Brain Cancer Awareness
Brain Cancer is often diagnosed in later stages, which is why Comprehensive Cancer Centers is proud to support Brain Cancer Awareness Month.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 25,000 people in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with brain cancer or other nervous system cancers in 2022. The National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program calculates that in the year approximately 18,600 people in the U.S. will have died from brain and other nervous system cancers.
There are numerous types of brain and spinal cord tumors, with tumors formed by the abnormal growth of cells. Tumors can be either benign or malignant. Brain and spinal cord tumors grow and press on nearby areas in the brain and can recur even after successful treatment. Malignant brain and spinal cord tumors are especially of concern, as they are likely to grow quickly and can spread into other brain tissue.
When tumors grow into, or presses on, the brain they may stop that part of the brain its touching from functioning properly. Benign and malignant brain tumors each produce signs and symptoms and require treatment.
Tumors that start in the brain are called primary brain tumors and may spread to other parts of the brain or even to the spine. These tumors also rarely spread to other parts of the body. In many cases, cancer started elsewhere in the body and spread to one or more parts of the brain. These cases are referred to as metastatic brain tumors. These tumors are far more common than primary brain tumors and half of them begin from cases of lung cancer. This demonstrates the unfortunate interconnectivity of certain cancers.
Tangential to Brain Cancer Awareness Month, May also is Brain Tumor Awareness Month. The month looks to connect brain tumor awareness and education to those with a brain tumor, and those who may have them, but might be missing important signs and symptoms.
Brain Tumor Awareness Month raises the caution flag regarding primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors, which begin in the brain or spinal cord. Approximately 24,000 people are diagnosed a year with a primary CNS cancer. As these primary CNS cancers are so rare, so these efforts are dedicated to helping make finding information, support, and expert care, like that provided by Comprehensive Cancer Centers, easier.
Challenges with CNS and other brain cancers comes most often from late diagnoses of the diseases, Comprehensive recommends people become better informed about these signs and symptoms through reviewing the following resources:
Brain Cancer and Brain Tumor Signs and Symptoms
- Body Pain – Pain, and not pain necessarily related to the head, can be a sign of brain cancer. If you’re experiencing pain that’s persistent and not easily explained, get it checked out.
- Cognitive Challenges – If you’re having issues processing information, learning, and communicating, see your doctor.
- Difficulty with Movement – If issues persist with walking, or even standing, be sure to have that checked out as soon as possible.
- General Fatigue & Weakness – It can be easy to dismiss being tired due to myriad reasons, but if it sticks around and even seems to make sense (work, working out, school, family obligations), be sure to let your doctor know.
- Digestive System Symptoms – As noted, challenges outside the head can be signs of brain cancer. The brain in the computer chip for the entire body, and problems eating, or processing food should be cause for physician follow up.
- Headaches & Seizures – While pain or challenges outside of the head can be signs of brain cancer, so can headaches and seizures. Ones that stick around, and don’t go away, require follow up.
- Challenges with Mood & Sleep – Being sad, depressed or anxious can be signs of brain cancer, as can having challenges getting good sleep. If you have these challenges, be sure to tell someone and get checked out properly.
Brain Cancer Symptom Management App
A great way to track issues with the brain come from using the My STORI mobile app can help you track and manage your symptoms and self-care activities.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
Physicians at Comprehensive Cancer Centers provide a variety of treatment options for patients who’ve been referred to the practice with brain cancer, with all treatments done in Southern Nevada. To schedule an appointment with Comprehensive, please call 702-952-3350.
The content is this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.