Did you know that on average about 700 people world wide are now diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour every day? That’s one every two minutes.
The German Brain Tumor Association reports that the trend of new brain cancer rates is rising. Worldwide brain cancer rates have risen 135% from 2002 to 2012.
Nearly 1,600 people are diagnosed with brain cancer in Australia annually and around 1,200 die every year from the disease. Sadly brain cancer claims the life of more people under the age of forty than any other cancer. Brain cancer kills more children in Australia than any other disease.
Key Symptoms of a Brain Tumour
Brain tumours may cause weakness or paralysis in parts of the body. Some people also have trouble balancing or have seizures. Headaches are often the first symptom of a brain tumour. The headaches can be mild, severe, persistent, or come and go.
Other symptoms
- nausea and/or vomiting
- headaches (usually worse in the morning)
- drowsiness
- difficulty speaking or remembering words
- problems with memory (short term)
- disturbed vision, hearing, smell or taste
- loss of consciousness
- general irritability, depression or personality changes –this is sometimes only noticed by family or friend
- Muscle jerking or twitching (seizures or convulsions)
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
Should you or a family member experience these symptoms please talk with your doctor.
