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MonMay 27

National Gray Day – May 27, 2024

National Gray Day is observed on May 27 every year. This day is observed throughout the country as part of the observances of National Brain Cancer Awareness Month. National Gray Day encourages everyone to remember those lost to brain cancer, celebrate those who survived and support those who are enduring the pain and hardships of brain cancer. The day is organized by Voices Against Brain Cancer, which aims to host events throughout the country to raise awareness about brain cancer and advance research towards a cure for the disease.

History of National Gray Day

National Gray Day is organized by Voices Against Brain Cancer and is observed on May 27 throughout the country. The day is a part of the annual observance of National Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Several events are organized across the country to acknowledge those suffering from brain tumors, as well as those who have survived them. The events are geared towards spreading information about brain cancer to encourage early diagnosis and raise funds for research towards a cure.

Brain cancer causes the growth of malignant brain tumors. These tumors occur due to the formation of abnormal cells which may begin in the brain or spread from other parts of the body into the brain.

The primary symptoms of brain tumors include headaches, vomiting, seizures, mental changes, problems with vision, periods of unconsciousness, difficulty with motor movements, sensations, or difficulty with talking. However, these symptoms can be ascribed to a multitude of illnesses, making brain tumors hard to diagnose. Additional complications include the difficulty of scanning the brain because most imaging devices are disrupted by the blood-brain barrier.

Research for a cure for brain cancer is underway. Treatments range from surgery and radiation therapy to chemotherapy. All these treatments come with complications. Surgery is the preferred course of action, particularly when there is only one tumor that originated in the brain. However, multiple tumors that originated in other locations require radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

National Gray Day timeline

1884
First Resection of a Brain Tumour

Mr. Rickman J. Godlee, a surgeon in Scotland, performs the removal of a brain tumor.

1895
X-Rays Used to Localize Brain Tumors

A German neurosurgeon, Fedor Krause, uses the newly invented X-Rays to localize brain tumors and writes about it in his book.

1940s
Isotopes Used for Localization

George E.Moore, a surgeon from Minnesota, experiments with fluorescein and radioactive iodine to scan the brain.

2017
Tumor Treating Fields Extends Survival

Clinical trials with the novel device called “Tumor Treating Fields,” are seen to improve survival in patients with recently diagnosed cancers.

National Gray Day FAQs

What is the symbol for a brain tumor?

The symbol for a brain tumor is a gray ribbon worn on your clothing.

Can you have a brain tumor for years without knowing?

Many brain tumors develop with no symptoms till their size causes a decline in the person’s health.

What are brain tumor headaches like?

Brain tumor headaches are a pressure-type of headache, or sometimes, sharp and stabbing, which gets worse at night or in the early morning.

How to Observe National Gray Day

  1. Donate towards research

    Despite the devastating effects of brain cancer, there is no known cure. Use this day as an opportunity to donate towards research for a cure.

  2. Attend a V.A.B.C. event

    Voices Against Brain Cancer organizes several events throughout May to raise awareness about brain cancer. Attend an event near you and take your friends and family along.

  3. Reach out to someone you know

    If you know someone with brain cancer, reach out and extend your support. If they are struggling, help them manage their day-to-day activities so they can focus on getting better.

5 Facts About Brain Cancer That Will Surprise You

  1. There are no known causes

    The cause of brain tumors remains unknown, though exposure to ionizing radiation and inherited diseases increases a person’s chances to develop tumors.

  2. Secondary tumors are more common

    Secondary tumors, or tumors that develop elsewhere and spread to the brain, are four times as common as primary tumors.

  3. The second most common cancer in children

    Brain tumors are second to leukemia among cancers that occur in children.

  4. The lifetime cost is significant

    In Australia, the cost of having brain cancer is about $1.9 million, which is the highest among all types of cancers.

  5. The survival rate is not great

    The average five-year survival rate among people with brain cancer is about 36%.

Why National Gray Day is Important

  1. We feel for people with brain cancer

    We think that people with brain cancer are very brave to go through all the pain and difficulties of the disease and treatment. We want to help and support them.

  2. We want to help find a cure

    We think that it is terrible that there is no cure for such a devastating disease. We want to donate to the cause and support all those working to find a cure.

  3. We want to support the families

    People have lost their loved ones or have to watch their loved ones suffer because of brain cancer. We want to support and help these families so that they know they are not alone.

National Gray Day dates

YearDateDay
2024May 27Monday
2025May 27Tuesday
2026May 27Wednesday
2027May 27Thursday
2028May 27Saturday

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