Tocantins has an estimated 70 new cases of brain cancer; Health warns of early diagnosis

With the aim of alerting and raising awareness among the population about the importance of early diagnosis of brain tumors, the State Department of Health (SES-TO) joined the Gray May Campaign. The disease that affects the organ responsible for controlling all functions of the human body is characterized by a tumor that can be either benign or malignant. The first is characterized by slow growth and can be resolved with surgery to remove it. The malignant ones have accelerated growth, present symptoms and require more complex treatments.

The brain and spinal cord form the Central Nervous System (CNS). CNS tumors are due to the growth of abnormal cells in the tissues of these locations. The incidence of brain tumor subtypes varies according to age, with children and adults developing different pathologies. Genetic factors and some familial syndromes increase the risk of brain tumors. Exposure to radiation, such as X-rays and gamma rays, is the risk factor with the highest level of evidence.

The neurosurgeon at Hospital Geral de Palmas (HGP), Gustavo Fernandes Leobas, explained the most common types of brain tumors in the CNS: “it is important to understand the difference between tumors that start in the brain (primary brain tumors) and tumors that begin in other organs and spread to the brain (secondary or metastatic). The most common tumors that cause metastasis to the brain are breast cancer, lung cancer and melanoma, which is skin cancer. Prevention itself for metastases revolves around preventing these types of tumors, which in the case of breast cancer is early screening through mammography, for lung cancer it is the issue of smoking and in melanoma it is the use of sunscreen.”

The expert added that, “primary brain tumors, those that originate in the brain, rarely spread to other parts of the body, but even those considered benign and indolent (slow) growth can press on and destroy normal brain tissue, causing neurological damage irreversible or even fatal. Symptoms of brain tumors may occur gradually, worsening over time, or appear suddenly. Some of the initial symptoms are headache, dizziness and lapses in forgetfulness, which can be easily confused with other less serious illnesses, making early diagnosis difficult.”

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the size and location of the tumor, and can be performed through surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, targeted therapy – molecular and immunotherapy – individually for each patient, whether primary or secondary tumors.

In the Unified Health System (SUS), in Tocantins, follow-ups are carried out in the High Complexity Oncology Care Units (UNACONs) in Palmas and Araguaína, where around 20 patients are being monitored.

Data

According to data from the National Cancer Institute (INCA), the estimated number of new cases of cancer of the Central Nervous System (CNS) for Brazil, each year from 2023 to 2025, is 11,490 cases, with 6,110 cases in men and 5,380 in women. These values ​​correspond to an estimated risk of 5.80 new cases for every 100,000 men and 4.85 for every 100,000 women. The annual estimate for Tocantins is 70 new cases of CNS cancer, 40 cases in men and 30 new cases in women, per 100 thousand inhabitants.