Brain tumours may sound like the end of the world to many, but most of this extreme agitation is just fuelled by myths and misconceptions. Letting false health information spread only causes unnecessary panic and confusion, which doesn’t do anything but add more harm. Worrying causes distress and introduces hindrances to the course of proper treatment and recovery so it’s important to be armed with facts only. From causes and symptoms to effects, this article will discuss and debunk some of the most common and dangerous myths about brain tumours.
Myth #1: Radiation from mobile phones causes a brain tumour.
Fact: No study has proved that using mobile phones can cause brain tumours due to exposure to certain radiofrequency radiation. The skin is a protective barrier and radiation would have to first cause a significant change on it before even reaching the brain. The skull, another layer of protection before the brain, is made up of calcium, which is a great absorber of radiation; hence, weak radio waves from mobile phones are not enough to penetrate and cause a tumour in the brain.
Myth #2: Artificial sweeteners like Aspartame cause a brain tumour.
Fact: Claims that food additives like artificial sweeteners cause brain tumours are also artificial and made-up! Research has been conducted and conclusions have repeatedly supported the safety of aspartame. A 2006 study in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention also found no link between artificial food sweeteners and tumours in the brain. In fact, some studies even went as far as to conclude that unlike those found in other body parts, a brain tumour is not affected by diet.
Myth #3: Brain tumours are always fatal.
Fact: No, they’re not. A brain tumour requires immediate medical attention to avoid getting it too severe, but treatment procedures have been in existence and they’ve been proven to be successful. A brain tumour surgery is an operation performed to extract and take the tumour out of the brain. Among others, medical procedures include shrinking the tumour tissue through radiation therapy and killing cancer cells through immunotherapy.
Myth #4: Symptoms are the same for all patients.
Fact: Signs and symptoms vary for each patient depending on tumour size, exact location in the brain, and grade. It’s important to take note of this to avoid inaccurate comparisons and instead focus on how your own body feels. A neurology specialist in Singapore will discuss and break down the symptoms you may be having. Some patients don’t develop any symptoms, while others experience symptoms that progressively worsen and eventually lead to a tumour diagnosis.
Myth #5: A brain tumour is genetic.
Fact: Conclusive evidence suggesting that genetics play a key role in the development of brain tumours is yet to be found. Therefore, a family member who’s had a brain tumour doesn’t increase the likelihood of you getting it. While some syndromes that lead to brain tumours are hereditary, no direct connection has been established between genetics and brain tumours.
Myth #6: All brain tumours are caused by cancer.
Fact: Not all brain tumours are cancerous. In fact, the majority, or approximately two-thirds, of brain tumour cases are non-cancerous. This forms the distinction between a malignant brain tumour, which is caused by cancer, and a benign brain tumour, which is not cancerous. On rare occasions, a benign brain tumour can turn malignant.
Getting brain tumour facts straight
Keeping the facts straight about brain tumours is crucial to avoid confusion and further stress that can only worsen the situation of patients. Brain tumours treatments are available and are becoming more and more efficient with new technological innovations so despair should have no place in patients. False health information must be treated like a virus that must not spread. It must be stopped from jumping from one person to multiple hosts at all costs.