Mia Love, 49, the first Black Republican congresswoman dies after cancer battle: Know the signs and symptoms of this aggressive cancer

Former US Rep. Mia Love of Utah, who became the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, died on Sunday, Mar. 23, following a battle with cancer. She was 49.

A daughter of Haitian immigrants, Love, represented Utah’s 4th Congressional District from 2015-2019. In a post shared on Love’s X account, her family announced the news of her death.

“With grateful hearts filled to overflowing for the profound influence of Mia on our lives, we want you to know that she passed away peacefully today. She was in her home surrounded by family. In the midst of a celebration of her life and an avalanche of happy memories, Mia quietly slipped the bands of mortality and, as her words and vision always did, soared heavenward. We are thankful for the many good wishes, prayers, and condolences. We are taking some time as a family and will provide information about funeral services and a public celebration of her life in the days to come,” her family said.

Mia Love had undergone treatment for brain cancer recently. She also did immunotherapy as part of a clinical trial at Duke University’s brain tumor center. However, earlier this month, her daughter revealed that Mia Love was no longer responding to treatment.

Know more about brain cancer, its signs, and symptoms:

What is brain cancer?

Brain cancer is an overgrowth of cells in the brain that form masses called brain tumors. It is also known as primary brain cancer. This is different from cancer which starts in another part of your body and spreads to your brain. Such a type is called secondary or metastasized brain cancer.

Brain cancer is rare, and only less than 1 percent of people have the chance of developing a malignant brain tumour in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.

What are the symptoms of brain cancer?

The symptoms depend on the size and location of the brain cancer. According to the NHS, the common symptoms of brain cancer include:

• headaches (often worse in the morning and when coughing or straining)
• fits (seizures)
• regularly feeling sick (vomiting)
• memory problems or changes in personality
• weakness, vision problems, or speech problems that get worse

What are the risk elements?
Though the exact cause of primary brain cancer is unknown, certain factors are known to increase the risk.

• increased age
• family history of brain cancer
• smoking (long-term)
• exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer
• working with carcinogenic elements (lead, plastic, rubber, petroleum, and some textiles)
• an Epstein-Barr virus infection, or mononucleosis

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What are the treatment options for brain cancer?
Depending on the location, size, and stage, the treatment options vary. Some of the common treatments are:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Combination therapy
• Biologic drugs
• Carmustine implants