8 Brain Cancer Myths You Need to Stop Believing

With the United States Government offering up so much information about cancer and its effects, it is surprising that brain cancer has a plethora of myths surrounding it.

However, we feel it's important to point out that:

1. Not every brain tumor is cancer
2. Cell phones have not been proven to cause brain cancer
3. Biopsy and surgery do not spread tumors
4. Most headaches are not tumors
5. Brain tumors rarely spread beyond the nervous system
6. Benign brain tumors can still be extremely serious
7. Most brain tumors are not hereditary
8. The care you receive can vary

Read on to discover more about these brain tumor facts and why we consider it essential that you learn about them. Then, connect with us at the CT Brain Tumor Alliance and discover how we can help you or a loved one today, free from the influence of common cancer myths.

1. Not All Brain Tumors Are Cancer

Brain tumors are abnormal growths in the brain or surrounding tissue that occur in 25 in every 100,000 people (Oxford University Press). It may also be benign, which means that it is simply growing by itself. Plenty of cancer recovery stories include people learning that a tumor has become malignant, which means that it can invade nearby tissue.

However, small, benign tumors in vital areas can still cause significant symptoms, especially in the brain, where they can impact many areas related to daily functionality. For this reason, doctors will use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computer tomography (CT) scans to help determine the nature of a tumor before planning the next steps.

2. Cell Phones and Brain Cancer: The Risk

This topic is one of the most common brain health misconceptions out there.

The CDC is quite clear when they say that there is no scientific evidence that confirms cell phones or cell phone towers can cause cancer. While they might emit radiofrequency energy, these are not "ionizing", which is a type of radiation that can damage DNA.

3. Biopsies Do Not Typically Spread Tumors

A biopsy is the process of removing a small sample of tissue, in this case from the tumor, to help a doctor make a diagnosis about the type of growth they are dealing with.

While it makes sense that one would worry about this spreading cancerous cells around, modern advanced cancer treatments are carefully planned and handled to reduce this risk significantly.

4. Most Headaches Are Not Brain Tumors

Primary headaches, like migraines or tension headaches, can sometimes be debilitating. They can cause people to fear the worst. However, they are rarely caused by cancer.

If you worry about such a possibility, red flags would include:

• Seizures or weakness
• A change in the pattern or intensity of the headaches
• Headaches alongside vomiting or confusion
• A history of cancer in the past

5. Can Brain Tumors Spread Beyond the Nervous System?

If a cancer cell can reproduce without the body removing it for long enough, it may become too large for the immune system. However, primary brain and central nervous system (CMS) tumors rarely metastasize (spread) to more distant organs.

The brain has a "brain-blood barrier" that can prevent cells from getting out, and the unique biology of these organs also limits the likelihood of spreading.

6. Can Benign Brain Tumors Still Be Serious?

While they may not spread, there is a possibility that they will still grow large enough to press on surrounding areas. In the brain, this can cut off blood from specific parts of the organ or cause damage to them. The risks of this happening depend on the location and progress of the tumor, as well as several other factors.

7. Are Brain Tumors Hereditary?

An inherited gene does not cause most tumors. While some rare conditions may raise the risk, clinicians will investigate this possibility as one of their first diagnostic steps.

If you wish to know more about the likelihood that a tumor is caused by genetics, your doctor can discuss the testing process with you.

8. Your Care May Vary

Most standard cancer care steps include:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Pharmecuticals
• Supporting care

However, you may sometimes be offered involvement in a clinical trial. These are rare and may provide access to new approaches. Although they are not guaranteed to succeed, they offer another option should you feel that others have not given you the results you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people have questions when it comes to tumors and cancer. We have provided the following information to help answer as many questions as possible.

Can a Brain Tumor Be Cured?

While doctors can remove some tumors or control them long-term, this depends on the location they are in, as well as the specific nature of the tumor in question. In general, curing is more likely with benign tumors, as they have not started to spread.

Even when a cure is not possible, clinicians will have several options to help you with the months ahead.

How Long Is Brain Tumor Recovery?

The brain is a sensitive organ. After surgery, you may need to take weeks or months to return to your old self.

Similarly, radiation therapy and the fatigue it causes can last several weeks, and most people will improve gradually from it instead of having a sudden increase in capability.

Working with a doctor can give you access to various forms of rehabilitation that can make it easier to handle.

What Side Effects Can I Expect from Therapy?

If you receive radiation therapy, then you will tend to experience:

• Fatigue
• Hair loss in the treated area
• Skin changes near a radiation field
• Nausea
• Appetite changes

If you instead use a drug-based therapy, then the effects will depend on the specific treatment.

Let the Brain Tumor Alliance Help

While most of theabove brain cancer myths tend to fade once faced with clear facts, this is not always the case. For this reason, we do everything we can to ensure that those who need help learning about tumors receive the necessary support.

If you are looking for nonprofits in Connecticut to help, and if you or a loved one has recently received a diagnosis, speak to us. We are a group of survivors and caregivers, so we understand what you are going through.

Learn more about us today and get the support you need.