A growing number of neurologists in India are raising concerns about the increasing frequency of brain tumours, particularly among young people. According to them, the most significant difficulty is a lack of awareness rather than a lack of therapy. 

"Brain tumours often mimic everyday problems like headaches, dizziness, or even forgetfulness," explains Dr Praveen Gupta, Principal Director and Chief of Neurology. "By the time the tumour is diagnosed, a lot of irreversible damage has already occurred." 

A brain tumour is an abnormal development of cells within or around the brain. Some tumours are benign (not cancerous), whereas others are malignant (cancerous). They can originate in the brain (primary tumours) or spread from other parts of the body (secondary or metastatic tumours). The primary hazard is the pressure they impose on brain tissue, impairing critical processes such as speech, memory, and movement—even when they are minor in size. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts that 10 out of every 100,000 people acquire brain tumours each year. In India, the reported rate varies between 5 and 10 per 100,000. However, health experts estimate the true figure is greater due to limited availability of advanced neuroimaging technologies like MRIs and CT scans in many parts of the country. 

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR-NCDIR), India has approximately 28,000 new instances of brain tumours each year. Experts feel this percentage is likely underreported, especially in rural and tier-2 areas with little diagnostic capacity. 

Dr Madhukar Bhardwaj, Director of Neurology at Aakash Healthcare, observes a disturbing trend: "We're seeing more young adults with tumours, and the symptoms are frequently overlooked." People often dismiss seizures, mood swings, vomiting, and blurred vision as trivial concerns. 

What makes brain tumours so hazardous is not simply the disease itself but where it occurs. Even small tumours can be lethal if they form near important brain locations. Unlike many other malignancies, early-stage brain tumours may not always result in a better prognosis. According to current data from the Indian Society of Neuro-Oncology, individuals with malignant brain tumours had an average survival of 12 to 18 months after diagnosis. 

Major hospitals provide treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, for the great majority of India's people, affordability remains a significant hurdle. "Many patients seek tertiary care after attempting other treatments for migraines or psychiatric illnesses," says Dr Aakaar Kapoor of City X-Ray & Scan Clinic. "A simple MRI could have saved crucial time." 

Dr Ruchi Singh of Asian Hospital says that late diagnosis increases treatment costs and reduces effectiveness. Meanwhile, Dr Narendra Motarwar of Jupiter Hospital discusses the urban-rural split. "Government hospitals offer treatment, but patients from small towns often come too late," he told me. 

Specialists agree that the actual battle is one of awareness. Early symptoms must be treated seriously, and affordable diagnostics must be made more widely available, particularly in rural India. 

"Every delay costs lives," Dr Gupta cautions. "India needs urgent public health campaigns, improved screening technologies, and prompt referrals to neurologists." The time to act is now."