World Brain Tumor Day is an international day of celebration celebrated annually on June 8 with the aim of raising awareness of brain tumors and educating the public about the signs and symptoms of the disease. Experts say lifestyle choices increase the risk of developing brain cancer. Dr. Sridhar PS, MBBS, MD (Radiotherapy), DNB (Radiotherapy) at HCG Cancer Center, Bengaluru said environmental factors and lifestyle choices such as exposure to chemicals, radiation, smoking and poor diet increase the risk of developing brain tumors.

“The occurrence of brain tumor cases in India is increasing. The increase can be attributed to advances in diagnostic techniques, increased access to medical care, increased public awareness and influence of environmental factors and lifestyle related. The main symptoms of a brain tumor are unexplained headaches, prolonged headaches, neurological deficits and increased projectile vomiting,” Dr. Sridhar explained.

Public awareness campaigns have empowered individuals to recognize symptoms and seek immediate medical attention, leading to earlier intervention and better outcomes. Immediate treatment was recommended, which includes options like chemotherapy, CyberKnife and radiation therapy, he said.

Dr. Ganesh Veerabhadraiah, Senior Brain and Spine Consultant, Neuroendovascular Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, said the most common types of brain tumors can be categorized into two groups: non-cancerous (non-malignant) and cancerous. Although no specific risk factors have been identified for brain tumors, further studies are needed to investigate the potential role of radiation exposure and family history of brain tumors.

According to the International Association of Cancer Registries (IARC), approximately 28,000 cases of brain tumors are reported each year. This translates to an incidence rate of 5 to 10 cases per 100,000 population in India. Additionally, brain tumors account for 2% of all malignant tumors diagnosed in the region, Dr. Ganesh explained.

Dr. Bopanna KM, HOD and Neurosurgical Consultant, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bengaluru explained that pediatric brain tumors are an important aspect of treating children which has changed drastically over the last 2-3 decades. Pediatric tumors usually affect patients between the age of birth and around 18 or 19 years old. In this age group you can have an incidence of about 5 per 100,000 affected patients.

Brain tumors do not change significantly between men and women and depend on location and age, presentation, symptoms and signs. Therefore, in young children, it is very difficult to know the symptoms of a brain tumor, but changes in behavior, diet and sleep – such as these are observed up close – can sometimes reflect the possibility of a brain tumor. , which emphasizes the need to be examined by pediatric neurologists and neurosurgeons well trained in this field, says Dr. Bopanna.

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Previously, radiation technology was not very commonly used in children under the age of three. It has not yet been applied in supervised situations, but despite this, radiation safety has been significantly improved by providing separate radiation doses and proton beam radiation, and the radiation safety profile has also improved . So overall, in a center where there is a multidisciplinary and modern approach to treating children with these brain tumours, very good results can be achieved, Dr. Bopanna said.