Although brain tumors are relatively rare, around 12,000 people are diagnosed in the UK each year, including celebrities such as tenor Russell Watson, musician and actor Martin Kemp and in-demand singer Tom Parker.
On Sunday (November 13), TV host Johnny Irwin introduced… A place in the sun From Channel 4 and Escape to the country From BBC, Reveal his diagnosis.
Irwin, 48, He stated that he had terminal cancer that had spread from his lungs to his brain. And he doesn’t know “how much time he has left to live.”
He noted that the first time he realized something was wrong was when his vision became blurry while driving in 2020, when he was filming A place in the sun.
A week after returning home after filming, Irwin was told that he only had “six months to live.” At first, he kept his diagnosis a secret, but decided to make it public “to inspire people with life-limiting expectations to make the most of every day.”
Sarah Lindsell, chief executive of the Brain Tumor Charity, says the Tessa Jowell Awards are “a huge step forward in improving standards for brain tumor patients”.
“Early detection remains a critical and unique challenge in brain tumors,” Lindsell adds.
“The signs can sometimes be vague, and many of the most common symptoms, such as persistent headaches or coordination problems, can have a variety of other causes, whether serious or not.”
“We encourage anyone with symptoms that they consider unusual, especially if they have a combination of symptoms, or if the signs are persistent or unexplained, to attend a check-up with their GP.”
Dr. McBain explains that symptoms that may indicate a brain tumor tend to be changes that become more severe and worse over a period of weeks to months, and that additional symptoms also develop during that period.
“Unlike a seizure, which can occur on its own, most people will experience a combination of symptoms, which develop and become more noticeable over a period of two to three months,” says Dr. McBain.
“If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consult your family doctor.”
So what are the possible symptoms?
Remember that any of the following symptoms do not automatically mean you have a brain tumour, but if you are worried, see your GP.
1. Seizures
If you have a sudden attack or seizure, you should go to the emergency department, where an urgent brain scan will be performed.
2. Weakness in the face/arm/leg on one side of the body
This weakness may appear suddenly, like a stroke, or it may become gradually more noticeable over a few weeks, for example by dragging your leg or tripping on the sidewalk because you can’t lift your foot properly.
3. A noticeable change in speech
Difficulty speaking, unable to find the right words or pronounce the wrong words. It’s normal to sometimes have difficulty finding the right word, but it can become concerning for a brain tumor if it gets progressively worse over weeks or months and is associated with other symptoms.
4. Personality change
People with a brain tumor may become increasingly withdrawn or disoriented over the course of a few months, or have difficulty with tasks they used to do, such as playing an instrument or doing online banking.
5. Changes in vision
Sometimes brain tumors reduce our ability to see things from the side. As a result, people may hit door frames, be unable to see someone sitting on the left or right side, or hit the rearview mirrors of parked cars if they are driving. If you’re concerned about changes in your vision, first consult an eye specialist, who can perform a complete eye exam and refer you to hospital if necessary.
6. Difficulty reading or interpreting words
You may notice that over the course of a few weeks, you find it increasingly difficult to write emails or send text messages, or to understand what the translation or words in the book are saying; You may be able to see words clearly, but your brain refuses to interpret or understand them.
7. Headache
Headaches are the symptom that most people associate with brain tumors, but in fact it is relatively unusual for a headache to be the only symptom of a brain tumor.
When it comes to concerns about brain tumors, doctors refer to “concomitant headaches,” meaning headaches accompanied by other symptoms. Worrying headaches are those that worsen “visibly, permanently, and gradually” over a period of two to three months and are associated with some other symptom.
If a headache is the only symptom, it is usually a headache that is unlike any you have had before and gets worse very quickly, over a few weeks. It may be present in the morning, wake you up, or be associated with nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.
For more information, see Brain Tumor Charitable Society.
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