You Hear The One About Brain Cancer?

Sure, brain tumours make a lot of news. But how often do they hit home? Kristen Dold reveals how to minimise your risk

John Mccain’s death last August from glioblastoma was a pointed reminder that while brain tumours aren’t the most common cancer, the fact that they occur in one of the most complex, still-not-understood organs makes them especially scary. Scientists are discovering more about the brain and nervous system, but still can’t pinpoint why rogue cells gang up there and are cancerous in about one in 143 guys. But treatments have progressed, and these tumours can be more treatable the earlier they’re detected. So it’s smart to know the symptoms.

SPOT THE SIGNS

There are more than 100 different types of brain tumour, some more common than others. Symptoms can be vague and vary in intensity as well as location, depending on where the tumour is and the amount of pressure associated with it. Symptoms may develop quickly or creep up gradually, says Dr Barbara O’Brien, an assistant professor of neuro-oncology at the University of Texas, and they progress over time. They’re not usually like those of a stroke, which tend to come on suddenly. And, she says, “if you just have one headache or just have difficulty getting your words out on one occasion, it’s probably not a tumor”. But if any of the following four symptoms develop and worsen over a month or two, see your doctor.