World Brain Tumor Day

World Brain Tumor Day is observed on June 8th to spread awareness and educate people about brain tumors.

History of World Brain Tumor Day

In the United States, more than 700,000 people live with brain tumors. In just one year, 84,000 people in this country will be diagnosed with a brain tumor. Brain tumors are benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous.) A malignant tumor is sometimes called brain cancer. This is the same type of cancer as central nervous system cancer. Globally, 330,000 children and adults worldwide are diagnosed with CNS cancer in one year. This number continues to increase with the death rate from brain cancer.

Because of the high mortality rate of brain cancer, it is important to understand the symptoms. As with most cancers, early detection plays an important role. The earlier a brain tumor is found, the easier it is to treat. Common symptoms associated with brain tumors include recurrent headaches, seizures, vision problems, memory loss, and paralysis of certain body parts. It is easy for doctors to detect brain tumors with certain diagnostic tests, such as CT scans or MRIs.

German Brain Tumor Association (Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe e.V.) is a non-profit organization that marked the first time in 2000 to spread awareness about brain tumors among the public. Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe was founded in 1998 and has over 500 registered members from fourteen countries. It provides support to patients and their family members in addition to scientists and medical professionals. Grade Classification

When a malignant brain tumor is detected, it will be assigned a specific grade. Here's how these classes are classified:

I: Least malignant tumor type.

II: The tumor grows slowly, may metastasize to nearby tissues.

III: The cells actively reproduce abnormal cells, which grow into nearby brain tissue.

IV: The most malignant brain tumor, which grows rapidly.

Treatment of malignant brain tumors usually includes radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. It is also possible to surgically remove the brain tumor or parts of it. Sometimes surgeons have to remove even a benign brain tumor if it impairs brain function.

What is a brain tumor?

Before learning what a brain tumor is, let's first learn about tumors. A tumor is basically a tumor or abnormal growth of cells.

In the body, there are two main types of tumors

• Light

• Malignant

If the cells in the tumor are normal, it is benign (meaning something went wrong and the cells overgrow and create a tumor). If the cells are abnormal and start to grow uncontrollably, they are cancer cells and melanoma. A brain tumor occurs when abnormal cells multiply in any part of the brain. Tumors include benign that is non-cancerous and malignant that is cancerous.

Causes of brain cancer

Any specific cause of brain tumors is still unknown. Many doctors believe that long-term exposure to radiation (such as X-rays) can cause brain tumors. Some people also believe that devices like cell phones are causing various types of cancer including brain tumors; however, the fact remains unproven. Various types of research in this area are still ongoing.

Symptoms of a brain tumor

According to the data provided by the National Health Portal (of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India), depending on the location of the tumor on the part of the brain, the symptoms can vary. Some common symptoms are vision problems, headaches, seizures, vomiting. Mental changes can also be observed. Sometimes the person may also find it difficult to walk, speak, and feel.

Diagnosis of brain tumor

Depending on your symptoms and history, doctors may use the following tests to diagnose a brain tumor

MRI and CT scans: Doctors can use these imaging techniques to diagnose brain tumors.

Angiogram: It is also an imaging technique. A dye is injected into the bloodstream. If a tumor is present, the imaging may show the tumor or the blood vessels that are filling the tumor.

Neurological test: This test includes hearing, alertness, vision, muscle strength, coordination, and reflexes.

Spinal tap: A sample of cerebrospinal fluid is collected with the help of a long thin needle which technique is called lumbar puncture.

Brain tumor treatments

Depending on the type, stage, condition, and location of the tumors, doctors may recommend the following treatments:

• Surgery: This is the first step in the treatment of both primary benign and malignant brain tumors and is performed on patients to maximize tumor removal to maintain neurological function

• Radiation therapy: During this procedure, cells are exposed to a beam of high-energy radiation.

• Chemotherapy: In this treatment, anti-cancer drugs are given into the body to kill cancer cells.

• Steroids: Often used to treat brain tumors.

• Ventricular peritoneal shunt: This procedure is used to drain excess fluid from within the brain.

How to celebrate World Brain Tumor Day

Medical organizations and healthcare facilities around the world organize a variety of events for World Brain Tumor Day including educational seminars, conferences, and fundraisers. The day also focuses on people diagnosed with brain tumors. They are encouraged to share their stories as a way to help others. People who have lost loved people because of brain tumors also find ways to remember and honor them.

Participation:

• Contact people who have lost someone to brain cancer or been diagnosed with a brain tumor.
• Donate to an organization that funds brain tumor research.
• Educate yourself on the topic of brain tumors, their symptoms, and treatment options.
• Wear the gray band to raise awareness about brain tumors and brain cancer.
• Learn about famous brain tumor survivors, such as Jimmy Carter, Scott Hamilton, Sheryl Crow, and Michelle Stafford.
• Spread awareness of this day on social media with #WorldBrainTumorDay.