Brain cancer is a public issue worldwide, causing severe economic and social burdens, impacting quality of life, and often resulting in high mortality rates if not caught and treated early.
Whether you or a loved one has had experience with brain tumors, learning more about brain cancer awareness will help you detect symptoms in yourself and others quickly and find the support you need.
Read on to learn five essential facts about brain cancer awareness and where you can turn to for support.
1. May Is Brain Tumor Awareness Month
May is brain tumor awareness month and a fantastic way to learn more about brain cancer.
Approximately 25,000 people each year are diagnosed with a primary brain tumor that begins in the brain or spinal cord. Despite these high numbers, primary brain tumors are rare, making it difficult to find the support and information you need.
Brain Tumor Awareness Month aims to raise awareness and support cancer research. You're also encouraged to share the information you've learned about brain tumors with other people.
The best part about Brain Tumor Awareness Month is the amount of activities you can get involved in. For example, you'll be able to learn helpful brain tumor facts, particpate in events such as the Path of Hope 5K and participate in cancer support activities in your area. In addition, you'll be able to read stories from patients and caregivers to gain first-hand knowledge and learn about brain cancer statistics worldwide.
All in all, this month is a great way to share knowledge and keep hope alive for people struggling.
2. Not All Brain Tumors Begin in the Brain
While it might seem like most brain tumors originate in the brain, this isn't often the case.
Primary brain tumors start growing in the brain first and don't initially appear in other parts of the body. Sometimes primary brain tumors can break away from the original site and spread to other areas of the brain, but this isn't common.
Primary brain tumors occur when brain cells begin to divide uncontrollably, ultimately forming a tumor in the brain. It's essential to understand that not all primary brain tumors are cancerous, although they can still be disabling and life-threatening if left untreated. For example, meningiomas are common primary brain tumors that grow slowly, often in the outer layer of the brain.
Secondary brain tumors are from cancers that spread from other parts of the body, also known as brain metastasis. These cancers typically break off and begin moving through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.
Cancers that most often spread to the brain include lung, breast, kidney, melanoma, and bowel cancer.
3. Brain Cancer Can Affect Any Age Group
It's important to realize that brain cancer isn't something that only impacts adults. The reality is that brain cancer most commonly occurs in children under 15 and adults over 65. Brain cancer is most common in white people, and genetics do play a role.
Certain hereditary conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) increase the lifetime risk of cancer for both children and adults, including cancers of the head and neck, and blood cancers like leukemia.
Also, if you've been exposed to high levels of radiation in the head area, like having treatments for other cancers, you're at more risk for developing brain cancer. Scientists are constantly studying other possible risk factors for brain cancer, like chemical exposure, so new information is always available.
4. There Are Over 120 Types of Brain Tumors
Most people don't realize how many types of brain tumors there actually are. In fact, there are over 120 different types of brain tumors, lesions, and cysts you can get. However, certain types of brain cancer are much more common, and you've likely read about them at some point during your life.
Gliomas are one of the most common types of brain tumors that originate in the brain, making up 33% of all brain tumors. Gliomas are known as intraaxial brain tumors since they grow in parts of the brain that mix with normal brain tissue.
Astrocytomas are a type of glioma that can develop in children or adults and are the most malignant type of brain tumor.
Schwannomas, or acoustic neuromas, are slow-growing tumors that form around the cranial nerves, causing weakness, numbness, and a visible lump under the skin. While most are benign, some neuromas can be cancerous.
5. Early Detection of Brain Cancer Symptoms Is Key
Understanding the different types of symptoms you can experience is essential since it leads to early diagnosis and treatment.
Unfortunately, some brain cancers don't show any symptoms right away, or display symptoms you can easily attribute to less serious conditions, like headaches. In addition, many symptoms depend on the size and location of the tumor. Once you learn more about the symptoms, you'll be able to determine if they're something you should follow up with your doctor about.
First, persistent headaches are one of the most complicated symptoms simply because they're so common. The good news is that in most cases, persistent headache causes are not serious.
If you get headaches on occasion, it's most likely not caused by a brain tumor. However, if you have daily headaches, you should speak to your doctor. You'll need to have a physical exam to discuss the headache symptoms you're experiencing. Your doctor may then decide to order other tests like a CT or MRI.
Other common brain cancer symptoms to be aware of include:
- Weakness in arms or legs
- Loss of balance
- Mood changes
- Major personality changes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Irritability
- Cognitive issues like trouble thinking and remembering
In addition, you might see children with brain tumors have trouble growing and reaching milestones.
Continue to Increase Your Brain Tumor Awareness
Remember, brain tumor awareness never stops, and you'll need to continue on this educational journey to raise brain health awareness for yourself, your family, and your friends.
It's time to reach out to the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance (CTBTA) for more information and ongoing support. CTBTA is a 501(c) non-profit organization founded in 2006 by two women whose lives were changed by a brain tumor diagnosis. From there, we've made it our mission to support brain tumor patients and their families by increasing brain tumor awareness and research.
Make sure to visit us online today and take a look at our resources to find support, clinical trial information, and much more!
Disclaimer
All content and information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and nothing herein shall be construed as medical advice. Always consult your medical provider for your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any medical decisions.