Cancer Straight Talk - podcast cover

Cancer Straight Talk

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centerwww.mskcc.org

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

Can We Prevent Ovarian Cancer?

Recent research has shown that most, if not all, high grade serous ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tubes. With no pronounced symptoms or tests to catch it early, ovarian cancer is usually detected in women with an average risk of cancer and in highly advanced stages. In this episode, gynecologic surgeons Kara Long-Roche (MSK) and Rebecca Stone (John Hopkins) join Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes to discuss a procedure that substantially decreases a person’s lifetime risk of developing the most...

Nov 22, 202220 minEp. 31

Achieving Excellent Healthcare for All: A Candid Conversation with MSK’s President & CEO, Dr. Selwyn Vickers

Dr. Selwyn Vickers was named President and CEO of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in September 2022. His vision of a future with equal access and better outcomes for all has inspired the faculty and staff at MSK. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes gets to know Dr. Vickers’ philosophy on achieving health equity, from restoring trust in the system, to overcoming racial bias in the clinic, to improving people’s access to top hospitals like MSK. Subscribe to Cancer Straight Talk from MS...

Oct 26, 202215 minEp. 30

When the Doctor Becomes the Patient: A Conversation with Dr. Mark Lewis

Mark Lewis was inspired to become a cancer doctor after living through the highs and lows of his father’s cancer journey. On day one of his oncology fellowship, Mark developed an abdominal pain and was suddenly diagnosed with the very same cancer that took his father; a cancer, he learned, that can be passed down to his children as well. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes chats with Dr. Mark Lewis, Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Intermountain Healthcare, about how his diagnosis h...

Sep 29, 202219 minEp. 29

A Game-Changing Cancer Drug Gives Stage 4 Breast Cancer Patients New Hope

For nearly half of all breast cancer patients – those with low levels of the HER2 protein – targeted treatment options have always been limited. Palliative chemo has been the standard of care in stage 4 metastatic patients – until now. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with Dr. Shanu Modi , the lead researcher of a groundbreaking MSK trial that proved a drug that combines an antibody with a chemotherapy – trastuzumab deruxtecan ( T-DXd ) – can control cancer cells and extend surviva...

Aug 29, 202214 minEp. 28

Reducir el riesgo de cáncer con una dieta saludable

Spanish episode #2 | Episodio #2 en español Somos lo que comemos, y no hay duda de que ciertos estilos de vida aumentan el riesgo de padecer cáncer. Entonces, ¿cómo nos ayuda la comida a reducir ese riesgo? ¿Dónde puedo obtener ayuda para encontrar alimentos saludables? ¿Y qué debo comer si tengo cáncer? Médica oncóloga Diane Reidy-Lagunes habla con sus colegas de MSK, la nutricionista Karla Giboyeaux y la gastroenteróloga Delia Calo, sobre cómo formar buenos hábitos en nuestra vida diaria para ...

Aug 19, 202217 minEp. 27

Finding Hope and Acceptance in a Cancer Diagnosis: One Couple's Advice

You’ve received a cancer diagnosis. Now what? For George Kolasa, it was obvious: use his glioblastoma diagnosis for good. “I’ve been chosen,” he says. Since February, George has been spreading his message of hope, acceptance and overcoming adversity on social media, while husband Justin has taken on his new role as caretaker with military-grade precision and organization. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with George and Justin on their journey to accepting a life they never planned...

Jul 25, 202218 minEp. 26

Breakthrough Rectal Cancer Drug Trial: What It Means For You

A recent clinical trial for rectal cancer headed up by Memorial Sloan Kettering has grabbed the attention of medical oncologists and cancer scientists around the world. Like a miracle, in a subset of patients with the right genetic makeup, an IV infusion of an immunotherapy caused a complete remission. The doctors were shocked. The cancer disappeared in every single patient enrolled on trial. The results are so impressive they were published in The New England Journal of Medicine and featured at...

Jun 24, 202219 minEp. 25

The Cost of Cancer: Advice on Insurance, Planning and Paying for Treatment

The negative impact of medical expenses on patients is known as financial toxicity. It’s one of the most universal and devastating side effects among cancer patients and their families, and it’s growing. Is there any hope on the horizon? In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes gets answers and advice from two champions of this issue: Dr. Fumiko Chino , radiation oncologist and inaugural winner of the ASCO Excellence in Equity Award; and Dr. Emeline Aviki, gynecologic surgeon and former head of ...

May 25, 202224 minEp. 24

What’s the Hash on the Little Green Plant and Cancer?

What makes a good pain remedy – chemically, mentally, legally? Is it better as an edible, oil or vapor? And how does one even begin to figure out dosing? These are the questions Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes explores in this discussion with MSK’s Director of Pediatric Integrated Medicine, Dr. Nirupa Raghunathan , and cancer survivor and winner of TV’s “Survivor: Africa”, Ethan Zohn. In this episode, Dr. Raghunathan and Ethan break down the chemical components of one of nature’s best pain remedies and ...

Apr 20, 202221 minEp. 23

"Mis hijos fueron mi motivación": la lucha de una madre para mantenerse viva

Spanish episode #1 | Episodio #1 en español En la víspera de Navidad de 2004, Belkis Chalas se enteró de que tenía cáncer del intestino delgado en etapa 4 y apenas meses de vida. Como madre de dos hijos, no pudo evitar preguntar: "¿Por qué yo?" Luego encontró Memorial Sloan Kettering. En este episodio, la Dra. Diane Reidy-Lagunes habla con Belkis, ahora una de sus pacientes más queridas. Conversaron sobre cómo manejó su devastador diagnóstico hace 18 años y pudo continuar construyendo una vida s...

Mar 30, 202222 minEp. 22

The Day I Couldn't Sing: Rock Star Andrew McMahon on Surviving the Identity Crisis of Cancer

In 2005, Andrew McMahon was on top of the world: His rock band Something Corporate had three albums under its belt, and Andrew was busy recording the debut soon-to-be smash album under his new solo moniker, Jack's Mannequin. Then, suddenly, he couldn't sing. At just 22, Andrew was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia . In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with Andrew and his wife, Kelly, about their struggle to save not just Andrew's life but also their marriage, sense of purpos...

Mar 14, 202222 minEp. 21

A Man's Guide to Sex and Cancer

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with Dr. John Mulhall , director of Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine at MSK and editor-in-chief of The Journal of Sexual Medicine, to discuss the impacts of cancer and its treatment on men’s sexual health. Dr. Mulhall gives advice to help men regain their sexual function, both physically and emotionally, and provides insights on the latest therapies, products, and myths surrounding the subject. Some content may not be suitable for children. Se...

Feb 14, 202224 minEp. 20

How Does Cycling Fight Cancer? Dave Linn & Ethan Zohn on the Power of Cycle for Survival

Every year, tens of thousands of people across the country hop on stationary bikes to raise money for rare cancer research through Cycle for Survival , MSK’s largest fundraising event of the year. With the help of founding partner Equinox, Cycle for Survival has raised nearly $300 million since 2007. But how does pedaling raise money? And who is that money helping? In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with the cofounder of Cycle for Survival Dave Linn, as well as rare cancer surviv...

Jan 10, 202222 minEp. 19

Gratitude, Grief and Why You Don't Have to Choose

How does one find gratitude while living with cancer? Can gratitude and grief exist at the same time? What are some tools for managing the two? Join us as Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and MSK clinical psychologist Dr. Wendy Lichtenthal hear from past guests of the podcast – patients, caregivers and clinicians – on how they're finding gratitude this holiday season. Read "Coping With Grief: 7 Things to Remember When Dealing with Loss" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Dec 17, 202121 minEp. 18

The Future of Cancer Drugs: A Conversation with Dr. Charles Sawyers

Twenty years ago, Dr. Charles Sawyers played a pivotal role in the development of a game-changing cancer drug that has gone on to save millions of lives and open doors for research and innovation. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with Dr. Sawyers about what’s next in the field of cancer pharmaceuticals. Is another silver bullet on the horizon? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Dec 03, 202121 minEp. 17

Lessons from a Stage 4 Cancer Survivor: A Conversation with Mary Elizabeth Williams

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with journalist, author and stage-four melanoma survivor, Mary Elizabeth Williams, to discuss what it was like being part of a phase-one clinical trial , how clear communication can affect health outcomes, how guilt often accompanies survival, and what not to say to a cancer patient. Mary Elizabeth’s book is A Series of Catastrophes and Miracles . Listen to our episode with Mary Elizabeth’s doctor, Jedd Wolchok . Learn more about MSK's Survivors...

Nov 09, 202122 minEp. 16

Lung Cancer: Why One of The Most Common Cancers is Also The Most Stigmatized

Did you know lung cancer is more deadly than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined? Yet it gets less than half the funding. Why is that? In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with thoracic surgeon and attending physician at MSK, Dr. Bernard Park , and chair of the Lung Cancer Research Foundation , Reina Honts, to discuss why one of the most common cancers is also the most stigmatized. MSK’s lung screening tool Episode Chapters: 3:38 – Causes and effects of stigma 8:12 – Risk f...

Oct 11, 202122 minEp. 15

When Life Takes a Turn: When Young Adults Get Cancer

A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event for anyone, especially for adolescents and young adults who are just getting their bearings in life. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with MSK social worker Hadley Maya to discuss the effects of a cancer diagnosis on a young person’s identity, career, relationships and more. Learn more about MSK's Center for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 13, 202121 minEp. 14

Cancer and Caregivers: Navigating Stress, Worry, and Other Challenges

Taking on the role of caregiver can be one of the most important — and overwhelming — jobs you’ll ever have. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes chats with MSK social worker Jacob Maier about what you need to know and how to care for yourself while caregiving. Learn more about MSK's Caregiver Support Services . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Aug 09, 202122 minEp. 13

A Woman's Guide to Sex and Cancer

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with Dr. Jeanne Carter , clinical psychologist and sexual health therapist, and Ashley Arkema , gynecological nurse practitioner, about women’s sexual health during and after cancer treatment. This episode includes an honest and frank conversation about the impact of treatment on a woman’s physical and emotional sexual health. Our experts provide helpful advice and tips. Some content may not be suitable for children. See omnystudio.com/listener for...

Jul 01, 202122 minEp. 12

Weight Loss, Cancer and the Role of Metabolism

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with Dr. Neil Iyengar, a breast medical oncologist and MSK’s leading researcher on diet , metabolism, and cancer. Together, they debunk myths surrounding diet trends, exercise, and the relationship between fat tissue and cancer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

May 27, 202121 minEp. 11

Mental Health in the Time of COVID

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with MSK’s chair of psychiatry, Dr. William Breitbart , about the unique mental toll that a worldwide pandemic has on cancer patients and caregivers alike. Dr. Breitbart shares strategies for coping and finding hope in the midst of uncertainty. Learn more about MSK's Support Services . Learn more about MSK's COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Patients. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Apr 13, 202122 minEp. 10

Cancer and Covid-19: What Patients Need to Know

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with MSK's infectious disease specialist and deputy physician-in-chief Dr. Monika Shah about the special concerns patients with cancer have about their risk for COVID-19 and vaccine safety while they’re in active treatment. Learn more about MSK's COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Patients. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Feb 10, 202116 minEp. 9

Cancer: Know Thine Enemy

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes chats with medical oncologist Dr. Juan-Manuel Schvartzman about the cellular damage that causes cancer. Can we find its Achilles’s heel? For more information or to ask a question, please visit MSKCC.org/podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 28, 202017 minEp. 8

Immunotherapy: Transforming How Cancers Are Treated

In this episode , Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks to medical oncologist and scientist Dr. Jedd Wolchok and cancer survivor Grace Dunn. Together, they help decode the emerging new defense against cancer: immunology . For more information or to ask a question, please visit MSKCC.org/podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 28, 202024 minEp. 7

Sugar and Cancer: Friend or Foe?

In this episode , Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks to medical oncologist Dr. Santosha Vardhana about sugar and cancer. What is our favorite food’s metabolic role in cancer and in treatment? For more information or to ask a question, please visit MSKCC.org/podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 28, 202018 minEp. 6

Making Every Step Count: The Role of Exercise and Cancer

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes chats with Dr. Lee Jones , exercise scientist at MSK, and Charlie Sweeney, marathon runner and cancer survivor, about the recent findings on the benefits of exercise and its role in the prevention and treatment of cancer. For more information or to ask a question, please visit MSKCC.org/podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 28, 202024 minEp. 5

Cancer Surgery 101

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with MSK colorectal surgeon Dr. Martin Weiser . They discuss what to expect when approaching surgery, innovations in the field of precision surgery, and how to make an informed decision. For more information or to ask a question, please visit MSKCC.org/podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 28, 202020 minEp. 4

A Cancer Survivor’s Guide to Chemo

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with Elizabeth Cruz , a registered nurse at MSK, and Stacey Peltz, an eight-year cancer survivor and warrior. Together, they’ll run down what you need to know to prepare for treatment and how to live well on chemotherapy . For more information or to ask a question, please visit MSKCC.org/podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 28, 202024 minEp. 3

Understanding the Basics of the “C-Word”: What Is Cancer?

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with medical oncologist Dr. Matthew Matasar. They drill down to the cancer basics, explaining the staging system, the treatment options, and the role of clinical trials . For more information or to ask a question, please visit MSKCC.org/podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 28, 202027 minEp. 2
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