World Brain Tumor Day on June 8 is dedicated to promoting consciousness about brain tumours. A brain tumour develops when brain cells proliferate improperly and uncontrollably. 

Depending on their location and grading, they might be malignant or non-cancerous. The grading is based on how quickly cells grow and spread to neighbouring areas.

Every year, about 28,000 instances of brain tumour are recorded in India, according to the International Association of Cancer Registries (IARC). Around 24,000 people die as a result of the disease.

History

Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe established World Brain Tumor Day in the year 2000 as an international memorial day. The German Brain Tumor Association was created in 1998 and currently has 500 members from 14 different countries.

This date was chosen because it marks the 50th anniversary of Professor Martin Lewis diagnosis of the first human instance of a brain tumour at University College London in 1952. Over 191,000 people are thought to be living with a brain tumour right now, and the number is growing every year. 

What exactly is a brain tumour?

Tumours are lumps or growth of cells that are aberrant in some way.

Benign and malignant tumours are the two most common types. The tumour is benign if the cells inside it are normal (it means something wrong happened and the cells overgrew and produced a lump). If the cells become aberrant and expand out of control, they are cancerous, and the tumour is malignant. When abnormal cells form in any section of the brain, it results in a brain tumour. 

What signs and symptoms do you have if you have a brain tumour?

If you’re concerned about a friend or family member who may have a brain tumour, here are some of the most frequent signs and symptoms:

1. Symptoms may appear subtly at first and gradually worsen over time.

2. Memory and concentration problems, as well as problems with coordination, balance, and fine motor skills, are common in people with brain tumours.

3. Some people with brain tumours may experience mood swings, such as depression or restlessness.

4. Many people with brain tumours also experience vision and hearing problems.

5. If you start noticing any of these illnesses in a cherished one, have them checked as soon as possible. Although there isn’t always a cure for brain tumours, getting them diagnosed and treated early gives you the best chance of a favourable outcome.