Cancer Straight Talk from MSK

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 survivor and one of the movement’s biggest cheerleaders (and actual winner of TV’s Survivor: Africa), Ethan Zohn, to hear about their personal cancer stories and the power of Cycle for Survival. 

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and MSK clinical psychologist Dr. Wendy Lichtenthal hear from past guests of the podcast – patients, caregivers and clinicians – on what they’re grateful for this holiday season. How does one find gratitude while living with cancer? Can gratitude and grief exist at the same time? And what are some tools for managing the two? Join us as we discuss.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with 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.

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.