In 2022, Jeff Stewart was preparing to donate a kidney when his life took a completely different turn. Unknown to him at the time, he was harboring two separate cancers—kidney and stomach. As a former Jeopardy champ, long-time molecular biologist, and inventor, it’s no surprise that Jeff instinctively framed his relationship with cancer as a complex puzzle that needed solving. In this heartfelt interview with Dr. Sherman, Jeff shares the insights he has gained over the years. He also discusses his published memoir, Living: Inspiration from a Father with Cancer. Written with his seven children in mind, Living offers advice and inspiration for everyone, regardless of age.  He also touches on his love of writing itself, having just completed his upcoming young adult fantasy book, Angel Chloe and the Wall of Stone and Bone. Jeff passed away in August 2025, yet his wisdom, humor, and legacy live on to inspire us, just as he intended.

Hope for Stomach Cancer support group mentioned by Jeff

Buy his book, Living: Inspiration from a Father with Cancer, from our bookshop.org collection

NPR piece by Jeff on experimental therapies 

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Maria Montoya shares her personal experience as a two-time AYA breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed first at 30 and later at 37, she discusses dealing with Li Fraumeni Syndrome—a rare genetic predisposition to various cancers. Maria also talks about the systemic gaps she encountered in the healthcare system, such as limited genetic testing and inadequate fertility counseling, and what can be done to fix this. She also shares how getting treatment during the isolating early months of the COVID-19 pandemic fueled her passion for cancer care advocacy and systemic change. Now pursuing a Master’s in Social Work, Maria aims to address systemic healthcare challenges, focusing on improving psychosocial support and survivorship care.

Maria's bio and LinkedIn profile

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Charlotte Bayala, host of the award-winning Cancer Caregiver Podcast, joins Dr. Leah Sherman to discuss the unique challenges caregivers face. Charlotte shares her journey of becoming a caregiver for her husband with cancer and how she developed practical, emotional, and self-care strategies for caregivers. The conversation covers how to ask for help, integrating meditation and breathwork into daily routines, and the unexpected benefits of self-compassion for caregivers. Listeners can also learn about Charlotte’s Scanxiety Toolkit, a resource designed to help manage the anxiety leading up to medical appointments.

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Dr. Natalie Godbee, gynecologic oncologist at City of Hope in Atlanta, Georgia, talks with Dr. Leah Sherman in a wide-ranging interview on gynecologic cancers. The conversation covers the pros and cons of the HPV vaccine, the symptoms and risk factors for ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers, and the benefits of integrative medicine in cancer care. Listeners will gain valuable information on early detection, treatment options, and preventive measures for these complex cancers.

Dr. Godbee's bio and links to her social media

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) review by the National Cancer Institute

Concerns about the safety of the HPV vaccine

Does the HPV vaccine increase promiscuity in teenagers?

Dramatic reductions in pre-cancer of the cervix

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In this episode of the Cancer Pod, Dr. Leah Sherman sits down with Dr. David Grew, a board-certified radiation oncologist and founder of Primr, a free digital video resource. They also go into details about prostate cancer, from early detection and PSA testing to the latest advancements in treatment options, including when active surveillance is possible vs. surgery and radiation therapy.  Dr. Grew shares how Primr evolved from his inclination to use images to understand and explain medicine. His digitally crafted visual explanations are helping patients understand and navigate their diagnosis and treatment options. Tune in to learn about symptoms, high-risk factors, diagnostic tools like MRIs and genomic testing, and the importance of multiple medical opinions when managing prostate cancer.

Click here for Dr. Grew's bio and all social media links to Primr

Primr Website: https://www.primrmed.com/

Direct link to Prostate Cancer Education on Primr

Clinical Trial Explainers from Primer:
The SABRE Trial
The INDICATE Trial
The CLARIFY Trial

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What if something as simple as a morning versus an afternoon infusion determined whether your immune treatment works? A recent study of over 1600 patients shows that time of day can profoundly affect whether you derive benefit (ie, “respond to treatment”)!  This episode also explores how time-restricted eating can affect your fatigue (called “chrono-nutrition”) during and after treatment. Join Drs. Tina Kaczor and Leah Sherman as they bring you the latest evidence and tell you how you can use your own circadian rhythm to your advantage.

The study of over 1600 patients receiving immune therapy, response and time of day

The study on Time Restricted Eating and Fatigue we talk about

A questionnaire to track the severity of overall symptoms

The Brief Fatigue Inventory, a good way to track fatigue

A study on timed eating for those with brain metastasis 

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In this episode, Dr. Tina Kaczor and Dr. Leah Sherman discuss notorious cancer fakers Belle Gibson (Apple Cider Vinegar), Amanda Riley (Scamanda), and Elizabeth Finch (Anatomy of Lies). Each one created elaborate schemes that often duped even their loved ones. The hosts examine the psychological aspects behind such behavior, revealing how these individuals exploited vulnerable people’s emotions and trust. They also discuss distinguishing between factual integrative cancer care (Hello! That’s us!) and harmful misinformation (like the fakers here, for example). The episode emphasizes the need for critical evaluation of health claims, especially in the age of social media.

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The diagnosis of cancer is rising in young adults (under 45 years old). This episode of The Cancer Pod delves into potential reasons behind this trend, including epigenetics, environmental exposures, microbiome differences, and lifestyle factors. Tina and Leah discuss the types of cancers most commonly seen in younger adults, symptoms to watch for, and the significance of advocating for timely and accurate diagnoses. And, get ready for the next episode on cancer fakes and frauds! 

Links we mention in this episode:

Cancer rates are 2-3 times higher today than two generations ago

Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, etc.) in tattoos as a possible contributor

Why diagnosis of cancer is often delayed in young adults

Types of cancers more common in young adults

Young adults with colorectal cancer have better outcomes than older adults

The increasing rate of colorectal cancer in young adults worldwide

The SHIELD blood test for colorectal cancer

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In 2024, a study sparked debate among wellness influencers, raising concerns about seed oils and their potential link to rising colorectal cancer rates in young adults. But is there any truth to these claims? In this episode, we break down the research and uncover the real health effects of seed oils. What are seed oils, and do they contain harmful compounds? Are some types better than others? Plus, we explore the role of ultra-processed foods in overall health—did you know there’s a key difference between processed and ultra-processed foods? Tune in for a science-backed discussion on seed oils, cancer risk, and what really matters for your health.

A few scientific papers on toxic hexane in seed (vegetable) oils

Snopes fact-checking article on canola oil

Udo Erasmus on seed oils, etc. (YouTube)

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Did you know it takes an Act of Congress to change the warning label on alcohol? It’s true! But even more crucial: how much alcohol does it take to increase your cancer risk? In this episode, Tina and Leah dive into the connection between alcohol and cancer, exploring why the Surgeon General is pushing for updated warning labels. Whether you’re sticking with your current habits or considering a mindful approach to drinking, this episode delivers eye-opening insights that might make you think twice before your next sip. Tune in to learn more!

Prior episode: Good for You? or Bad for You? Alcohol
Ireland's strong alcohol label stance
How acetaldehyde from alcohol ingestion forms in your body
Which cancers are linked to alcohol consumption?

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