World Brain Tumor Day (WBTD) is observed annually across the globe on 8 June to raise awareness about brain tumors, their impact on individuals and families, and the importance of early detection and treatment.
- The day also aims to support brain tumor patients, caregivers, and researchers working in neuro-oncology.
Theme:
The theme for WBTD 2025 is “Brain Health for All Ages” encouraging awareness and proactive care from childhood to old age.
Symbol: The Grey Ribbon serves as the official symbol representing Brain Tumors and Brain Cancers.
Significance:
i.WBTD provides a platform to promote public education, support fundraising for research, and advocate for better access to treatment and rehabilitation services.
ii.It also helps in addressing the mental and emotional health needs of patients and caregivers.
iii.The day highlights the diversity of brain tumors such as Meningioma, Pituitary Adenoma, and Metastatic Brain Tumor, and emphasises the critical role of early intervention in improving patient outcomes.
Background:
i.World Brain Tumor Day was first observed in 2000 by the Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe e.V. (German Brain Tumor Association), a non-profit organization based in Leipzig, Germany.
ii.Since its inception, June 8 is globally recognized every year to show solidarity with those affected by brain tumors and to promote better healthcare responses.
iii.The observance date, 08 June, was selected to commemorate the first documented diagnosis of a brain tumour made by Professor Martin Lewis at University College London, the United Kingdom(UK) on 08 June 1952.
What is a Brain Tumor?
i.Definition: A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain or central spine that can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), affecting brain function.
Types: They are broadly classified into:
- Primary Brain Tumours: Originate within the brain.
- Secondary (Metastatic) Brain Tumours: Spread from cancers elsewhere in the body (e.g., breast, lung).
ii.Symptoms: Headaches, seizures, memory loss, and challenges with movement or speech, depending on their size and location.
iii.Causes: Possible risk factors include genetic mutations, exposure to radiation, family history, age, and prolonged exposure to industrial chemicals.
iv.Treatments: Surgery, Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, and Immunotherapy
Related observance:
i.Brain Tumour Awareness Month (BTAM) is observed in May to raise awareness about brain tumours, promoting research, and supporting patients and their families affected by this condition.
ii.International Brain Tumour Awareness Week (IBTAW), organized annually by the London (United Kingdom, UK) based International Brain Tumour Alliance (IBTA), will hold its 18th edition from 25th October to 1st November 2025.
WHO Classification on Brain Tumors:
i.Most medical organisations worldwide use the World Health Organization (WHO) system to classify brain tumors.
ii.This classification is based on where the tumor cells come from and how they behave, ranging from non-aggressive (non-malignant) to very aggressive (malignant).
iii.Some tumors are given grades from I (least aggressive) to IV (most aggressive) to show how fast they grow and how dangerous they are.
iv.All brain cancers are tumors, but not all brain tumors are cancer. Non-cancerous brain tumors are called benign tumors.
v.In May 2021, World Health Organization (WHO) released the 5th edition of its Classification of Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors, updating the categories of brain and spinal tumors.
- Tumors in both the brain and spinal cord are called CNS tumors.
Key facts:
i.According to estimates by the WHO, brain and CNS cancers account for around 308,000 new cases and 251,000 deaths globally each year.
ii.As per estimates by the Lyon (France) based Global Cancer Observatory (GCO), there were 19.3 million new cancer cases globally in 2020, with India ranking third after China and the USA.
- GCO projects that by 2040, cancer cases in India will rise to 2.08 million, marking a 57.5% increase from 2020.
iii.Globally, brain tumours account for nearly 2% of all cancer cases. In India, an estimated 28,000 to 30,000 new brain tumour cases are reported annually, with an incidence rate of approximately 8 to 10 per 1,00,000 population.
