Compounds found in deli meats and cosmetics, exposure to chemicals can be fatal

What causes brain tumor? How can I prevent it? Is it directly related to my lifestyle? Here are some of the common concerns people have when talking about brain tumour. Although a sedentary lifestyle can often influence the development of the disease, it may not directly cause a brain tumor.

Making positive lifestyle changes will go a long way in staying healthy and preventing preventable diseases. In most cases, the cause of the brain tumor is unknown. However, certain factors can increase the risk of developing a brain tumor:

Age

Brain tumors are more common in children and the elderly, although people of all ages can develop them. Advanced age is associated with the occurrence of a malignant brain tumor.

Kind

In general, men are more likely to develop a brain tumor. However, some specific types of brain tumors, such as meningiomas, are more common in women.

Cancer already detected

Children who have had cancer have a higher risk of developing a brain tumor later in life. Adults who have had leukemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma also have an increased risk.

Radiation

Radiation exposure is responsible for a very small number of cases of brain tumors. Some types are more common in people who have had radiation therapy.

Family history and genetic conditions

About 5% of brain tumors can be linked to inherited genetic factors or conditions. Certain genetic diseases are known to increase the risk of developing a brain tumor, including Bourneville’s tuberous sclerosis, type 1 neurofibromatosis, and type 2 neurofibromatosis.

Chemical products

Prolonged exposure to solvents, pesticides, petroleum products, rubber or vinyl chloride can increase the risk of developing a brain tumor.

Exposure to infections, viruses and allergens

Patients with HIV infection and AIDS are more likely to develop certain brain tumors than the general population. Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) – which usually causes infectious mononucleosis or “kissing sickness” – increases the risk of CNS lymphoma. Elevated levels of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) have been found in some brain tumor tissues, and the association is still under investigation.

Electromagnetic fields

Most studies, evaluating the role of energy from mobile towers or cell phone use, show no link with an increased risk of developing brain tumors in adults. However, the World Health Organization recommends limiting cell phone use and encourages the use of a hands-free headset for adults and children.

Race and ethnicity

In the United States, whites are more likely to develop gliomas but less likely to develop meningioma than blacks. No relevant data of this type are currently available for India.

Head injury

Severe head trauma has long been studied for its relationship to brain tumors. Some studies have shown a link between head trauma and meningioma, but there is no data between head trauma and glioma.

N-nitroso compounds

Some studies of diet and vitamin supplementation suggests that dietary N-nitroso compounds may increase the risk of brain tumors in children and adults. Dietary N-nitroso compounds are formed in the body from nitrites or nitrates found in certain meats, cigarette smoke, and cosmetics. However, more research is needed before a definitive link can be made.

– The author is HOD – Consultant, Department of Neurosurgery, HCMCT Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka, New Delhi