GNRC Hospitals sensitizes individuals about brain tumour through a press meet in Guwahati

GUWAHATI: GNRC Hospitals, continuing the relentless pursuit of its vision to deliver ‘Health for All, Smiles for All’, urged members of the community to be aware of brain tumour. To address the alarming increase in the incidence of brain tumours in India, GNRC Hospitals also circulated an educative leaflet on the nature and its symptoms. The booklet highlights the rising number of cases of brain tumour in the country and the measures to be taken to cure the disease during initial stages. Dr Navanil Barua, Director, Neurosurgery in his address to media highlighted that the purpose of the press meet was to address inadequate public awareness about brain tumour and to encourage citizens of North East India to control this silent killer, a modern epidemic.

As incidences of brain tumour being diagnosed in India has risen, it is also evident that different kinds of tumours manifest at different stages of life. While most cases have unknown causes, some are linked to genetic diseases such as neurofibromatosis & exposure to ionising radiation. As per reports, every year 40,000-50,000 new cases of brain tumour are reported in India.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Barua said, “Less than 50% individuals with brain tumour have had their condition diagnosed. While symptoms of brain tumours are not always specific, but persistent/recurrent symptoms like unexplained headaches, difficulty in speech/ vision/ hearing, unexplained nausea-vomiting, gait problems, changes in mood or ability to concentrate, memory loss, numbness or tingling in the legs/arms or seizures are all causes for concern. Consulting a neurosurgeon immediately in such cases is necessary. Such patients will be then asked to get brain imaging done (CT scan/ MRI) & neurosurgical consultation. For diagnosed brain tumours, following surgery, radiotherapy & chemotherapy may also be required.”

As per Globocan 2018 report, issued by the International Association of Cancer Registries (IARC) associated with World Health Organisation, brain tumour accounts for over 24,000 deaths in India annually. Awareness and early diagnosis of brain tumours can play a crucial role in controlling them and saving lives through treatment. Hence, it is important for individuals to undergo regular medical checkups and stay aware about their health condition, stated a press release.

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