Gliomas are a type of cancerous brain tumor. The tumor originates from glial cells, which surround nerve cells and support their functions. Glioma cells look much like healthy glial cells. Not all gliomas are cancerous; some grow slowly and are considered non-cancerous. Nonetheless, most are malignant, grow fast, and invade surrounding healthy tissues. Glioma tumors are commonly diagnosed in adults but happen at any age. Common gliomas are glioblastoma, astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, and ependymoma. Their symptoms also vary with respect to location and size.

The common symptoms of glioma tumors include:

• Vision changes
• Headaches that tend to be worst in the mornings
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Speech difficulties
• Memory loss
• Confusion, trouble thinking, and understanding
• Personality changes
• Seizures

Glioma tumors aren’t exactly known, but they develop following changes in cell DNA. The common risk factors include:

• Radiation exposure, for example, a history of radiation therapy treatments
• Genetic syndromes like neurofibromatosis (type 1 and type 2)
• Gender – the tumors are more prevalent in males than females
• Age – the risk increases with age
• Genetics – the tumors tend to run in families
• Lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol abuse increase the risk

While the lack of clear causes means there are no foolproof measures to prevent glioma tumors, you still have a lot that can help mitigate the risks. Herein, we’ll look at straightforward preventative measures to help keep tumors at bay and improve your overall health and wellness.

Healthy nutrition

A well-balanced diet helps keep your body in better shape. This means organs are well-replenished with vital nutrients, promoting optimal functionality. A diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties can help mitigate gliomas and other cancers. This is because the diet helps protect your cells from being damaged. Cell damage is the leading cause of DNA changes, altering how they function, which can cause uncontrolled growth and consequential tumors.

Adopt a healthy nutrition regimen, ideally packed with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Besides glioma, you’ll prevent more health issues as your body will be better equipped to keep infections at bay and easily fight any disease.

Weight management

Excess weight and obesity are linked to various cancers. Individuals with excess fat (adipose tissue) tend to have an elevated insulin level and insulin-like growth factor-1. The excessive adipose tissue also leads to the production of excess estrogen. The excess hormone is associated with increased cancer risks, most commonly ovarian, breast, and endometrial cancers, and could cause glioma tumors. Excess weight means the chances of hormonal disruptions and inflammation are high, leaving you vulnerable to various cancers, gliomas included.

Weight management, including a healthy diet and physical activity, can help lower glioma risks. Even better, you’ll improve your overall wellness and life expectancy once you hit and maintain a healthy weight range. This is because obesity is associated with other severe chronic conditions, like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Physical activity

Physical activity can’t be emphasized enough while striving to lead a healthier life. Besides facilitating effective weight management efforts, exercise helps balance hormones, reduce inflammation, and control blood pressure, among other aspects associated with increased cancer risk. The best part is that you don’t have to engage in strenuous workouts to realize such benefits. You can seamlessly include physical activity in your routine, such as walking more, cycling, or swimming. Staying physically active offers more health and well-being benefits, including improving your mood, which can help you become more productive and lead a fulfilling life.

Avoid radiation exposure

Radiation exposure, including during radiation therapy, increases glioma risks. You may not entirely avoid exposure since it could be necessary, such as during radiation therapy, to treat primary tumors. Nonetheless, minimizing exposure can help mitigate glioma risks. This may include fewer radiation therapy sessions complemented by alternative treatments. Besides ionizing radiation, you should also mitigate exposure to other harmful substances, especially known carcinogenic like industrial chemicals.

Physical protection

Head trauma can be overwhelming. Besides the silent-killer nature of some head injuries like concussions, you could also develop glioma in the long run following the trauma. As such, if you often engage in activities with an increased risk of head injuries, like contact sports, it is recommendable to wear the appropriate gear. Besides mitigating the aggressive glioma risks, protective gear minimizes serious head injuries that could shorten your lifespan or considerably impact the quality of your life.

Smoking cessation

Did you know that smoking means you are exposed to more than tobacco and tar? Cigarettes contain thousands of chemicals. These chemicals enter the body and cause cell damage in the DNA. Cell damage makes you susceptible to cancer since they can’t effectively protect against the changes and consequential uncontrolled growth. Besides cell damage, cigarette chemicals make it harder for the cells to self-repair, leading to DNA damage buildup. The more damage, the higher the mutation and the higher the chances of developing various cancers.

Nicotine in cigarettes is a known immunosuppressive agent, which means the immune system’s ability to respond to threats is affected. Moreover, smoking promotes chronic inflammation, which exposes you to many health threats. Smokers are at increased risk of cardiovascular issues and cancers, among other severe health threats. Therefore, as you strive to lead a longer, healthier, and more productive life, you should stop the destructive smoking habit.

Genetic testing

While glioma can develop sporadically, it tends to be hereditary. Genetic testing is recommended if you have a family history of brain cancer. While not exactly a preventative measure, the testing provides valuable insights, including if you have a gene mutation that could increase glioma development risk. This can help catch the problem early and employ effective interventions to stop the progression. Early intervention and treatment are more affordable, and since you keep cancer from spreading, you’ll enjoy better life quality.

Glioma tumors and other cancers can be scary, especially those affecting the brain and spinal cord. The good news is that they are, to some degree, preventable. Even when prevention is not entirely possible, early detection and treatment help manage the symptoms and avoid progression that could turn your life inside out.