{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Tumor Minutes","home_page_url":"https://icy-leaves-7712.fireside.fm","feed_url":"https://icy-leaves-7712.fireside.fm/json","description":"Welcome to Tumor Minutes, a podcast created by Netra, a student passionate about understanding the complexities of brain tumors. This podcast is a deep dive into the science, stories, and struggles surrounding brain tumors. Through interviews with medical professionals, survivors, and researchers, I aim to shed light on the latest advancements in treatment, the emotional impact on patients and families, and raise awareness about this often misunderstood condition. Whether you’re a student, healthcare enthusiast, or someone personally affected, join me on this journey to better understand cancers and the people who fight against them.","_fireside":{"subtitle":"A podcast where we break down big topics in a way that just makes sense.","pubdate":"2025-08-02T19:00:00.000-04:00","explicit":false,"copyright":"2025 by Netra Iyer","owner":"Netra Iyer","image":"https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/9/94d59883-ff88-4f81-88e7-bb1214ddebec/cover.jpg?v=1"},"items":[{"id":"d3aa6e83-e5f1-48df-9763-84acb7633312","title":"Episode 8: Episode 8: Prevention and Risk Factors","url":"https://icy-leaves-7712.fireside.fm/8","content_text":"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.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eSmoking. 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.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"In Episode 8 of Tumor Minutes, Netra dives into the world of cancer prevention and risk factors—debunking myths, breaking down lifestyle risks, and calling out everything from cigarettes to tanning beds. It’s witty, unfiltered, and science-backed advice for anyone who’s ever asked, “What can I actually do to avoid getting cancer?”","date_published":"2025-08-02T19:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/94d59883-ff88-4f81-88e7-bb1214ddebec/d3aa6e83-e5f1-48df-9763-84acb7633312.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":6266271,"duration_in_seconds":783}]},{"id":"b9e6d060-4eaa-4e56-bfde-54863d109802","title":"Episode 7: Episode 7: Inside the Magnet: How MRIs Actually Work","url":"https://icy-leaves-7712.fireside.fm/7","content_text":"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.”","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eWhat’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\u0026#39;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.”\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"In this episode of Tumor Minutes, host Netra dives deep into the world of MRIs — Magnetic Resonance Imaging — and explains their critical role in cancer care. Drawing from her personal experience of undergoing hundreds of scans to monitor her tumor, she unpacks how MRIs work, why they’re used, what to expect during the procedure, and how contrast dye helps sharpen images. With clarity, warmth, and a dash of humor, Netra demystifies the MRI process to ease anxiety and spark curiosity.","date_published":"2025-08-02T18:45:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/94d59883-ff88-4f81-88e7-bb1214ddebec/b9e6d060-4eaa-4e56-bfde-54863d109802.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":5262542,"duration_in_seconds":657}]},{"id":"f8453b91-eb1e-43ff-8b16-d23811938e19","title":"Episode 6: Episode 6: Celebrity Case Study","url":"https://icy-leaves-7712.fireside.fm/6","content_text":"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.\n\nHost 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.\n\nThis 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.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHost 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.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis case study blends celebrity, science, and skin safety into one compact, sun-smart episode. If you\u0026#39;ve ever skipped sunscreen or ignored a suspicious spot, this is your wake-up call.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"What do Wolverine and skin cancer have in common? In this episode, we explore Hugh Jackman’s repeated battles with basal cell carcinoma and what his story teaches us about early detection, treatment, and the importance of sunscreen. Even superheroes aren’t invincible — but you can outsmart UV rays.","date_published":"2025-08-02T18:30:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/94d59883-ff88-4f81-88e7-bb1214ddebec/f8453b91-eb1e-43ff-8b16-d23811938e19.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":67531878,"duration_in_seconds":261}]},{"id":"4d5cf532-66d9-4071-9e5c-0c51e349378b","title":"Episode 5: Episode 5: All About Cancer Treatments","url":"https://icy-leaves-7712.fireside.fm/5","content_text":"In this episode of Tumor Minutes, Netra unpacks the big question: how do we actually treat cancer?\nWhether it's chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, targeted therapy, hormonal therapy, or immunotherapy—each approach has its own strategy, pros, and challenges.\n\nYou'll learn how these treatments work in the body, why side effects happen, and how doctors build personalized treatment plans for each patient.\nPerfect for students, caregivers, or anyone curious about what really happens after a cancer diagnosis.\n\nBy 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.”","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this episode of Tumor Minutes, Netra unpacks the big question: how do we actually treat cancer?\u003cbr\u003e\nWhether it\u0026#39;s chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, targeted therapy, hormonal therapy, or immunotherapy—each approach has its own strategy, pros, and challenges.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou\u0026#39;ll learn how these treatments work in the body, why side effects happen, and how doctors build personalized treatment plans for each patient.\u003cbr\u003e\nPerfect for students, caregivers, or anyone curious about what really happens after a cancer diagnosis.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy 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.”\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"How Do We Treat Cancer?\r\nFrom chemo to immunotherapy, Episode 5 of Tumor Minutes breaks down how cancer is treated—what works, why it works, and why it’s never one-size-fits-all.","date_published":"2025-06-19T14:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/94d59883-ff88-4f81-88e7-bb1214ddebec/4d5cf532-66d9-4071-9e5c-0c51e349378b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":51766128,"duration_in_seconds":225}]},{"id":"c97cde02-3009-4c01-b203-579c52c2c3f1","title":"Episode 4: Episode 4: Cancer Myths Busted","url":"https://icy-leaves-7712.fireside.fm/4","content_text":"In this myth-busting episode of Tumor Minutes, we’re setting the record straight on some of the most common cancer misconceptions.\nCan sugar feed cancer? Is cancer contagious? Do cell phones cause brain tumors?\nThrough a fun true-or-false game, Netra breaks down what’s real and what’s rumor—and why misinformation can be dangerous.\nIf you’ve ever read a sketchy health claim online or heard a “fact” that didn’t sit right—this episode is for you.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this myth-busting episode of Tumor Minutes, we’re setting the record straight on some of the most common cancer misconceptions.\u003cbr\u003e\nCan sugar feed cancer? Is cancer contagious? Do cell phones cause brain tumors?\u003cbr\u003e\nThrough a fun true-or-false game, Netra breaks down what’s real and what’s rumor—and why misinformation can be dangerous.\u003cbr\u003e\nIf you’ve ever read a sketchy health claim online or heard a “fact” that didn’t sit right—this episode is for you.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Cancer Myths: What’s Fact, What’s Fiction?\r\nFrom sugar to cell phones, Episode 4 busts the biggest myths about cancer. Netra separates science from superstition and unpacks what we think we know. It’s fact-checking time—Tumor Minutes style.","date_published":"2025-06-18T15:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/94d59883-ff88-4f81-88e7-bb1214ddebec/c97cde02-3009-4c01-b203-579c52c2c3f1.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":5370166,"duration_in_seconds":671}]},{"id":"a342ec75-f107-40b8-8dfa-abc3b0e561f8","title":"Episode 3: Episode 3: Metastasis","url":"https://icy-leaves-7712.fireside.fm/3","content_text":"Cancer is already tough—but what happens when it spreads?\nIn this episode of Tumor Minutes, we tackle metastasis: the science behind how cancer moves, why it becomes more dangerous, and what it actually means for patients and doctors. Netra walks through how cancer cells travel through the body, how they're detected, and what treatment looks like when cancer reaches multiple organs.\nAlso in this episode: the real story of Terry Fox—an 18-year-old cancer patient whose legacy continues to save lives around the world.\nWhether you’re navigating cancer or just want to understand it better, this episode is for you.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eCancer is already tough—but what happens when it spreads?\u003cbr\u003e\nIn this episode of Tumor Minutes, we tackle metastasis: the science behind how cancer moves, why it becomes more dangerous, and what it actually means for patients and doctors. Netra walks through how cancer cells travel through the body, how they\u0026#39;re detected, and what treatment looks like when cancer reaches multiple organs.\u003cbr\u003e\nAlso in this episode: the real story of Terry Fox—an 18-year-old cancer patient whose legacy continues to save lives around the world.\u003cbr\u003e\nWhether you’re navigating cancer or just want to understand it better, this episode is for you.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Metastasis is when cancer doesn’t stay put—it spreads, adapts, and becomes harder to treat. In this episode, Netra breaks down how metastasis works, where cancer likes to travel, why it’s so dangerous, and what modern medicine is doing to fight back. Plus: the inspiring story of Terry Fox and how his legacy changed cancer care forever.","date_published":"2025-06-15T17:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/94d59883-ff88-4f81-88e7-bb1214ddebec/a342ec75-f107-40b8-8dfa-abc3b0e561f8.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":60883804,"duration_in_seconds":255}]},{"id":"0d1c5df0-2b53-465d-9111-c2e79d28ecbd","title":"Episode 2: Episode 2: Benign, But Not Boring","url":"https://icy-leaves-7712.fireside.fm/2","content_text":"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.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eBenign 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\u0026#39;re curious about fibroids, lipomas, or brain tumors, this episode breaks it down with science, stories, and clarity.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Not all tumors are cancer—and benign doesn’t mean harmless. In this episode, Netra breaks down what benign tumors really are, why they matter, and how they can still affect the body in serious ways. From her own story of a benign brain tumor to real-life cases and modern treatment options, this episode explores how even “non-cancerous” growths can impact lives.\r\nLearn about common benign tumors, detection, treatment, and why your experience—physical and emotional—still matters.","date_published":"2025-06-15T15:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/94d59883-ff88-4f81-88e7-bb1214ddebec/0d1c5df0-2b53-465d-9111-c2e79d28ecbd.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":56433378,"duration_in_seconds":222}]},{"id":"ca36819e-ed19-40d4-b0f1-b6882ff03a57","title":"Episode 1: Episode 1: Cancer","url":"https://icy-leaves-7712.fireside.fm/1","content_text":"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.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn 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\u0026#39;re a student, science nerd, or just someone curious about cancer, this episode will leave you smarter—and more hopeful.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"In this episode, host Netra unpacks one of the world’s most feared diseases—cancer—in a way that actually makes sense. From DNA mutations and runaway cell division to the science behind tumors and how cancer spreads, she dives deep without drowning you in textbook talk. You’ll learn why some tumors are harmless while others turn deadly, how cancer reprograms your body like a hacker, and what genes like p53 have to do with it all. But it’s not all doom and gloom—Netra highlights cutting-edge advances like immunotherapy, targeted treatments, and liquid biopsies that are transforming how we fight cancer today. Whether you’re a curious student, future doctor, or just someone who wants to finally understand what cancer actually is—this 12-minute ride is packed with science, stories, and hope. Hit play. Stay curious. Let’s talk tumors.","date_published":"2025-06-15T12:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/94d59883-ff88-4f81-88e7-bb1214ddebec/ca36819e-ed19-40d4-b0f1-b6882ff03a57.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":56433378,"duration_in_seconds":222}]}]}