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A Strong Step Towards a Tobacco-Free Karnataka. A Message from a Radiation Oncologist on the Karnataka Government’s Ban on Tobacco- and Nicotine-Containing Products By Dr. M. G. Giriyappagoudar, MD (Radiation Oncology), DMRT Senior Radiation Oncologist, HCG Cancer Centre, Hubballi

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As a senior Radiation Oncologist serving patients in North Karnataka, I warmly welcome the Karnataka Government’s recent decision to prohibit, for one year, the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of gutkha, pan masala and other specified products containing tobacco and/or nicotine . The order of the Commissioner of Food Safety, Karnataka, took effect from 10 August 2026 and has been issued in the interest of public health. I sincerely congratulate and thank the Government of Karnataka, the Food Safety Commissioner and the officials involved in implementing this important public-health measure . Why this decision matters to cancer doctors Every day, cancer specialists witness the devastating consequences of tobacco use—not merely in statistics, but in the lives of real people and their families. As a Radiation Oncologist, I regularly treat patients with oral cavity, tongue, cheek, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, laryngeal and other head-and-neck cancers . A sign...
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5 Common Mistakes Cancer Patients Make During Treatment Avoid These Errors to Improve Your Chances of Recovery By Dr. M. G. Giriyappagoudar Senior Radiation Oncologist, North Karnataka

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  5 Common Mistakes Cancer Patients Make During Treatment Avoid These Errors to Improve Your Chances of Recovery By Dr. M. G. Giriyappagoudar Senior Radiation Oncologist, North Karnataka "Doctor, Why Did My Treatment Not Work as Expected?" After more than a decade of treating thousands of cancer patients, I have noticed something important. Most patients do not lose their battle against cancer because they are weak. Many struggle because of avoidable mistakes made during treatment. Cancer treatment today is more advanced than ever. We have modern surgery, precision radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and personalized medicine. Yet, despite these advances, some patients unknowingly make decisions that reduce the effectiveness of treatment. The good news? Most of these mistakes can be prevented. If you or a loved one is undergoing cancer treatment, understanding these common errors may help improve outcomes, reduce complications, and make the treat...
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The 40+ Cancer Screening Checklist for Men and Women A Practical Guide to Detecting Cancer Early and Saving Lives By Dr. M. G. Giriyappagoudar Senior Radiation Oncologist, North Karnataka

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  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...
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Can Cancer Come Back After Treatment? Understanding Cancer Recurrence: Why It Happens, Who Is at Risk, and What You Can Do About It By Dr. M. G. Giriyappagoudar

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  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...
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Does Sugar Feed Cancer? The Truth Every Cancer Patient Should Know By Dr. M. G. Giriyappagoudar Senior Radiation Oncologist, North Karnataka

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  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...
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Myelosuppression After Chemotherapy: What Every Cancer Patient Should Know to Stay Safe During Low Blood Counts. Dr M G Giriyappagoudar Radiation Oncologist from Hubballi at HCG NMR Cancer centre, Senior Radiation Oncologist, North Karnataka

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  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...
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Robotic Surgery in Cancer Treatment: Is the Robot Operating on Patients? Understanding the Truth Behind Robotic Cancer Surgery By Dr. M. G. Giriyappagoudar Senior Radiation Oncologist, North Karnataka Anvita Onco Clinic, Hubballi

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  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...
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