07/07/2025

MONDAY | JULY 7, 2025

HEALTH 26

A diagnosis of a brain tumour is often met with dread. The term alone often brings fear, mainly because of common myths or misconceptions, limited public awareness and the silent nature of many symptoms. But behind that fear is a clearer picture, one that includes medical advancement, patient resilience and the vital role of early intervention. In Malaysia, brain and central nervous system cancers account for about 1.7% of newly diagnosed cancer cases, with an incidence of 1.26 per 100,000 people annually. Among children under 14, the rate is estimated at 2 per 100,000. What is brain tumour? A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or surrounding areas. Brain tumours can be classified as benign or malignant. Benign tumours such as meningiomas tend to grow slowly and do not spread, but they can still cause significant symptoms due to the pressure they exert on nearby brain structures. Malignant tumours, such as glioblastomas, are cancerous, grow rapidly and can invade nearby tissues. Tumours are also categorised as primary, arising directly within the brain, or secondary, when cancer spreads from another part of the body to the brain. Are brain tumours on the rise? Although brain tumours are less common compared to other cancers, Malaysia has seen a noticeable increase in diagnosed cases. This,

to seek medical advice. A timely consultation and imaging can make all the difference.

Breakthroughs

in

treatment,

technology Neurosurgery has come a long way over the years, with major advancements in how brain tumours are diagnosed and treated. We now use high-resolution MRI and functional imaging to precisely locate and assess brain tumours. Neuronavigation systems, intraoperative MRI and intraoperative nerve monitoring help guide surgeries in real time. The rise of less invasive techniques such as awake craniotomy and keyhole surgery using advanced endoscopic equipment have shortened hospital stays and reduced recovery time. In many cases, patients can return to normal life much sooner than expected. Other advancements include improved radiotherapy, targeted therapies and a team-based approach that looks after every aspect of patient care, from diagnosis to rehabilitation. Life after surgery Surgery is only one part of the journey. Post-operative care and long-term support play a critical role in recovery. Recovery is a team effort. Patients may need physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, depending on the affected brain areas. Follow-up imaging is essential to monitor for recurrence. Just as important is the emotional aspect. Mental health support is vital. The diagnosis alone can be overwhelming, not just for patients, but for their families too. Counselling and psychological support are integral to a patient’s quality of life. Why awareness still matters Brain tumours may be rare, but the impact they have is profound. Myths and fear can often cloud our understanding, but there is reason for hope. With early detection, cutting-edge technology and a holistic approach to care, patients are living longer, recovering better and reclaiming their lives. This article is contributed by

Myths vs facts about brain tumours MRI and CT scans are key to early detection of cases.

o Get clearer picture, avoid undue panic

neurofibromatosis, a disorder that causes tumours to grow on nerves throughout the body, including the brain. Exposure to ionising radiation is also a known risk factor. While lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise or stress are important for overall well-being, they do not have a direct, proven link to brain tumour development. A healthy lifestyle can support better outcomes during recovery and treatment. When to seek help One of the most powerful tools in improving outcomes is early detection. But recognising the signs can be tricky. Brain tumours do not always present in the same way. Some common red flags include persistent headaches, seizures, blurred vision, weakness in the arms or legs, speech difficulties and unexplained personality changes. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, it is best

become worrying if they are accompanied by visual disturbances, speech difficulties, weakness or numbness in the limbs. Another popular misconception is that brain surgery leads to personality changes or loss of function. Modern medical technology has dramatically changed the landscape. Surgical precision today is far greater and outcomes are much improved. Patients are now recovering faster and with fewer complications. And what about mobile phones? There is no solid evidence that normal mobile phone use significantly increases the risk of brain tumours. This concern often comes up, but the data just does not support it at this time. What causes brain tumours? In most cases, the exact cause remains unknown. Most brain tumours are sporadic. But a small number are linked to genetic conditions such as

The initiative targets 3,000 individuals from the B40 income bracket over the next two years, extending screenings across urban and suburban communities nationwide. The inaugural screening attracted 102 participants, with 75.5% from the B40 group and an average age of 54 years. Alarmingly, 22% showed decreased renal function, underscoring the hidden burden of kidney disease in these communities. Females made up 55% of attendees, highlighting the inclusive reach of the programme. Maaedicare Charitable Foundation CEO Anne Rajasaikaran emphasised the critical role of early detection, explaining that chronic kidney disease often develops silently, with symptoms only appearing when treatment becomes complex and costly. “Preventive screenings empower however, may not signal an actual rise in prevalence. With greater public awareness and wider availability of advanced imaging tools such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography scans, more cases are being detected early. People are more likely to investigate persistent symptoms today than they were 20 years ago. Dispelling myths Brain tumours are surrounded by misconceptions, many of which delay diagnosis or cause unnecessary panic. One common myth is that a headache means you have a brain tumour. But headaches are a very nonspecific symptom. They only

There is no solid evidence that normal mobile phone use significantly increases the risk of brain tumours. – PICS FROM 123RF

ParkCity Medical Centre consultant neurosurgeon Dr Ravindran Karuppiah.

Kidney health screening for underserved communities

The initiative marks a step toward early

detection and prevention by

TO confront Malaysia’s silent but escalating kidney health crisis among underserved communities, the Maaedicare Charitable Foundation, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Bukit Angkasa, recently launched community renal health screening at Pandan Indah, Ampang. This initiative marks a step toward early detection and prevention by bringing vital kidney screening directly to those who need it most. The inaugural screening is the first in a series of proactive efforts to identify chronic kidney disease early and manage its risk factors comprehensively. With a focus on preventive care, these community screenings aim to equip vulnerable populations with the knowledge and resources necessary to improve long-term kidney health outcomes and lessen the devastating impact of chronic kidney conditions.

bringing vital kidney screening directly to those who need it most.

individuals – especially those in the B40 group – to take control of their health, enabling timely intervention that can save lives and significantly reduce healthcare expenses,” she said.

Anne shared that 70% of Maaedicare’s dialysis patients come from households earning less than RM3,000 a month, often supporting an average of five family members. In

fact, 40% of these patients earn below RM900 monthly or are unemployed, highlighting the immense financial strain dialysis treatment places on already vulnerable families.