Brain tumour diagnoses in Bengaluru have gone up by 30% in recent years. But according to doctors, this doesn’t mean people should panic. Instead, it reflects better awareness and improved technology.

Dr Arjun Srivatsa, Director and Head of the Institute of Neurosciences at Sakra World Hospital, told TOI that more people are now aware of brain tumour symptoms and visit doctors early. “There’s greater awareness among the general population about the symptoms and signs of brain tumours,” he said.

He also said that advanced imaging technology is helping doctors detect tumours earlier than before. Bengaluru is becoming a medical hub, so more people are choosing to get diagnosed and treated in the city. This, in turn, adds to the rising numbers. “At Sakra alone, we treated 50 brain tumour cases last year,” said Dr Srivatsa. “This year, we’ve already seen 40, and it’s only halfway through.”

Not one cause, but many

Dr Raghuram G, Additional Director of Neurosurgery at Fortis Hospital, said the rise in cases is due to many reasons. “There’s greater awareness now, so people are more likely to consult a doctor when they experience persistent headaches, weakness, or vision problems,” he told TOI.

He added that better scans can now detect even tiny tumours that might have been missed earlier. Lifestyle and environmental risks like pollution, unhealthy eating, obesity, and long-term radiation exposure may also be factors.

Tumours in children too

Dr Komal Prasad C from Narayana Health City said brain tumours in children are more common than many people think. He said medulloblastoma, which grows in the cerebellum, is one of the most common types among children.

He pointed out that kids often struggle to explain their symptoms. So if something feels off, families should not wait and should get a full check-up done right away.

There’s hope with early treatment

“The good news is that many childhood brain tumours can be treated successfully if diagnosed early,” said Dr Prasad. Treatments like surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and rehab help many kids lead full and healthy lives.

He also reminded people that a brain tumour doesn’t just affect the patient. It changes the lives of entire families, emotionally and financially. But with timely care, many patients recover well, return to work or school, and live meaningful lives again.

Inputs from TOI

Source: The Economic Times