Brain Cancers are abnormal tumour growths in the brain that have cancerous. It can cause several symptoms such as seizures, sleepiness, changes in behaviour and confusion. It should be noted that not all type of tumours is cancerous as only the malignant tumours are cancerous.
The month of May is known for its awareness of Brain Cancer. It is indicated by a grey coloured ribbon.
We encourage everyone to GO GREY this May and spread awareness of the signs and risk factors of Brain Cancers.
Medication Information for treating Brain Cancer.
Benign tumours differ from Malignant tumour in the sense that they are not cancerous. While malignant tumours usually spread aggressively, benign tumours do not spread into nearby areas of the brains.
Additionally, in comparison to Malignant tumours, benign tumours are less serious but can still cause several problems in the brain such as problems in vision, hearing and/or maintaining balance.
Quick Facts about Brain Cancer:
• The average survival rate of malignant brain tumours is only 35%
• People over the age of 60 years and children are more observed to be diagnosed with this cancer
• When compared to other types of cancers, brain cancer has a more lasting impact on a person's physical, phycological and cognitive forms.
• Primary malignant brain tumours or brain cancers are rare
• Not all symptoms are an obvious indication of cancer such as headaches, nausea & vomiting
• Brain cancer kills more children in Australia than any other disease
Warning Signs of Brain Cancer:
Seizures:
Irrespective of the stage of cancer, seizures are often the initial signs of cancer. Irritation caused by the malignant tumour results in the abnormal firing of neutrons by the brain that results in abnormal movements.
Loss of balance:
Struggling with maintaining balance is another sign of the tumour's existence. Examples of such a sign include clumsiness with your legs & arms, missing steps or fumbling with keys and the inability to control facial expressions.
Nausea:
Consistency in stomach sickness or feeling nausea may be a sign of a malignant tumour.
Numbness:
Numbness can occur if the tumour has formed on a brain stem which could cause losing all feelings on a part of the body.
Headaches:
Contrary to popular beliefs, consistent headaches are not necessarily an early indicator of brain cancer.
Changes in vision:<br>
Seeing floating spots or shapes, double vision, blurred vision and loss of vision can all be associated as an early sign of a malignant brain tumour.
Changes in thinking and memory:
A malignant brain tumour is likely to affect a person's memory or cause confusion. Changes in the behaviour and personality of the patient are less likely to happen.
Risk Factors:
The exact cause of most brain cancer cases is unknown, but some factors are more likely to contribute to the tumour's formation.
Electromagnetic Fields:
The impact of cell phone usage has often been believed to be a risk factor for brain cancer. However, many studies show no definite proof of the same. Despite the conflicting reports, WHO recommends limiting the use of cell phones and also promotes hands-free headsets.
Head Injuries:
Several studies have aimed to understand the link between head injuries and the formation of malignant tumours. However, because of the rarity of malignant brain tumours, the individual risk is believed to be small
Age:
Even though brain cancer can develop at any age, it has been observed that children and adults over the age of 60 years are more likely to be diagnosed with this cancer
Gender:
Statistically, men are more likely to develop brain cancer than women. Other types of non-cancerous tumours are more likely to occur in women.
Exposure to hazardous chemicals:
Exposure to solvents, pesticides, vinyl chloride, oil products at factory settings are likely to increase the risk of developing brain cancer.
Ionizing radiation:
Prior treatment with ionizing radiation including x-rays has been observed to be a risk factor for malignant brain tumours.
Dietary N-nitroso compounds:
Studies of vitamin supplements and diets indicate that dietary N-nitroso compounds can increase the risk of brain cancer in both adults and children. Although, a definite link is not yet established between such compounds and brain tumours. It is recommended to avoid the use of dietary N-nitroso compounds.
