The Cancer Advisors Medical Minute Podcast

When should you start getting screened for cancer, and which screenings should you actually be asking your doctor about?

In this episode of the Cancer Advisors Medical Minute podcast, oncology nurse practitioners Jill Hunt, Andy Guinigundo, and Jean Denny break down screening and prevention recommendations for breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and skin cancer.

They explain when screening typically begins, how family history and genetics can change recommendations, why guidelines sometimes differ, and why early detection matters.

WHEN SHOULD BREAST CANCER SCREENING BEGIN?

For women at average risk, breast cancer screening generally begins around age 40, although recommendations vary.

WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING?

Jean explains the role of Pap testing, HPV testing, pelvic exams, and the HPV vaccine.

WHEN SHOULD MEN START PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING?

Prostate cancer screening commonly involves a PSA blood test.

WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED FOR LUNG CANCER?

Lung cancer screening is primarily recommended for people who meet certain risk criteria.

WHEN SHOULD COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING BEGIN?

For people at average risk, colorectal cancer screening generally begins around age 45.

HOW CAN YOU REDUCE YOUR RISK OF SKIN CANCER?

Jill discusses annual skin checks, sunscreen, UVA and UVB protection, protective clothing, tanning beds, and the importance of limiting excessive ultraviolet exposure.

The broader message throughout the episode is simple: prevention and early detection matter.

WHY ARE CANCER SCREENINGS IMPORTANT?

Cancer screening can help identify cancer—or changes that could eventually become cancer—before disease becomes more advanced.

But screening is not one-size-fits-all. Age, family history, genetics, lifestyle, medical history, and individual risk can all influence when screening should begin.

ABOUT CINCINNATI CANCER ADVISORS

Cincinnati Cancer Advisors provides expert oncology consultations, second opinions, care coordination, genetic testing, precision oncology, and clinical trial navigation at no cost to patients.

https://www.cincinnaticanceradvisors.org/

ABOUT NAPLES CANCER ADVISORS

Naples Cancer Advisors provides expert oncology consultations and second opinions for patients in Southwest Florida at no cost.

https://naplescanceradvisors.org/

ABOUT CINCINNATI CANCER FOUNDATION

The Cincinnati Cancer Foundation supports programs and resources that help patients access expert cancer care, second opinions, and support services.

https://www.cincinnaticancerfoundation.org/

Subscribe to the Cancer Advisors Medical Minute for informed discussions about cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment options, clinical trials, second opinions, and emerging cancer research.

This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, screening recommendations, or treatment. Always discuss medical decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

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How are CAR T-cell therapy, bispecific antibodies, and other targeted treatments changing the future of blood cancer care?

In this episode of the Cancer Advisors Medical Minute podcast, oncology nurse practitioner Jean Denney speaks with medical oncologist Dr. Jim Essel about the new generation of blood cancer treatments. Their conversation explores how cellular therapy and immunotherapy are creating new possibilities for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma—including some patients whose cancers have relapsed or stopped responding to chemotherapy.

Dr. Essel has practiced medicine for more than 40 years, specializing in blood cancers and cellular therapies. During his career, his team has performed more than 3,000 cellular therapy procedures. In this discussion, he explains how cancer treatment is moving away from broadly toxic approaches and toward therapies designed to target cancer cells or help the immune system recognize and attack them.

WHAT IS CAR T-CELL THERAPY?

CAR T-cell therapy, also called chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, uses a patient’s own T cells to fight cancer. The cells are collected through a process called apheresis, modified in a laboratory to recognize a specific marker on cancer cells, expanded, and then returned to the patient after preparatory chemotherapy.

CAR T-cell therapy was initially used primarily for patients with advanced or relapsed blood cancers. Today, it may be considered earlier in the treatment process for certain lymphomas, leukemias, and cases of multiple myeloma. Clinical trials are also evaluating whether CAR T-cell therapy can be incorporated into initial treatment strategies to produce longer remissions and potentially prevent relapse.

WHY SHOULD BLOOD CANCER PATIENTS SEEK A SECOND OPINION?

Blood cancer treatment is increasingly individualized. Two people with the same general diagnosis may have different mutations, risk factors, treatment options, and expected outcomes. Modern testing—including flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and next-generation sequencing—can identify characteristics that influence both diagnosis and treatment selection.

Dr. Essel recommends that patients consider consulting a blood cancer specialist, particularly when leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma relapses. A second opinion may confirm the existing plan, identify another treatment, uncover a clinical trial, or provide a more detailed review of pathology and molecular testing.

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