Executive Summary
Primary preventive measures are considered essential to reduce the risk of childhood ependymoma. The actual cause of ependymoma (and most childhood brain tumors) is still not known. Hence, stating the prevention of ependymoma childhood tumor without knowing the exact cause. But exposure to radiation and certain chemicals are seen as some of the few known risk factors that can increase a person’s chance of brain tumors. So, one can assume that avoidance of these can prevent a person from developing brain tumors like ependymoma. Some of the common preventive measures for ependymoma childhood involve following a healthy and balanced diet, controlling the body weight, doing regular exercises, avoiding tobacco and limiting the intake of alcohol and undergoing regular medical check-ups and care.
Prevention of Ependymoma Childhood
Before talking about prevention of ependymoma childhood tumor lets know about ependymoma. It is a tumor that develops in the brain or spinal cord. These tumors can occur anywhere in the fluid-filled ventricles or passageways in the spine or brain. Ependymomas form from the ependymal cells that make the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). These cells line the ventricles and passageways in the brain and the spinal cord.
The actual cause of ependymoma (and most childhood brain tumors) is still not known. Hence, stating the prevention of ependymoma childhood tumor without knowing the exact cause. But exposure to radiation and certain chemicals are seen as some of the few known risk factors that can increase a person’s chance of brain tumors. So, one can assume that avoidance of these can prevent a person from developing brain tumors like ependymoma.
Some general precautions can be taken to prevent brain tumors or other disease conditions in general. Listed below are some cancer or ependymoma childhood tumor preventions or tips one can follow to lead a cancer-free, healthy lifestyle 1.
Eat a healthy, Balanced diet for Prevention of Ependymoma Childhood:
Eating a balanced diet is essential in maintaining our overall well-being. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Avoid refined, oily, and charred foods. Including whole grains, pulses and nuts in your diet can be a healthy option. Limit the intake of processed meat.
Controlling body weight:
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential in leading a disease-free life. Eat light as per your body requirement, rather than indulging in eating large amounts of junk. Obesity stands as the foremost reason for most kinds of diseases. Controlling body weight can increase a person’s life efficiency.
Regular Exercise for Prevention of Ependymoma Childhood:
Being physically active and fit can help people lead a healthy, cancer-free lifestyle. Exercising regularly can help control body weight and improve the quality of life. People can practice simple exercises, yoga, and meditation daily to decrease their cancer risk and many other lifestyle diseases.
Don’t use tobacco and limit the intake of alcohol:
Tobacco is considered a primary cause in increasing a person’s risk of most forms of cancer. Avoiding tobacco use can be a significant step in prevention of cancer and other diseases like ependymoma childhood. If you find it challenging to quit smoking or any form of tobacco use, you can consult a qualified medical professional who can suggest ways to quit the use and control the urge.
Limit the intake of alcohol or altogether quit the habit of drinking. Drinking can cause adverse effects on one’s health. So, controlling the habit is essential to lead a healthy, productive life.
Regular medical check-ups and care
Regular self-examinations and screenings can help people to detect cancers early. People need to carry out a complete body check-up at least twice a year. People should observe their bodies and closely look for changes, signs or symptoms of any disease. If a person experiences any signs or symptoms, they should not hesitate to consult a doctor and get a proper diagnosis. People are encouraged to ask questions and clear their doubts regarding any medical condition or disease.
References
- 1.Wu J, Armstrong TS, Gilbert MR. Biology and management of ependymomas. Neuro Oncol. Published online March 28, 2016:902-913. doi:10.1093/neuonc/now016