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March is Brain Tumour Awareness Month. The focus of this month is to raise awareness about brain tumours, support affected individuals, and encourage research into better, more innovative treatments and support systems. It’s an incredibly important month in the brain tumour awareness space, as early detection and quick access to treatments can make a vital difference in ensuring a positive outcome.
In the spirit of Brain Tumour Awareness Month, we’ve compiled a list of the key signs and symptoms you should be aware of, as well as ways you can show your support this March.
Firstly, What Is A Brain Tumour?
A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells or a mass in or around the brain. Brain tumours can be categorised into either cancerous or non-cancerous. They can also be primary or secondary. Primary tumours originate in the brain, and secondary brain tumours spread from another part of the body to the brain.
While research into brain tumours is constant and changing, the main cause of brain tumours is cells in or near the brain having a change in their DNA, which can lead to uncontrolled growth.
What Are Some Of The Symptoms I Should Be Aware Of?
As with any cancer, brain tumour symptoms present differently for everyone. If you’re concerned about your or a loved one’s health, it’s always best to seek diagnosis and treatment from a medical professional as soon as possible. Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have a brain tumour, but it’s always important to remain vigilant, especially when it comes to your health.
These are some of the key signs and symptoms you should be on the lookout for if you’re concerned about a brain tumour.
- Headaches: This is one of the most common signs of a brain tumour. Of course, having a headache doesn’t automatically mean you have a tumour, and headaches associated with this disease are often persistent and may worsen in the morning.
- Seizures: These can be a new symptom (i.e. you’ve never had a seizure before, and suddenly you are), or they could get worse if you suffer from seizures already.
- Nausea & Vomiting: Whilst it may not seem related, increased pressure in the skull can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like persistent nausea and/or vomiting
- Drowsiness & Fatigue: This is a common symptom of a range of different cancers, but feeling unusually sleepy, very tired or having an extreme lack of energy are all symptoms of a possible brain tumour.
- Vision Changes: You may experience blurry or double vision if you have a tumour. You may also experience a complete loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Problems With Speech: Slurred speech, as well as difficulty speaking, understanding or finding the right words, can all be a symptom of brain tumours.
- Weakness & Numbness: You may experience weakness or numbness on one side of the body or in your arms and legs.
- Balance Problems: Brain tumours may cause you to have issues with balance and coordination including a lack of balance.
- Personality Changes: Potentially a lesser-known symptom of a brain tumour, drastic changes in mood, behaviour or personality can all be signs of something more insidious happening in your body.
- Memory Loss: Finding it difficult to recall memories or to learn new things can also be a symptom of a potential brain tumour.
- Confusion: Confusion is a major symptom of a brain tumour, especially in its later stages. You may have difficulty thinking clearly or following seemingly simple instructions.
Whilst all these are common symptoms of a brain tumour, they can also be symptoms of other illnesses. If you’ve been experiencing one or multiple of these symptoms for an extended period of time, it’s important to book an appointment with your GP to discuss.
What Are The Treatment Options For Brain Tumours?
Early detection is key when it comes to the best outcomes for brain tumours, but there are still treatment options throughout all different stages of diagnosis. Treatment options depend on the placement, the size, the grade and the type of brain tumour, but it may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or targeted therapy.
If you are currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumour, it may be worth looking into integrated treatment options to help improve your immune system. A popular integrated therapy is high-dose vitamin C IV therapy, which works alongside traditional treatment options to boost your immunity and help you recover from things like chemotherapy.
Show Your Support This Brain Tumour Awareness Month
There are a few different things you can do to show your support this month. This includes spreading the word, donating to charities that support research, attending fundraisers and wearing grey (the internationally recognised colour for brain tumours).
Whether you have experienced a brain tumour yourself, have a loved one with the condition, or just want to show your support, talking to people and encouraging regular check-ups with GPs is critical this month.
