Cancer Care Today - Leading Cancer Doctors talk about the Latest Treatments

As Lung Cancer Awareness Month continues, we talk to thoracic oncologist and surgeon Dr. Matthew Graczyk about what thoracic surgery entails.

Thoracic Surgery, also known as chest surgery, may be used to diagnose or repair lungs affected by cancer, trauma or pulmonary disease.

For lung cancer, your surgeon may remove nodules, tumors and lymph nodes to diagnose, stage and treat the disease. Dr. Graczyk explains the role of the thoracic surgeon, the risks and benefits of thoracic surgery.

With more than a decade of thoracic oncology and surgery experience, Dr. Graczyk shares his passion for cancer surgery and caring for cancer patients.

About Us: With more than 100 cancer care providers, Minnesota Oncology offers access to the latest evidence-based treatment paths, 12 close-to-home locations in the Twin Cities Metro area, and comprehensive services to support the whole person. In this podcast, experts from Minnesota Oncology and our community of care discuss the latest topics in oncology treatments, research, support, caregiving, and more. Treating cancer takes a community. Welcome to ours.

The American Cancer Society estimates that this year over 228,000 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed, and approximately 135,000 people will die from it, making it the leading cause of all cancer deaths in the United States. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and while it is a very deadly disease, at-risk people have a greater chance of increasing their survival rate by getting a low-dose CT scan (LDCT) before symptoms begin. According to the American Cancer Society, LDCT scans help find abnormal areas in the lungs that may be cancer, and since a majority of the time lung cancer symptoms are not present until the disease is at an advanced stage, early detection can make a huge difference.  In this episode, thoracic oncology specialists Meghan Lawless Keim, PA-C and Courtney Dockter, PA-C, explain who is eligible for lung cancer screening and how the process works.

Many times, those who are high risk for lung cancer are hesitant to have a screening, saying ‘why would I want to know I have lung cancer?’ But if found early, Stage 1 lung cancer is cured 85% of the time with surgery alone, or combined with high dose radiation. Additionally, lung cancer screenings are covered by Medicare and many private health insurance plans.

People who meet the criteria and are interested in a LDCT scan can learn more by contacting Minnesota Oncology’s Edina Clinic at (952) 928-2920 or Minneapolis Clinic at (952) 928-2926 or by visiting https://mnoncology.com/lung-cancer/lungscreening.

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Many women experience blood problems during pregnancy, including iron deficiency (or anemia). Iron is an essential for anyone, but it is really critical during pregnancy.  Iron is a component of hemoglobin, which is a substance in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs throughout your body. During pregnancy your blood volume increases by 50 percent, which requires a lot of iron.  When you are not replacing iron as quickly as your body is using it, you end up with a deficiency. If you are deficient in iron during pregnancy, it can cause premature labor or low birth weight, and impaired cognitive and behavioral development. In this episode, Dr. Uzma Ali talks about iron deficiency and other blood problems that can happen during pregnancy. Often, pregnant women are referred to a hematologist to diagnose and manage any blood problems. Being referring to an oncology/hematology clinic can be intimidating and cause additional anxiety for pregnancy women. Dr. Ali, a board certified oncologist and hematologist at Minnesota Oncology’s Fridley Clinic, explains how hematologists can help pregnant women have a safer and more comfortable pregnancy. She also shares her tips for increasing iron levels before and during pregnancy.

With more than 100 cancer care providers, Minnesota Oncology offers access to the latest evidence-based treatment paths, 12 close-to-home locations in the Twin Cities Metro area, and comprehensive services to support the whole person. In this podcast, experts from Minnesota Oncology and our community of care discuss the latest topics in oncology treatments, research, support, caregiving, and more. Treating cancer takes a community. Welcome to ours.

Find out more at MnOncology.com

Minnesota Oncology’s Dr. Uzma Ali discusses the convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and “flu season” and what it means for cancer patients. As we approach the holidays, begin to spend more time indoors due to colder weather, what do those diagnosed with cancer and their families and caregivers need to know? Dr. Uzma Ali is a board-certified oncologist and hematologist with Minnesota Oncology. She sees patients at Minnesota Oncology’s Fridley Clinic.

With more than 100 cancer care providers, Minnesota Oncology offers access to the latest evidence-based treatment paths, 12 close-to-home locations in the Twin Cities Metro area, and comprehensive services to support the whole person.

In each podcast, experts from Minnesota Oncology and their community of care discuss the latest topics in oncology treatments, research, support, caregiving, and more.

Treating cancer takes a community. Welcome to ours.

Visit: https://mnoncology.com

We all want to know about our genetics, but who do we trust? How are tests evaluated? Are at-home genetic tests accurate, and what do they tell me? How important is my family history? You'll get the answers to these questions and a whole lot more from - Genetic Risk Assessment - Master of Science, Anna Leiginger. When it comes to genetics, she knows her stuff! Listen in on this conversation about genetics, hosted by Colleen Schwab of Mn Oncology. This discussion includes genetic examples, basic genetics, how genetics are passed down, and more.

With more than 100 cancer care providers, Minnesota Oncology offers access to the latest evidence-based treatment paths, 12 close-to-home locations in the Twin Cities Metro area, and comprehensive services to support the whole person.

In each podcast, experts from Minnesota Oncology and their community of care discuss the latest topics in oncology treatments, research, support, caregiving, and more.

Treating cancer takes a community. Welcome to ours.

Visit: https://mnoncology.com

Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues with breast cancer specialist Dr. Lucia Astrid Garino. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Dr. Garino shares her perspective on the effects of the pandemic on breast cancer detection and treatment.

With more than 100 cancer care providers, Minnesota Oncology offers access to the latest evidence-based treatment paths, 12 close-to-home locations in the Twin Cities Metro area, and comprehensive services to support the whole person.

In each EPISODE, experts Cancer Oncology Doctors and their community of care discuss the latest topics in cancer oncology treatments, research, support, caregiving, and more

Visit: https://mnoncology.com

As we kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breast cancer expert Dr. Michaela Tsai shares her personal story about genetic breast cancer risk and mastectomy. She also discusses breast cancer screening, prevention, treatments, and what to know when you’re newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

Dr. Michaela Tsai has been featured on the front page of the Chicago Tribune. The story, though, is not so much about her role as a leading breast cancer specialist. Rather, Dr. Tsai was featured because of her decision to undergo a double mastectomy after discovering at age 36 – and as a mother of two young children – that she carries the BRCA-2 gene. She then chose to work with sought-after Chicago tattoo artist David Allen to create an intricate floral design to cover her scars. Dr. Tsai shared her very personal story with the Chicago Tribune in hopes that her experience might help other women who are struggling with post-mastectomy body image issues. Read the full story here: http://bit.ly/doctortsai

When a person is diagnosed with a non-cancerous blood disorder such as anemia or immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), they may have some anxiety about being referred to a cancer clinic for treatment. But Minnesota Oncology is also the region’s largest treatment center for benign hematology. In this episode, Dr. Rajini Katipamula-Malisetti (Dr. K), oncologist, hematologist and medical director at Minnesota Oncology, talks about some common blood disorders and how our team of hematologists provides comprehensive treatment for common – and rare – blood disorders that are not cancerous. Dr. K discusses how blood disorders are diagnosed and why regular health exams and screenings including blood tests are so important. Learn more about Non-Cancerous Blood disorders at mnoncology.com.

In this episode, we speak with Kris Newcomer, Executive Director of Firefly Sisterhood. The mission of The Firefly Sisterhood is to foster one-to-one connections between women experiencing breast cancer and inspirational survivors. By matching breast cancer survivors with newly diagnosed women, Firefly Sisterhood helps women navigate their diagnosis and all that comes with it with the guidance of someone who has been in their shoes. Firefly Sisterhood currently has 130 “guides” (breast cancer mentors) providing support and non-medical advice. Anyone with a breast cancer diagnosis can contact Firefly Sisterhood to be matched with a guide, and new potential guides are always welcome. Learn more at fireflysisterhood.org. With more than 100 cancer care providers, Minnesota Oncology offers access to the latest evidence-based treatment paths, 12 close-to-home locations in the Twin Cities Metro area, and comprehensive services to support the whole person. In each podcast, experts from Minnesota Oncology and their community of care discuss the latest topics in oncology treatments, research, support, caregiving, and more. Treating cancer takes a community. Welcome to ours. Visit: https://mnoncology.com

Angel Foundation is a Twin Cities-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to provide support to local adults with cancer and their families. For nearly twenty years, their programs have helped families facing cancer find more everyday moments of joy.

Through an innovative and integrated approach of financial assistance, education and support, Angel Foundation helps adults with cancer and their families so that they may live life well with stability, strength and resilience.

The Emergency Financial Assistance program provides financial support to adults in active treatment for cancer, living in or treated in the seven-county Twin Cities area. This program assists with non-medical basic needs such as groceries, gas, utilities and housing payments. The Facing Cancer Together program gives parents and caregivers the tools they need to parent through cancer. Kid-friendly activities provide education, emotional support and social experiences for the entire family.

Since 2001, showing a proven approach to addressing critical issues, Angel Foundation has distributed more than $9 million in emergency financial assistance and provided nearly 30,000 program services to local adults with cancer and their families. 

With more than 100 cancer care providers, Minnesota Oncology offers access to the latest evidence-based treatment paths, 12 close-to-home locations in the Twin Cities Metro area, and comprehensive services to support the whole person.

In each podcast, experts from Minnesota Oncology and their community of care discuss the latest topics in oncology treatments, research, support, caregiving, and more.

Treating cancer takes a community. Welcome to ours.

Visit: https://mnoncology.com