June 8th is annually celebrated as the World Brain Tumor Day which was initiated by the Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe (German Brain Tumor Aid) in 2000 to pay respect to all the brain tumor patients and their families.
Note: The grey ribbon is the international symbol for the solidarity with brain tumor patients.
Aim:
To improve the care for the patients and to educate the general public about the sufferings and seriousness of brain tumor.
Background:
i.In Germany annually more than 8000 people develop primary brain tumors and all over the world more than 700 cases are registered every day.
ii.Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe, a non-profit organization working on providing and improving the care for the patients and promoting neuro oncology declared June 8th as the World Brain Tumor Day in 2000 to draw the public attention to the rare and non-popular tumor disease.
Brain tumor:
i.Brain tumor is a rare kind compared to the other tumor but its morbidity and disability is high due to the location and nature.
ii.It is divided into benign(non-cancerous) and malignant(cancerous), which is further divided into primary – originating from brain or spine and secondary – spread from a cancer in another part of the body.
Cause:
It is believed that long term exposure to radiation and electronic gadgets like phones may cause brain tumor.
Symptoms:
According to the National Health Portal of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, government of India, the symptoms vary depending upon the location of the tumor and the common symptoms are vision problems, headache, seizures, vomiting, mental changes and problems with motor skills.
Diagnosis:
- MRI and CT scan
- Angiogram
- Neurologic exam
- Spinal tap
Treatments:
- Surgery
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Steroids
- Ventricular peritoneal shunt
About Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe:
Founding Member– Seven S chaaf
Established– 1998
Headquarters– Leipzig, Germany
