By Dr Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital

The International Association of Cancer Registries (IARC) reported over 28,000 cases of brain tumours reported in India each year, and more than 24,000 people reportedly die due to brain tumours annually

On this World Brain Tumour Day, a moment of reflection is thus required to observe the susceptibility of our most precious assets- our own brains. Amidst the fast pace of our daily living, we may easily overlook how much stress deeply affects our neurological well-being. It is possible for stress to secretly sneak in like a thief in the night and foster an atmosphere that can see brain tumors grow therein.

Therefore, as we get aware and come together in unity let us renew our commitment to self-preservation. We will protect ourselves from the invasion by stress through strengthening the mental fortresses with activities that encourage peace and resilience. For instance, let us practice mindfulness meditation or simply create time to think without any distraction so as to guard against it with devotion towards mental health needs.

While shielding ourselves from stress’ ravages we are not only retaining ours but also enhancing the overall quality of human consciousness. In all this confusion and disorderliness, however, we need to realize that composure of mind remains the greatest power within us. Thus, on this day of World Brain Tumour Day and on each other day after, let us choose peace over pandemonium and resilience instead of restlessness.”