As we mark World Cancer Day, learn why brain tumours are so complex to treat, and how personalised Gamma Knife radiosurgery supports people-centred cancer care.
World Cancer Day is observed every year on 4 February with the aim to raise awareness, inspire action, and increase access to the highest quality of cancer care. The theme for 2025–2027 is “United by Unique.”
This short phrase brings a larger truth into focus: while cancer connects millions of people worldwide, every individual’s experience of the disease is different. Nowhere is this more evident than in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours.
A brain tumour is a complex diagnosis, and every person’s experience of it will be different, influenced by many factors including their genetics, medical history, and personal circumstances.
Researchers and clinicians are increasingly united by the need for a more people-centred approach to cancer care, which takes into account not just the diagnosis, but the unique needs and human story of each patient.
When planning a brain tumour treatment pathway, the precision of modern and continually evolving techniques such as Gamma Knife surgery has an increasingly important role to play. Here, we look at why it offers far more than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Even when two patients are diagnosed with the same type of brain tumour, their situations are rarely identical. Tumours vary in size, shape, growth rate and, critically, location.
A small lesion in one area of the brain may cause significant symptoms, while a larger tumour elsewhere may initially go unnoticed.
Beyond anatomy, each patient brings their own health background into the equation. Age, existing medical conditions, neurological function, previous treatments and overall resilience all influence which treatment options are appropriate.
For some, the priority may be long-term tumour control; for others, preserving cognitive function, independence or quality of life is paramount. This is why modern cancer care is moving towards a more personalised and flexible approach.
People-centred cancer care starts with listening to the patient’s symptoms, concerns, and priorities, supported with detailed diagnostic imaging and clinical assessment.
In the context of brain tumours, precision matters. Small differences in tumour position can significantly affect treatment planning. This is particularly crucial when critical structures such as speech, movement, vision or memory centres are involved.
The goal is not simply to treat the tumour, but to do so while minimising disruption to the surrounding healthy brain tissue, and reducing the side effects of the tumour.
Gamma Knife radiosurgery was developed with this level of precision in mind. Using highly focused beams of radiation, it allows clinicians to target tumours with sub-millimetre accuracy, shaping treatment around the unique contours of each patient’s anatomy.
Traditional brain surgery can be life-saving and essential in many cases. However, it is not always the best or safest option for every patient. Some tumours are located deep within the brain or close to vital structures, making open surgery higher risk.
Others may be small, slow-growing, or recurrent after previous treatment. Gamma Knife radiosurgery offers a non-invasive alternative for selected patients, typically delivered in a single outpatient session.
The procedure involves no incision, no general anaesthetic, and minimal recovery time. For many people, this means less disruption to daily life, reduced hospital stays, and a quicker return to normal activities.
Importantly, this approach supports a more individualised care pathway that takes into account not just the tumour, but the person living with it.
World Cancer Day’s United by Unique theme highlights the importance of recognising individual needs while working collectively to improve outcomes for all.
In practice, this means multidisciplinary teams collaborating closely, neurosurgeons, oncologists, physicists, nurses and support staff, each contributing their expertise to tailor treatment plans.
It also means clear communication, realistic expectations, and ongoing support before, during and after treatment. True people-centred care combines advanced treatment options with empathy, transparency and respect for patient choice.
Cancer care is no longer measured solely by survival statistics. Increasingly, it is judged by how well patients are able to live during and after treatment.
Preserving neurological function, maintaining independence and supporting emotional wellbeing are essential outcomes in their own right.
For many patients with brain tumours, Gamma Knife radiosurgery represents an approach that aligns with these priorities. By tailoring treatment to the individual, clinicians can often achieve effective tumour control while minimising side effects and protecting quality of life.
As cancer treatment continues to evolve, personalised approaches will remain central. If you would like to find out more about Amethyst Radiotherapy’s unique brain cancer treatment pathways, please get in touch with our team today.
Centres of Excellence for Stereotactic Radiosurgery treatment of complex Brain Tumours
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