World Brain Tumor Day is observed every year on 8 June to raise awareness about the disease characterized by abnormal growth of cells in the brain.
The International Association of Cancer Registries (IARC) reports more than 28,000 cases of brain tumors in India every year, and reportedly more than 24,000 people die due to brain tumors every year.
Health experts said that if brain tumor is not treated on time and precautions are not taken, the condition can become challenging, making it difficult for people to learn, plan, make decisions, concentrate and make decisions. And it can also be fatal.
Children are also greatly affected by brain tumors. There is no exact cause of brain tumor, but family history, blood cancer and treatments like ionizing radiation are some of the reasons why brain tumors may increase.“It is common to use ionizing radiation in cancer treatment and when a patient is exposed to this radiation, the risk of brain tumors increases. If brain tumor disease is present in the family history, there are chances that someone may develop a brain tumor,” said Dr Prashant Kumar Chaudhary, director of neurosurgery, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi.
Additionally, it has also been found that leukemia patients have a higher risk compared to normal people. Similarly, children who suffer from cancer in childhood can also be affected by brain tumors later on.”
Dr Praveen Gupta, principal director and head of Neurology at Fortis Hospital, told IANS that stress is also a major reason.“Amidst the fast pace of our daily lives, we can easily overlook how deeply stress impacts our neurological health. "It's possible that stress can sneak in like a thief and foster an environment that allows brain tumors to develop," he said.
Practicing mindfulness meditation or taking time to think without any distractions can help boost mental health, the doctor said.
Experts emphasized that timely and proper treatment from skilled and experienced doctors is also important for a good outcome of brain tumor.
While the mainstay of treatment is surgery, the nature of the surgery depends on the tumor (cancerous or non-cancerous), the location and size of the tumor.“The patient will require multiple imaging studies, such as MRI, CT scan, angiogram and some advanced types of MRI studies.
“Many sophisticated and advanced methods are used to improve outcomes, including awake craniotomy (keeping the patient awake during the operation), neuro-navigation and intraoperative neuro-monitoring.
“In some patients, radiation treatment or chemotherapy may be required. Most brain tumors are not hereditary,” said Dr Amitabh Chanda, senior consultant – neurosurgery (brain and spine), RN Tagore Hospital.
The International Association of Cancer Registries (IARC) reports more than 28,000 cases of brain tumors in India every year, and reportedly more than 24,000 people die due to brain tumors every year.
Health experts said that if brain tumor is not treated on time and precautions are not taken, the condition can become challenging, making it difficult for people to learn, plan, make decisions, concentrate and make decisions. And it can also be fatal.
Children are also greatly affected by brain tumors. There is no exact cause of brain tumor, but family history, blood cancer and treatments like ionizing radiation are some of the reasons why brain tumors may increase.“It is common to use ionizing radiation in cancer treatment and when a patient is exposed to this radiation, the risk of brain tumors increases. If brain tumor disease is present in the family history, there are chances that someone may develop a brain tumor,” said Dr Prashant Kumar Chaudhary, director of neurosurgery, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi.
Additionally, it has also been found that leukemia patients have a higher risk compared to normal people. Similarly, children who suffer from cancer in childhood can also be affected by brain tumors later on.”
Dr Praveen Gupta, principal director and head of Neurology at Fortis Hospital, told IANS that stress is also a major reason.“Amidst the fast pace of our daily lives, we can easily overlook how deeply stress impacts our neurological health. "It's possible that stress can sneak in like a thief and foster an environment that allows brain tumors to develop," he said.
Practicing mindfulness meditation or taking time to think without any distractions can help boost mental health, the doctor said.
Experts emphasized that timely and proper treatment from skilled and experienced doctors is also important for a good outcome of brain tumor.
While the mainstay of treatment is surgery, the nature of the surgery depends on the tumor (cancerous or non-cancerous), the location and size of the tumor.“The patient will require multiple imaging studies, such as MRI, CT scan, angiogram and some advanced types of MRI studies.
“Many sophisticated and advanced methods are used to improve outcomes, including awake craniotomy (keeping the patient awake during the operation), neuro-navigation and intraoperative neuro-monitoring.
“In some patients, radiation treatment or chemotherapy may be required. Most brain tumors are not hereditary,” said Dr Amitabh Chanda, senior consultant – neurosurgery (brain and spine), RN Tagore Hospital.
