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How Can I Lead a Lifestyle That Keeps Cancer Away for a Long Time? Simple, Practical Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Your Cancer Risk By Dr. M. G. Giriyappagoudar Senior Radiation Oncologist | HCG Cancer Centre, Hubballi, North Karnataka

Introduction Cancer is a growing health concern, but the good news is that many cancers are linked to lifestyle choices and preventable risk factors. Although no lifestyle can guarantee complete protection from cancer, healthy habits can significantly reduce the risk of several cancers and improve your overall health. Here are 12 simple steps everyone can follow to reduce their cancer risk and live a healthier life. Say NO to Tobacco Avoid smoking cigarettes, beedis and other tobacco products. Stay away from gutka, khaini and chewing tobacco. Avoid areca nut (supari), which can also cause cancer. Quit tobacco at any age to improve your health. Avoid exposure to second-hand smoke. Remember: Tobacco is one of the leading preventable causes of cancer. Eat a Healthy and Balanced Diet Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. Include whole grains, millets, pulses and beans in your daily diet. Choose healthy protein sources such as dal, beans and nuts. Limit processed meat such as sau...
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Prostate Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Staging and Treatment. By Dr. M. G. Giriyappagoudar Senior Radiation Oncologist | HCG Cancer Centre, North Karnataka

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  Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, particularly as they get older. The good news is that when prostate cancer is detected early, many patients can be treated successfully and may be completely cured. However, prostate cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages because it often causes no symptoms initially. This is why understanding the risk factors and discussing appropriate PSA testing with a doctor is important. What is the prostate? The prostate is a small gland found only in men. It is located below the urinary bladder and surrounds part of the urinary passage, called the urethra. The prostate produces some of the fluid that forms semen. As men grow older, the prostate commonly becomes enlarged. This is called benign prostatic enlargement (BPH) and is not cancer. However, cancer can also develop in the prostate. Who is at risk of prostate cancer? The risk of prostate cancer increases with age. Important risk factors include: ...
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Genetic Testing for Cancer: Who Needs It and How Can It Help? By Dr. M. G. Giriyappagoudar Senior Radiation Oncologist, HCG Cancer Centre, Hubli | North Karnataka

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  When we hear the word “genetic testing,” many people think: “Does this mean I have cancer?” Not necessarily. Genetic testing can help us understand whether a person has inherited a change in a gene that can increase the risk of developing certain cancers. Only about 5–10% of all cancers are estimated to be caused by inherited harmful genetic changes . Therefore, not everyone needs genetic testing . What is genetic testing for cancer? Our body contains genes that act like instructions for our cells. Sometimes, a person is born with a harmful change in one of these genes. This change may increase the chance of developing certain cancers during life. A genetic test can look for these inherited changes, usually using a blood or saliva sample . This is called germline genetic testing . But there is another type of genetic testing Tumor genetic testing looks at DNA changes inside cancer cells. It is mainly used to help doctors understand the cancer and sometimes select targeted treat...
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5 Cancer Signs Indians Often Ignore — Don't Wait for Pain A small warning today can prevent a big problem tomorrow

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 Cancer does not always begin with severe pain. In fact, some important cancer warning signs can be painless, mild, intermittent or easily mistaken for common problems. A mouth ulcer may be called “heat.” Bleeding may be blamed on piles. Abnormal vaginal bleeding may be considered part of menopause. A breast lump may be ignored because it doesn't hurt. Persistent swallowing difficulty may be treated as acidity. But persistent or unusual symptoms should not simply be ignored. India has a significant burden of cancers of the breast, oral cavity, cervix, lung and oesophagus. Early detection can make a major difference because many cancers are more treatable when found at an earlier stage. Here are 5 cancer signs that deserve more attention. A Mouth Ulcer or White/Red Patch That Doesn't Heal Don't keep calling it “heat” or “tobacco irritation.” A mouth ulcer that heals within a short period is usually not a reason for alarm. But a persistent ulcer, growth, white patch...
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Cancer Is Not the End: After Treatment, Train Your Body and Mind Like a Sportsperson By Dr. M. G. Giriyappagoudar, Senior Radiation Oncologist, Hubli, North Karnataka

 You have completed your cancer treatment. The surgery is over. Chemotherapy is over. Radiation therapy is over. But many cancer survivors face another challenge: “What if the cancer comes back?” This fear is understandable. But your life after cancer should not be spent continuously waiting for the next scan or worrying about recurrence. Your treatment has finished. Now your new journey begins. Think of yourself like a sportsperson who has completed a difficult match. A sportsperson does not spend every day thinking, “What if I lose the next match?” Instead, they train. They eat better. They sleep better. They become stronger. They build stamina. They maintain their weight. They keep moving. Cancer survivors can adopt the same mindset. Don't live like a patient. Start living like a survivor. After completing treatment, your goal should not simply be: “I hope the cancer doesn't come back.” Change that thought to: “I am going to make my body and mind stronger every day.” You can...
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5 Powerful Ways to Reduce the Risk of Cancer Coming Back

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 Simple lifestyle changes every cancer survivor should start today By Dr M G Giriyappagoudar, Senior Oncologist, Hubli, North Karnataka Finishing cancer treatment is a major victory. But many cancer survivors ask me: “Doctor, what can I do now to reduce the chance of cancer coming back?” There is no single food, tablet, yoga or home remedy that can guarantee prevention of recurrence. However, your daily lifestyle can play an important role in your long-term health and recovery. Here are 5 powerful habits every cancer survivor should consider. 🏃 Exercise – Make Movement Your Medicine You don't need to become an athlete. Start with 30 minutes of brisk walking most days of the week and gradually increase your activity. Add simple strength exercises 2–3 times a week if medically appropriate. Exercise can help: Maintain healthy body weight Improve insulin sensitivity Reduce chronic inflammation Improve heart and lung fitness Strengthen muscles and bones Improve mood, sl...
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Exercise: The Hormonal Medicine Your Body Makes for Itself How exercise changes your hormones — from the first few minutes to many years of regular activity

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  Exercise is often described as a way to burn calories, strengthen muscles and improve heart health. But there is another fascinating side to exercise: when we move our bodies, our muscles, brain, adrenal glands and other organs communicate with each other by releasing hormones and hormone-like substances. In fact, skeletal muscle is now considered an endocrine organ because contracting muscles release biologically active substances called myokines , which can influence metabolism, inflammation, the brain, immune system and other organs. The hormonal response to exercise is not the same every time. There is a difference between what happens during one exercise session and what happens after months or years of regular exercise . 1. What happens during the first few minutes of exercise? When you start walking, running, cycling or exercising, your body immediately recognizes that its energy requirements have increased. The sympathetic nervous system becomes activated and the adrena...
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