World Brain Tumor Day: All you need to know.

24 years ago, was the first time when World Brain Tumor Day was observed on June 8th, 2000. The event was started by the German Brain Tumour Association (NPO Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe e.V). The main reason for the day is to spread awareness about the disease and pay an ode to patients suffering from brain tumors. 

IMPORTANCE OF THIS DAY

It is very crucial to educate people about the disease, spread awareness, and try to get an early diagnosis for a timely treatment. 

THEME: Brain Health and Prevention

According to this theme, highlighting factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, and exposure to heavy chemical substances can lead to or increase the risk of this day. 

BRAIN TUMOR?

It is when there is growth of cells in and around the brain. The other areas besides the brain can include- the pituitary gland, brain membrane, or the pineal gland. The growth of these unwanted cells can spread over to other parts of the body with time. 

These cell growths become an issue when there is DNA in them. The reason for the change is not known yet. It can be genetic and transferred by blood relations.

There are two types of brain tumors, namely Benign brain tumors and Malignant brain tumors.

BENIGN BRAIN TUMORS

This is a non-cancerous brain tumor. Benign affects the brain and presses down on the brain muscles only. 

MALIGNANT BRAIN TUMOR

Malignant is a cancerous brain tumor. These cells develop at a higher rate and the cancer gets in and destroys the brain cells. 

Depending on the tumor’s location, and the shape of the growth, brain tumors can be diagnosed in other forms. The treatment of the tumor depends on this diagnosis. 

SYMPTOMS

All signs can be seen depending on the Tumor Grade. Which is based on the location, speed of growth, and the size of the tumor. 

Some very common and basic co-relation of the tumor’s location are-

TUMOR IN FRONT OF THE BRAIN

The front of the brain acts as the control room to think and manage bodily movements. 

If there is a growth here, one might notice memory loss issues, changes in behavior, and a loss of interest in daily activities. These symptoms are better recognised by the people around the affected. 

TUMOR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BRAIN

Here the accumulation and breakdown of the information by the 5 senses, like hearing, smell, vision, taste, and touch. Issues with them signify a possibility of a tumor. A few examples can be, loss of vision, and reduced hearing strength. 

TUMOR IN THE BACK OF THE BRAIN

The major task managed here is vision. Loss of vision is the biggest giveaway of tumors here. 

TUMOR IN THE LOWER PART OF THE BRAIN

This region stores the memories and knowledge of sense. Breaks in memory of known things or forgetting the sense, or the sudden feeling of unpleasant smell, or taste can also be a sign.

PREVENTION

There is no set reason for brain tumors to occur. Hence, it is less of prevention and more of trying to manage the illness. This can be done when you have knowledge of brain tumors as an inherited disease or you have identified some symptoms. For the same, one must get in touch with a doctor as soon as possible. 

TREATMENT

It depends on the size, location, and the age of the patient. A tumor can be removed or there can be therapies that can be given to the patient. The procedure for the same is to be done under the guidance of a doctor. 

CONCLUSION

The brain tumor is a disease that takes a toll on humankind. It affects patients and the people who are around them. As a community, we can bring a smile to the faces of the people who are affected by the disease. Curing it is in the hands of scientists and doctors, but it’s in our hands to cheer them up, brighten their day, and make their eyes glitter with hope. So, this day is to acknowledge the strong souls out there and play our part in making their day.