Every year on June 8th, the world healthcare community observes World Brain Tumour Day to raise public awareness of brain tumors. This year’s health awareness day events are planned in cooperation with several national, regional, and local government agencies.
The main goals of World Brain Tumour Day activities are to raise public awareness of brain tumors’ significance, early detection, and preventative measures.
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What is Brain Tumor?
A brain tumour is classified as an abnormal growth of the tissue in the brain or its surrounding layer known as the meninges with the potential of interfering with significant brain functionality.
There are two systems with which tumors are categorized; ubiquitous and malignancy Tumours are classified depending on the kind of tissue or organ from which the tumor cells originated and whether they are malignant or benign.
Every type of brain tumor may affect the areas of normal brain tissue at some time if the tumor is untreated; this could be incapacitating and potentially lethal.
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The Importance of World Brain Tumour Day
The disease known as a brain tumor is one of the most vital and threatening diseases that affect both sexes and all age groups. More than half of all primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors that occur in the brain are responsible for all of the brain tumors.
In 2020, the estimate of new primary brain or spinal cord tumor cases expected in the world was 3,08,102. According to the statistics provided in 2010, the age-standardized incidence rates per 100000 people of primary malignant brain tumors globally are 3.
The highest rates of suicide were recorded among men at 70 for every 100,000 males and 2. an overall incidence rate of 60 per 100,000 women per year with age-standardization.
Based on the above-said statistics, one cannot but agree that increasing awareness in the public is critical in dealing with the burden of brain tumors.
World Brain Tumour Day also plays a role in giving society a chance to make people aware of brain tumors and their early detection, their diagnosing methodologies, and the novel therapeutic procedures, so that the patient and their caretakers can make informed choices.
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World Brain Tumor Day Theme
The theme for World Brain Tumor Day 2024 has not yet been announced.
However, in 2023, the international theme of World Brain Tumour Day was stated as “Protect yourself – keep away from stress”. The theme focuses on the call to enhance stress control strategies as potential ways of reducing cases of brain tumors.
More importantly, stress causes activation of the sympathetic nervous system and neuroendocrine system. According to the literature review, stress hormones have produced in tumor progression & progress in several ways.
Furthermore, the immune system’s surveillance function weakens when stressed continuously and may contribute to the arising of tumors.
Thus, since stress can act as a causal agent for brain tumors, one can opt for a lifestyle change aimed at stress management that not restricted to performing yogic asanas, meditation, exercise, etc., which may help control stress and in turn may assist in avoiding the formation of a brain tumor.
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Warning Symptoms of Brain Tumor
The initial symptoms not restricted to the following, they vary according to the location of the tumor.
- Headaches (Severe in the morning / Awaken the patient at night)
- Seizure
- Speaking, Thinking Difficulty
- Changes in behavior
- Paralysis (Paralysis in one part or one side of the body)
- Loss of balance or dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Loss of hearing
- Facial numbness
- Vomiting, swallowing difficulties
- Confused Mindset
- Lack of interest
- Loss of smell
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Measure to Prevent the Risk of Brain Tumors
By doing the following, one can lower their risk of having brain tumors:
- Limiting one’s exposure to substances that can cause cancer, such as benzene, radon, vinyl chloride, nickel, and cadmium.
- Minimizing contact with allergies, viruses, and diseases.
- Choosing not to smoke.
- reducing needless exposure to radiation that causes ionization.
- Implementing safety precautions to avoid brain trauma.
- Engaging in stress-relieving activities like yoga, frequent exercise, etc.
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FAQs
- What is World Brain Tumor Day?
To increase public awareness of brain tumors, their relevance, and the value of early identification and preventative actions, World Brain Tumor Day marked on June 8th each year.
- When is the celebration of World Brain Tumor Day?
Every year on June 8th, people celebrate World Brain Tumor Day.
- What were the statistics for brain tumors in 2020?
In 2020, there were an estimated 308,102 new cases of primary brain or spinal cord tumors worldwide.
- Are all brain tumors cancerous?
No, brain tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Both types can impact brain function if untreated.
- Can lifestyle changes help in preventing brain tumors?
Yes, lifestyle changes such as stress management through yoga, meditation, and regular exercise can help in reducing the risk of brain tumors.
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Way Forward
However, Every year on June 8th, World Brain Tumor Day catalyzes educating the public about the importance of brain tumors, early identification, and preventive measures.
It is imperative to educate the public on identifying symptoms and adopting healthier lifestyles to avoid risks, given the crucial impact that brain tumors have on people of all ages and the worrisome data on incidence rates.
Informed decision-making and preventive health measures promoted World Brain Tumor Day, enabling people and communities to make a positive impact in the worldwide battle against brain tumors.