Andrew Beggs is a Professor of Cancer Genetics & Surgery at the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, and the Deputy Director of the Birmingham Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre and Theme Lead for Biomarkers and Liquid Biopsy. He is also Head of Somatic Cancer in the Central and South Genomic Medicine Service Alliance and Co-Lead of the Translational Biology and Genetics research theme within the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences. He is a fellow of the Alan Turing Institute and has recently been awarded an MRC Senior Clinical Fellowship.

Summary

This conversation explores the role of genetics in cancer and why the disease is hard to treat. It discusses assessing cancer risk and the benefits of annual MRI scans. Advances in less invasive and targeted therapies are highlighted, along with the importance of accessing new treatments and seeking second opinions. The conversation also touches on the progress in treatments, the cost of care, cancer genetics research, ways to reduce cancer risk, and the uncertain effects of vaping.

Key Moments

02:13 Understanding cancer

07:36 Why is cancer difficult to treat?

13:12 Assessing personal risk of cancer

16:01 The effectiveness of annual MRI scans

24:55 Advancements in Less Invasive and Targeted Therapies

28:20 Availability and Access to New Treatments

29:04 Importance of Seeking Second Opinions

31:59 Progress in Cancer Treatment and Cures

33:38 The Cost of Cancer Treatments

36:42 Cancer Genetics Research and its Process

44:19 Reducing the Risk of Cancer

46:14 Vaping and its Unknown Effects on Cancer

Music credit: David Cutter Music / @dcuttermusic

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