As Escape to the Country presenter Nicki Chapman opens up about her experience of having a brain tumour in her book So Tell Me What You Want, medical experts have shared the early warning signs of brain tumours
Nicki Chapman, the familiar face from Escape to the Country, has bravely opened up about her frightening health ordeal involving a brain tumour in her gripping new book, ‘So Tell Me What You Want’. The TV star faced a terrifying reality in 2019 when she began losing her vision and suffering slurred speech after another medical scare – issues that later were linked to a meningioma brain tumour.
Though typical meningiomas, as noted by NHS guidance, are slow-growing, non-cancerous and less likely to spread, it doesn’t erase the gravity of their threat, says Dr Chun Tang, GP at Pall Mall Medical. Tang insists on vigilance, saying: “Early detection is key to better outcomes, so being proactive about unusual or persistent symptoms is always the best course of action.”
Dr Tang shared crucial insight for those anxious about detecting brain tumours: “Early signs of brain tumours can often be subtle and easy to overlook. But there are a few symptoms that people may notice at home that could suggest something is wrong. One of the most common early signs is frequent or worsening headaches.”
Moreover, he points out that tumour-induced headaches have distinct traits they tend to persist, frequently strike in the mornings, or interrupt sleep. They’re also known to deviate from a person’s standard tension or migraine headaches.
The doctor went on to say: “Blurred vision, double vision, or loss of peripheral vision can be other red flags. If you’re finding it hard to focus or are noticing unusual blind spots, it’s worth getting checked. If you’re suddenly feeling off-balance, tripping, or having difficulty walking, it could be a sign of something affecting the brain’s motor functions.”
Persistent nausea or vomiting without an obvious cause like food poisoning or flu symptoms can also be a physical indicator. A subtle change in your memory, concentration or personality can be a disturbing mental sign. Dr Tang emphasised that if loved ones start to notice forgetfulness, confusion and mood swings, they should start monitoring.
On a more serious note, if you suddenly experience seizures without a history of epilepsy or another condition that would explain it, it “should be taken seriously” and the doctor urged people experiencing this to seek “prompt immediate medical attention”. When it comes to knowing when to involve a professional, Dr Tang has some general guidelines for reassurance.
He clarified: “It’s difficult to tell on your own if a symptom is a sign of a brain tumour or something more routine like a migraine or stress. Or if there’s any sudden onset of neurological symptoms by that I mean difficulty speaking, severe balance issues, or seizures they all warrant immediate attention.”
If unusual symptoms persist for more than a week, become regular occurrences and don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. The doctor stressed the importance of not ignoring “red flags”, particularly a decline in coordination or cognitive function, urging people to “err on the side of caution”. He explained that presenting these symptoms to a doctor would likely lead to imaging tests such as an MRI scan.
The Brain Tumour Charity highlights the severity of the condition, stating that approximately 88,000 people in the UK are living with a brain tumour, with over 120 different types classified by the WHO based on location and behaviour. Tragically, the charity reveals that brain tumours are the “biggest cancer killer of the under 40s”, reducing life expectancy by an average of 27 years, according to their research.