Brain Tumour World Day is observed annually on June 8th to promote the importance of being aware of brain tumours and the need for early identification, diagnosis and proper treatment. This event has been taking place all over the world since 2000 when it was created by the German Brain Tumour Association (Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe e.V.). It was done in order to help people affected by the disease as well as raise awareness of the condition. The disease may affect adults and children and cause disturbances in brain functioning depending on its location, size and type.
What Is a Brain Tumour?
A brain tumour represents the abnormal growth of cells or tissues in the brain or nearby structures such as meninges.
Brain tumours may be classified in different ways – they may be categorized depending on their origin and on whether they are benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Nevertheless, the word ‘benign’ does not always imply harmlessness as even a non-cancerous growth in the brain may compress or damage the healthy brain tissue due to the presence of the hard skull which contains a limited amount of space for the brain.
There are many factors that influence the consequences of the disease and these are,
- The location of the tumour
- The size of the growth
- The growth rate
- The type of the tumour
- The part of the brain involved
Depending on the above-listed factors, a brain tumour may affect movement, speech, vision, hearing, memory, balance and other neurological functions.
What Date Is World Brain Tumour Day?
World Brain Tumour Day takes place every year on June 8.
The day aims at increasing people’s knowledge about brain tumours and promoting awareness of their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment methods.
This information may be especially useful for patients and their families as symptoms differ greatly depending on tumour location.
At the same time, World Brain Tumour Day offers an occasion to pay attention to achievements in neuro-oncology and the importance of medical assistance.
History of World Brain Tumour Day
World Brain Tumour Day has been launched by the Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe e.V., that is the German Brain Tumour Association.
It has been established in 1998 in Leipzig, Germany.
Since then, the organization has offered help to people dealing with brain tumours through providing them with reliable medical information.
International World Brain Tumour Day has been celebrated since 2000.
Apart from its main activities – patient support, fundraising for research in the field of neuro-oncology, and specialized knowledge exchange, the organization supports its motto “Knowledge Creates Future”.
What Are the Warning Symptoms of a Brain Tumor?
Symptoms can vary greatly depending on the location of the tumor and other factors.
Some possible symptoms includes,
- Constant or intense headaches
- Morning headaches
- Headaches which wake a person up from sleep
- Seizures
- Trouble talking
- Impaired ability to think or remember
- Changes in behavior or personality
- Numbness or weakness or even paralysis on one side of the body
- Balance problems
- Dizziness
- Blurring of vision
- Trouble hearing
- Facial numbness
- Vomiting
- Difficulties with swallowing
- Confusion
- Lack of interest in usual activities
- Loss or change of the sense of smell
It is important to bear in mind that the above-listed symptoms are not proof of a brain tumor, as many of them can be caused by various other illnesses.
Still, constant or unusual or even worsened neurological symptoms should always be discussed with a doctor.
How Are Brain Tumors Diagnosed?
In case a person experiences neurological symptoms, the diagnosis process includes a discussion of a patient’s medical history and neurological examination.
Depending on symptoms, the doctors may require the patient to take imaging tests and other examinations.
Some of the methods used during diagnosing a brain tumor includes,
- Neurological examination
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Investigations (if necessary)
- Tissue biopsy (in some cases)
Early assessment helps doctors understand the cause of symptoms and select an effective treatment.
Are Brain Tumours Preventable?
While there is no absolute prevention of brain tumours due to many factors in the development of which people have limited knowledge or control, minimising exposure to some factors can reduce avoidable risks.
General preventive steps include,
- Minimise Exposure to Harmful Chemicals
- Minimise Exposure to Unnecessary Ionising Radiation
- Do Not Smoke
- Prevent Head Traumas
- Minimise Exposure to Environmental Hazards
Awareness and Early Detection of Brain Tumours
One of the main messages for the occasion of World Brain Tumour Day is awareness and not self-diagnosis.
Symptoms of brain tumours often overlap with those of many other conditions. Therefore, one isolated symptom cannot be enough evidence that a person has a tumour.
However, persistent, progressively worsening or severe symptoms should not be overlooked.
The medical examination will allow doctors to decide on further actions.
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