Curing cancer is often talked about as a pie-in-the-sky goal. Given how difficult cancer can be to detect — let alone treat — a cure can sometimes feel out of reach. But what if a real cure for many types of cancer is closer than we think — perhaps just a decade away?

On this episode of Health Matters, oncologist Dr. Tanios Bekaii-Saab joins us to explain what makes cancer so challenging to cure, how we are treating it today, and what is giving him real hope for the future.

It’s time to talk about poop. While poop can feel awkward or uncomfortable to talk about, it can offer valuable clues about your health. So what might your poop be telling you?

In this episode of Health Matters, gastroenterologist Dr. Xiao Jing Iris Wang shares practical guidance on healthy bowel habits, how to manage constipation and diarrhea, and whether there really are “right” or “wrong” ways to poop.

Check out Dr. Wang's children's book, Boo

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How does healthcare in rural America differ from care in cities? The answer is more complex than familiar images of house calls and close-knit communities.

On this episode of Health Matters, Steven Furr, M.D., of the American Academy of Family Physicians draws on more than 40 years of experience practicing rural medicine. He explains what makes rural populations unique, how closely connected rural health systems are, and the daily challenge of balancing evidence-based treatment with what patients can realistically afford.

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Many people find strokes frightening to think about, but advances in stroke care continue to improve survival and recovery. What has changed, and what should patients and families know about stroke symptoms, treatment and prevention?

On this episode of Health Matters, neurologist James Klaas, M.D., explains how stroke treatment has evolved, what signs and symptoms require immediate attention, and how timely care can improve outcomes for yourself or a loved one.

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Why is nicotine so hard to quit? What’s the best way to do it?

In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Robert Kirchoff breaks down the science of addiction. He explains why the method of nicotine use — including pouches, vaping, smoking and chewing tobacco — matters and discusses how GLP-1 medications may play a future role in smoking cessation.

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On this episode of Health Matters, genitourinary oncologist Dr. Elisabeth Heath breaks down what we know — and what we’re still learning — about the prostate and prostate cancer. She also shares the latest advances in treating metastatic prostate cancer and explains how many people diagnosed with advanced disease can still live full, fulfilling lives.

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You’ve been dealing with headaches, joint pain and sudden trouble concentrating. Could it be menopause?

The menopause transition can be confusing, especially because there’s no single set of symptoms or treatments. In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Denise Millstine discusses how perimenopause and menopause are diagnosed, the latest on hormone therapy, and how our understanding of this stage of life has changed dramatically in recent decades.

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We all want a bright set of pearly whites, but teeth are more than what meets the eye. Your mouth and teeth serve as gatekeepers for your body, helping protect your heart, lungs and other organs from bacteria, pathogens and disease.

On this episode of Health Matters, we talk with Dr. Sarah Lee, a prosthodontist, about how oral health and overall health go hand in hand — and how to optimize your dental hygiene routine.

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Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, Little League elbow — and now, even pickleball elbow.

Staying active has countless benefits, but sports can be tough on your tendons. And you don’t have to be an athlete to end up with a “sports injury.” So, what are the early signs to watch for, and how can you prevent injury in the first place? Is there anything you can do to speed up recovery?

On this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Christopher Camp joins us to share expert advice on keeping your elbows and shoulders safe — whether you're on the court, on the course or just going about your day.

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Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure—many without even realizing it. So what do those two numbers really mean for your health? And is your high blood pressure preventable, treatable... or even reversible?

On this episode of Health Matters, we're talking with Dr. Gary Schwartz about hypertension, how to get your numbers within range, and whether you should be measuring your blood pressure at home.

For more information on blood pressure device validation and accuracy, check out validatebp.org.