What are the brain tumor risk factors?
Researchers have identified factors that can contribute to the increased risk of brain tumors. However, having these risk factors does not necessarily mean that one will develop a brain tumor. It only means that having these risk factors makes one more likely to be diagnosed with a brain tumor. The following are some of the most important brain tumor or brain cancer risk factors:
Exposure to Ionizing Radiation
The risk of brain tumors can increase when an individual is exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation. Radiation exposure caused by previous medical treatments or occupational requirements can increase one’s brain tumor risk.
Family History of Certain Conditions
Certain inherited genetic conditions can increase the risk of brain tumors. Li-Fraumeni syndrome, von Hippel-Lindau disease, Turcot syndrome, neurofibromatosis, and tuberous sclerosis are some of the important genetic conditions that can increase the risk of brain tumors.
Age
Age is an important brain tumor risk factor. The risk of brain tumors increases with age. Nonetheless, all age groups carry a certain degree of brain tumor risk.
Gender
Some brain tumor types are more common among men, while others are more prevalent among women. Reports suggest that the risk of malignant primary brain tumors is relatively high among men. Non-malignant primary brain tumors, on the other hand, are more common among women.
Home and Work Exposure
There is limited information on how environmental exposure contributes to brain tumor risk. However, researchers suggest that prolonged exposure to hazardous chemicals at home and in the workplace, especially pesticides, fertilizers, oil products, solvents, industrial pollutants, rubber, and more, is one of the important brain tumor or brain cancer risk factors.
Exposure to Infections, Viruses, and Allergens
A few studies have found that infections caused by Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and exposure to certain allergens may increase one’s risk of developing brain tumors. However, more studies are needed in this area.
Electromagnetic Fields
Presently, there is no sufficient data on how electromagnetic fields, such as those created by mobile phones and power lines, can contribute to the risk of brain tumor development. A couple of studies have found that increased use of mobile phones can lead to gliomas, the most common form of brain tumor. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to study the actual relationship between EMFs and brain tumor risk.
Race and Ethnicity
The incidence of malignant brain tumors is high among whites when compared to blacks. The incidence of non-malignant brain tumors, on the other hand, is higher among blacks than whites. Overall, Asians have a relatively lower risk of developing malignant brain tumors, when compared to other ethnicities.
Head Injury and Seizures
A few studies have reported that having a history of head injuries and seizures can increase the risk of brain cancer in some individuals.
Family History of Brain Tumors
Having a family member, like a parent or sibling, with a history of brain tumors can increase one’s risk of brain tumors.
N-nitroso Compounds
The definitive link between N-nitroso compounds and their tendency to increase brain tumor risk is not properly established yet. However, some studies have found that the N-nitroso compounds are carcinogenic and can increase the risk of benign and malignant brain tumors. These were some of the important brain tumor risk factors. Those who identify with these risk factors should consider consulting with their doctor to understand the degree of risk they carry and follow appropriate measures to protect themselves against brain tumors.
Brain Tumor Prevention Measures
Doctors are often visited by patients who want to learn how to avoid brain tumors or different ways to prevent brain cancer. It is important to know that there are no sure-fire ways to prevent brain tumors or brain cancer yet. However, with the right measures, it is possible to reduce their risk.
Adequate Sleep
Having a proper sleep schedule is important for one’s overall well-being. Also, sleep is important for the body’s rejuvenation and restoration. Sleep helps the body repair cell damage and revitalize itself. This way, sleep plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of various health conditions, including cancer.
Frankincense Oil
There is no direct connection between frankincense oil and its role in reducing brain tumor risk. However, boswellic acid, present in frankincense oil, is found to be helpful in reducing inflammation. Many studies have shown that chronic inflammation is a risk factor for multiple health conditions, including cancer. Therefore, the use of frankincense oil may potentially lower the risk of brain tumors by reducing inflammation. A few studies have also reported on the anti-tumor properties of frankincense oil. Frankincense oil is also found to kill cancer cells without causing damage to healthy cells, according to a few studies.
Anti-cancer Diet
Having a balanced diet that is rich in macronutrients and micronutrients supports overall well-being. However, when it comes to brain tumor prevention, there is not sufficient evidence on specific foods or diets that can prevent brain cancer.
Calorie Restriction
Some studies have shown that restricting calorie intake while maintaining proper nutrition, may bring down the risk of certain cancers by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation and promoting healthy cell regulation. However, much research is needed to understand the impact of calorie restriction on brain cancer prevention.
Limit Exposure to Mobile Phones
While there is limited evidence on how exposure to mobile phones, or electromagnetic fields in general, can increase one’s brain tumor risk, some studies do suggest that prolonged exposure to EMF can increase the risk of gliomas. That said, avoiding prolonged exposure to mobile phones can help reduce the potential risk of brain tumors.
No Smoking
Tobacco consumption is the biggest risk factor for a wide array of cancers. Presently, there is limited information on how tobacco can cause brain tumors or how quitting it can prevent brain cancer. Nonetheless, quitting tobacco can have a positive impact on overall health and reduce the risk of various medical conditions.
Avoid Excessive Exposure to Radiation to the Head
Frequent exposure to harmful radiation because of regular imaging scans or occupational requirements can contribute to one’s increased risk of brain tumors. If regular imaging scans or radiation treatment is inevitable, it is important to follow appropriate safety measures during the procedures in order to minimize unnecessary exposure to radiation. Those were some of the potential ways to prevent brain tumors and brain cancer. That said, these measures only reduce the risk of brain tumors and brain cancer and do not eliminate their risk completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Being aware of brain cancer risk factors can help in reducing one’s brain tumor and brain cancer risk. A few lifestyle changes can be helpful. Getting adequate sleep, adopting healthy food habits, having an active lifestyle, limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields, and abstaining from smoking are some of the potential ways to prevent brain tumors naturally.
While a balanced diet can reduce one’s brain tumor risk, it is important to remember that the consumption of certain foods may increase the risk. One must consider refraining from unhealthy fats and ultra-processed foods like canned foods, instant foods, sugary drinks, baked foods, etc., to reduce brain tumor risk.
Certain foods cause bacterial and parasitic infections in the brain, which can lead to the formation of brain tumors. Avoiding the consumption of unwashed fruits and vegetables, undercooked meat, undercooked fish, and shellfish can reduce the risk of brain tumors and brain cancer.
Individuals who identify themselves with risk factors specific to brain tumors are at a higher risk of developing this condition. The following are the important brain tumor risk factors:
Exposure to harmful radiation
Inherited genetic conditions, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease, Turcot syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis, and tuberous sclerosis
Exposure to certain infections and allergies
History of brain injury or seizures
Exposure to harmful environmental pollutants at home and the workplace
Increasing age
Being male
Prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields
