Tips to recognize brain tumor symptoms and avoid risk

TULSA — Each year, more than 200,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor — cancer that spreads from other parts of the body to the brain.

In recognition of Brain Tumor Awareness Month, Dr. Diane Heaton, Oklahoma CyberKnife medical director, offers tips for recognizing common symptoms of brain tumors and methods for prevention.

“Scientists continue to research the links of brain tumors to origins such as cell phone usage, radiation and genetics,” Heaton said.

“While the cause of primary brain tumors has not been determined, the best way to prevent secondary or metastatic brain tumors is to eliminate certain risk factors which can lead to other forms of cancer that spread to the brain.”

Heaton identifies the following risk factors that can contribute to cancer, leading to secondary brain tumors: poor nutrition and a low-fiber diet, smoking, excessive use of alcohol and excessive exposure to the sun. She said the most common symptoms of brain tumors are:

* Headaches that are worse in the morning, improve gradually throughout the day and are typically unresponsive to traditional headache remedies.

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