Cancer Questions

Does pregnancy reduce the risk of developing breast or gynecologic cancers? 

 Harold Burstein, MD, PhD, breast oncologist Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explores insights from past and current studies, offering a comprehensive view of how reproductive history can influence cancer risk. 

Want to learn more about breast or gynecologic cancers? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/womens-cancers

How can I reduce my risk of colorectal cancer?

Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH, medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the link between diet, lifestyle, and family history on colorectal cancer risk. Ng, MD, MPH, explains why maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes can reduce colorectal cancer risk. 

Want to learn more from Dana-Farber about colorectal cancer screening, risk, and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/gastrointestinal/programs/colorectal-cancer

What's the association between drinking alcohol and cancer?

Wendy Chen, MD, medical oncologist with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the recommended limits for alcohol consumption. Chen explains how regular alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing various cancers, including breast, head and neck, esophageal, and stomach cancer, among others.  

Learn more about Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: https://www.dana-farber.org/ 

Can any sunscreens cause cancer?

Elizabeth Buchbinder, MD, senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, addresses recent concerns about trace levels of chemical sunscreens found in blood samples and what this could mean for your health. Buchbinder explains the benefits of using sunscreen and the evolution of sunscreens from mechanical blockers like zinc to modern chemical sunscreens. 

Want to learn more about skin cancer risk, screening and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/cutaneous-skin-cancer

Should my child get the HPV vaccine?

Susanne Menon, NP, a nurse practitioner at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights how the HPV vaccine is a critical tool in preventing HPV-related cancers, including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, mouth, and throat cancers.  

Want to learn more about cancer risk and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/

Can bras cause breast cancer?

Tim Rebbeck, PhD, professor of Cancer Prevention at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explores factors contributing to breast cancer, debunks myths, and highlights effective prevention strategies. Rebbeck, PhD, explains why getting regular mammograms, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and being aware of family history is important. 

Want to learn more about breast cancer risk and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/types/breast-cancer 

I was a regular smoker, and I quit, so how can I reduce my cancer risk?

David Jackman, MD, senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses the critical steps to reduce cancer risk after quitting smoking, eligibility for lung cancer screening, and the importance of early detection. 

Want to learn more about lung cancer risk and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/thoracic-lung-cancer

How do I know if I'm at high risk for certain cancers?

Huma Rana, MD, MPH, physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the role of germline genetic testing in identifying inherited cancer risk. 

Want to learn more about cancer genetics and cancer prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/patient-family/cancer-prevention-risk

Does eating grilled food increase cancer risk?

Christina Conte, RDN, LDN nutritionist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explores the link between grilled food and cancer risk, offering practical tips for healthier grilling. Conte, RDN, LDN explains why choosing lean meats like skinless chicken and fish, using vinegar or lemon-based marinades, and opting for smaller cuts, can help reduce your exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. 

Want to learn more about integrative therapies and healthy living? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/patient-family/support-services/integrative-therapies 

Does breastfeeding reduce your risk of breast cancer?

Harold Burstein, MD, PhD breast oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights studies that have shown the longer women offer breastfeeding to their infants, the lower the risk of breast cancer. 

Want to learn more about breast cancer screening, risk, and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/types/breast-cancer