World Brain Tumour Day is annually observed on the 8th of June across the globe with the intent of increasing public awareness about brain tumours, and the importance of early detection and timely treatment, as well as provide support to affected individuals.
- Brain Tumour is an unusual growth of cells in the brain or around it, which causes pressure inside the skull and it can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).
The theme for World Brain Tumour Day 2023 is “Protect yourself- keep away from stress.”
- The 2023 theme emphasises the significance of developing stress management techniques to prevent brain tumours.
Symbol: The Gray ribbon is the official symbol of raising awareness for Brain Tumour and Brain Cancers.
Background:
i. World Brain Tumour Day was established by the Deutsche HirntumorhilfeV. (German Brain Tumour Association), a Leipzig (Germany)-based non-profit organisation in 2000.
ii. Since 2000, World Brain Tumour Day has been celebrated annually on 8 June as a contribution to brain tumour patients and their family.
Related Observances:
i. The month of May every year is annually observed as the Brain Tumour Awareness Month, dedicated to support, empower and louder the voice of the brain tumour community.
ii. The International Brain Tumour Awareness Week is annually observed in a week during October and November.
- The 16th International Brain Tumour Awareness Week will be held from Saturday, 28th October 2023 to Saturday 4th November 2023.
Brain Tumours and its types:
i. A brain tumour is one of the deadliest disorders affecting any gender, both adults and children. The majority (85–90%) of all primary central nervous system (CNS) cancers found in the brain are due to brain tumours.
ii. More than 150 different types of brain tumours have been documented. Two main groups of brain tumours are primary and metastatic.
- Primary brain tumours include tumours that originate from the tissues of the brain or the brain’s immediate surroundings and are benign or malignant.
- Metastatic brain tumours include tumours that arise elsewhere in the body (such as the breast or lungs) and migrate to the brain, usually through the bloodstream, and are considered cancer and are malignant.
Note: Metastatic tumours to the brain affect nearly one in four patients with cancer, or an estimated 150,000 people a year. Up to 40 percent of people with lung cancer will develop metastatic brain tumours.
Timely Treatment:
i. Brain tumours can be aggressive and can quickly grow in size, leading to increased pressure within the skull. Timely treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
ii. That aims to remove or shrink the tumour, reducing the risk of further growth and potential complications, so if not treated on time, it can cause brain damage and can be life-threatening.
iii. Advances in neuroradiology have led to more timely and accurate diagnoses; improved neurosurgical approaches have permitted more complete and safer tumour removal, and new chemotherapies and radiation therapies have extended survival.
Symptoms:
Symptoms vary depending on the location of the brain tumour, but the following may accompany different types of brain tumours:
- Headaches that may be more severe in the morning or awaken the patient at night
- Difficulty thinking, speaking or articulating
- Personality changes
- Weakness or paralysis in one part or one side of the body
- Loss of balance or dizziness
- Vision changes
- Hearing changes
- Nausea or vomiting, swallowing difficulties
Additional info:
As per the International Association of Cancer Registries (IARC) there are over 28,000 cases of brain tumours reported in India each year and more than 24,000 people reportedly die due to brain tumours annually.
