Cancer patients learn about 'brain mets'

CLEVELAND - Many common cancers spread to the brain, and that's why the Cleveland Clinic and the American Cancer Society are working to educate cancer patients about the symptoms.

Early detection is crucial when treating what's known "brain mets" (short for brain metasteses).  That's why the B-Aware campaign was created.

“People who have breast, lung, kidney and other types of cancer have up to a 33 percent chance to have that tumor go to the brain,” said Dr. Gene Barnett who is the director of the Cleveland Clinic Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center.

“We want patients and physicians to be aware of this issue because there are numerous treatments, and if we can detect the problem early, the prognosis may improve dramatically. We want patients to get the right treatment at the right time,” Barnett said through the hospital news release.

A spokesperson for the Cleveland Clinic said some of the common symptoms of brain metastasis are progressively worsening headaches, peripheral vision loss, trouble speaking, or limb weakness. Brain mets may also sometimes cause seizures.

More information is available on the American Cancer Society’s website and through the ACS national call center at 800-227-2345, which is staffed 24/7 by trained Cancer Information Specialists.