SMOKING, ALCOHOL, RADIATION AS LEADING CAUSES OF BRAIN TUMOR — EXPERT
REPORTER: ENUMA ONYECHI
A Professor of Neurosurgery at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Dr. Jude-Kennedy Emejulu, has called on governments, individuals and organizations to return to humanity support by raising funds for people living with Brain Tumour cancer.
Dr. Emejulu made the call while speaking on the 2022 World Brain Tumour Cancer Day in Onitsha, Anambra State.
Brain Tumour Day is observed on June 8 every year to raise awareness about brain tumours.
It is also the global day of solidarity with people living with brain tumours and their families.
The day was created by the World Health Oragnization (WHO) in year 2000 to create a focal point for allocating resources to research and treat brain tumours.
According to research, Brain Tumour is the fourth most common cancer in the world, and it is expected to become the second most Common cancer by 2030.
Dr. Emejulu explains that brain tumour as a disease is characterized by abnormal, uncontrolled, progressive growth cells in the Brain.
He says there are two genetic elements in human body: those that can lead to cancer and those that can suppress the development of cancer.
He lists gender, family history, chemical insecticide and dye factories as well as age as among risk factors that can lead to cancer.
In terms of preventive method, Dr. Emejulu notes that Brain Tumour is not preventable but one can reduce risk of developing a brain tumour by avoiding environmental hazards such as smoking, too much alcohol intake and excessive radiation.
Dr. Emejulu said good number of Brain Tumour cancer is curable if detected on time.
The theme of the 2022 brain tumor cancer day is “Together We Are Stronger.”
