Cancer Straight Talk

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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Discover the revolutionary potential of CAR T-cell therapy as a possible cure for some types of cancer. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with the pioneer of CAR T-cell therapy, MSK immunologist Dr. Michel Sadelain, as well as cellular therapist Dr. Jae Park, about the intricate process of modifying a patient’s own immune cells to target and eliminate cancer cells. They discuss its origin, clinical success in treating blood cancers like lymphoma and leukemia, and potential side effects. Dr. Sadelain addresses cost concerns, proposing strategies to enhance accessibility, while both doctors express optimism for CAR T-cell therapy’s future in treating, and maybe curing, a wider range of cancers, including solid tumors.

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Learn what you need to know about early-stage prostate cancer, from risk factors to treatment options and how to tackle their side effects. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes is joined by medical oncologist Dr. Dana Rathkopf, radiation oncologist Dr. Sean McBride, and urologic surgeon Dr. Behfar Ehdaie. Together, they provide an overview of treatment options for people diagnosed with prostate cancer, including active surveillance, internal and external radiation, surgery and hormone therapy. They offer guidance on navigating these choices and mitigating their side effects with state-of-the-art technology and holistic support services. 

Episode Chapters:
1:24 – Risk factors and screening
4:12 – Active surveillance
6:12 – Radiation
11:31 – Surgery 
14:53 – Hormone therapy 
20:38 – New and upcoming treatments

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Spanish episode #4   |   Episodio #4 en español

En este episodio, la Dra. Diane Reidy-Lagunes habla con el Dr. José Flores, cirujano urológico de MSK, sobre el tema de la salud sexual de los hombres después de un diagnóstico de cáncer. Es un tema que a menudo se pasa por alto, pero es de vital importancia. Exploran el amplio espectro de la disfunción sexual, cómo abordar este delicado tema con su médico y despejan los mitos y tabúes comunes que lo rodean. Descubra cómo los pacientes y los médicos están encontrando soluciones para mantener una vida sexual saludable antes, durante y después del tratamiento contra el cáncer. 

Vea todos los episodios de Cancer Straight Talk en Español.

A Man's Guide to Sex and Cancer 

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with Dr. José Flores, urologic surgeon at MSK, about the often overlooked but vital topic of men's sexual health after a cancer diagnosis. They delve into the broad spectrum of sexual dysfunction, how to address this sensitive subject with your doctor, and break down common myths and taboos that surround it. Discover how patients and doctors are finding solutions to maintaining a healthy sex life before, during and after cancer treatment.

See all episodes of Cancer Straight Talk en Español.

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In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with former New York Mets president and MSK patient, Sandy Alderson, along with his dedicated team of doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering. They discuss Sandy’s unique journey with appendix cancer and how experts from various disciplines came together to save his life, a testament to MSK’s multidisciplinary care model. Sandy also dives into the reasons he kept his diagnosis private for eight years, and highlights the power of mental distractions and trust in your medical team when living with cancer.

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