Why are brain tumour cases rising? Doctors in Bengaluru cite awareness

Bengaluru: Brain tumour diagnoses in Bengaluru rose by 30% in the last few years. However, doctors say the numbers don't tell a story of panic, but rather of progress. One key reason, medical experts believe, is growing public awareness about brain tumour symptoms, prompting more people to seek medical attention early.Dr Arjun Srivatsa, director and head of the Institute of Neurosciences at Sakra World Hospital, explained to TOI, "First, there's greater awareness among the general population about the symptoms and signs of brain tumours, which means more people are coming in earlier for evaluation. Second, imaging technology advanced significantly, allowing us to pick up tumours much earlier than before. Many of them now choose to get diagnosed and treated here. As Bengaluru is emerging as a medical hub with top-tier hospitals and advanced neurosurgical facilities, we're seeing more cases being managed locally, adding to the numbers.""At Sakra alone, we treated 50 brain tumour cases last year," Dr Srivatsa noted. "This year, we've already seen 40, and we're only halfway through.""The increase in brain tumour cases we're seeing today can't be attributed to a single cause; it's a combination of multiple factors," said Dr Raghuram G, additional director, neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital. "There's greater awareness now, so people are more likely to consult a doctor when they experience persistent headaches, weakness, or vision problems. This naturally leads to more diagnoses. At the same time, advances in imaging technology mean we're able to detect even small tumours that might have gone unnoticed in the past. Environmental and lifestyle-related risks are also playing a role. Rising pollution levels, chemical exposure through food, obesity, and prolonged exposure to radiation, both environmental and occupational, could all be contributing to this trend."Brain tumours in children are more common than many people realise, highlighted Dr Komal Prasad C, clinical lead- neurosurgery, senior consultant neurosurgeon, Narayana Health City. "Tumours like medulloblastoma, which occur in the cerebellum, are among the most frequent in paediatric patients. The challenge with children is that they often can't clearly describe what they're feeling, so any unusual symptoms should be taken seriously and prompt a thorough neurological evaluation without delay."He added, "The good news is that many childhood brain tumours have an excellent prognosis if caught early. With timely treatment that includes surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and structured rehabilitation, many children go on to live healthy, productive adult lives. "But it's important to remember that a brain tumour affects far more than just the patient. It sends ripples through the entire family, impacting emotional well-being, finances, and daily functioning. Even so, with appropriate and timely care, patients facing difficult diagnoses can often regain independence, return to work or studies, and make meaningful contributions to their communities once again," he said.