Diagnosis, treatment and prevention play paramount roles in addressing the critical challenges presented by colon cancer. Early diagnosis of these malignancies is pivotal, as they often exhibit subtle or vague symptoms in their initial stages, making timely detection a significant task. 

During episode two of Making the Rounds’ podcast series discussing the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of pancreatic and colon cancers, listen as Dr. Madappa Kundranda and Dr. Shivakumar Vignesh discuss the importance of colon cancer screening, and the rising instances of early onset colorectal cancer. Dr. Kundranda and Dr. Vignesh also delve into hereditary and familial cancers, explaining the difference between them and the significance of genetic testing.  

Dr. Madappa Kundranda, is a gastrointestinal medical oncologist and division chief of cancer medicine at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, specializing in the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies. 

Dr. Shivakumar Vignesh is section chief of interventional gastroenterology at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center and professor of medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, specializing in the treatment of complex digestive diseases and conditions.

To learn more about the oncology services available at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, visit www.bannerhealth.com/cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, but thankfully, stages 0, I, II and III are often curable with surgery. Since surgical interventions play a vital role in the treatment of colon cancer, engaging in pre- and post-operative care is crucial for these patients, as it helps optimize surgical outcomes.

In this episode of Making the Rounds, we begin a special podcast series discussing the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of pancreatic and colon cancers. Listen as Dr. Michael Choti discusses enhanced recovery after surgery and evidence-based programs to improve outcomes in patients with colon cancer. 

Dr.Michael Choti is a gastrointestinal surgical oncologist and the division chief of surgical oncology at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, specializing in the treatment of hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers.

Advanced heart failure treatment is complex but highly necessary, given the rise of an aging population, lifestyle factors, and increased diagnoses of hypertension, type 2 diabetes and obesity.  

During episode two of Making the Rounds’ “Failure is not an option” series, Dr. Radha Gopalan discusses the rise in heart failure diagnosis in America and the importance of optimal cardiovascular medical therapy in the management of patients with a heart failure diagnosis.  

Dr. Gopalan is a heart failure cardiologist and medical director of Advanced Heart Failure at Banner – University Medicine Phoenix, specializing in heart failure, advanced heart failure, mechanical circulatory support and heart transplant. 

To learn more about the cardiology services available at Banner Health, visit www.bannerhealth.com/heart.

Immunotherapy has expanded the treatment options available to melanoma patients. It can be used as a standalone treatment or combined with other approaches like surgery or targeted therapy, creating powerful combinations that maximize effectiveness and offer new avenues of hope.
During episode three of Making the Rounds series on melanoma, Dr. Fade Mahmoud discusses immunotherapy treatment options for patients with melanoma, including recent advancements and how adjuvant therapies can further target these cancers. 
Dr. Mahmoud is a hematology medical oncologist with a specialty focus in cutaneous oncology, and is the associate director at the T.W. Lewis Melanoma Center of Excellence at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. 

To learn more about the oncology services available at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, visit ⁠www.bannerhealth.com/cancer.⁠

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of all Americans are at risk for cardiovascular and heart disease. Each type of heart disease has its own set of symptoms and treatment options.

In this episode of Making the Rounds, we begin a special series called "Failure is not an option" - focused on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease and heart failure. Listen to Dr. Deepak Acharya discuss cardiovascular disease, the importance of early diagnosis and advancement in treatment options. 

Dr. Acharya is an interventional cardiologist at Banner - University Medicine Tucson, associate professor of medicine at the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center and program director of the Interventional Cardiology Fellowship. He specializes in advanced heart failure, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, acute and durable mechanical circulatory support, cardiogenic shock, cardiac catheterization, percutaneous coronary intervention, structural heart interventions and pulmonary hypertension. 

Do you know your heart age? Take the heart age test today!

Every melanoma case is unique, and surgical management embraces this fact. Surgical techniques are revolutionizing the early detection of melanoma, enabling physicians to identify and remove cancerous cells with unmatched precision. Surgeons are now customizing treatment plans to cater to individual needs by combining minimally invasive procedures with other therapies like immunotherapy or targeted therapy that promote faster recovery times, minimal scarring, and reduced discomfort for patients. 

During episode two of our Making the Rounds series on melanoma, Dr. Mark Gimbel discusses the surgical management of patients with melanoma. He shares why earlier detection is key in avoiding disfiguring surgeries and when there might be a need for reconstruction.

Dr. Gimbel is a surgical oncologist specializing in cutaneous oncology and the medical director at the T.W. Lewis Melanoma Center of Excellence at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Learn more about dermatology services and the melanoma specialists available at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center at bannerhealth.com/cancer.

Summer isn’t the only time sunscreen should be applied; it should be worn daily and year-round. With skin cancer being the most common cancer in the United States, sun protection is key in reducing the risk of sun damage and skin cancer.

In this episode of Making the Rounds, we begin a special 3-part series discussing the importance of screening, prevention and treatment of melanoma. Listen as Dr. Jordan Abbott discusses risk factors that increase the chances of developing melanoma and everyday tips to protect your skin from the sun.

Dr. Abbott is a dermatologist at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, specializing in melanoma and oncodermatology.

To learn more about the dermatology services and the melanoma specialist at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, please visit bannerhealth.com/cancer for more information.

Every year, thousands of women are diagnosed with endometrial cancer, which is the most diagnosed gynecologic cancer. While the main cause of endometrial cancer is unknown, it is associated with exposure of the uterus to a higher and/or prolonged level of systemic estrogen.
During this episode of Making the Rounds, "Women's gynecologic cancers" series, Dr. Ahmed Al-Niaimi and Dr. Robin Lacour discuss endometrial cancer, new staging with sentinel lymph nodes, the new approach to genetic testing and current therapies.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Niaimi is a gynecologic oncology specialist and the Section Chief of Gynecologic Oncology at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center at Banner Gateway Medical Center, specializing in the treatment of women's cancers and robotic surgery.
Dr. Robin Lacour is a gynecologic oncology specialist at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center at Banner Northern Colorado & Banner McKee Medical Center, specializing in the treatment of women's cancers and robotic surgery.

To learn more about the oncology services available at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, visit ⁠www.bannerhealth.com/cancer.⁠

Have you heard about our new destination sports medicine center and high performance center? Banner Sports Medicine Scottsdale and Banner Sports Medicine High Performance Center is the only facility of its kind in the state – a comprehensive, one-stop destination for numerous orthopedic and sports medicine services and specialists under one roof. It’s designed to bring the same programs and services available to elite and professional teams to athletes of all ages in our community.

During this episode of Making the Rounds, Dr.Evan Werk and Shelly Massingale discuss the brand new 80,000-square-foot state-of-the-art orthopedics and sports medicine facility located in the Northeast Valley of Metropolitan Phoenix, opening on May 16.

Dr. Werk is a primary care sports medicine physician at Banner – University Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute, specializing in sports medicine, concussion care and fracture management.

Shelly Massingale is the senior director, service line administrator of orthopedics and sports medicine and a physical therapist specializing in vestibular and balance therapy.

Shelly will guide you on a tour of the Banner Sports Medicine Scottsdale and Banner Sports Medicine High Performance Center, take your tour today!

Addressing genetic predispositions and receiving annual health screenings, not only increases awareness of a patient’s own risk for increased breast, ovarian or uterine cancer as well as other cancers, but it also allows the patient to be a beacon for her family if the genes are inherited. 

In this episode of Making the Rounds, we begin a special podcast series called “Women’s gynecologic cancers” – focused on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gynecologic cancers. Listen to Dr. Ahmed Al-Niaimi discuss how genetic mutations and inherited genetic predispositions increase the risk of women developing cancer. 

Dr. Al-Niaimi is a gynecologic oncology specialist and the section chief of Gynecologic Oncology at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center at Banner Gateway Medical Center, specializing in the treatment of women's cancers, complex abdominal surgery, robotic surgery and minimally invasive surgery. 

To learn more about gynecologic cancer services and other oncology programs available at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, please visit bannerhealth.com/cancer.