Vertex Oncology Dr Giri

  Introduction: The Health Check-Up Most People Postpone Many people spend years building a successful career, business, farm, or family. They regularly service their car, insure their property, and invest in their future. Yet when it comes to health, especially cancer screening, many postpone testing until symptoms appear. Unfortunately, cancer often remains silent in its early stages. By the time symptoms develop, the disease may already be advanced. The good news is that many common cancers can be detected early—or even prevented—through regular screening. If you are above 40 years of age, this article may be one of the most important health checklists you will ever read. Why Cancer Screening Matters Cancer screening means looking for cancer before symptoms develop. The goal is simple: Find cancer early when treatment is easier, less expensive, and more successful. According to the World Health Organization, approximately one-third of cancer deaths can be prevented through early...

  One of the most emotional questions cancer patients ask after completing treatment is: "Doctor, is my cancer completely cured?" Closely followed by another question: "Can cancer come back again?" The answer is sometimes difficult because cancer is not a single disease. Some cancers are cured permanently, while others may return months or even years after successful treatment. For many cancer survivors, the fear of recurrence becomes a bigger challenge than the treatment itself. Every new pain, cough, headache, or blood test abnormality can trigger anxiety. Understanding why cancer recurs, who is at risk, and how recurrence can be detected early helps patients regain control and confidence after treatment. What Is Cancer Recurrence? Cancer recurrence means that cancer returns after treatment and after a period during which no detectable cancer was found. A patient may undergo surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combinatio...

  One of the most common questions cancer patients ask is: "Doctor, should I stop eating sugar because sugar feeds cancer?" Many patients are advised by friends, relatives, social media influencers, and alternative medicine practitioners to completely eliminate sugar, fruits, rice, or carbohydrates from their diet. Some patients even become afraid to eat a banana or drink a glass of milk. But what does science actually say? The answer is more complex than a simple "yes" or "no." The Origin of the Myth The belief that "sugar feeds cancer" comes from a scientific observation known as the Warburg Effect. Nearly 100 years ago, German scientist Otto Warburg observed that cancer cells consume glucose (sugar) at a much higher rate than normal cells. This discovery eventually helped develop PET-CT scanning, where radioactive glucose is injected into the body and cancer cells light up because they absorb more glucose than surrounding tissues. This p...

  Chemotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for cancer. While it helps destroy cancer cells, it can also affect some normal cells in the body, especially the cells produced in the bone marrow. This temporary effect is called myelosuppression . Understanding myelosuppression and knowing how to protect yourself during this period can significantly reduce the risk of serious infections and complications. What is Myelosuppression? The bone marrow, located inside our bones, produces three important types of blood cells: White Blood Cells (WBCs): Fight infections. Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Carry oxygen throughout the body. Platelets: Help stop bleeding. Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells. Since bone marrow cells divide quickly, chemotherapy may temporarily reduce the production of these blood cells. This reduction in blood cell counts is known as myelosuppression . Why Does It Occur? Chemotherapy cannot always distinguish between cancer cells and healthy fast-growing...

  Introduction Robotic surgery is one of the most talked-about advances in modern cancer treatment. Many patients hear terms such as "robotic cancer surgery," "robot-assisted surgery," or "keyhole robotic surgery" and wonder: "Is a robot performing the surgery on its own?" The answer is No. Despite the name, a robot does not independently operate on patients. Every movement of the robotic instruments is controlled by a highly trained surgeon. The robot is a sophisticated tool that enhances the surgeon's precision, vision, and control. In this article, we will explore how robotic surgery works, its benefits, limitations, costs, and its role in cancer treatment. What Is Robotic Surgery? Robotic surgery is an advanced form of minimally invasive surgery where the surgeon controls robotic arms using a computerized console. Unlike traditional open surgery, robotic surgery is performed through small incisions using tiny instruments and a high-defini...

 Many people assume that cancer always presents as a lump, severe pain, or dramatic weight loss. In reality, cancer often begins with subtle symptoms that are easily mistaken for common conditions such as acidity, stress, infection, aging, or digestive problems. As a Radiation Oncologist practicing in North Karnataka, I frequently meet patients who ignored symptoms for months because they believed they were caused by gastritis, piles, throat infection, or work-related stress. Unfortunately, this delay can allow cancer to progress to a more advanced stage. The good news is that many cancers can be treated successfully if detected early. Knowing the warning signs can save lives. Why Cancer Symptoms Are Often Misunderstood Cancer develops gradually. During its early stages, symptoms are often mild and nonspecific. Since conditions like acidity, viral infections, and stress are very common, many people try home remedies or over-the-counter medications without seeking medical advice. If...