International Brain Tumours Awareness Week

In this blog, Faiza, one of our editorial assistants, focuses on the risk factors and possible causes of brain tumours, the symptoms that people generally experience, where to get more information and support, and more about what you can do for International Brain Tumours Awareness Week.

This week is International Brain Tumours Awareness Week, which is dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of brain tumours. I worked on a brain tumours research project when I was at university and it is a topic that has always been important to me. So this week is a perfect time to revisit and raise awareness of this particular type of cancer.

What are brain tumours?
In the UK, around 9,200 people are year are diagnosed with primary brain or central nervous system (CNS) tumours. These are tumours that start in the brain or the CNS. They can be either benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

People can also be affected by secondary brain tumours. This is when cancer cells spread to the brain from another part of the body. When these cells reach the brain or CNS, they can grow and form a secondary tumour.

Risk factors and possible causes
We don’t really know yet what causes a primary brain tumour to develop, although research is ongoing. However, the following risk factors may increase the chances of developing a brain tumour:

• Age
  The risk of getting a brain tumour increases as you get older. However, there are some types of brain tumours that are more common in younger adults.
  
  
• Gender
  Brain tumours are slightly more common in men than in women.
  
  
• Genetic conditions
  A small number of brain tumours happen in people who have certain genetic conditions, and some people with certain genetic conditions also have a higher risk. However, brain tumours are not hereditary and aren’t caused by a faulty gene that can be passed on to family members.
  
  
• Previous radiotherapy treatment
  People who had radiotherapy to the head as children have a slightly higher risk of developing a brain tumour later in life.
  
  
• Other unproven causes
  Mobile phones, power lines and certain viruses, have all been suggested as possible causes of brain tumours. A lot of research has investigated these as possible causes, especially mobile phones. But no strong evidence has been found linking any of them to brain tumours.

What are the symptoms of brain tumours?
Symptoms can depend on where the tumour is in the brain. Both primary and secondary brain tumours tend to cause the same symptoms. They can include:

• headaches
• feeling or being sick
• seizures (fits)
• changes in personality or being confused
• numbness or weakness on one side of the body.

Where can I get further information and support?
You can read more about primary brain tumours in our booklet Understanding brain tumours. We also have more information, including information about secondary brain cancer, on our website.

You can call our cancer support specialists on 0808 808 00 00, or you can visit our online community to talk to people affected by brain tumours.

There are also other organisations that can provide information and support to people affected by brain tumours:

• The Brain Tumour Charity
• Brain Tumour Action
• Brain and Spine Foundation

What can I do for International Brain Tumours Awareness Week?
The 10th International Brain Tumour Awareness Week is organised by the International Brain Tumours Alliance and encourages everyone to organise or take part in activities that will help to raise awareness around brain tumours, such as the 2016 Walk Around the World for Brain Tumours. If you’d like to take part or want to find out more, you can visit their website. 

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