Latest news with #AnuragSaxena
India Today
21 hours ago
- Health
- India Today
Don't miss the signs: Doctors warn of brain tumor surge among children
A growing number of children and young adults are being diagnosed with brain tumors, a condition once thought to largely affect the recent years, doctors across India are witnessing a disturbing trend: more cases of brain tumors being detected among children and individuals in their 20s and 30s, many of which are being diagnosed too late for optimal most cases cannot be pinpointed, doctors say increasing awareness, timely medical intervention, and parental vigilance can reduce this alarming trend. "Although brain tumors are more common in adults, even younger kids can be affected by this condition. According to the National Brain Tumor Society, approximately 5.7% of all primary brain tumors occur in children and adolescents aged 0-19 years. These tumors may be benign or malignant, but either way, timely medical care is vital," says Dr. Anurag Saxena, neurosurgeon at Manipal symptoms of brain tumors in children can often mimic more common conditions, leading to delays in Saxena explains that in infants, abnormal skull growth may be an early sign, while older children may show symptoms like seizures, excessive crying, unresponsiveness, or vision teenagers, persistent headaches, dizziness, vomiting, or coordination problems can indicate the presence of a diagnosis is especially critical in children, as their developing brains are more vulnerable to damage. Diagnostic imaging such as MRI or CT scans remains the cornerstone of identifying these tumors.'Sometimes, benign tumors can be removed completely through surgery. But to avoid long-term damage, it's essential to catch these conditions early,' added Dr. pattern is not restricted to children alone. An increasing number of young adults, especially those aged 20 to 40, are also being diagnosed with brain tumors, a shift that medical experts are calling "alarming.""Brain tumors have historically been viewed as a problem primarily affecting older adults,' says Dr. Varindera Paul Singh, neurosurgeon at Medanta. 'However, data and clinical evidence now indicate an alarming increase in brain tumors among individuals aged 20 to 40. This shift calls for a renewed approach to brain health awareness within the younger population.'Dr. Singh points out that while improved imaging technologies like MRI have led to better detection rates, they alone cannot explain the rising factors, lifestyle-related stress, and genetic predispositions are also believed to contribute, although more research is needed to confirm this.A key challenge, he says, is that symptoms in younger adults, such as fatigue, nausea, or mild behavioural changes, are often brushed off as stress or these changes are often subtle, many young patients ignore their symptoms altogether, allowing tumors to grow unnoticed. It is crucial to educate both the public and primary care providers that brain tumors can occur at any age," says Dr. children, too, the signs can be subtle, but should never be overlooked. Dr. Shiji Chalipat, pediatric neurologist at Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, highlights that immediate medical attention can be lifesaving.'Parents need to be proactive when it comes to their child's health. Just like adults, brain tumors are a common occurrence in children. Unfortunately, these tumors are linked to high morbidity and mortality, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial for improving quality of life," she Chalipat has outlined several red flags for parents to look out for:advertisementVomiting and Headaches: Persistent vomiting, especially in the morning or when coupled with headaches, could signal increased pressure inside the Impairments: Difficulty with vision, hearing, or speech may indicate tumor growth depending on its and Coordination Issues: Tumors affecting the brainstem may result in imbalance or trouble Changes: Sudden mood swings, irritability, or withdrawal should not be dismissed as mere Especially if they are new or unexplained, seizures are a strong warning sign and require urgent plans often include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation depending on the tumor's size, location, and type.'Parents play a critical role in recognising and responding to these warning signs,' advises Dr. Chalipat. 'With prompt action, we can ensure children receive the right medical and surgical care, and the best possible chance at recovery.'The growing prevalence of brain tumors in both children and young adults is a sobering reminder of the need to stay vigilant. Whether it's a toddler showing signs of imbalance or a young professional battling persistent headaches, the message from doctors is clear: don't ignore the diagnosis can be the difference between life and death or between lasting damage and full Reel
The Hindu
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
CPI(M) condemns eviction notices to slum dwellers
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Wednesday claimed that notices are being issued for demolition of slums and informal settlements across Delhi without providing proper rehabilitation. CPI(M) Delhi secretary Anurag Saxena said that the National Green Tribunal's 2019 order to clear unauthorised structures across the Yamuna floodplain or drains in the Capital has been exploited by the BJP-led Central government to displace working-class bastis — treating long-standing communities as 'encroachments' and triggering large-scale evictions without proper rehabilitation. 'Under the guise of 'riverfront revitalisation' and 'beautification drives', land is being cleared for entertainment complexes and commercial developments that serve corporate interests, not public welfare. CPI(M) condemns this grotesque inversion of environmentalism, where the rights of the working class are sacrificed to fuel real estate profits,' Mr. Saxena said, adding that two slums in south-east Delhi's Taimur Nagar and at Bela Road have been demolished in the last one month. He said that evicting these families without any proper rehabilitation measures is inhumane and a violation of their constitutional rights. Regarding Madrasi Camp in south Delhi, Mr. Saxena said that the party strongly opposes any demolition, forced eviction or relocation to Narela, which lies nearly 50 km away from their current settlement. 'Such a move would severely disrupt their livelihoods, cut off access to essential services like schools and healthcare, and push families further into economic hardship,' he said. The residents of Madrasi Camp have been opposing eviction notices issued to them and they do not want to shift to Narela, where they have been offered alternative flats. 'Immediate halt to all evictions and demolitions until every resident's appeal is fairly heard and resolved. Rehabilitation in-situ, or within a 5 km radius, per the 'Jahan Jhuggi, Wahaan Makaan' promise and government policies, to ensure continued access to livelihoods, education, essential services and community. Construction of flats on nearby vacant DDA land should be undertaken, if no appropriate housing is available, to comply with protocols and legal obligation,' the CPI(M) said in a statement.
