Observed every year on June 8, World Brain Tumour Day serves as a global call to action—dedicated to raising awareness, improving early detection, and advocating for better support systems for individuals affected by brain tumours. Established in 2000 by the German Brain Tumour Association (Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe), this day is not only a moment to reflect on the challenges faced by patients and caregivers but also a reminder of the ongoing need for research, education, and compassionate care.Brain tumours, whether malignant or benign, impact people across all age groups, often with life-altering consequences. While advancements in neuroimaging and targeted therapies have significantly improved outcomes, early diagnosis remains the key to effective treatment and survival. Although brain tumours in children are statistically rare, they represent one of the most common forms of solid tumours in the pediatric population, following closely behind blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.As health systems worldwide continue to improve diagnostic tools and treatment protocols, awareness among caregivers remains the most powerful first step in saving young lives. The challenge lies in the fact that brain tumours in children often present with vague, fluctuating, and non-specific symptoms—making early detection both difficult and crucial.Brain tumours do not discriminate by age. In fact, according to global cancer statistics, brain, intracranial, and other central nervous system (CNS) tumours are among the top contributors to childhood cancer-related mortality. India, home to the world’s second-largest pediatric population, sees a significant number of brain tumour cases every year—with a notable number detected in children as young as a few months old.“These tumours are not only difficult to detect, but their early symptoms are also often mistaken for routine childhood issues,” explains Dr. Ishant Rege, Consultant Neurosurgeon. “The earlier we catch them, the better the outcomes, but that’s exactly the challenge—we're looking for signals in a storm of everyday behavior.”Why Early Diagnosis Is So Challenging?Unlike adults, young children often can’t articulate what they’re feeling. This makes identifying serious conditions like brain tumours incredibly complex. Symptoms may be intermittent, fluctuate in severity, and sometimes appear unrelated to neurological issues. A headache could be dismissed as screen fatigue; irritability might be attributed to teething or general mood swings.In very young children, signs can be even more subtle. “Parents often bring in children for vague complaints—irritability, excessive crying, refusal to eat—only to discover after imaging that a tumour is the cause,” says Dr. Rege. “We see cases where a child has been misdiagnosed for weeks or months.”Early Symptoms Parents Should Not IgnoreBrain tumours can occur anywhere in the brain, but in children, they are most frequently found in the posterior fossa—a region near the base of the skull. The symptoms depend on the tumour’s location, size, and growth rate.In infants and toddlers, the early warning signs include:Asymmetrical head growth or bulging fontanelle (soft spot)Persistent vomiting without signs of infectionSquint or abnormal eye movementsPoor feeding and failure to thriveUnusual or persistent cryingFor older children, parents should look out for:Persistent headaches, particularly in the morning or those that wake the child from sleepRepeated vomiting, especially when not linked to a stomach bugSudden clumsiness, frequent falls, or trouble with balanceBlurred or double vision, or sudden need for glassesSeizures, particularly the first occurrenceBehavioral changes, including unexplained irritability or personality shiftsDrop in school performance or focus“A child who was once active and cheerful, suddenly becoming lethargic or moody, is often brushed off as being tired or going through a phase,” says Dr. Rege. “But when multiple symptoms start appearing together, it’s time to investigate.”What Role Parents, Teachers, and Primary Caregivers Have In Play?Detecting these subtle changes requires keen observation—something that parents, teachers, and caregivers are uniquely positioned to do. Mothers, in particular, often notice when “something just doesn’t seem right.”“A child constantly tilting their head to avoid double vision, or suddenly becoming clumsy, may not tell you what’s wrong. But these signs are crucial. Teachers may also notice a decline in attention span or classroom performance,” adds Dr. Rege.This makes open communication between caregivers and healthcare providers vital. When in doubt, seeking a second opinion or requesting imaging like an MRI can be the difference between early intervention and late-stage complications.How Diagnosis and Treatment Work?Once symptoms raise enough concern, imaging—usually an MRI—is the first step. If a tumour is detected, the next course of action depends on the type, location, and aggressiveness of the tumour. Pediatric neurosurgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are among the treatment options, often delivered in combination.Fortunately, significant strides in pediatric neuro-oncology have improved outcomes, especially when the tumour is detected early. Survival rates for many childhood brain tumours have improved over the past decade, but early diagnosis remains the single most impactful factor.World Brain Tumour Day, observed every year on June 8, is more than a day of recognition—it is a call to action. For parents, it’s a reminder to pay attention to subtle changes. For physicians, it’s about remaining alert to atypical presentations. For policymakers and global health leaders, it's a time to prioritize early diagnostic tools, especially in underserved regions with limited pediatric imaging resources.“We’re not trying to scare parents,” says Dr. Rege. “But it’s about helping them trust their instincts. If something feels off, don’t wait. Get it checked. Brain tumours are rare, yes but missing them can cost lives.”The earlier we detect, the better the chances of full recovery and reduced long-term complications. On this World Brain Tumour Day, let us pledge to listen, observe, and act because children may not always have the words, but their bodies give us the signs.Brain tumours in children, while rare, are among the most serious diagnoses. Persistent headaches, unexplained vomiting, vision issues, seizures, and behavioral changes should never be ignored. Dr. Ishant Rege is a Consultant Neurosurgeon at DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri Pune in India