World Brain Tumor Day: 20% brain cancer patients in India are children

New Delhi: World Brain Tumour Day is celebrated on June 8 every year to spread awareness about brain tumours. Various programs and screening camps are organized in India to spread awareness about brain tumour symptoms, prevention and measures.

This observance aims to shed light on the common symptoms of brain tumours to promote early detection, address challenges faced by patients and their families, support research efforts, and advocate for improved treatment options.

According to the International Association of Cancer Registries, more than 40,000 to 50,000 cases of brain tumors are reported in India every year, and 20 percent of these cases are children, and more than 24,000 people succumb to brain tumors every year.

Giving more information about this, Dr. Vivek Patel, Neurosurgeon from Apex group of Hospitals from Borivali said, “Brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells within the brain or surrounding areas. These growths can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).  Brain tumors impede brain function, which intern adversely affect our body and hence require immediate addressal. There are more than 120 different types of brain tumors identified. These different types are categorized based on the type of cells they arise from and their location in the brain. The symptoms and signs depend upon the location of the tumor and may include Headache, Seizures/Fits, Dizziness, visual difficulties, multiple episodes of vomiting. Non-cancerous tumors can also affect normal brain tissue and cause serious health problems.”

“Young people with brain tumors may also have problems with walking, balance, or stumbling, as well as problems with balance and coordination. Additionally, weakness or numbness in the arms, legs, or face, especially if it affects one side of the body, can be a sign of a brain tumor. About 5 to 10 percent of people with brain tumors are genetic. If several members of the same family have been diagnosed with a brain tumor, it is important to have regular health check-ups for the family members who share the genetic type,” added Dr Patel.