🧠 Brain Tumours: Signs, Myths, and Prevention

A brain tumour diagnosis often stirs fear, confusion, and numerous questions. But beyond the medical jargon lies a simpler truth: early detection, awareness, and healthy lifestyle choices can significantly impact the journey. This blog aims to demystify brain tumours, address common myths, explain the signs to watch out for, and highlight how lifestyle—including kidney health—can influence prevention and support.

🧩 What Is a Brain Tumour?

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within or around the brain. Tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Depending on their size and location, they can affect brain function, nerve control, and overall health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021), brain tumours account for approximately 2% of all cancers but can cause significant neurological disabilities depending on their grade and site.

🚨 Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Recognizing symptoms early can lead to quicker intervention and better outcomes. Key warning signs include:

• Persistent headaches, especially worse in the morning
• Unexplained nausea or vomiting
• Vision problems or double vision
• Seizures in adults with no history of epilepsy
• Personality or memory changes
• Trouble walking or clumsiness

A report in The Lancet Neurology (Jones et al., 2019) emphasizes that delayed recognition of these symptoms often leads to late-stage diagnoses, reducing treatment effectiveness.

Kidney Connection: Certain rare genetic disorders affecting both kidneys and the brain (e.g., Tuberous Sclerosis Complex) can lead to benign tumours in both organs. Regular screening for those with a family history is essential.

🔍 Myths vs. Facts

Myth 1: Brain tumours are always cancerous.

Fact: Many brain tumours are benign and can be treated successfully.

Myth 2: Mobile phones cause brain tumours.

Fact: Current research, including a large-scale study by the National Cancer Institute (NCI, 2020), found no consistent evidence linking mobile phone use with increased brain tumour risk.

Myth 3: Only older people get brain tumours.

Fact: Brain tumours can occur at any age, including in children.

🥗 The Role of Lifestyle in Prevention

While not all tumours can be prevented, lifestyle plays a significant role in reducing overall cancer risks.

💡Conclusion

Understanding brain tumours is the first step toward removing fear and misinformation. Early recognition of symptoms, a healthy lifestyle, and regular check-ups—especially for those with kidney disease or genetic predispositions—can offer a proactive path forward. While not every tumour can be prevented, awareness, nutrition, and self-care are powerful tools in staying ahead.

📚 References

1. WHO. (2021). Brain Tumour Facts. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
2. Jones et al. (2019). “Early detection and symptom assessment of brain tumours.” The Lancet Neurology. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(19)30280-6
3. National Cancer Institute. (2020). Cell Phone Use and Cancer Risk. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/radiation/cell-phones-fact-sheet
4. Sharma et al. (2021). “Dietary flavonoids and brain health.” Frontiers in Oncology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2021.765489
5. Creswell JD et al. (2016). “Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Health Benefits.” Psychosom Med. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4940234/