Brain tumours present a significant health challenge in the UK, affecting individuals across all age groups. Each year, over 12,000 people are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour, equating to approximately 33 new cases daily. Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among children and adults under 40. Despite advancements in treatment, survival rates remain low, making early detection critical in improving outcomes.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of brain tumours can significantly increase survival rates and improve quality of life. Research indicates that the five-year survival rate for malignant brain tumours in the UK is less than 20%, and only 40% of individuals diagnosed survive beyond one year. However, catching a tumour early can allow for more treatment options, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, which may be more effective when the tumour is in its initial stages.
Detecting a brain tumour early can also reduce complications. As a tumour grows, it can put pressure on surrounding brain structures, leading to severe and sometimes irreversible symptoms such as cognitive decline, loss of motor function, and seizures. Early intervention can prevent some of these debilitating effects, allowing patients to maintain their independence and quality of life for longer.
Challenges in Early Diagnosis
Despite the benefits of early detection, diagnosing brain tumours at an early stage is incredibly challenging due to their non-specific symptoms, which often mimic other, less severe conditions. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent headaches
- Seizures
- Nausea and vomiting
- Memory problems and cognitive changes
- Vision and hearing issues
- Unexplained fatigue
Many of these symptoms can be attributed to migraines, stress, or other neurological conditions, leading to misdiagnoses and delays in appropriate medical intervention. The National Cancer Patient Experience Survey 2018 revealed that 22% of individuals diagnosed with a brain tumour had visited their GP three or more times before being referred for further investigation.
Advances in Diagnostic Techniques
Recent advancements in medical technology offer hope for earlier and less invasive detection of brain tumours. These include:
1. Blood Tests
Scientists are developing blood-based diagnostics that can identify tumour-specific DNA or cells circulating in the bloodstream. One promising innovation is the TriNetra-Glio test, which isolates tumour cells that have shed into the blood. This could allow for the detection of brain tumours through a simple blood test, avoiding the need for invasive biopsies.
2. Urine Tests
Another promising area of research is urine-based diagnostics. Scientists have discovered that brain tumours release unique biomarkers that can be detected in urine samples. This method could provide a non-invasive way to screen for brain tumours, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and monitoring of treatment effectiveness.
3. Verbal Fluency Tests
Studies have shown that a simple language test may help in detecting brain tumours. A test called the Noah’s Ark language test involves asking patients to name as many animals as possible within a minute. Those struggling with this task may have cognitive impairments associated with a brain tumour. This test could become a valuable tool for GPs to identify patients who need urgent brain imaging.
4. Advanced Imaging Techniques
While MRI and CT scans remain the gold standard for diagnosing brain tumours, newer imaging techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and functional MRI (fMRI) allow for more detailed mapping of brain activity. These methods help distinguish between tumour types and assess how they might impact surrounding brain functions.
The Role of Preventative Assessments
Unlike some cancers, routine screening for brain tumours is not currently recommended for the general population due to the condition’s rarity and the risks associated with unnecessary testing. However, individuals with a higher risk of developing brain tumours, such as those with a family history of the disease, a history of radiation exposure, or certain genetic conditions, may benefit from preventative assessments.
Preventative assessments might include:
- Regular neurological check-ups to monitor cognitive and motor function.
- Advanced imaging (MRI or CT scans) for those with a strong family history.
- Blood and urine biomarker testing in high-risk individuals to detect tumour indicators before symptoms develop.
Identifying tumours in high-risk patients before symptoms appear could lead to earlier interventions, better treatment outcomes, and a lower risk of severe complications.
How You Can Take Action
Given the challenges surrounding brain tumour diagnosis, it’s crucial for individuals to advocate for their health.
1. Know the Symptoms
Familiarising yourself with common brain tumour symptoms and seeking medical advice if they persist can make a significant difference.
2. Push for Further Investigations
If you feel something isn’t right, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for further tests. If symptoms persist and a diagnosis isn’t clear, request a neurological assessment or imaging scan.
3. Consider Preventative Assessments
If you have a family history of brain tumours or are at higher risk, discuss preventative screening options with your healthcare provider.
4. Support Brain Tumour Research
Raising awareness and supporting organisations dedicated to brain tumour research can contribute to the development of better diagnostic tools and treatments.
Brain tumours remain one of the most challenging cancers to diagnose and treat, but early detection can significantly improve outcomes. With advancements in medical research, the future holds promise for more effective diagnostic tools and treatment options.
Being aware of the symptoms, advocating for timely investigations, and considering preventative assessments can help individuals take control of their health.
Private Health Checks at Echelon Health
Having a comprehensive assessment of your health empowers you to take control of your own wellbeing and act accordingly. These assessments enable effective preventative measures, helping to reduce the risk of various health conditions and providing numerous benefits.
At Echelon Health, we are proud to offer a Platinum Assessment that is highly effective in detecting a wide array of illnesses. In fact, we can identify up to 92% and 95% of the preventable causes of death in men and women, respectively.
The following is a complete list of scans that are part of the Platinum Assessment:
- Medical Questionnaire
- Blood Test
- ECG
- CT Aorta
- CT Heart
- CT Coronary Angiogram
- CT Chest
- CT Pelvis
- CT Virtual Colonoscopy
- CT Bone Density
- EOS
- CT Upright Skeleton
- MRI Brain
- MRI Cerebral Artery Angiogram
- MRI Carotid Artery Angiogram
- MRI Prostate
- Ultrasound Thyroid
- Ultrasound Testes/Ovaries
- Digital Mammogram
- Full Body Mole Screen
- Final consultation
For a confidential conversation on which preventative health assessment would work best for you contact our team today. We will always be delighted to help give you more information and answer any questions you may have.
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Sources
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/brain-tumours/getting-diagnosed/screening
https://www.imperial.nhs.uk/about-us/news/research-breakthrough-for-brain-cancer-patients
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5442949/
https://www.ncri.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/NCRI-Brain-Group_Position-Paper-2023.pdf
