World Brain Tumour Day 2025 is observed to raise awareness about one of the most complex health condition – brain tumour. While many people are aware of the symptoms and treatments, what often goes unnoticed are the lifestyle factors that may contribute to the risk. This year, we’re highlighting on two habits that are commonly debated when it comes to brain health; alcohol consumption and smoking.
Understanding Brain Tumour
A brain tumour is a condition where abnormal cells begin to grow in or around the brain. The tumour can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and their impact largely depends on their type, size and location in the brain.
In India alone, approximately 40,000 new cases of brain tumour are reported each year. Brain tumour can severely affect an individual’s cognitive functions, emotional well-being and overall physical health, often making everyday life challenging.
But can habits like smoking or drinking alcohol really raise the risk of developing a brain tumour? Let’s explore what the experts have to say.
Alcohol and Brain Tumour
Alcohol consumption is widely known for its effects on the liver and nervous system. But when it comes to brain tumour, the connection isn’t as straightforward.
What experts say:
- Alcohol is not a direct cause of primary (de novo) brain tumour.
- However, in cases where alcohol-related liver cancers develop, there is a chance these can spread (metastasize) to the brain, causing brain tumour symptoms.
While there’s no solid evidence that alcohol directly causes brain tumour, some mechanisms suggest indirect risks:
How alcohol may contribute indirectly:
- DNA Damage: Alcohol is broken down into toxic chemicals that may damage DNA and promote uncontrolled cell growth.
- Weakened Immunity: Chronic drinking weakens your immune system, reducing your body’s ability to destroy cancerous cells.
- Poor Nutrition: Alcohol often leads to nutritional deficiencies, especially in antioxidants and vitamins that protect against cellular damage.
So, while moderate, occasional drinking may not be harmful, chronic or heavy alcohol use could raise your risk of health complications that indirectly affect the brain.
Smoking and Brain Tumour
Unlike alcohol, the link between smoking and brain tumours is more direct and alarming.
- Smoking and Secondary Brain Tumour
Smoking is one of the leading causes of lung cancer and lung cancer has a high tendency to spread to the brain. When this happens, patients may experience symptoms like:
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Seizures
This is called metastatic brain cancer, and smoking plays a major role in triggering it.
- Smoking and Primary Brain Tumour
Recent research also shows that smoking may increase the risk of developing de novo brain tumour, especially gliomas, a common and aggressive form of brain tumour. Studies suggest:
- Smokers may have a 15–20% higher risk of developing gliomas compared to non-smokers.
- Harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage brain tissues directly or impair immune response.
Although more research is needed to fully understand the link, there’s growing evidence that both smoking and excessive drinking can increase your risk of brain tumour, either directly or indirectly.
Making conscious lifestyle choices like quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can significantly reduce your risk of various cancers, including those affecting the brain.
Conclusion
On World Brain Tumour Day 2025, let’s choose a healthier lifestyle to stay a step closer to eliminating different triggers.
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