Possible Causes

Are these tumours purely caused by some environmental factor? are they caused by life style choices or occupational hazards?

I have Oligodendroglioma 3, right periatal lobe.  I am a welder and have been exposed to high levels of EMF ( electromagnetic flux) for about 18 years.  EMF is a known cause of some nuero cancers.

What occupations have you all had?  Can there be some common thread which can be identified and avoided?

Please drop me a line and share your thoughts.

Conrad 

I don't think they know the causes of these tumors, Conrad.I've had many jobs in my life, but for the past 20 plus years I sold residential real estate. Certainly no common hazard there--except stress. I've always liked to work in my yard and they think there's a link to pesticides, etc., but laying down fertilizer and insecticide a few times a year hardly qualifies for overexposure. I think stress is a cause of many illnesses, but isn't just about everyone you know stressed out? Why doesn't everyone have cancer or some other chronic illness then? It's a mystery. Some of us just get the short straw, I guess. Hope you get more replies. I'll be curious to see if there's any common thread. (By the way, I was diagnosed at 52.

Mary

Conrad and Mary,

            Good topic, what causes the cancer ? is it the water we drink, the food we eat or the air we breath. Why do we get cancer and our neighbors don't ?

             On the evening news last week, the State of Delaware had a list of roughly 8 areas that have become cancer Hot Spots. What is the common factor in those areas ?

             I don't have the answer, but it is interesting to see it posted and the possible anwers that may come from the question. I'm sure there are many theories, and I feel they, when combined, contribute to the cancer.

Maryws,

               As you mentioned, your husband has been a Pilot for 18 years and in that time had to wear a headset or Pilot Helmet enclosing his ear area. Constant radio frequencies around his head, any connection ? My quess is as good as the next. Is this a hazard of doing his job ? Don't know, but I do know a Naval Aviator  that is almost done serving his 30 and he is as healthy as can be. What causes one to get cancer and the next not too. Is it in our Genes somewhere ? Just throwing thoughts out there.

I'm so sorry to hear that! I believe that most of the time it's environmental. For some reason, when there is more than one cancer in the body, that comes to mind.

I have tons of different cancer in my family. The doctors think it's environmental. Most of them live in the mountains and worked as farmers (with chemicals), coal mines or factories.

I pray for the day researcers find reasons,..... and preventative methods.

Conrad, if only we knew what causes these things.  GBM is my husband's FOURTH primary cancer.  He had kidney cancer and prostate cancer diagnosed in 2004.  Surgery to remove the kidney first and then three months later surgery to remove the prostate.  Then a year or so later two moles removed which were said to be "borderline malignant melanoma" - whatever that means.   Seems to me the mole either is or isn't melanoma.   Anyhow, then comes 2007 and the GBM diagnosis.  The doctor said he is one unlucky dude.    Guess you could say that.

He has been a white collar worker office worker all his life. 

Who knows?  Everything I've read indicates that they really don't know what causes brain tumors.

Best wishes,

Barb

Pop Pop,

We were wondering about the genetic possibility because my husband was diagnosed in Dec 07 and his maternal uncle had GBM 27 yrs ago.