According to statistics, roughly 85,000 people in the United States receive a brain tumor diagnosis ever year.
Brain tumors form when the cells in and around your brain undergo abnormal changes (mutations) in their DNA and multiply rapidly. While only one-third of brain tumors are cancerous, benign tumors, especially when they develop in a crucial area of your brain, also have the potential to cause severe dysfunction and even become life-threatening.
While there is no way you can prevent having a brain tumor, there are steps you can take that may help reduce your risk for it. Check them out below.
Preventing Head Trauma
There have been studies that have established a link between head trauma and certain types of brain tumor (e.g., meningioma, which is the most commonly diagnosed type of brain tumor).
You can prevent head injuries by fall-proofing your home; wearing your seat belt; wearing a helmet, especially when participating in high-impact sports; and not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Quitting Smoking
While smoking is not a direct cause of brain tumors, this unhealthy habit is linked to up to 90 percent of lung cancer cases. Studies show that of people who have lung cancer, nearly half of them develop metastatic brain tumors, and this is ascribed to the ability of nicotine to precipitate the spread of lung cancer cells into the brain.
Minimizing Exposure to Insecticides and Pesticides
Insecticides and pesticides are neurotoxicants in themselves, meaning they contain substances that can impair and even damage your central (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral nervous systems.
If you need to use these chemicals in your home, or using them is part of what you do for a living (i.e., farming), make sure to exercise caution when handling them. Follow the directions for use to a tee. Make sure to wear appropriate protective equipment, such as face shield, impermeable gloves, and goggles, and keep the area where you use them properly ventilated. If the latter is not possible, avoid staying in the area. Also, clean up all spills and isolate the area, and dispose empty containers properly and immediately.
Limiting Cellphone Use
Because there is conflicting information as to whether there is a link between cellphone use and the risk of brain tumors, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people err on the side of caution: limit cellphone use and get a hands-free headset.
Brain Tumor Treatment in Lone Tree, Parker, Colorado Springs, and Aurora, CO
Vision changes, unexplained headaches, loss of weakness, and paralysis in one side of your body are some of the potential symptoms of a brain tumor. If you experience these, don’t wait to seek treatment— visit us here at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery.
Our board-certified neurosurgeons have established an excellent reputation for their expertise, sharp clinical acumen, and dedication to delivering the best possible outcomes for even the most complex cranial conditions. This means you couldn’t be in more knowledgeable hands.
To schedule an appointment with one of our neurosurgeons, call (303) 790-1800 today. Alternatively, you can send an appointment request, and our scheduler will get back to you as soon as possible to confirm your visit.
