Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our own experiences and some research, we have curated this list of frequently asked questions and answers to create more awareness about brain cancer. This is by no means any advice or suggestion that we are providing.
Brain cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the brain that form masses, also known as tumors. Not all brain tumors are cancerous. Brain cancer typically refers to malignant (cancerous) tumors, which can grow quickly and invade surrounding brain tissue, impairing normal brain functions.
There are two types of brain cancer:
Primary brain
cancer :
refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the
which originates in the brain itself. These tumors are classified by the
type of brain cells where the cancer starts,
such as astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, or glioblastomas (the most
aggressive type).
Secondary brain cancer (metastatic
brain cancer) :
refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the
which occurs when cancer from another part of the body, such as the lungs or
breasts, spreads to the brain.
The symptoms of brain cancer can vary depending on the tumor’s size, type, and location in the brain. Common symptoms include:
Headaches: Persistent headaches, often worse in the morning or during physical activity.
Seizures: New-onset seizures in adults can be a sign of brain cancer.
Nausea and vomiting: These may occur due to increased pressure within the brain.
Cognitive changes: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, confusion, or personality changes.
Weakness or numbness: These can occur in the arms or legs, often on one side of the body.
Speech or vision problems: Difficulty speaking, understanding language, or changes in vision.
These symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, so it’s important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis early on.
The exact cause of brain cancer is not always clear, but there are several known risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing it:
Genetics: Certain inherited genetic mutations and syndromes, such as neurofibromatosis or Li-Fraumeni syndrome, can increase the risk.
Radiation exposure: Previous exposure to ionizing radiation, such as radiation therapy to the head, can increase the risk of brain tumors.
Age: Brain cancer can occur at any age, but certain types of tumors are more common in children (medulloblastomas) and others in older adults (glioblastomas).
Environmental factors: Some research suggests that prolonged exposure to chemicals, such as those in certain industries, may increase the risk, but this connection is not fully proven.
Most cases of brain cancer occur sporadically, without a clear cause, and researchers are continuing to study potential environmental and genetic links.
Diagnosing brain cancer typically involves a combination of neurological exams, imaging tests, and biopsies.
Neurological exam: Doctors assess vision, hearing, balance, coordination, reflexes, and memory to detect areas of the brain that may be affected.
Imaging tests: Previous exposure to ionizing radiation, such as radiation therapy to the head, can increase the risk of brain tumors.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is often the primary tool used for detecting brain tumors due to its detailed images.
CT scans (Computed Tomography)can also be used to identify brain abnormalities.
Biopsy: If a tumor is found, a sample of the tissue may be removed for testing. A biopsy helps determine if the tumor is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant, and helps guide treatment options.
Staging and grading: Brain tumors are graded (not staged like other cancers) based on how abnormal the cells look and how quickly they are likely to grow. Low-grade tumors grow slower, while high-grade tumors, such as glioblastomas, are more aggressive.
The treatment plan for brain cancer depends on the tumor type, size, location, and the patient’s overall health. Common treatments include:
Surgery: If possible, surgery is performed to remove as much of the tumor as safely as possible. For some tumors, complete removal may be impossible due to the tumor’s proximity to critical brain structures.
Radiation therapy:High-energy beams (such as X-rays or protons) are used to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors. It may be used after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Chemotherapy can be given orally, intravenously, or directly into the cerebrospinal fluid.
Targeted therapy: This newer approach targets specific genetic mutations or proteins in cancer cells, reducing damage to healthy cells.
Immunotherapy:: This treatment helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Although not yet widely used for brain cancer, it's an area of ongoing research.
In some cases, a combination of these therapies may be recommended to improve outcomes.
The survival rate for brain cancer varies depending on the type and grade of the tumor, the patient’s age, and overall health. Generally, the five-year survival rate for brain tumors ranges from 36% to 77% depending on whether the tumor is benign (slow-growing) or malignant (fast-growing).
For instance:
Glioblastoma: the most aggressive type of brain cancer, has a five-year survival rate of around 5-10%.
Low-grade astrocytomas: (slow-growing) have a better prognosis, with a five-year survival rate of around 70-80%.
Survival rates are improving with advances in treatment, but brain cancer remains a serious condition with highly variable outcomes.
Brain cancer can have a profound impact on a person’s daily life, affecting both physical and cognitive functions:
Physical effects: Fatigue, weakness, coordination issues, and pain are common, making mobility and daily activities more difficult.
Cognitive effects: Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and problems with communication or processing information can occur, impacting work, relationships, and independence.
Emotional effects:Many patients experience anxiety, depression, or mood swings, due to both the tumor itself and the stress of the diagnosis.
Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy can help patients regain lost functions and improve their quality of life. Psychological support and counseling are also crucial.
Caregivers play a key role in helping patients manage these challenges and navigate daily life.
There is no guaranteed way to prevent brain cancer, as many of the causes are not fully understood. However, some general steps can help reduce risk:
Avoid unnecessary radiation exposure: If radiation therapy is needed, it should be carefully monitored.
Healthy lifestyle choices: Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking may lower the risk of many cancers.
Monitoring genetic risks: If you have a family history of brain cancer or genetic conditions like neurofibromatosis, consider genetic counseling to assess your risk.
Early detection:While there is no specific screening for brain cancer, being aware of symptoms and consulting a doctor promptly can improve outcomes by enabling earlier treatment.
Ongoing research is investigating environmental factors and potential protective strategies against brain cancer.
Treatments for brain cancer can lead to various side effects, both short-term and long-term, depending on the therapy:
Surgery: Can cause swelling, infection, and temporary or permanent changes in brain function, such as speech or motor skills.
Radiation therapy: Fatigue, skin irritation, hair loss, and cognitive effects, such as memory problems, may develop over time.
Chemotherapy: Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakened immune system are common. Some patients may experience hair loss and mouth sores.
Targeted therapy: May cause fewer side effects than chemotherapy, but still can lead to fatigue, skin reactions, or high blood pressure.
Managing these side effects often involves supportive care, including medications, diet adjustments, and physical or cognitive rehabilitation.
Supporting someone with brain cancer requires understanding, patience, and practical help. Here are ways to offer support:
Emotional support: Listen without judgment, offer reassurance, and be there for them during appointments or treatments.
Practical help: Assist with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or transportation to appointments. Offer to help manage medical paperwork or research treatment options.
Respect their limits: Understand that the patient may have limited energy and may need rest. Encourage them to share their needs without feeling like a burden.
Caregiver resources: Support groups, both online and in-person, are available for caregivers. These groups provide emotional support and practical tips for managing care.
Every person’s experience with brain cancer is unique, so it’s important to communicate and offer help in ways that feel right for both the patient and the caregiver.