Observed annually on 8 June, World Brain Tumour Day offers a vital opportunity for the global medical community to raise awareness about one of neuro-oncology’s most complex challenges. Established in 2000 by the German Brain Tumour Association, the day honours patients and their families while fostering scientific dialogue and systemic improvements worldwide.
Now an international observance, it serves as a unified reminder to promote early recognition, timely diagnosis, patient-centred management, and continuous research in brain tumour care.
Awareness Matters
Brain tumours, while relatively rare, cause disproportionate morbidity and mortality due to their location, often late presentation, and treatment complexity. Delayed diagnosis remains a global issue, especially when early symptoms, such as persistent headaches, personality changes, or neurological deficits, are misattributed.
For healthcare providers, especially in primary care, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and general neurology, awareness is key. Early detection can improve surgical outcomes, reduce treatment burden, and enhance long-term prognosis.
Significance of the Observance
World Brain Tumour Day serves as a professional prompt to:
- Revisit diagnostic protocols
- Improve referral pathways
- Promote equity in access to imaging and specialist care
- Support education and psychosocial services
- Advocate for more research funding in CNS oncology
It also encourages global collaboration among neuro-oncology professionals in managing both primary tumours and CNS metastases.
Theme for 2025: “Brain Health for All Ages”
This year’s theme underscores vigilance across the lifespan:
- In children and adolescents, early recognition of tumours like medulloblastoma and ependymoma is crucial
- In the elderly, managing glioblastoma and CNS metastases requires addressing comorbidities and frailty
- For survivors, long-term support—including rehab and neurocognitive care—is essential
The theme also promotes a preventative mindset, highlighting lifestyle, monitoring at-risk individuals, and reducing environmental exposures.
Etiology: What We Know So Far
Despite genomic advances, the causes of most brain tumours remain unknown. Recognised and emerging risk factors include:
- Genetic syndromes (e.g., NF1/2, Li-Fraumeni)
- Childhood exposure to ionising radiation
- Environmental toxins (under investigation)
- Age and gender
- Rare familial clustering
Further epidemiological and molecular research is essential to understand causation.
Treatment Approaches: Multimodal and Evolving
Treatment is individualised and may involve:
- Surgery – First-line when possible, aided by intraoperative imaging
- Radiotherapy – Including stereotactic and proton beam
- Chemotherapy – Temozolomide remains standard for gliomas
- Targeted therapy – EGFR, BRAF, VEGF inhibitors gaining ground
- Tumour Treating Fields (TTF) – A non-invasive adjunct for glioblastoma
- Immunotherapy & CAR-T – Promising, under active investigation
Rehabilitation, neuropsychology, and palliative care are crucial for comprehensive management.
Prevention and Risk Reduction
True prevention is limited, but clinicians can reduce risk by:
- Limiting radiation, especially in children
- Avoiding carcinogenic exposures
- Counselling genetically predisposed individuals
- Promoting healthy brain ageing
There’s a continued need for screening research in high-risk groups.
Call to Action: What Clinicians Can Do
On this World Brain Tumour Day, we encourage all healthcare professionals to:
- Educate: Disseminate accurate, evidence-based information within your networks and practices
- Recognise: Maintain vigilance in assessing atypical neurological presentations
- Refer: Strengthen early referral systems to neurology and neuro-oncology services
- Collaborate: Engage with multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic, patient-centred care
- Advocate: Support clinical trials, patient organisations, and policies that improve access and research funding
Conclusion
World Brain Tumour Day is a timely reminder that while brain tumours may be statistically rare, their impact is profound and often life-altering. As physicians, our role extends beyond diagnosis and treatment—we are advocates, educators, and collaborators in a collective mission to improve outcomes.
By engaging with the spirit of this observance, we not only honour patients but also contribute meaningfully to global efforts in advancing neuro-oncological care.
References:
https://www.maxhealthcare.in/blogs/world-brain-tumour-day
https://www.metropolisindia.com/blog/preventive-healthcare/world-brain-tumor-day
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/world-brain-tumour-day-2025-raising-awareness-strengthening-wdktc/