The idea of brain cancer can be genuinely scary. The reassuring truth is that brain cancers and tumours are uncommon. Still, it helps to know the key warning signs, partly so you can get checked quickly if something is off and partly so you do not spiral when symptoms have a more common explanation.
It is also worth knowing that there are not many established risk factors. “The only known risk factors are exposure to radiation and/or a family history with genetic predisposition to certain tumors or cancers,” neuro-oncologist Dr Alyx Porter says.
Below are some of the more common symptoms doctors look for, plus what usually warrants a medical check.
Most common signs of brain cancer
Seizures
A first-time seizure with no known cause should always be assessed. Dr Porter says it is the most common symptom seen with brain tumours
A seizure does not automatically mean brain cancer. Seizures have many possible causes. The key point is that a first seizure is a clear signal to seek medical care so the cause can be identified.
New weakness or unusual sensations in a limb
After seizures, Dr Porter says this is another common sign. A gradual change over days or weeks, such as weakness, reduced coordination or loss of sensation in an arm or leg, can sometimes occur with a tumour depending on where it is located in the brain.
A practical detail doctors pay attention to is whether symptoms appear on one side of the body rather than both.
Headaches that change or escalate
Headaches are common and usually relate to far more everyday causes, from stress to dehydration to migraine. But a headache that is new for you, progressive or not responding to usual treatments is worth discussing with a doctor.
Dr Porter flags a “progressive headache that doesn’t respond to medications or is new” as a symptom that may need further assessment. Red flags include headaches that are increasing in frequency, are unusually severe for you or come with other neurological symptoms such as weakness, confusion or vision changes.
Difficulty understanding or expressing words
If you suddenly struggle to follow conversations or find the words you want, Dr Porter says that can be a symptom to investigate. Cognitive changes can also include trouble reading or writing, short-term memory issues or finding it harder to plan, organise or multitask.
Vision changes
A change in vision is another symptom Dr Porter flags. Depending on where a tumour sits, it can affect how the brain processes sight.
Watch for blurred vision, double vision, new sensitivity to light or noticeable changes in peripheral vision. Any sudden vision change that is new for you deserves prompt medical assessment.
Secondary symptoms that can also show up
These symptoms can occur with brain tumours, but they are also common in many other health issues. Dr Porter’s practical point is to look at the full pattern, especially whether these symptoms appear alongside more specific neurological signs such as seizures, one-sided weakness, speech changes or new progressive headaches.
Balance changes
Feeling unsteady, having trouble walking or losing balance when that is not typical for you can be linked to many things, including inner ear issues and migraine.
Brain fog or confusion
Trouble concentrating or remembering everyday details can have many causes, including stress, lack of sleep and menopause. It becomes more concerning if it is new, worsening or paired with other neurological symptoms.
Sudden personality changes
Abrupt shifts in mood, behaviour or energy can occasionally occur, but are more commonly linked with mental health issues, medications, sleep disruption or major stress. Again, the pattern matters.
When to see a doctor
“I recommend a consultation with a physician when symptoms arise outside of your usual experience with your health,” Dr Porter says. “At the very least, a baseline assessment can provide significant value should changes occur in the future.”
Most of the symptoms listed here have more common explanations and do not automatically mean brain cancer. Still, it is worth taking new, persistent or escalating symptoms seriously.
If you develop more than one symptom at the same time, symptoms are worsening over days or weeks or a symptom feels severe or sudden, book a medical review promptly.
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