Overview:
World brain tumor day is observed on 8th of June every year, since 2000.
Facts:
- A brain tumor occur when cancer cells spread to your brain, or one of its organs (e.g. the spinal cord, the membranes covering the brain ‘meninges’, and the nerves of the brain ‘cranial nerves’). This is called a primary brain tumor. A secondary brain tumor occurs when cancer cells spread to your brain from another organ.
- Brain and spinal cord tumors can affect both children and adults; however, they tend to be more common in older people.
- The causes of most brain tumors are unknown, but several risk factors can increase your chances of developing a brain tumor. They include:
- Age: It is most common in older people, especially the age 85-89; however, some types of brain tumors can be more common in children.
- Exposure to radiation: People who have been exposed to radiation have an increased risk of brain tumors. You can be exposed to ionizing radiation through high-radiation cancer therapies, computerized tomography (CT) scans, or x-rays on the head.
- Family history and genetics: Some genetic conditions could put you an increased risk of developing a brain tumor. This includes tuberous sclerosis, neurofibromatosis type 1, neurofibromatosis type 2, and Turner syndrome.
Official date:
- Globally: 8 June 2021
- Locally: 27 Shawwal 1442H
Theme:
References: