World Brain Tumour Day: Compounds found in cured meats & cosmetics, exposure to chemicals can be fatal

What causes brain tumour? How can I prevent it? Is it directly linked to my lifestyle? These are some common concerns people have when talking about brain tumour. While sedentary lifestyle can often influence the development of the condition, it may not directly cause brain tumour.

Bringing in positive changes in lifestyle will go a long way in staying healthy and preventing avoidable diseases. In most cases, the cause of brain tumour is unknown. However, some factors may increase the risk of developing brain tumour:

Age

Brain tumours are more common in children and older adults, although people of any age can develop it. Older age is associated with occurrence of malignant brain tumour.

Gender
In general, men are more likely to develop a brain tumour. However, some specific types of brain tumours, like meningiomas, are more common in women.

Previously-detected cancer
Children who've had cancer have a higher risk of getting brain tumour later in life. Adults who've had leukaemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma also have an increased risk.

Radiation
Exposure to radiation accounts for a very small number of brain tumour cases. Some types are more common in people who've had radiotherapy.

Family history and genetic conditions
About 5 per cent of brain tumours may be linked to hereditary genetic factors or conditions. Some genetic conditions are known to increase the risk of getting brain tumour, including tuberous sclerosis, neurofibromatosis type 1 and neurofibromatosis type 2.

Chemicals
Prolonged exposure to solvents, pesticides, oil products, rubber, or vinyl chloride may increase the risk of developing a brain tumour.

Exposure to infections, viruses and allergens
Patients with HIV infections and AIDS are more likely to develop certain brain tumours as compared to general population. Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) - which commonly causes infectious mononucleosis or 'kissing disease' - increases the risk of CNS lymphoma. High levels of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) have been found in some brain tumour tissue, and the association is still under study.

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

Race and ethnicity
In the United States, white people are more likely to develop gliomas but less likely to develop meningioma than black people. No such relevant data is currently available for India.

Head injury
Serious head trauma has long been studied for its relationship to brain tumours. 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 seem to indicate that dietary N-nitroso compounds may raise the risk of both childhood and adult brain tumours. Dietary N-nitroso compounds are formed in the body from nitrites or nitrates found in some cured meats, cigarette smoke and cosmetics. However, additional research is necessary before a definitive link can be established.

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