Cancer Straight Talk

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with MSK physician-scientist Dr. Karuna Ganesh and epidemiologist Dr. Caitlin Murphy about the troubling rise in cancer rates among younger generations, specifically people born in the 1980s (Gen X) and 1990s (Millennials). The latest research suggests prenatal exposures, environmental toxins, and various lifestyle factors may be contributing to the alarming trend of young people getting cancer earlier in their lives than previous generations. These insights could reshape our understanding of cancer risk and impact our approach to screening and treatment in the future.

Learn more about how MSK is finding solutions through the Lisa and Scott Stuart Center for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers and MSK’s Center for Young Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancer

Episode Chapters:
2:01 - In utero and early life exposures
5:38 - Microbiome risk factors
8:15 - Environmental chemicals
9:56 - Cross-generational research methods
11:40 - Are young adult cancers unique on a cellular level?
14:02 - Moving past the "smoking gun" mindset
15:37 - What is the exposome and why is it promising?
17:01 - Who's responsible for monitoring risk factors?
20:19 - Updating screening guidelines

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In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with MSK’s Dr. Neil Iyengar, a nationally recognized expert on the relationship between obesity, metabolic health, and cancer. Together, they discuss the intriguing connection between a new class of weight loss drugs, called GLP-1 agonists, and cancer risk reduction. They explore how medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and others, which were originally designed for diabetes, are not only effective for weight loss but may also lower the risk of developing obesity-related cancers. They explain how those drugs work within the body to deliver potential benefits, the limitations of current studies, and what weight loss drugs mean for both cancer prevention and treatment.

Episode Chapters:
1:35 - How do these drugs cause weight loss?
3:08 - What cancers could these drugs help prevent?
4:29 - How exactly do they prevent cancer?
6:10 - Should people with cancer take these drugs?
7:42 - What happens when you stop taking them?
10:56 - Potential side effects
12:25 - Limitations of recent study and breast cancer prevention
14:36 - 3 lifestyle tips to prevent and treat cancer

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In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes is joined by Dr. Erica Lee, a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at MSK, to discuss misconceptions around who can get skin cancer, how it presents on different skin types, and practical sun safety tips to help prevent skin cancer. They break down the different types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. They also hear from Jocelyn, a Hispanic melanoma survivor who shares her surprise of being diagnosed with melanoma despite her Hispanic background, emphasizing the importance of routine skin checks for people of all skin types.

Episode Chapters:
1:30 - Types of skin cancer
4:39 - Who's most at risk?
7:13 - Warning signs to look out for
10:25 - What darker skin populations need to know
13:25 - Sun protection myths and tips

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In this episode (part 1 of 2), Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with a team of MSK experts to demystify three breast cancer treatment options: surgery, radiation, and reconstruction. Breast surgeon Dr. Tracy-Ann Moo explains the difference between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy, and why one isn’t always better than the other. Radiation oncologist Dr. Michael Bernstein discusses the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of breast cancer. Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Michelle Coriddi describes various breast reconstruction and preservation techniques, which can help patients maintain a positive body image after treatment.

Subscribe to Cancer Straight Talk to be notified when Part 2 airs, covering chemotherapy, hormone therapy and survivorship for people with breast cancer.

Episode Chapters:
1:27 - Surgery options: lumpectomy vs. mastectomy
2:32 - Family history, genetics, and BRCA mutation
3:30 - Which surgery has the best outcomes?
5:16 - Surgery patient testimony 
6:46 - Nipple-sparing mastectomy
7:36 - What is radiation?
8:49 - Why is radiation needed?
10:11 - What does a typical radiation plan entail?
11:19 - Radiation patient testimony
12:38 - Radiation side effects & how to mitigate them
14:25 - Exercise during treatment and recovery
15:10 - Reconstruction options after surgery
18:22 - Recovery after reconstruction
19:10 - Insurance coverage for breast reconstruction
19:31 - Reconstruction patient testimony
20:58 - Nipple tattoos and 3D areola reconstruction
22:00 - Surveillance and risks of breast implants
23:02 - Advice for patients

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In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Comen, author of "All in Her Head: The Truth and Lies Early Medicine Taught Us About Women's Health and Why It Matters Today." They discuss ways to empower women to advocate for their health when talking to doctors, and how a historic gender bias in medical research has influenced practices today. Tune in for an insightful conversation on tackling stigmas and reshaping the narrative around women's health.

Listen to Episode 12: "A Woman's Guide to Sex and Cancer"

Listen to Episode 30: "Achieving Excellent Healthcare for All: A Candid Conversation with MSK’s President & CEO, Dr. Selwyn Vickers"

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In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with 3 women breaking new ground in the field of cancer research: Dr. Karuna Ganesh studies metastasis and how cancer spreads, Dr. Chrysothemis Brown is unlocking secrets of our immune system to fight cancer, and Marie-Josée Kravis has donated generously to support women in cancer research. Together, they discuss their pioneering research, the importance of mentorship in science, and the critical role philanthropy plays in the biggest breakthroughs.

Learn more about the work of women at MSK.

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In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with Dr. Allison Applebaum, founder of the Caregivers Clinic at MSK, about the need to support cancer caregivers. She shares her own experience with her father and offers practical advice on navigating the healthcare system. This episode includes tips for managing intense emotions like anger, grief and guilt felt by people caring for a loved one with a serious illness. The challenge can be difficult and heartbreaking, but Dr. Applebaum says it’s possible to find profound meaning in the experience of being a cancer caregiver.

For more caregiver tips and support, listen to Episode 13: "Cancer and Caregivers: Navigating Stress, Worry and Other Challenges."

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In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes has a meaningful conversation with Dr. Alan Carver, an MSK neurologist specializing in end-of-life and palliative care, and Hadley Vlahos, a hospice nurse with over 1 million social followers and author of "The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments." Together, they offer advice for both patients and caregivers about transitioning to hospice care, managing fear, and finding peace in one's final days. Sharing their own experiences, families describe how “joy and grief can walk together.”

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In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and Dr. Alex Drilon, Chief of MSK's Early Drug Development Service, answer the most common questions about participating in clinical trials. Through hearing the experience of patients, they discuss the practical aspects as well as the fears and misconceptions associated with clinical trials. They explain their rigorous development, different phases, and potential to save patients’ lives now and in the future.

MSK is proud to support the key initiatives of the National Cancer Plan by helping to develop effective treatments and end cancer as we know it. Click here to learn more about the National Cancer Plan.

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We’re listening back to one of our favorite episodes from December 2022. While the holidays are meant to be a season of celebration, reflection and spending time with family and friends, it can also be a time of anxiety, grief or loneliness for those living with the reality of cancer. How does one find peace and meaning in the swarm of emotions that cancer brings up? In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and MSK chaplain Brian Kelly share their thoughts on what makes life meaningful and how to find your light in the darkest of times.

This episode features a reflection from Anthony, an MSK patient. Sadly, earlier this year, Anthony passed away. We thank him for sharing his beautiful words and send our love to his family.

Read "Coping With Grief: 7 Things to Remember When Dealing with Loss"

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