Terminal cancer marks the advanced stage of the disease when the patient no longer responds to treatment. The primary treatment modalities for cancer patients are typically chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Brain tumors leading to terminal cancer often manifest after a prolonged period of neglect. Despite experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, imbalance, speech impairment, and sensory deficits, patients may delay seeking medical attention, ultimately leading to treatment resistance.
Understanding the underlying causes of terminal brain cancer and identifying individuals at risk is crucial. While the precise causes of terminal brain tumors remain elusive from a scientific standpoint, it’s important to note that brain tumors are not contagious. Nonetheless, certain causal factors and risk elements have been documented.
Factors Leading to Terminal Cancer
Direct Cause
The direct cause pertains to the scenario where cancerous cells migrate to the brain from various parts of the body via the lymphatic system or bloodstream, proliferating into a noticeable mass or tumor within the brain.
Metastasis Sources
Metastatic cancer occurs when cancer spreads from its original location to other areas of the body. This can happen through local invasion, where cancer cells infiltrate nearby tissue, or via intravasation, circulation, or proliferation.
Exposure to Radiation
Research indicates that exposure to radiation significantly increases the risk of developing brain cancer. Whether exposure occurs during infancy or involves higher radiation doses, it can contribute to the development of terminal brain cancer.
Environmental Factors
Excessive exposure to cigarette smoke, aspartame, and highly toxic chemicals has been linked to an increased risk of terminal brain cancer.
Factors contributing to the risk of terminal brain cancer
Gender:
Men have a higher propensity to develop secondary brain tumors leading to terminal brain cancer compared to women.
Age:
Terminal brain cancer cases are predominantly found in individuals over 70 years old. However, a significant number of children under 8 years old are diagnosed with leukemia, which is the most common cancer in children.
Race:
There is a noticeable prevalence of terminal brain cancer among white populations compared to other races.
Family History:
Individuals with relatives diagnosed with brain cancer are at increased risk of developing brain tumors. While not strictly hereditary, family history can influence the likelihood of developing the condition.
In the US, more than 17,000 cancer cases are diagnosed annually. Malignant brain cancer constitutes 2% of all cancers diagnosed in the US, resulting in over 13,000 deaths.