Cancer Covered

Cancer Covered

By Green Bay OncologyMedicineHealth & Fitness
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Cancer Covered episodes

  • The Link Between Cancer and Blood Disorders

    Dr. Matthew Ryan and Dr. Harsha Poola sit down to explore the crucial, often misunderstood, intersection of hematology and oncology and what patients can expect when referred for a blood disorder. They unpack why these two distinct specialties share deep historical roots and joint clinical training, demystify the fear of walking into a cancer center for a noncancerous condition, and explain how everything from routine blood panels to rare, indolent diseases are investigated, monitored and treated.

    “You’re not necessarily seeing a cancer doctor because someone fears you have cancer, that the vast majority of hematology conditions are benign and noncancerous.” Dr. Matthew Ryan

    In this episode, we cover:

    • Easing the “Do I have cancer?” anxiety: Why being sent to a cancer center does not automatically mean a malignancy, and how specialists work to reassure patients facing benign or mild blood abnormalities from day one.
    • A shared medical history: How a World War II chemical warfare accident with nitrogen mustard birthed modern chemotherapy, sparked a specialty turf war, and led to the dual training programs that unite hematologists and oncologists today.
    • Labs, symptoms and atypical signs: The common triggers for a hematology referral, from incidental abnormal CBC counts and easy bruising to subtle symptoms of iron deficiency like restless legs syndrome and pica cravings.
    • Chronic monitoring over immediate treatment: Why conditions like myeloproliferative neoplasms (polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytosis), indolent chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) are often safely managed through long-term surveillance.
      • 18 min
    • How is Breast Cancer Treated?

      Dr. Stephanie Fries and Dr. Judy Tjoe sit down to examine what happens following a breast cancer diagnosis and how treatment decisions are tailored to each individual patient. They unpack how modern cancer medicine has moved away from a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach toward personalized care, explain how tumor biology and genomic testing guide choices around chemotherapy and endocrine therapy, and highlight the multidisciplinary teamwork and patient preferences that shape surgical options.

      “Even though Dr. Fries and I and our oncological team take care of hundreds of patients with breast cancer every year, we know that this is likely gonna be your first, maybe your second, and we’ll never forget that, and we will be with you every step of the way.” — Dr. Judy Tjoe

      In this episode, we cover:

      • The first visit and biopsy breakdown: Why taking time to walk through medical illustrations, anatomy, and pathology reports, including estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptor status, is vital for informed, shared decision-making.
      • Personalized surgical options: The choice between lumpectomy and total mastectomy, the role of oncoplastic techniques and nerve-sparing approaches, and how sentinel lymph node biopsies have minimized the risk of lymphedema compared to older surgical methods.
      • Cancer as a team sport: How close daily collaboration among medical oncologists, breast surgeons, radiation oncologists, and weekly multidisciplinary tumor boards ensures every patient’s treatment plan is individually customized.
      • De-escalating therapy and genomic testing: How tools like Oncotype DX and MammaPrint help spare the majority of hormone receptor–positive patients from unnecessary chemotherapy while pinpointing who truly benefits.
      • Emerging treatments and future advances: The excitement around antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) acting as targeted “Trojan horses” to deliver chemotherapy straight to cancer cells, and how circulating tumor DNA blood tests are evolving to detect residual disease.
      • You are not alone: Reassurance regarding the high cure rates for early-stage breast cancer, the value of routine mammograms, and the compassionate care team ready to support patients at every step.
        • 22 min
      • Can Natural Remedies Help Treat Cancer?

        Dr. Tony Jaslowski and Dr. Edgar Badine sit down to examine the popular diets, detoxes, and natural remedies frequently marketed to cancer patients. They unpack why the physiological reality of the human body disproves viral trends like the alkaline diet and extreme fasting, explain why high-dose antioxidant supplements can inadvertently protect tumors from chemotherapy and radiation, and highlight the critical distinction between complementary supportive care and unproven alternative treatments.

        “We want to complement the standard of care rather than alternative, which is avoiding the standard of care and going alternative routes.” — Dr. Edgar Badine

        In this episode, we cover:

        • The myth of the alkaline diet: Why you cannot shift your body’s tightly regulated pH balance to “starve” cancer without shutting down normal cellular function and causing serious harm.
        • Fasting, sugar, and malnutrition risks: How extreme calorie restriction during active chemotherapy or immunotherapy deprives healthy cells and the immune system of essential fuel, and why a balanced whole-food diet remains the gold standard.
        • Why “natural” doesn’t equal safe: An honest look at the lack of regulation behind internet supplements and the evidence-based reasons why high-dose antioxidants (like vitamin C and CoQ10) or turmeric can actually interfere with standard cancer therapies.
        • Complementary vs. alternative medicine: The clear difference between abandoning evidence-based medicine and using proven supportive therapies—such as yoga, acupuncture, massage, and structured exercise programs like Livestrong—to manage side effects and rebuild strength.
        • The importance of open communication: Why having a completely transparent, judgment-free dialogue with your oncologist, oncology dietitian, and pharmacist about every supplement or diet you consider is essential to protecting your health during treatment.
          • 22 min
        • Separating Hope from Hype with Cancer “Cures”

          A cancer diagnosis is an incredibly overwhelming experience, and it’s completely natural to search for hope, control and answers. It’s not hard to find claims of “miracle cures” and unproven therapies on social media and across the internet. While it’s understandable to want to explore every option, the viral nature of these testimonials can sometimes blur the line between supportive care and dangerous misinformation, leading people down paths that may do more harm than good.

          In this episode of Cancer Covered, Dr. Tony Jaslowski and Dr. Edgar Badine sit down to talk about why these alternative claims get so much attention and how the medical community actually vets treatments. They walk through the real differences between early lab work and human clinical trials, take a closer look at the risks behind trends like fenbendazole and ivermectin, and discuss why having an open, honest conversation with your oncology team is the best way to stay safe while keeping your hope alive.

          “Hope definitely matters, but patients deserve hope grounded in honesty, scientific evidence and support; not fear or false promises.”

          — Dr. Edgar Badine

          In this episode, we cover:

          • Why unproven treatments go viral: We look at the psychological reasons people turn to alternative therapies — from the need to feel in control to online communities that prioritize personal anecdotes over hard evidence.
          • How treatments actually become standard-of-care: We break down the clinical trial process (Phase I through III) and explain why results in a lab dish or animal model don’t always translate safely to people.
          • The truth about fenbendazole and ivermectin: A look at the real clinical risks of using these anti-parasitic drugs for cancer, including potential side effects like liver issues or the danger of missing the window for effective treatment.
          • The danger of delaying conventional care: We discuss how relying on unproven remedies can interfere with life-saving treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
          • Questions to ask about alternative claims: We’ll give you a checklist of red flags, like promises of “universal” cures, stories that rely only on testimonials, or advice to stop standard medical care.

            • 28 min
          • Reflecting on 50 Years of Green Bay Oncology

            Founding oncologist Dr. Paul Koch, second president Dr. Jules Blank, and current president Dr. David Groteluschen reflect on 50 years of Green Bay Oncology. They look back on the practice’s journey from a single physician working out of a hallway office in 1976 to a team of more than 90 employees caring for patients across 12 locations in Northeast Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula.

            From transporting chemotherapy in the trunks of cars to offering cutting-edge clinical trials, immunotherapies, and offering specialties like radiation oncology and breast surgical oncology close to home, the group shares how the focus has always been on doing what’s needed to help patients. They also share personal memories, lessons in leadership and the core values that have kept Green Bay Oncology independent and patient-centered since day one.

            “Patients are the most important thing. Caring, giving them good care, being their advocates. And then one thing that we might forget sometimes, but your most important feature of your clinic are the people that work for you. They are the face of Green Bay Oncology.” – Dr. Paul Koch

            On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

            • 50 Years of Caring Close to Home: How Green Bay Oncology grew from Dr. Koch’s solo practice in 1976 into a multi-location community practice dedicated to sparing rural cancer patients long drives for treatment.
            • The Evolution of Cancer Therapies: How treatment shifted from early cytotoxic “cell poisons” that arrived once every five years to today’s rapid pipeline of targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and pre-market clinical trials.
            • Collaboration Over Ego: Why open dialogue, physician collaboration and hiring talented team members have been essential to managing complex cases and navigating rapid medical advancements.
            • Balancing Independence and Growth: How leadership adapted the business structure to keep the practice independent while expanding into advanced research, radiation oncology and breast surgical oncology.
            • Uncompromising Patient Advocacy: Why putting patients first, fostering strong staff relationships and doing the right thing remain the guiding principles for the next 50 years.
              • 49 min
            • Cannabis and Cancer Symptoms

              Oncologists Dr. Brian Burnette, Dr. Tony Jaslowski and Dr. Edgard Badine take an open, evidence-minded look at cannabis and cannabinoid use in cancer care. They explore what we know about potential benefits and risks, what we don’t know and why it’s important for patients and their care teams to talk openly about cannabis use during cancer treatment.

              The oncologists also explore COSMIC, an ongoing observational clinical trial following how people with cancer are using cannabis and cannabinoids in the real world. Rather than starting with the assumption that cannabis does or doesn’t belong in cancer care, researchers are gathering data about how patients use it, what they experience and what questions should be studied next.

              “Whether it’s marijuana, THC, CBD, things that people are doing outside of the clinic that we either do not prescribe or cannot prescribe, our patients need to be open and honest with us about it. We need an open and honest and transparent relationship with our patients in order to best take care of them.” – Dr. Brian Burnette

              On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

              • Symptom Support vs. Cancer Treatment: Why some patients use cannabis in hopes of managing symptoms like nausea, pain, or insomnia — and why that’s very different from using cannabis to treat cancer itself.
              • What COSMIC Is Studying: Researchers are observing real-world cannabis and cannabinoid use among people with cancer to understand what patients are using, why they’re using it, what they experience and which questions deserve further study. Click here to learn more about the COSMIC trial.
              • Risks and Unknowns: Why cannabis isn’t risk-free, including concerns about product variability, potential interactions, nausea and vomiting, paranoia, confusion and fall risk. These are all reasons providers need to know what their patients are using.
              • What We Still Need to Learn: Why the evidence isn’t strong enough to give us clear answers yet and how studies like COSMIC could lead to more focused clinical trials examining whether specific cannabinoids help, cause harm or offer any advantage over treatments already available.
              • Open Dialogue Without Judgment: Why patients should feel comfortable telling their care team about cannabis, cannabinoids and other products they’re using so their providers have the full picture when making recommendations about their care.

                • We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

                Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

                Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart | TuneIn | Podcast Index


                Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

                Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

                Join Our Free Monthly Support Group
                No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

                Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.
                That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

                Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

                To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

                28 min
              • Meet Dr. Stephanie Fries

                Every patient is like a puzzle box. And, just when you think you have things figured out, a new piece of the puzzle can emerge. In this episode of Cancer Covered, host Steve Slocum gets to know Dr. Stephanie Fries, a medical oncologist who joined Green Bay Oncology in the fall of 2025. Dr. Fries shares her journey into medicine, her “quarterback” approach to cancer care, and why treating patients in a tight-knit community setting offers a uniquely meaningful experience. She discusses how her team aligns treatment plans directly with each patient’s personal goals, how she balances honesty with hope when delivering difficult news, and why she encourages every patient to come to their appointments curious and ready to ask questions. Along the way, she also gives a glimpse into her life outside the clinic, including her love for cooking, her background in classical civilizations and her family’s pet tortoises.

                “Every single patient is different and their story is different. Your goals are my goals.” — Dr. Stephanie Fries

                On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

                • How a medical oncologist acts as the “quarterback” of a patient’s care team to coordinate treatment and align with their personal goals.
                • Why Dr. Fries treats every case as a unique puzzle requiring tailored care rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
                • How honesty about a diagnosis can actually create space for meaningful hope and quality of life.
                • The benefits of receiving cancer care within a close-knit community setting.
                • What patients can expect during their first visit and why asking questions is essential to feeling confident in a care plan.
                • A peek into Dr. Fries’s background, from studying ancient Greek and Roman literature to her favorite ways to recharge at home.

                  • We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

                  Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

                  Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart | TuneIn | Podcast Index


                  Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

                  Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

                  Join Our Free Monthly Support Group
                  No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

                  Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.
                  That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

                  Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

                  To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

                  20 min
                • The APP Role in Cancer Care: Medical Oncology and Hematology

                  If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer or a blood disorder, you’ll likely meet more than one provider throughout your care. In this episode of Cancer Covered, medical oncologist and hematologist Dr. Brian Burnette and nurse practitioner Megan Grimm, DNP, FNP-BC, AOCNP explain how physicians, advanced practice providers and the rest of the care team work together to deliver personalized, compassionate treatment. They discuss the difference between medical oncology and hematology, why nurse practitioners and physician assistants have become essential members of modern cancer care and how collaboration allows patients to receive timely, high-quality treatment close to home. Along the way, they also share how treatment plans evolve, why second opinions are welcomed and the questions they wish more patients felt comfortable asking.

                  “I always remember Dr. Burnette, saying, ‘There’s a science to oncology, but there’s also an art to oncology,’ and I truly believe that because it isn’t one-size-fits-all.” — Megan Grimm, DNP, FNP-BC, AOCNP

                  On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

                  • The difference between medical oncology and hematology, and why they’re often practiced together.
                  • How physicians and nurse practitioners collaborate throughout diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
                  • Why advanced practice providers help improve access to cancer care while enhancing the patient experience.
                  • Why treatment plans can be adjusted to fit each patient’s goals, needs and quality of life.
                  • The value of asking questions, including when it’s appropriate to seek a second opinion.
                  • How an entire multidisciplinary team works behind the scenes to support patients and families throughout their cancer journey.

                    • We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

                    Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

                    Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart | TuneIn | Podcast Index


                    Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

                    Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

                    Join Our Free Monthly Support Group
                    No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

                    Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.
                    That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

                    Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

                    To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

                    35 min
                  • What Palliative Care for Cancer Really Means

                    When people hear the words palliative care, they often assume it means treatment has ended or that hospice is the next step. In this episode, Dr. David Groteluschen, Dr. Tony Jaslowski, and Dr. Alex Coffman explain what palliative care really means, why it can begin at any stage of cancer treatment and how managing symptoms like pain, fatigue, nausea and anxiety helps patients live better throughout their cancer journey. Together, they discuss how palliative care supports both patients and families, improves quality of life and remains an essential part of modern cancer care — not a sign of giving up.

                    “If anything I give you is going to hurt you more than help you, it’s not giving up. Our goal has changed to: what am I doing for my quality of life?” — Dr. David Groteluschen

                    On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

                    • What palliative care is and how it is different from hospice
                    • Why palliative care can begin at any stage of cancer treatment
                    • How symptom management improves quality of life during treatment
                    • How medical, radiation, surgical and supportive care teams work together to care for patients
                    • Why honest conversations about symptoms lead to better outcomes
                    • How palliative care helps patients and families focus on living well throughout cancer treatment

                      • We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

                      Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

                      Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart | TuneIn | Podcast Index


                      Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

                      Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

                      Join Our Free Monthly Support Group
                      No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

                      Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.
                      That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

                      Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

                      To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

                      29 min
                    • A Conversation with the Kids of Cancer Doctors

                      Cancer doctors spend their days caring for patients, but at home they’re also parents, teachers, mentors, and sometimes even karaoke singers. On this episode we sit down with a very special group, the children of several Green Bay Oncology physicians, to hear what it’s like growing up with a cancer doctor as a mom or dad. From favorite family traditions and funny quirks to lessons about perseverance, empathy and showing up for the people you love, these kids offer an honest and heartwarming look at the people behind the white coats. And, they share what makes their parents special, what they’ve learned from watching them care for others and why being a doctor never really stops when the workday ends.

                      “ He truly does care about his patients, and he will make sure, no matter what, that they’re comfortable. But he always makes sure to spend time with us and to nurture us, and it doesn’t interfere with our family.”

                      — Ishaan and Riaan Abbi, on their father, Dr. Kamal Abbi

                      On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

                      • What children notice most about their parents’ work caring for patients with cancer
                      • How physicians balance demanding careers with being present for their families
                      • The surprising hobbies, habits and personalities patients may not see in the clinic
                      • What lessons these kids have learned about kindness, perseverance and caring for others
                      • Why empathy and support matter both inside and outside the exam room

                        • We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

                        Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

                        Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart | TuneIn | Podcast Index


                        Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

                        Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

                        Join Our Free Monthly Support Group
                        No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

                        Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.
                        That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

                        Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

                        To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

                        33 min

                      About Cancer Covered

                      From the publisher's feed

                      The practice of cancer medicine is complex and demanding. And like anything that takes practice, we’ll spend our whole lives trying to get it right. In each episode, the white coats come off as the…