He changed the way we listen to music, talk on our phones, and even how we interact with technology itself. What many people do not know is that he spent years battling a rare type of pancreatic cancer. In this episode of Tumor Minutes, I walk through his story, his diagnosis, the Whipple procedure, the controversial choices he made, and how cancer shaped both his health and his legacy. Expect sharp insights, medical clarity, and a little bit of snark along the way.

Welcome to Tumor Minutes, where science meets real talk. Today, we’re shining a light on pancreatic cancer — a cancer that often flies under the radar but has one of the highest mortality rates.

Smoking. Alcohol. Sunscreen. Exercise. Sleep. Genes. In this episode of Tumor Minutes, we break down what actually increases your risk of cancer—and what you can do about it. From environmental exposures to inflammation and early screening, Netra gets real (and a little snarky) about how to take control of the 40% of cancers that are preventable. It’s science you can use—without the fear-mongering.

What’s it really like inside an MRI machine? In this episode, Netra walks you through the science, the sounds, and the sometimes surprising comforts (like movies!) of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Whether you're facing your first scan or just curious about how doctors see inside the body without cutting it open, this episode offers a clear, personal, and slightly nerdy breakdown of MRIs — from hydrogen atoms to loud bangs to that magical word: “stable.”

In this episode of Tumor Minutes, we explore the very real skin cancer journey of none other than Hugh Jackman — yes, Wolverine himself. From Broadway to the big screen, Jackman’s career has been unstoppable — but off-camera, he’s battled basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a common yet often underestimated form of skin cancer.

Host Netra breaks down how Jackman’s diagnosis came about (spoiler: it started with a sharp-eyed makeup artist), what makes BCC biologically unique, why it keeps recurring, and how treatment like Mohs surgery works. Plus, we talk about that one time Jackman ignored doctor’s orders during The Greatest Showman… and paid the price.

This case study blends celebrity, science, and skin safety into one compact, sun-smart episode. If you've ever skipped sunscreen or ignored a suspicious spot, this is your wake-up call.

In this episode of Tumor Minutes, Netra unpacks the big question: how do we actually treat cancer?

You'll learn how these treatments work in the body, why side effects happen, and how doctors build personalized treatment plans for each patient.

By the end, you’ll have a clearer, smarter understanding of what’s going on behind the scenes—and why cancer treatment is so much more than just a “cure.”

In this myth-busting episode of Tumor Minutes, we’re setting the record straight on some of the most common cancer misconceptions.

Cancer is already tough—but what happens when it spreads?

Benign But Not Boring dives into the lesser-known world of benign tumors—non-cancerous growths that can still cause serious symptoms. In this episode, I share my personal journey with a benign brain tumor, explain how these tumors form, and explore how size, location, and behavior can make them just as complex as malignant ones. Whether you're curious about fibroids, lipomas, or brain tumors, this episode breaks it down with science, stories, and clarity.

In this episode of Tumor Minutes, host Netra breaks down the science of cancer—how it starts, how it spreads, and why it’s so hard to treat. From everyday causes like sun exposure to genetic mutations and rogue cells that refuse to stop dividing, she unpacks it all in clear, relatable language. You’ll explore key concepts like tumors (benign vs. malignant), metastasis, oncogenes, tumor suppressors, and groundbreaking treatments like immunotherapy and liquid biopsies. Whether you're a student, science nerd, or just someone curious about cancer, this episode will leave you smarter—and more hopeful.