The main risk factors for brain cancer include age, exposure to radiation, a family history of brain tumors, and currently having cancer that could metastasize (spread) to your brain from another area of your body. The brain, like the liver and lungs, has a lot of blood vessels. If a “seed” of cancer travels from elsewhere in the body, the chances of it settling in these areas with many blood vessels is higher. This is why having cancer elsewhere in your body puts you at elevated risk.
Some brain tumors and cancer, such as brainstem gliomas and astrocytomas, are almost exclusively present in children. [5] X Research source
It’s always wise to keep a personal record of your family’s medical history and to have one at your doctor’s office. Only 5 – 10% of all cancers are hereditary. A family history of Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis and Turcot syndrome may make you more susceptible to brain cancer. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Ionizing radiation, which is present in some radiation therapies for cancer or atomic bombs, increases your risk of brain cancer. You may not be able to limit your exposure to ionizing radiation if you are undergoing treatment for another cancer. The likelihood of being exposed through an atomic bomb or nuclear meltdown is low. Ultraviolet radiation, which the sun emits, can also increase your risk for brain cancer. Wearing sunscreen and a head cover and limiting sun exposure may decrease your risk.
Studies have not linked radiation from power lines, cell phones, smartphones, or microwaves to brain cancer. Stay abreast of research on radiation exposure, which may help identify your risk factors.
If your mother ate fruits and vegetables during her pregnancy and/or gave them to you as a part of your diet during childhood, you may be at a lower risk of developing brain cancer. Continuing to eat a diet rich in different fruits and vegetables may keep your risk for brain cancer lower. Lowering your cholesterol and limiting how much fatty food you eat may minimize your risk for brain cancer.
You can do any type of cardio training to maintain your health. Beyond walking, consider running, swimming, rowing, or biking.
New headaches or a change in the pattern of your headaches. Unexplained nausea or vomiting. Vision problems, including blurred vision, double vision or loss of peripheral vision. Gradual loss of sensation or movement in your arm or leg. Difficulty with balance, speech, or general confusion in everyday matters.
Your doctor will conduct a neurological exam that looks at your vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength and reflexes. This may give them clues about whether you have a brain tumor and, if so, what kind. Your doctor may order imaging tests such as an MRI, CT scan, PET test to look more closely at your brain. This may help identify tumors or cancer. Your doctor may take a biopsy of your brain tissue for analysis to assess whether you have brain cancer. There may be other reasons for your symptoms, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, an infection, or more. This is why it is essential you see a doctor for an evaluation.
Your doctor may perform surgery if the cancer is in a spot accessible to remove the tumor. Your doctor may prescribe radiation therapy to combat a brain tumor or cancer. You may need chemotherapy to treat brain cancer. Your doctor may prescribe targeted drug therapy with medications such as Avastin to kill cancer cells in your brain.
