New statistics suggest the number of people diagnosed with brain tumours has risen by 30 per cent in the past 20 years.
According to data from Public Health Scotland, the number has risen from 822 in 2000-02, to 1069 in 2017-19.
“These worrying figures show just how urgently we need to act on this devastating and life-changing disease,” said Dr David Jenkinson, the Brain Tumour Charity’s chief scientific officer.
He added: “While brain tumours remain relatively rare, incidence has continued to rise significantly over the last two decades, and this has unfortunately not yet been matched by the tangible progress in diagnosis, treatment and survival outcomes seen in many other cancers.”
It’s time to be #BetterSafeThanTumour Today we launch our new signs and symptoms campaign to raise awareness and empower people to act if they suspect they might have a brain tumour. pic.twitter.com/JTXOGl63m1
— The Brain Tumour Charity (@BrainTumourOrg) July 6, 2022
The charity claims progress for brain tumours has continued to lag behind survival improvements seen in other diseases.
Read: When you should seek a second medical opinion
The chance of surviving at least five years after a brain tumour diagnosis sits at just 22 per cent. And the disease reduces life expectancy by 27 years on average — the highest of any cancer.
So what are those potential symptoms? Remember, none of these automatically mean you have a brain tumour, but if you are concerned, see your GP.
Dr Catherine McBain, a consultant clinical oncologist outlines seven possible signs which may be linked to brain tumours.
1. Seizures
If you have a fit or a seizure out of the blue, you should go to the hospital, where an urgent brain scan would be considered.
2. Weakness of the face/arm/leg on one side of the body
Such weakness may come on suddenly, such as in the case of a stroke. Or it may become more noticeable gradually over a few weeks, for example dragging your leg or tripping over things because you don’t seem to be able to lift your foot up properly.
3. Marked speech disturbance
Slurred speech, being unable to find your words or coming out with the wrong words. Struggling to find a word sometimes is normal; but it would become worrying if it was becoming steadily worse over a period of weeks or months, and was associated with other symptoms.
Read: New strategy could be a lifesaver for brain tumour patients
4. Personality change
People who have a brain tumour may become steadily more withdrawn or confused over a period of a few months, or struggle with tasks they used to be able to do, such as playing an instrument or doing internet banking.
5. Vision changes
Sometimes, tumours in the brain reduce our ability to see objects to one side. This might cause people to bump into doorframes, not be able to see someone sitting on the left or right side, or clip the wing mirrors of parked cars if driving. If you’re concerned about vision changes, begin by seeing an optician, who can perform a full eye test and refer you to hospital if necessary.
6. Difficulty reading or interpreting words
You may notice that over a few weeks, you’re increasingly struggling to write emails or send texts, or to work out what subtitles or words in a book say – you may be able to see the words clearly, but the brain refuses to interpret them or make sense of them.
Read: Which headaches you need to worry about
7. Headaches
Headaches are the symptom most people associate with brain tumours, but it’s actually relatively unusual for headache to be the only symptom of a brain tumour. When it comes to being concerned about brain tumours, doctors talk about ‘headache plus’, meaning headache plus other symptoms. Worrying headaches are those which have become ‘clearly, definitely and progressively worse’ over a period of two to three months, and which become associated with some of the other symptoms.
If headache is the only symptom, it’s usually a headache which is different to any headache you’ve ever had before, and which becomes much more severe very quickly, over a period of a few weeks. It may be present in the morning, waking you from sleep, or become associated with nausea, vomiting and drowsiness.
For further information, see thebraintumourcharity.org
– With PA
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Disclaimer: This article contains general information about health issues and is not advice. For health advice, consult your medical practitioner.
