World Brain Tumor Day, observed on June 8th, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about brain tumors and the impact they have on individuals and families affected by this disease.
A brain tumor transpires when cells grow at an abnormal rate to form a mass of abnormal cells within the brain. There are two main types of tumors appellate as cancerous (malignant) tumors and benign (non-cancerous) tumors.
World Brain Tumor Day day purpose is to raise awareness about brain tumors. Brian Tumor Day is observed to pay acknowledgment to brain tumor patients and their families, caregivers, scientists, and health professionals.
World Brain Tumor Day was first witnessed by the Leipzig-based non-profit organization Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe or German Brain Tumor Association in the year 2000. The day was announced as an international event to pay tribute to brain tumor patients across the world and their loved ones.
The goal of the German Brain Tumor Association is to find a cure for tumors of the brain. The association maintenances science and research especially in the field of neuro-oncology and aims to simplify the international transfer of knowledge.
The organization proclaimed 8 June as World Brian Tumour Day in 2000 as an international commemoration day to spread awareness about brain tumors.
Brain tumors are a leading cause of cancer-related death in children and adults. Symptoms of brain tumors can include headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and changes in vision or speech.
Children and young people who accept radiation around the skull are exceedingly vulnerable to the growth of tumors in the brain. Moreover, people with a definite kind of rare genetic condition like neurofibromatosis may develop a brain tumor. Age is also an imperative and corresponding factor as people aged over 65 years are diagnosed with brain tumors at quadruple times higher than children and younger people.
Symptoms of the brain tumor
The symptoms of the brain tumor are dependent on various factors such as the size, type as well as exact location of the tumor.
These symptoms start appearing when any tumor is pushed or contravened against a nerve or interrupts a part of the brain. When any tumor particle blocks the fluid flowing around the brain or when there is swelling in the brain owing to the build-up of fluid.
Collective symptoms comprise headaches that get worse in the morning, nausea along with vomiting, an alteration in speech, and hearing, imbalances in walking and movement, mood swings, changes in personality, and aptitude to concentrate or remember things.
A neurologist reported,
“Surgery is normally the most usual treatment for brain tumors, and the patient is given anesthesia, and the scalp is shaved before the surgery. Then, a craniotomy is performed to open the skull, and the surgeon removes a bone piece from the skull. Then the tumor is removed as much as possible. The bone is then restored, and the incision on the scalp is closed. Sometimes surgery is not viable in case the tumor has developed in the brain stem or some other complex parts.”
On World Brain Tumor Day, organizations and individuals around the world come together to raise awareness about brain tumors and the need for increased funding for research and treatment.
This includes events such as walks, runs, and other fundraisers, as well as educational campaigns to inform the public about the signs and symptoms of brain tumors.
Neurosurgeons can surgically eradicate some tumors. If the tumor is near sensitive areas of the brain, neurosurgeons will only be able to remove it partially. Even partial removals can relieve symptoms and facilitate or increase the effectiveness of other treatments.
The end note for world tumor day
It’s important for everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of brain tumors and to be informed about the latest research and treatment options.
By raising awareness on World Brain Tumor Day, we can help to increase funding for research and improve the lives of those affected by this disease.
As a community, we should come forward and support the cause and raise awareness. We can do this by participating in events, donating to research organizations, and sharing information about brain tumors with friends and family. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against brain tumors.
