Understanding Brain Tumours: Expert Debunks 5 Common Myths
Misinformation about brain tumours can accelerate the stress and create panic among patients and their families. An expert busts some common myths and states the facts. Read on.
Observed on June 8 every year, World Brain Tumour Day aims to raise awareness about brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumours – a serious health concern that has claimed countless lives. A brain tumour refers to the abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain, which can be either malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).
According to a study published by the National Institute of Health, the cases of central nervous system (CNS) tumours in India range between 5 and 10 cases per 1,00,000 people, showing an increasing trend, and these numbers account for 2% of all malignancies. Misinformation about brain tumours can accelerate the stress and create panic among patients and their families.
Fact: Dr Mahapatra explains that this can never be true because different people experience different symptoms, which vary based on the location of the tumour, its grade, and its size. Some people do not have any symptoms at all, while others notice significant symptoms that worsen over time and lead to diagnosis.
Brain tumours are a growing health concern in India, but with early diagnosis and prompt medical intervention, they are often treatable. Each individual's experience with a brain tumour is different, making accurate information and awareness essential for effective care.a
First Published:
June 08, 2025, 13:27 IST
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Time of India
7 hours ago
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World Brain Tumour Day: Early Detection Saves Lives, say city doctors
Nagpur: Eminent neurologists from the city joined experts from across the globe on World Brain Tumour Day to raise awareness about the disease. At an event held at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) headquarters in Nagpur, specialists emphasised the importance of early diagnosis, discussed symptoms and treatment options, and highlighted the multifaceted challenges faced by patients and their families. Renowned neurologist and Padma Shri Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram stressed the need for timely detection and comprehensive care. He said awareness about the type of brain tumour and its symptoms is crucial. "If diagnosed in the early stages, proper treatment can save lives. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment are extremely important," he added. A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain, which may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). These growths can either originate in the brain (primary brain tumours) or spread from other parts of the body (secondary or metastatic tumours). Prominent neurosurgeon Dr Vivek Agrawal reiterated the importance of awareness, stating that early detection and medical intervention can significantly improve outcomes. However, due to the complexity of the brain and its functions, brain tumours can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Common symptoms that require attention include persistent headaches, nausea or vomiting, seizures, vision or hearing problems, memory loss or confusion, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Dr Agrawal also explained that the purpose of Brain Tumour Day is to educate the public about the disease and its impact, to express solidarity with patients, survivors, and caregivers, and to promote and fund research for better treatments and potential cures. In India, the prevalence of brain tumours is estimated to be 8 to 10 cases per 1,00,000 population, with around 28,000 new cases reported annually. Neurologist Dr Ninad Shrikhande pointed out that the actual figure may be significantly higher due to underreporting, largely caused by a lack of awareness, limited healthcare accessibility, and financial constraints. Despite the challenges associated with a brain tumour diagnosis, experts conveyed a strong message of hope. Advancements in medical science, combined with increased awareness, are leading to better treatment outcomes and improved quality of life for many patients.
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First Post
14 hours ago
- First Post
World Brain Tumour Day: Can mobile phones and radiation cause brain tumours?
On World Brain Tumour Day, experts highlight the importance of early detection and awareness of brain tumour symptoms, causes, and myths. Brain tumours, whether benign or malignant, require timely diagnosis and treatment. Lifestyle factors, radiation exposure and mobile phone use remain under study while advances in surgery and therapy offer hope for effective management and recovery. read more Brain tumours remain one of the most complex and life-altering neurological conditions, yet public awareness about their early warning signs and risk factors is still limited. On World Brain Tumour Day, experts emphasise the urgent need to dispel myths, recognise subtle symptoms and promote timely diagnosis to improve outcomes. Dr Harisha P N, Senior Consultant of Neurosurgery at Manipal Hospitals (Yeshwanthpur) said that a brain tumour is essentially an abnormal growth of cells within or near the brain. 'Tumours can be either malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous) and may arise from different parts of the brain, its outer layers, or nearby structures such as the skull or nasal passages,' he says. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These tumours are generally triggered by DNA alterations that disrupt the balance of cell growth, causing unchecked cell division and eventually leading to mass formation. Primary brain tumours originate in the brain, while secondary or metastatic tumours spread from cancers elsewhere in the body. Early red flags to watch out for According to Dr Harisha, the symptoms of a brain tumour depend on its type, size and location, but some key warning signs shouldn't be ignored: *Persistent, worsening headaches, especially in the mornings or when moving *Unexplained seizures *Ongoing nausea or vomiting *Visual disturbances such as double or blurred vision *Hearing issues like ringing in the ears or hearing loss *Difficulty with balance or coordination *Fatigue, personality changes, speech difficulties, or numbness in parts of the body 'The location of the tumour can influence whether a person develops tingling, trouble swallowing or limb weakness,' he added. All tumours are not cancerous Not all brain tumours are life-threatening. 'Many are benign, such as meningiomas or pituitary tumours,' says Dr Harisha. 'That said, even benign tumours can cause serious symptoms due to pressure effects, so timely diagnosis is critical.' Can diet, radiation or mobile phones cause brain tumours? The role of lifestyle in brain tumour causation is still evolving. While a poor diet and obesity have long been linked with several types of cancer, some recent research suggests they might also be associated with brain tumours. 'Protective foods like green tea, vegetables and folate could lower the risk,' says Dr Harisha, though he emphasises that more robust studies are needed. Inflammation is another area of active research. 'Chronic inflammation from infections or genetic factors is increasingly being recognised in the development and recurrence of brain tumours,' he added. Ionising radiation such as that used in radiotherapy does increase the risk, but the exposure from routine diagnostic imaging (X-rays, CT scans) is considered minimal. MRI and ultrasound, which don't involve ionising radiation, are completely safe. The common concern about mobile phones causing brain tumours has yet to be proven. Dr Priyanka Kisan Pokhariyal, Consultant Physician (Internal Medicine) at Saifee Hospital (Mumbai) said that while mobile phones emit radiofrequency (RF) radiation, this type is non-ionising and not strong enough to directly damage DNA. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Some studies have explored a possible link between long-term mobile phone use and glioma, a rare brain cancer, but the evidence is inconclusive,' she says. 'Children may be more vulnerable due to thinner skulls and developing brains, so extra caution is advised.' She suggests simple precautions: 'Use speaker mode or earphones, avoid prolonged calls with the phone close to the head, and keep devices away from the body when not in use.' Treatment is possible and often successful 'Almost all brain tumours are treatable, and many are curable,' reassures Dr Harisha. 'Microneurosurgery remains the cornerstone, often complemented by radiation and chemotherapy.' Treatment may cause fatigue, headaches, balance issues or temporary cognitive effects. 'But with regular medical follow-ups, nutritional support and physiotherapy, recovery is often smooth and patients can regain good quality of life,' he says. In conclusion, experts agree that a proactive approach — recognising early signs, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, using technology mindfully and consulting specialists when needed — can make all the difference.
News18
19 hours ago
- News18
Understanding Brain Tumours: Expert Debunks 5 Common Myths
Misinformation about brain tumours can accelerate the stress and create panic among patients and their families. An expert busts some common myths and states the facts. Read on. Observed on June 8 every year, World Brain Tumour Day aims to raise awareness about brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumours – a serious health concern that has claimed countless lives. A brain tumour refers to the abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain, which can be either malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). According to a study published by the National Institute of Health, the cases of central nervous system (CNS) tumours in India range between 5 and 10 cases per 1,00,000 people, showing an increasing trend, and these numbers account for 2% of all malignancies. Misinformation about brain tumours can accelerate the stress and create panic among patients and their families. Fact: Dr Mahapatra explains that this can never be true because different people experience different symptoms, which vary based on the location of the tumour, its grade, and its size. Some people do not have any symptoms at all, while others notice significant symptoms that worsen over time and lead to diagnosis. Brain tumours are a growing health concern in India, but with early diagnosis and prompt medical intervention, they are often treatable. Each individual's experience with a brain tumour is different, making accurate information and awareness essential for effective care.a First Published: June 08, 2025, 13:27 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness Understanding Brain Tumours: Expert Debunks 5 Common Myths
