Brain cancer is a life-threatening condition that arises when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably within the brain or its surrounding structures
A social media influencer from Nepal, Bibek Pangeni, lost his battle to a brain tumour he was diagnosed with within 2022. The Instagram celebrity and a PhD candidate in Physics and Astronomy at the University of Georgia was suffering from fourth-stage glioma—a tumour that forms in the brain or spinal cord from glial cells that surround and protect nerve cells.
Throughout his illness, Bibek shared his health struggles while undergoing chemotherapy for the malignant tumour on his Instagram channel.
Brain cancer: the silent killer
According to experts, brain cancer is a life-threatening condition that arises when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably within the brain or its surrounding structures. Even though it is rare compared to other forms of cancer, it poses unique challenges due to the critical role the brain plays in regulating bodily functions, thoughts, emotions, and overall health.
Gliomas are malignant and slow-growing, originating from brain tissue. Doctors say gliomas do not usually spread outside of the brain or spine but are life-threatening because they can be extremely hard to reach and treat with surgery and even grow into other areas of the brain.
Who is at risk of getting gliomas?
According to experts, even though anyone can develop a glioma, the following factors may increase your risk:
Age
Gliomas are most common in older adults over 65 years of age and children who are under 12
Ethnicity
White people are more likely to develop gliomas than other races
Family history
A few inherited genetic disorders increase your risk of gliomas
Gender
Doctors say gliomas are slightly more common in men than women
Radiation or toxin exposure
Repeated or prolonged exposure to radiation or certain chemicals may increase your risk.
Signs and symptoms of gliomas
According to studies, changes to DNA lead to the development of brain and spinal cord tumours like gliomas. Doctors say it is possible to inherit genetic mutations from your parents, which can also occur suddenly during your lifetime. Symptoms of gliomas may include:
- Problems with speaking and communicating
- Changes in your vision
- Cognitive problems like learning or remembering
- Difficulty walking or keeping your balance
- Dizziness
- Severe headaches
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Nausea and vomiting
- Personality or behavioural changes
- Seizures
Can gliomas be prevented?
Doctors say most of the risk factors for gliomas, like age and race, are not controllable, but early detection and treatment of low-grade gliomas are helpful in preventing their progression into the high-grade ones. If brain tumours are hereditary in your family, you can consider getting genetic testing done.
It is also a good idea to limit radiation exposure to your head and maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes exercising regularly and eating a healthy, fresh and non-processed diet.
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