June 8 is celebrated as World Brain Tumour Day globally to spread awareness and educate people about this neurological condition. The initiative was first started by the German brain tumour association in the year 2000 and this year mark the 20 anniversary of this event. World Brain Tumour Day endeavours to honour all brain tumour patients and their families. According to reports the incidence of brain tumour in India ranges from 5-10 cases per 1,00,000 population, while the health burden due to this condition is steadily intensifying. Statistics also reveal that brain tumour is the tenth leading cause of morbidity in India. However, with recent developments in the field of neurosurgery, minimal invasive procedures have been emerging as one of the best methods of brain tumour treatment and majority of brain tumours can be treated successfully.

Brain tumours can be benign or cancerous, they may develop from neural elements within the brain or metastasis of distant cancer cells originated from another organ of the system. About 40% of all types of cancer spread eventually to the brain. While brain tumours are the second leading cause of cancer in children.

A brain tumour can be low or high grade and most of the brain tumour initially develop with nonspecific complaints, hence early diagnosis may help the patient in better management of the condition in the starting stage of the disease. around

Also Read: World Brain Tumour Day 2020: Understand The Risk Factors

Irrespective of what type, how fast they spread or where they originate, brain tumour affects people of all ages and require prompt medical treatment. Thus, it is imperative to know the facts about brain tumours and your risk for developing them, which can be a key factor for early diagnosis and successful treatment.

Myth 1: Brain tumours are mostly caused by cell phones or microwave

Fact:

No, as per studies the radiofrequency radiation (RFR) of the gadgets affect the skin before reaching the brain. Furthermore, the skull is made of calcium, which is one of the best absorbers of radiation that protects the brain from RFR. Although, medical experts advise both adults and children to limit cell phone usage for a longer period.

Myth 2: Aspartame and artificial sweeteners can cause brain tumours.

Fact:

According to the U.S Food and Drug Administration, artificial sweetener aspartame has been studied extensively over the years and evidence supports its safety and usage within recommended limits. However, certain processed foods and additives have shown to contribute to some type of cancer.

Myth 3: Brain tumours are common in children.

Fact:

Brain tumour affects all age groups, although, brain tumours are one of the leading types of malignancy, followed by leukaemia in children. As per statistics brain and central nervous system tumours are the leading cause of mortality in children under age 14.

Myth 4: Brain tumours are fatal

Fact:

Brain tumours both malignant and benign can be deadly, but prompt diagnosis and treatment may prevent distressing effects of brain tumours and may prolong life expectancy. Some of the effective treatment modes include surgery to remove the tumour, radiation therapy to shrink the tissues and chemotherapy and immunotherapy drugs to kill cancer cells.

Myth 5: All brain tumours are the same.

Fact:

No, there are more than 120 types of brain tumours, which are categorised based on the size, location, origin and grade of tumours.

Myth 6: Brain tumours are caused by genetics

Fact:

The fact is mutations inherited from parents can be the cause of about 5-10% of tumours, however, 90-95% of cancers are caused by alterations that occur in their genes during a person's life span.