Rising Concern Over Brain Tumours in India
When we think of brain tumours, the images are often dramatic: seizures, loss of speech, major neurological issues that can’t be overlooked. But that’s rarely how things really kick off. “Brain tumours are often viewed as rare illnesses that announce themselves with clear neurological signs. However, the early symptoms are often subtle, gradual, and quite easy to dismiss,” notes Dr. I. C. Premsagar, the Chief of Neuro & Spine Oncology services at the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute.
This subtlety can be quite dangerous. A little change in headaches, maybe some confusion or even slight irritability. These are the types of things most people might attribute to stress, fatigue, or simply a hectic lifestyle. The brain is responsible for nearly everything we do, so even minor disruptions can manifest in ways that don’t seem serious at first. “Since the brain governs most body functions, minor changes from a growing tumour may seem vague or unrelated,” explains Dr. Premsagar. People tend to wait and adapt, normalizing their symptoms, which can lead to lost time that’s hard to recover.
Are brain tumour cases actually on the rise?
Globally, brain and central nervous system tumours aren’t the most common types of cancers, but they are among the most complex. “Even though these tumours make up a smaller portion of all cancers, they are notoriously difficult to treat. More than 322,000 new cases of brain and CNS tumours are diagnosed worldwide each year,” Dr. Premsagar points out. In India, the numbers are already staggering with over 1.4 million new cancer cases reported annually, and brain tumours are becoming increasingly noticeable within that statistic.
Part of this increase can be attributed to better diagnostics. Scans are more accessible now, leading to earlier detections than in the past. However, there might be more at play. Dr. (Brig) Anil Kumar Dhar from Marengo Asia Hospitals mentions, “Some experts believe that the cases of brain tumours could double by 2030.” This concern is echoed by a recent study published in Nature, projecting a steady global increase in brain and CNS tumour cases due to factors like an aging population and environmental influences.
But Dr. Dhar also raises a crucial point specific to India—many brain tumours remain unnoticed, particularly in children, which is worrying. Additionally, there’s an ongoing issue of underreporting. “The flip side is that these statistics may not accurately reflect the true incidence of brain tumours, as many cases—particularly from rural areas—go unreported,” he adds.
Why are brain tumours so hard to detect?
The real battle with brain tumours often lies not in treatment, but in recognizing them. “The challenge is that symptoms develop slowly, leading people to overlook them and blame lifestyle choices or delay seeking help,” according to Dr. Premsagar. Sometimes, fear of a serious diagnosis makes people hesitant to act until symptoms become unbearable.
Symptoms can overlap with common everyday issues, making it harder to pinpoint the problem—a headache that feels a bit different, unexplainable nausea, or intermittent vision changes. None of these immediately scream “tumour.” But doctors look for specific patterns: persistent headaches that differ from usual ones, vomiting not related to any food or illness, or changes in vision and hearing that don’t resolve. Family members might even notice behavioural changes before the affected person does—memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, or unexpected irritability, which could be mistaken for stress or burnout. “Since these symptoms can mimic stress or aging, they’re frequently overlooked,” Dr. Premsagar states. Yet, when they persist, they deserve attention.
What may be contributing to the increase?
There isn’t a single explanation for the rise in brain tumours; it’s a complex mix of factors. Dr. Dhar cites several potential contributors: improved diagnostics, pollution, long-term mobile phone use, and environmental toxins, particularly in younger populations. While not all of these causes are confirmed, they warrant attention and further research.
Moreover, lifestyle changes are undeniable—more screen time, reduced physical activity, and heightened exposure to pollutants can increase long-term health risks. Additionally, as people live longer, the likelihood of developing many cancers, including brain tumours, increases with age.
Different types of brain tumours
Adding to the complexity is the fact that “brain tumour” isn’t just one condition. “They can be classified into two broad categories,” explains Dr. Dhar—primary brain tumours, which originate from various neuronal cells, and metastatic brain tumours, which spread from other parts of the body. Each behaves uniquely; some tumours are benign and grow slowly, while others require urgent treatment. In India, approximately 10 out of every 100,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour, compared to about 30-35 per 100,000 in the US, with a significant percentage being malignant.
This means that receiving a diagnosis doesn’t always represent the same prognosis. However, timely evaluation is crucial.
The importance of early detection
In the case of brain tumours, timing is everything. “Any persistent or unexplained neurological symptom warrants investigation. Most do not turn out to be cancer, but an early evaluation can rule out serious issues,” Dr. Premsagar advises. Once symptoms escalate, treatment options may become more limited. “These delays can significantly affect outcomes,” he adds. On the flip side, identifying issues early on can greatly enhance survival chances and quality of life. “Early detection often leads to a higher likelihood of a cure and a better quality of life.”
This is the shift doctors want to emphasize—not invoking panic but fostering awareness. It’s about recognizing when something feels amiss, even if it seems minor.
