Who Is at Risk for Brain Cancer?

Everyone has some risk of developing brain cancer at some time in their life, but some are at a higher risk level of developing a tumor. Genetics, race, age, and chemical and radiation exposure may play a part. Some cancers are exclusive, affecting mainly children or a particular race. Others risk factors include vocation, such as automobile workers or farmers exposed to particular chemicals. Many products and chemicals are still in the testing stage and have not been definitely proven to put us more at risk. There are many symptoms of brain cancer including headaches, nausea, motor problems, memory loss, numbness or weakness of arms or legs, and vision and speech problems. It is always best to consult with your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms to rule out a tumor.

Genetics

• Families with a history of brain cancer pass on genetic code that may predispose future generations to this risk. Some rare genetic disorders, such as Elephant Man Syndrome, which cause internal and external tumors is often linked to certain brain cancers.

Race

• Whites have a higher level of occurrence than other races, but according to karmanos.org, African-Americans have a higher risk of death resulting from brain cancer. According to sciencedaily.com, there is one particular type--primary central nervous system lymphoma--that occurs approximately twice as much in African-Americans than in whites. What is peculiar about PCNSL is that after the age of 49, the role is reversed and whites are twice as likely to be affected as blacks. Patients with AIDS or similar immune deficiencies are also more susceptible to PCNSL.

Age

• Risk increases with the age of the patient with those older than 45 having and ever-increasing risk. A protein named Huwe1 that is produced in the brain stem helps to ward off unnecessary proteins from developing. Basically, it acts as a tumor suppressor. The production of this protein is reduced in later years, possibly resulting in or allowing tumor growth. Studies are still ongoing regarding Huwe1. According to the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, men over the age of 65 are more like to develop brain cancer then women of that same age group.

Chemical Exposure

• The Collaborative on Health and the Environment discusses the research being done on farmers and their increased risk due to their exposure to pesticides and herbicides. Factory workers exposed to wood preservatives, PVCs and chlorinated hydrocarbons also show an increase in occurrences. Sodium nitrites, such as is used in the curing of meats, are also suspect, although tests have been inconclusive to date.

Radiation

• The risk of cancer resulting from exposure to radiation increases if it occurred at a younger age and/or if the patient was subjected to a higher dose. Ironically, a type of radiation termed ionizing that is used to treat cancer patients can put them at a higher risk of developing a brain tumor. Unborn children whose parents are exposed to radiation or solvents also have an increased risk of developing brain cancer.

  Electronic products being tested for their propensity to cause brain cancers include cell phones, microwave ovens and high-intensity power lines.