Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a brain cancerous tumor that happens in adults. It is very rare that this type of cancer will spread to other parts of the body. Over 13,000 people between the ages of 45 -70 are diagnosed with this cancer every year. Although men are at a higher risk , this cancer can affect any gender.
There are a few factors that could increase your risk of this cancer: being exposed to chemicals, like pesticides, synthetic rubber or vinyl chloride, radiation to your head. Sometimes it is genetic.
GBM symptoms can start quickly, putting pressure on your brain. Some of the symptoms could be:
Blurred or double vision. Headaches. Loss of appetite. You could have memory problems. Your mood and personality may have changed. You may feel more weakness in your muscles, or have more balance problems. Feelings of nausea or you may vomit. Start to have seizures. You may have speech problems, or feel your sensations like numbness, tingling.
If your doctor thinks you may have a brain tumor of any kind, they would probably order some tests like MRI, Ct Scan or even take a biopsy of a tumor.
Doctors use a system to grade your GBM, 1 -4. #1 tumors are slow growing, and not very aggressive. Once the tumor hits grade 4 it will grow very fast, and be very aggressive.
If you feel you have these symptoms see your health provider.
This disease is the same brain cancer that killed the lead singer of the Tragically Hip Gord Downie a few years ago.
Saddle Mountain is always looking for volunteers in different areas, if you have some time on your hands, come and talk to Sharon, our volunteer coordinator.
Whitevalley Community Resource centre would like to thank our sponsors: Interior Health and The United Way.
A weekly feature for Lumby, Cherryville, and area seniors. For more information about any of the following please contact Colleen or Jenny at (250) 547-8866 Whitevalley Community Resource Centre Office (250) 547-8866. Funding support provided by Interior Health, the Province of British Columbia (Community Gaming), United Way Southern Interior and United Way Lower Mainland.
