There are around 12,3000 new brain tumour diagnosis across the UK every year, according to Cancer UK.
That means that around 34 people every day get the bad news, with the number increasing by 30 per cent in the last 20 years. According to Public Health Scotland (PHS) the number of people diagnosed in Scotland rose from 822 on average in 2000-02 to 1,069 in 2017-18. It means that knowing the warning signs is more important that ever as spotting symptoms early allow early detection and therefore more effective treatment that could ultimately be life saving.
According the the NHS, a brain tumour develops as abnormal cells grow in the brain in an uncontrollable way. The severity of each brain tumour differs, depending on the way in which they grow and how likely they are to return after treatment.
Speaking about the increasing number of diagnosis, chief scientist officer at The Brain Tumour Charity, Dr David Jenkinson, said: These worrying figures show just how urgently we need to act on this devastating and life-changing disease.
“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.”
The charity suggests that scientific progression is lagging when it comes to brain tumour compared to other diseases with just 12 per cent of UK adults surviving for five years following a brain tumour diagnosis.
The disease reduced life expectancy by 27 years on average - the highest of any cancer.
To help raise awareness of the symptoms to look out for, Dr Catherine McBain, a consultant clinical oncologist at The Christie in Manchester, outlined the seven possible warning signs of a brain tumour.
It is important to remember that experiencing these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have a brain tumour. But it is important to contact your GP if you are concerned.
Seven brain cancer symptoms you should look out for
1. Seizures
If you suffer a fit or seizure out of the blue you should visit A&E straight away. You may be sent for a brain scan to check for anything of concern.
2. Weakness of the face/arm/leg on one side of the body
Weakness may come on suddenly - such as a stroke - or may become noticeable over a period of a few weeks.
For example, dragging your leg or tripping over kerbs because you cannot lift your foot properly may be something of concern.
3. Marked speech disturbance
Struggling to find your words and/or slurring your speech can be a cause for concern.
Sometimes being unable to find the right words and being a little confused can be normal but if it happens often or gets progressively worse over a period of weeks or month warrants a trip to the doctor - especially if it appears alongside other symptoms.
4. Personality change
Becoming increasingly withdrawn or confused over time may be a warning sign.
Additionally, struggling with tasks that were once easy and simply - such as playing an instrument or using a tablet - can be a concern, especially if this gets progressively worse over a few weeks or months.
5. Vision changes
Tumours can sometimes interfere with a sufferers ability to see objects to one side.
This may result in someone bumping into things like door frames or being unable to see a person sitting next to them.
It is advised to see an optician if any vision changes are noticed, with a hospital visit then advised if necessary.
6. Difficulty reading or interpreting words
Struggling to do things like write emails, send texts, work out subtitles or read a book can be a warning sign.
This is because a tumour can interfere with the brain's ability to interpret or make sense of words.
7. Headaches
Headaches are the symptom most commonly associated with brain tumours.
However, it is key to remember that having a headache does not mean you have a tumour and instead can be caused by a huge range of things including simply being tired or dehydrated.
When it comes to being concerned about brain tumours, doctors talk about ‘headache plus’, meaning headache plus other symptoms.
Headaches may be cause for concern when they become "clearly, definitely and progressively worse" over a period of time - usually two to three months - as well as being associated with other symptoms listed above.
Headaches caused by a tumour are usually different to any experienced before and are more severe, coming on quickly over a period of a few weeks.
The headaches may be present in the morning, waking you up from your sleep, and may also cause nausea, vomiting and drowsiness.
For further information on the Better Safe Than Tumour campaign, visit thebraintumourcharity.org
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