World Brain Tumor Day 2016

June 8th is observed as World Brain Tumor Day. This day was introduced by a German nonprofit organization called German Brain Tumor Association, which spreads awareness and provides support to brain tumor patients. As an honor to the people suffering from brain tumor and their families, the NGO announced June 8th as World Brain Tumor Day in the year 2000. The main agenda behind this day is to raise awareness of the fight against brain cancer, educating them on tumor types and accompanying symptoms.

Brain tumor is an illness in which the cells in the brain multiply in an abnormal and uncontrolled way. The tumor can be malignant (cancerous) or benign i.e. non-cancerous. The cause behind a tumor is still unknown but according to research the risks of being affected are higher for those with a genetic history. A primary brain tumor originates in the brain. But if the cells of a tumor growing elsewhere in the body end up affecting the brain then such a case is called secondary brain tumor or metastatic brain tumor. Brain tumors can affect anyone, at any age and must be diagnosed as early as possible for better chances of recovery.

What are the Symptoms of a Brain Tumor?

• Unexplained weakness of the limbs

• Seizures

• Drowsiness

• Slurred speech

• Difficulty walking

• Blurred eyesight

• Nausea/vomiting

• Persistent headaches

• Behavioral alterations and memory problems

Doctors address tumors by grades, the higher the grade, the more abnormal the growth. They are grouped as grade I, grade II, grade III and grade IV, latter being the most aggressive type. The most common types of primary tumors in adults are astrocytoma, meningioma and oligiodendroglioma. While in children medulloblastoma, ependymoma and brain stem glioma are dominant.

Treatment of brain tumor depends on the type and location of the tumor as well as its size. The best option is surgery wherein the surgeon will remove as much of the affected cells as possible without damaging the brain. In most cases it is difficult to remove the entire affected tissue and thus surgery is followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

What can be done on World Brain Tumor Day?

The main aim of this day is to spread awareness of brain tumor and come up with effective treatment options that are also within the means. Creating awareness involves management and living with the tumor. Affected people and their families can join support groups to better cope with the condition. Support groups help facing the oncoming challenges and provide hope to the affected persons. Fund raising campaigns are also held, the proceeds from which go to hospitals so that surgeons can make further research in understanding this disease.

Check out Brain Tumor Treatment Costs in India..