during brain imaging for some other reason.

Symptoms include headaches that may be more severe in the morning or wake you up at night, seizures, or difficulty thinking, speaking, or understanding language.

Other symptoms include personality changes, weakness or paralysis on one side or part of your body, balance problems or dizziness, vision problems, hearing problems, facial numbness or tingling, nausea or vomiting, confusion, and disorientation.

“Only about one-third of brain tumors are cancerous. But whether they are cancerous or not, brain tumors can affect brain function and your health if they grow to press on surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and tissues.” become quite large,” Dr Vivek Agarwal, Department of Neurosurgery, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, told IANS.

“Unfortunately brain tumors cannot be prevented, but early diagnosis and treatment help achieve cure or morbidity-free survival,” he added.

While prevention is challenging, Dr. Srivastava said that adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet and avoiding exposure to environmental toxins, can contribute to overall brain health.

It’s also important to avoid head injuries, he said, because some traumatic brain injuries can increase the risk of developing tumors.

Dr Renzen told IANS, “Brain tumors are diverse, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment require an understanding of their types. Knowing the causes improves prevention and patient care. Unraveling the intricacies helps those affected.” I’ve got hope.”

He also advocated personalized medicine, which recognizes the uniqueness of each patient.

“Genetics, tumor characteristics and individual factors are taken into account to tailor treatments for maximum effectiveness and minimum side effects. Genomic profiling, imaging and targeted therapies offer hope for precise and transformative brain tumor treatment,” he said.