Common Myths and Facts on Brain Tumours

A brain tumour is essentially an abnormal growth of tissue within the brain or in the central spine, this can disrupt and disturb proper brain function. The two predominant types of tumours are, malignant and benign(non-malignant) tumours. Benign tumours are non-cancerous whereas malignant primary brain tumours are cancerous, you should know that less than a third of all brain tumours are cancerous, however, this can occur at any age. The overall incidence of this neurological disorder in India is between five to ten cases per 100,000 people, but ask the best cancer doctors in Delhi and they will tell you there is an increase in incidence. Twenty percent of all brain tumour cases are seen in children and increasing awareness and busting myths can lead to earlier diagnosis and timely treatment.

Symptoms of Brain tumour

The common symptoms that may be caused by brain tumours (malignant or non-malignant) are  headaches especially early morning ones that may come with nausea and vomiting. General behavioural and cognitive changes, dizziness, speech and hearing impairment, seizures and paralysis are also symptoms of brain tumours.

Myths and facts of Brain tumour

Brain tumour treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach for treatment and recovery but many misconceptions still remain around  brain tumours. We’ll lay out

Some common myths and debunk them with facts on brain tumours:

Myth 1:  Brain tumours mean cancer.

•     Fact: Only a third of all brain tumours are cancerous and the non-cancerous tumours can be cured through treatment.

Myth 2: Brain tumours happen in the brain, right?

• Fact: Brain tumours occur in the brain, but can also be a result of metastasis of cancer from other parts of the body. The former are called called primary tumours whereas the latter are called secondary tumours which are more frequent than the primary tumours.

Myth 3: Brain cancer won’t happen to young people.

• Fact: Brain tumours have been found to happen at any age; even newborns have been found with brain tumours. Brain tumour is the second most common cancer among children in India.

Myth 4: Brain tumours runs in families.

• FACT : There is still no concrete evidence to suggest this, it’s in fact an older theory which is still unconvincing.

Myth 5: The use of cellphones can cause brain tumours.

• Fact : Again, no research has suggested that phones causes brain tumours but of course, long exposure to radiation might well have severe negative impact on health and should not be taken lightly.

Myth 6: Brain Cancer is common.

• Fact: The chances of a persondeveloping a malignant tumour in the brain is less than 1%.

Myth 7: Changes to lifestyle can prevent tumours.

• Fact:Lifestyle choices do not cause brain tumours and that’s why lifestyle modifications may not really prove helpful in preventing brain tumours. This doesn’t mean making healthy lifestyle choices won’t benefit your overall health; it most definitely will.  Regular exercise, a nutritious and balanced diet, staying away from tobacco and alcohol is always a good thing for health.

At Oncoplus Cancer Hospital, our committed team of neurosurgeons, medical oncologists, paediatric oncologists and radiation oncologists specialise in Neurooncolgy to diagnose and treat brain tumours. We are one of the best cancer hospitals in Delhi and use latest in class technology which enables our leading cancer specialists to achieve the highest success and safest resection of all tumours, with the use of novel operative advances with navigation, awake surgery techniques, neurophysiology monitoring with MEP and SSEP.