Doctors raise alarm over rise in brain tumour cases
With over 40,000 new cases reported in India each year, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), medical experts say that delayed detection affects the outcome.
Brain tumours, which can be benign or malignant, often begin with symptoms such as persistent headaches, seizures, memory loss, limb weakness, or vision and speech disturbances. Despite the slow onset, the condition can escalate quickly, turning into a life-threatening emergency, say doctors.
Power of 3' campaign
Care Hospitals is reinforcing its commitment to neurological emergency response through its 'Power of 3' campaign, a pledge that ensures emergency calls are answered within three rings, ambulances are dispatched within 30 minutes, and patients receive immediate ER attention. 'In neurological cases like brain tumours, every minute counts. Our campaign is not just about awareness but delivering timely, and expert care,' said Dr. Arun Reddy, Senior Neurosurgeon.
As part of its campaign, Care Hospitals is focusing on symptom literacy, highlighting on warning signs like imbalance, seizures, or sudden memory issues that must not be ignored.
20% increase
Olive Hospital doctors say they have noticed a 20% increase in brain tumour consultations over the last one year. 'Brain tumours are deceptive. Symptoms may appear ordinary, like a nagging headache but they could be signs of something far more serious. Early detection improves both survival and quality of life,' said Dr. Mohammed Mahmood Ali, Senior Neurologist.
Breakthroughs in treatment
Parallelly, doctors are optimistic about the breakthroughs in brain tumour treatment. 'We are witnessing a revolution in brain tumour care. Advanced neuro-navigation, intraoperative imaging, stereotactic radiosurgery, and robotic-assisted interventions are now standard practices. Precision medicine, including targeted therapies and FDA-approved drugs like vorasidenib for low-grade gliomas, is also changing outcomes,' said Dr. V. Naveen Reddy, Consultant Neurosurgeon at Renova Hospitals.
Emerging strategies like immunotherapy, Tumour Treating Fields (TTFields), and even experimental mRNA vaccines are offering new hope. At the same time, Artificial Intelligence is being explored to assist with early, non-invasive diagnosis and treatment planning, he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
This is what happens to the body if you start your day with two figs soaked overnight
Figs, one of the oldest known plants, are an integral part of the Mediterranean diet. Anjeer, as it is known in India, is a small pear or bell-shaped flowering plant that belongs to the mulberry family. From being a tasty treat to a healthy midday snack, fig comes packed with numerous benefits and ticks all the checkboxes, making it a great addition to one's diet. 'Figs possess a diverse array of bioactive components, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, and tocopherols, which have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their health-promoting effects, addressing gastrointestinal, respiratory, inflammatory, metabolic, and cardiovascular issues,' said Deepti Khatuja, Head – Clinical Nutritionist, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon. 'Proximate composition analysis shows that figs are high in protein (6.31 g/100 g (dry weight basis, DW)) and fiber (17.81 g/100 g, DW), with fat content varying from 1.02 to 2.71 g/100 g DW in edible wild fig fruits. Different fatty acids have been characterized in various fig varieties, with linoleic acid reported as the most abundant, followed by linolenic acid, palmitic, and oleic,' she said. Figs also contain high amounts of carbohydrates (26.02 ± 0.63 g/100 g fresh weight) and amino acids, such as leucine, lysine, valine, and arginine. According to her, the taste and flavour profile of most fruits is determined by the ratio of organic acids to sugars. 'Organic acids are essential for preserving the nutritional value and enhancing the sensory qualities of foods. They also help in reducing inflammation, regulating the immune system, promoting calcium absorption, and preventing blood clots,' she said. Khatuja added that figs have the highest mineral content compared to other common fruits. An important source of potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorous, they also contain trace elements such as iron, manganese, zinc, copper, nickel, and strontium. But how can you get the best out of these superfoods loaded with nutrients? Experts suggest soaking them overnight and having a couple every morning. 'Starting your day with soaked figs provides a good kick start by preventing unnecessary weight gain and providing micronutrients to keep one healthy,' said Khatuja. 'When soaked, they get easier to digest and gentler on your gut. Eat them first thing in the morning, and they help move things along – Regular bowel movements, better digestion, and less bloating,' said Dr Vinitha Krishnan, Chief Clinical Dietitian, SIMS Hospital, Chennai. There's more: She added that the iron helps fight fatigue, especially if you're borderline anemic. The calcium supports bone health. For women, figs can even help with hormonal balance. Plus, they keep sugar cravings in check, thanks to their natural sweetness and fiber. Sadia Sana, Senior Dietician, CARE Hospitals, Hi-tech city, Hyderabad concurred, adding that having 2 soaked figs first thing in the morning is a simple and healthy habit that helps with digestion, keeps your bowels regular, and gives you a gentle energy boost thanks to the natural sugars and fiber. Soaked figs are also easier on the stomach than dry ones. Dr Krishnan recommended daily consumption to be ideal. 'Just stick to two. More isn't better as it can cause bloating or affect blood sugar,' she added. If you're diabetic or have a history of kidney stones, speak with your doctor first. However, she added that it is important to consume them in moderation and as a part of balanced diet and consult a nutritionist/healthcare expert before making changes to the diet.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Blood bank at civic hosp to shut down as bldg repairs start
Mumbai: Local residents are upset with the decision to shut down the blood bank attached to BMC-run V N Desai Hospital, Santa Cruz, during ongoing structural repairs to the building. The blood bank, located on the second floor, stopped collecting blood almost a month back. "However, as blood units can be stored for 35 days, we still have some units left in the hospital,'' said a civic official. In early June, a structural audit classified the hospital as a C2A structure—that is, while the building is not dangerous, it's unsafe for continued use without major repairs and must be vacated for safety during the restoration process. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The hospital's third floor has already been restored, and the second-floor repairs began a few weeks back. The staff was told the second floor would require six to eight months to be restored, prompting the authorities to partially shut down the blood bank. Former Kalina corporator Tulip Miranda is concerned as patients in the H/East ward would now have to travel further—to the civic run Cooper Hospital in Juhu—for blood. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo While there are private blood banks located close to V N Desai Hospital, the costs are high for patients visiting the facility. "There also is uncertainty over whether the blood bank will reopen post-renovation, and whether the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will issue a fresh license,'' said Miranda. The 48-year-old hospital is widely used and has a busy gynaecology department as well as the spinal surgery unit in BMC's suburban hospital network. "Patients who come for a Caesarean section or spine surgery need blood immediately. We cannot get it from a private hospital that is located far from the OT,'' said a doctor who didn't want to be identified. Miranda said suggestions to shift the blood bank to the ground floor were ignored, with officials citing FDA restrictions on such a move. "Why were no alternative arrangements made, especially when surgeries continue to be performed daily?" she said. When contacted, acting medical superintendent Dr Jayaraj Acharya said he didn't want to comment on the issue.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Maharashtra FDA lens on gutka ads, its home delivery, says minister Narhari Zirwal in legislative assembly
Mumbai: State FDA minister Narhari Zirwal on Friday told the assembly that it will crack down on pan masala ads, online delivery apps that sell pan masala and gutka, and e-commerce platforms that sell food through cloud kitchens. Responding to a calling attention motion raised by MLAs Manoj Ghorpade, Shweta Mahale, and Vikram Pachpute, Zirwal said govt will extend for one more year the ban on manufacture, storage, transport, distribution, or sale of gutka and pan masala. He said though DCM Ajit Pawar assured FDA Rs 200 crore for setting up more testing labs, the money has not yet been allocated. Zirwal said that multiple inspections were carried out at e-commerce companies such as Zepto, Swiggy, and Zomato among others, across the state. He reported that 43 e-commerce establishments and warehouses were inspected, and several were found to be storing expired food items and operating in unhygienic conditions. "FDA will inspect these godowns and outlets and take action against them if they are found unhygienic or in violation of FDA norms," he said. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai
