Kathmandu, June 8: The number of brain tumor patients in Nepal is increasing, with a significant rise in cases recorded over the past year, health experts said on the occasion of World Brain Tumor Day.
According to Dr. Rajeev Jha, founder president of the National Brain Tumor Centre, data collected from more than 20 neuro-centres across the country show that 3,000 brain tumor surgeries were performed in 2082 BS, compared to 2,600 surgeries in 2081 BS.
The figures indicate an almost equal distribution between male and female patients, with 1,502 men and 1,498 women undergoing surgery during the review period. Most patients were between 30 and 50 years of age.
Bagmati Province accounted for the highest number of surgeries, representing 36.4 percent of all cases nationwide.
Dr. Jha stressed the importance of early diagnosis, noting that tumors detected in the early stages can often be successfully treated through surgery alone. However, advanced-stage tumors generally require a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and other treatments.
The data also show a notable increase in high-grade glioma cases, which rose from 43.1 percent to 55.9 percent. Similarly, meningioma cases increased significantly from 7.4 percent to 27.1 percent.
Common symptoms of brain tumors include persistent headaches, morning vomiting, hearing impairment, epilepsy, seizures and paralysis. Health experts have urged the public to seek medical attention if such symptoms persist.
Dr. Jha also noted that Bir Hospital has been providing free brain tumor surgeries for the past two years, a service that is expected to continue until next June.
This year’s World Brain Tumor Day observance focuses on raising public awareness about early detection, timely treatment and reducing the gap in diagnosis and care for brain tumor patients. #nepal
