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May 05, 2025•2 min
Cancer Straight Talk
Cancer Straight Talk from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center brings together national experts and cancer patients to have straightforward, evidence-based conversations. Our mission is to educate and empower patients and their families to make the right decisions and live happier, healthier lives.
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Episodes
Alternative Cancer Treatments: The Science vs. The Hype
In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with Dr. Jun Mao , Chief of MSK’s Integrative Medicine Service , and Jason Hou, herbalist and acupuncturist at MSK, to break down the facts about alternative medicine—an approach that combines conventional cancer treatments like surgery, radiation, chemo, immunotherapy and targeted treatments, with holistic therapies like acupuncture , mindfulness , natural herbs and supplements . They tackle common misconceptions about alternative medicine, explai...
Feb 19, 2025•24 min•Ep. 60
Preserving Fertility During Cancer Treatment: Options, Costs and Success Rates
In this empowering episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks to a panel of onco-fertility experts about preserving fertility during cancer treatment. MSK oncologists Dr. Julia Brockway-Marchello and Dr. José Flores discuss the timing and options for patients who want to have biological children without delaying life-saving cancer treatments, like radiation and chemotherapy . Dr. Lucky Sekhon, reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist at RMA of New York, explains the safety, success rat...
Jan 15, 2025•31 min•Ep. 59
Miracles on York Avenue: Inspiring Stories from MSK Patients & Staff
In this special episode, MSK patients, caregivers and clinicians share the miracles they’ve witnessed, even in the darkest of times. From life-saving medicine to gratitude for caregivers and a surprise romance, these stories remind us of the power of human connection. Episode Chapters: 1:15 - A Marathon Bond 5:09 - 2000 Miles Apart, United by a Breakthrough 7:55 - Showing Up for the Little Things 9:42 - Love After Loss, With Help from Two Angels 13:10 - More Time, More Memories: Marley’s Gift 14...
Dec 11, 2024•26 min•Ep. 58
Breast Cancer Treatment Part 2: Chemo, Hormone Therapy and Life After Treatment
In this episode (part 2 of 2), Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with a team of MSK experts to explore the complexities of breast cancer treatment and life afterwards . Breast medical oncologist Dr. Julia Brockway-Marchello and nurse Jenna Galinsky explain chemotherapy and hormone therapy, their potential side effects, and ways they can be alleviated. Nurse Adriana Olivo discusses how survivors can cope with emotional challenges, like the fear cancer will come back. Breast cancer patients and survi...
Nov 06, 2024•28 min•Ep. 57
How to Talk to Children about Cancer
In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with two MSK clinical social workers, Hadley Maya and Natalie Santos , about how parents who've been diagnosed with cancer can talk to their children. They offer compassionate guidance on being honest with kids to prepare them for changes in family routines or treatment side effects, helping them feel more secure during a difficult time. With practical tips and real-life examples, this conversation offers advice for parents navigating one of the ha...
Oct 09, 2024•30 min•Ep. 56
What's Causing Cancer Rates to Rise in Gen X and Millennials?
In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with MSK physician-scientist Dr. Karuna Ganesh and epidemiologist Dr. Caitlin Murphy about the troubling rise in cancer rates among younger generations, specifically people born in the 1980s (Gen X) and 1990s (Millennials). The latest research suggests prenatal exposures, environmental toxins, and various lifestyle factors may be contributing to the alarming trend of young people getting cancer earlier in their lives than previous generations. Thes...
Sep 11, 2024•23 min•Ep. 55
Could Popular Weight Loss Drugs Help Prevent Cancer?
In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with MSK’s Dr. Neil Iyengar , a nationally recognized expert on the relationship between obesity, metabolic health, and cancer. Together, they discuss the intriguing connection between a new class of weight loss drugs, called GLP-1 agonists, and cancer risk reduction. They explore how medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and others, which were originally designed for diabetes, are not only effective for weight loss but may also lower the r...
Aug 14, 2024•18 min•Ep. 54
What Everyone Should Know About Skin Cancer: Risks, Myths & Prevention
In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes is joined by Dr. Erica Lee , a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at MSK, to discuss misconceptions around who can get skin cancer , how it presents on different skin types, and practical sun safety tips to help prevent skin cancer. They break down the different types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma , squamous cell carcinoma , and melanoma . They also hear from Jocelyn, a Hispanic melanoma survivor who shares her surprise of being diagnosed wit...
Jul 17, 2024•22 min•Ep. 53
Breast Cancer Treatment Part 1: Surgery, Radiation and Reconstruction
In this episode (part 1 of 2), Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with a team of MSK experts to demystify three breast cancer treatment options: surgery , radiation , and reconstruction . Breast surgeon Dr. Tracy-Ann Moo explains the difference between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy, and why one isn’t always better than the other. Radiation oncologist Dr. Michael Bernstein discusses the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of breast cancer. Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Michelle Coridd...
Jun 19, 2024•25 min•Ep. 52
Overcoming Gender Bias in Healthcare: How Women Should Talk to Their Doctors
In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Comen, author of "All in Her Head: The Truth and Lies Early Medicine Taught Us About Women's Health and Why It Matters Today." They discuss ways to empower women to advocate for their health when talking to doctors, and how a historic gender bias in medical research has influenced practices today. Tune in for an insightful conversation on tackling stigmas and reshaping the narrative around women's health. Listen to Episode 12:...
May 15, 2024•19 min•Ep. 51
Women in Cancer: Meet Three Trailblazers at MSK
In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with 3 women breaking new ground in the field of cancer research: Dr. Karuna Ganesh studies metastasis and how cancer spreads, Dr. Chrysothemis Brown is unlocking secrets of our immune system to fight cancer, and Marie-Josée Kravis has donated generously to support women in cancer research. Together, they discuss their pioneering research, the importance of mentorship in science, and the critical role philanthropy plays in the biggest breakthroughs...
Apr 17, 2024•25 min•Ep. 50
Advice and Support for Cancer Caregivers
In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with Dr. Allison Applebaum , founder of the Caregivers Clinic at MSK , about the need to support cancer caregivers. She shares her own experience with her father and offers practical advice on navigating the healthcare system. This episode includes tips for managing intense emotions like anger, grief and guilt felt by people caring for a loved one with a serious illness. The challenge can be difficult and heartbreaking, but Dr. Applebaum says it’s ...
Mar 20, 2024•23 min•Ep. 49
Finding Peace at the End of Life & Preparing for Death from Cancer
In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes has a meaningful conversation with Dr. Alan Carver , an MSK neurologist specializing in end-of-life and palliative care , and Hadley Vlahos, a hospice nurse with over 1 million social followers and author of "The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments." Together, they offer advice for both patients and caregivers about transitioning to hospice care, managing fear, and finding peace in one's final days. Sharing their own experienc...
Feb 21, 2024•24 min•Ep. 48
Demystifying Clinical Trials: A Comprehensive Guide to The Science of Hope
In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and Dr. Alex Drilon , Chief of MSK's Early Drug Development Service, answer the most common questions about participating in clinical trials . Through hearing the experience of patients, they discuss the practical aspects as well as the fears and misconceptions associated with clinical trials. They explain their rigorous development, different phases, and potential to save patients’ lives now and in the future. MSK is proud to support the key initiatives ...
Jan 25, 2024•23 min•Ep. 47
What Makes Life Meaningful? (Encore)
We’re listening back to one of our favorite episodes from December 2022. While the holidays are meant to be a season of celebration, reflection and spending time with family and friends, it can also be a time of anxiety, grief or loneliness for those living with the reality of cancer. How does one find peace and meaning in the swarm of emotions that cancer brings up? In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and MSK chaplain Brian Kelly share their thoughts on what makes life meaningful and how t...
Dec 07, 2023•20 min•Ep. 46
Could CAR T-Cell Therapy Be a Cure for Some Cancers?
Discover the revolutionary potential of CAR T-cell therapy as a possible cure for some types of cancer. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with the pioneer of CAR T-cell therapy, MSK immunologist Dr. Michel Sadelain , as well as cellular therapist Dr. Jae Park , about the intricate process of modifying a patient’s own immune cells to target and eliminate cancer cells. They discuss its origin, clinical success in treating blood cancers like lymphoma and leukemia , and potential side ...
Nov 16, 2023•23 min•Ep. 45
Early-Stage Prostate Cancer: Know Your Treatment Options
Learn what you need to know about early-stage prostate cancer , from risk factors to treatment options and how to tackle their side effects. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes is joined by medical oncologist Dr. Dana Rathkopf , radiation oncologist Dr. Sean McBride , and urologic surgeon Dr. Behfar Ehdaie . Together, they provide an overview of treatment options for people diagnosed with prostate cancer, including active surveillance , internal and external radiation, surgery and hormone t...
Oct 25, 2023•25 min•Ep. 44
Guía para hombres sobre el sexo y el cáncer
Spanish episode #4 | Episodio #4 en español En este episodio, la Dra. Diane Reidy-Lagunes habla con el Dr. José Flores , cirujano urológico de MSK, sobre el tema de la salud sexual de los hombres después de un diagnóstico de cáncer. Es un tema que a menudo se pasa por alto, pero es de vital importancia. Exploran el amplio espectro de la disfunción sexual, cómo abordar este delicado tema con su médico y despejan los mitos y tabúes comunes que lo rodean. Descubra cómo los pacientes y los médicos e...
Oct 11, 2023•20 min•Ep. 43
Sandy Alderson's Playbook for Cancer and Why Teamwork is Key
In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with former New York Mets president and MSK patient, Sandy Alderson, along with his dedicated team of doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering. They discuss Sandy’s unique journey with appendix cancer and how experts from various disciplines came together to save his life, a testament to MSK’s multidisciplinary care model . Sandy also dives into the reasons he kept his diagnosis private for eight years, and highlights the power of mental distractions and...
Sep 20, 2023•20 min•Ep. 42
Artificial Intelligence vs. Cancer
In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with MSK’s Chief of Computational Oncology, Sohrab Shah , and Chair of the Department of Radiology, Lawrence H. Schwartz , to discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence in cancer care. They explore how A.I. is making a real impact in radiology , from reducing the time patients spend getting scans to detecting cancerous lesions with more accuracy. By complementing researchers’ expertise, A.I. is already offering breakthroughs in e...
Aug 21, 2023•20 min•Ep. 41
George's Journey Facing Brain Cancer
George Kolasa was living his dream life as a fashion executive in New York City when in February 2022, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma – the most common form of brain cancer . In this special episode, George and his husband Justin take us on their journey as cancer patient and caregiver as it has unfolded in real time over the past year. We see George quickly evolve from accepting his disease to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for rare cancer research through Cycle for Survival . Geo...
Jul 19, 2023•18 min•Ep. 40
How to Manage Side Effects During Cancer Treatment: Fatigue, Hair Loss, Skin Care and More
In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with MSK oncodermatologist Dr. Mario Lacouture and clinical nurse Sheryl Scott to discuss the most effective ways of preventing or mitigating the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. They provide tips for living with fatigue, keeping or regrowing hair, soothing skin rashes, protecting nails, reducing nausea and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jun 14, 2023•24 min•Ep. 39
What Are Cancer Vaccines? How Can They Prevent and Treat Cancer?
In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with two physician-scientists researching vaccines and novel immunotherapies, Dr. Vinod Balachandran and Dr. Dmitriy Zamarin. They discuss the power of the body’s immune system to prevent and treat cancers, the difference between preventative and therapeutic vaccines, which cancers are treatable with vaccines, and the challenges that lie ahead. Read more about Dr. Balachandran’s recent research into a vaccine for pancreatic cancer. See omnystudi...
May 12, 2023•22 min•Ep. 38
Katie Couric’s Cancer Journey: From Grief to Advocacy to Her Own Breast Cancer Diagnosis
In this special episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with renowned journalist and cancer screening advocate Katie Couric at The Paley Center for Media in New York City. After losing her first husband to colon cancer in 1997, Katie made history when she received her first colonoscopy on-air as host of the Today show, inspiring millions of Americans to do the same in a phenomenon known as the Couric Effect. Her role as the “screen queen” has continued ever since, taking on new meaning last y...
Apr 12, 2023•35 min•Ep. 37
How To Manage Chronic Pain During Cancer Treatment
In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks to pain management physician Dr. Neal Rakesh , and neurologist Dr. Anna DeForest , about the many options patients and doctors have to treat pain, including different therapies, safely managed painkillers, injections, and the possibility (and effectiveness) of psychedelics in the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 20, 2023•20 min•Ep. 36
Dating After a Cancer Diagnosis
Navigating the dating world after a cancer diagnosis can be tricky. From the fear of disclosing a diagnosis to insecurities around bodily changes, to the emotional baggage patients feel they’re bringing into a relationship, diving back into the dating pool comes with its challenges. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sheds light on the universality of these fears with advice from MSK psychologist Talia Zaider and cancer survivor Irene Dimatulac . Through personal anecdotes and expert insig...
Feb 13, 2023•25 min•Ep. 35
How Exercise Can Help Treat and Prevent Cancer
In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes welcomes MSK exercise scientist Dr. Lee Jones back to the show to discuss the most recent findings about the effects of exercise on cancer prevention, treatment and recovery. Dr. Jones provides advice for patients to stay physically fit and battle fatigue, as well as the most effective training regimen for anybody, with or without cancer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jan 23, 2023•19 min•Ep. 34
What Makes Life Meaningful?
While the holidays are meant to be a season of celebration, reflection and spending time with family and friends, it can also be a time of anxiety, grief or loneliness for those living with the reality of cancer. How does one find peace and meaning in the swarm of emotions that cancer brings up? In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and MSK chaplain Brian Kelly share their thoughts on what makes life meaningful and how to find your light in the darkest of times. Listen to last year’s conversa...
Dec 19, 2022•20 min•Ep. 33
Ensayo innovador de medicamento contra el cáncer de recto: lo que significa para usted
Spanish episode #3 | Episodio #3 en español Un reciente ensayo clínico para el cáncer de recto dirigido por Memorial Sloan Kettering ha captado la atención de médicos oncólogos y científicos del cáncer alrededor del mundo. Como un milagro, en un subconjunto de pacientes con la composición genética adecuada, una infusión intravenosa de inmunoterapia provocó una remisión completa. Los médicos se sorprendieron. El cáncer desapareció en todos los pacientes inscritos en el ensayo clínico. Los resulta...
Dec 05, 2022•19 min•Ep. 32
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