Raising Awareness and Hope This World Brain Tumor Day 2024.

Sarah, a vibrant 25-year-old, was living a joyful life surrounded by her family and friends. Her routine was seamless until one day, she was struck by severe headaches and fatigue. These symptoms led her to the hospital, where tests revealed an aggressive brain tumor. At just 25, her world turned upside down. She underwent extensive treatments, including chemotherapy, which put a significant strain on her health and well-being. Throughout her journey, Sarah received immense support from her loved ones and the people around her, enabling her to complete her treatment. Today, she is healthy and living life to the fullest.

Sarah's story underscores the severity of brain tumors and the critical need for awareness. World Brain Tumor Day, observed every year on June 8th, aims to raise awareness and encourage early detection of this life-threatening disease. Let’s understand more about brain tumors and the treatments available to combat them.

Understanding Brain Tumors

A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells growing in the brain. Since the brain controls various body functions, tumors can develop in different regions, including the protective lining, brainstem, sinuses, and nasal cavity. With over 120 types of brain tumors classified by their tissue origin, understanding their impact is crucial.

Source: Envato Elements

Brain tumors pose a significant threat as they can compress healthy brain areas or spread to them. Some tumors are cancerous, blocking the flow of fluid around the brain, increasing intracranial pressure. They may also spread through spinal fluid to other parts of the brain or spine. Brain tumours, whether benign or malignant, pose significant challenges due to their location and potential impact on brain functions. Symptoms can range from headaches and seizures to cognitive and sensory impairments, profoundly affecting quality of life.

Common Treatments for Brain Tumor

Surgery

The primary goal of brain tumor surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Techniques like craniotomy (removing part of the skull) and endoscopic surgery (using a thin tube inserted through the nose or skull) are common. While surgery can be effective, it carries risks such as infection, bleeding, blood clots, and potential brain tissue damage, which can affect vision or hearing.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses X-rays or protons to destroy tumor cells. Typically administered externally, this treatment often occurs five days a week for 2 to 6 weeks. It targets either the tumor alone or the entire brain in cases of multiple tumors. While effective, especially for children and tumors near vital brain areas, radiation therapy can cause side effects like fatigue, headaches, memory loss, scalp irritation, and hair loss.

Radiosurgery

Stereotactic radiosurgery delivers high-dose radiation precisely to the tumor. This non-invasive method treats both cancerous and non-cancerous brain tumors, usually in one or a few sessions, allowing patients to return home immediately. Side effects may include fatigue, scalp changes, and potential hair loss.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves powerful drugs to kill tumor cells, administered orally, intravenously, or directly into the brain during surgery. It is used for both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors and can be combined with radiation therapy. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and hair loss, varying with drug type and dosage.

Source: Envato Elements

Brain tumor treatment is among the most expensive and complex medical interventions. It typically involves a multidisciplinary approach including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and extended post-operative care. The costs can escalate rapidly. For many families, especially in regions where healthcare costs are exorbitant, affording such treatment is nearly impossible without external financial support.

But in recent years, an alternative healthcare financing option that is helping many families overcome financial challenges is Crowdfunding.

Also Read: Joyshree Beats Brain Tumor With The Support Of ImpactGuru Donors!

The Role of Medical Crowdfunding

Medical crowdfunding leverages the power of the internet and social networks to gather small contributions from a large number of people. ImpactGuru, India’s leading crowdfunding platform has helped over 40,000 patients get their necessary treatments on time. One of the best part of medical crowdfunding is that one does not need to pay back the amount they raise through crowdfunding. Raising funds for brain tumor treatment with the help of online fundraising platforms like ImpactGuru is simple. 

Source: ImpactGuru

All you have to do is, follow these easy steps:

Start a Free Fundraiser 

Start a free fundraiser by filling in all the relevant details. It's a part of a campaign where campaigners can write about the cause and tell the donor about the medical situation. 

Share Your Fundraiser 

Share your fundraiser with friends, family and strangers to raise quick funds. The more you share the fundraiser, the faster you raise the necessary funds.

Withdraw All Donations

You can withdraw the raised amount at any time in your fundraising journey as per your medical needs.

Our team is here to assist you at every step of the fundraising journey. If you or your loved ones need funds for any medical cause, simply click here to start a fundraiser: https://www.impactguru.com/