Cancer Straight Talk Podcast from MSK

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.

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.

This is the second of four Spanish-language episodes publishing in 2022. We are what we eat, and there’s no doubt that certain lifestyles increase the risk of developing cancer. So how does food help us reduce that risk? Where can I get help finding healthy food? And what should I be eating if I have cancer? In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with MSK nutritionist Karla Giboyeaux and MSK gastroenterologist Dr. Delia Calo about building good habits to reduce our risk of cancer, from grocery shopping to cooking to scheduling regular screenings.

You’ve received a cancer diagnosis. Now what? For George Kolasa, it was obvious: use his glioblastomadiagnosis 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 caretakerwith military-grade precision and organization.

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 the nation’s largest gathering of clinical oncologists in June 2022.

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 at MSK and inaugural winner of the ASCO Excellence in Equity Award; and Dr. Emeline Aviki, gynecologic surgeon and head of the Affordability Working Group at MSK. Dr. Chino and Dr. Aviki share tips for choosing the right insurance plan, oral versus IV treatment, planning ahead with your loved ones and resources for aid. 

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.

On Christmas Eve 2004, Belkis Chalas learned she had stage 4 cancer of the small intestine and months to live. As a mother of two, she couldn’t help but ask, “Why me?” Then she found Memorial Sloan Kettering. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks to Belkis – now one of her dearest patients – about how she handled her devastating diagnosis 18 years ago and went on to build a fulfilling life despite the daily unknowns. Belkis’ nurse, Elizabeth Cruz, also joins the show to share insights into how cancer spreads, what we can do to prevent it, and her philosophy of compassionate care.

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 purpose, and identities beyond the patient and caregiver roles they had gotten so used to.

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.