GUWAHATI: Brain tumour accounts for more 24,000 deaths in India annually, according to the Globocan 2018 report, released by International Association of Cancer Registries (IACR).
The incidences of brain tumour being diagnosed in the country are also on the rise. As per various reports, 40,000-50,000 new cases of brain tumour reported in India every year.
With a doctor and patient ratio of 1:17,000, India currently does not even have enough doctors to treat patients, said GNRC, Neurosurgery, director, Dr Navanil Barua.
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Dr Barua said, “Less than 50% individuals with brain tumour have had their conditions diagnosed. While symptoms of brain tumours are not always specific, but persistent/recurrent symptoms like unexplained headaches, difficulty in speech, vision, hearing, unexplained nausea-vomiting, gait problems, changes in mood or ability to concentrate, memory loss, numbness or tingling in the legs/arms or seizures are all caused for concern.”
Dr Barua further added, “If brain tumour is diagnosed in the first stage then it is easy to operate, but if it is diagnosed in the fourth grade then it may be operated but there will be a long term consequences. Since the brain controls all the functions in the body, the tumour will have a long term effect if it is not diagnosed at the right time.”