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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Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category. 

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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?

Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode!

Support the show

Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.

Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category. 

Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books.

Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody.

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Did you know frankincense is from the Boswellia plant? Tina and Leah delve into frankincense's history, uses, and benefits, especially in integrative cancer care. They discuss how to test the purity of essential oils, the various therapeutic applications of frankincense, including its anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer properties, and the intricacies of using it safely.

ASCO Update on Boswellia
Aromatase Inhibitor induced arthritic pain - Boswellia, Lipoic acid, and MSM
Boswellia alongside radiotherapy for brain tumors
Boswellia for nerve pain
The role of Boswellia in post-radiation therapy for brain metastasis

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Support the show

Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.

Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category. 

Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books.

Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody.

Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com

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‘Tis the Season! Join Tina and Leah for a fascinating exploration of myrrh, the ancient resin with powerful medicinal properties. Discover how this biblical gift continues to prove its worth in modern medicine, from supporting oral health to promoting wound healing. The doctors examine the scientific evidence behind myrrh’s antiseptic properties and discuss emerging research on its potential anti-cancer effects.

Whether you're interested in natural medicine, science, or the intersection of traditional and modern healthcare, this episode offers valuable insights.

Maud Grieve's book, A Modern Herbal (published 1931)
Interaction with the medication Warfarin/Coumadin
The Complete German Commission E Monographs (link to Amazon; we may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase)

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Support the show

Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.

Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category. 

Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books.

Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody.

Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com

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Gratitude is good for you, but we know it can sometimes be challenging too. Leah discusses the wide variety of responses from our community to a survey asking,  “Do you practice gratitude? If so, how?" Then, we look at the science, which shows exactly what improves by practicing gratitude. Spoiler: Some studies have proven measurable physical benefits, including living longer! So, thank you for reading this far. Now, please hit that play button!

Gratitude Defined and more... (from The Greater Good Science Center)
Gratitude studies show, at the very least, sleep improves
Gratitude has positive effects on cardiovascular health
Mayo Clinic's "Discover Gratitude" Program
Positivity Begets Positivity

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Support the show

Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.

Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category. 

Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books.

Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody.

Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com

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Sara Olsher, author of over 12 books and creator of Mighty and Bright, discusses  her experiences as a cancer survivor and a single mother. Her books help adults and children understand each other better during difficult times. The episode offers insights into the importance of honest communication with children about serious illnesses. The hosts also delve into Sara’s  products, which are designed to help implement some of the communication tools she has found useful with her own daughter. KOIN 6 News in Portland, Oregon, awarded Sara the Remarkable Woman Award for 2023, and Tina and Leah are happy to bring you the many ways she is helping both kids and adults manage life’s challenges.

Sara's Bio Page - links to social media, website, etc.
Sara’s website
Mighty and Bright website
KOIN6 News Remarkable Woman 2023 award

Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode!

Support the show

Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.

Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category. 

Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books.

Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody.

Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com

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Dr. Amy Rothenberg, a respected naturopathic physician and three-time cancer survivor, shares her story of multiple cancer diagnoses and treatments. Her most recent treatment was a stem cell transplant in 2024 for acute leukemia. Dr. Rothenberg gives valuable insights into integrative cancer care, the importance of gut health, and practical tips for caregivers. The conversation also emphasizes the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking open-minded, collaborative healthcare providers. Tune in for an informative and inspiring discussion on navigating cancer care holistically.

Link to Dr. Rothenberg's social media and website
Be The Match Program - Becoming a stem cell donor
What is a Stem Cell Transplant? NIH explanation
Tips for Caregivers of Patients — a guest blog post by Dr. Rothenberg
Understanding Cancer-Related Fatigue

Previous podcast episodes :
Cancer-Related Fatigue
Prebiotics (Microbiome stuff)
Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy

Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode!

Support the show

Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.

Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category. 

Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books.

Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody.

Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com

Follow @TheCancerPod on social media:

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There are many cancer-relevant headlines, and Tina and Leah cherry-picked a few you need to hear. Is using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help you determine a treatment plan a good idea? You can get answers from ChatGPT, but are they reliable?  There are a few considerations, like source verification, addressing ethical considerations, and who you should (and should not trust to handle your medical information. Tina and Leah also discuss a recent study that found benzene in a third of available acne creams! Benzene is a well-known carcinogen. They also talk about the possible link between oral bacteria and head and neck cancers as they quote (and question) the party line regarding proper oral hygiene. Join us and see what you think of these timely topics!

Artificial Intelligence:
Don't believe the bots!
ChatGPT can't keep a secret

Oral microbiome and cancer(s):
US News and World Report: Gum disease can trigger cancer
The original study on oral microbiome and head and neck cancers
Put that toothbrush down! Why you should wait to brush after you eat
Acidity (esp. pH <5.6) leads to loss of enamel

Acne creams with benzoyl peroxide:
News release from the American Association for Cancer Researchers
Benzene found in a third of acne creams off the shelf from stores (the actual study)
Benzene is found in some canned and bottled beverages
A word from the beverage industry (2006)
The FDA's stance on benzene in beverages

Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode!

Support the show

Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.

Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category. 

Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books.

Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody.

Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com

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Move over "sitting" there's a "new smoking" in town. In this episode, Tina and Leah discuss the latest data on pesticides and cancer risk. One recent study showed the numbers look just as bad (and yes, society's denial of them just as strong) as the data on smoking and cancer risk from decades ago. The doctors share practical tips for minimizing exposure and suggest ways to minimize the effects of pesticide exposures that are nearly inevitable. Hey, we know this topic can be a bummer and a major inconvenience. That said, it's best to know the data to make healthy decisions for yourself. Societal changes may be slow, but there is plenty you can do while we wait for our society to make necessary changes for a less toxic world in general. Join us, we promise not to bum you out!

Pesticides are the new smoking; 69 pesticides named as carcinogenic
A more reader friendly version of the technical paper on pesticides and cancer risk
The Medscape article that spurred our discussion
Human Cancers: Known causes and prevention by organ site (IARC)
Environmental Working Group (EWG) guide on lowering intake of pesticides
Kristina Marusic, Environmental Health Journalist episode

Leave a message with your thoughts about the episode!

Support the show

Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content and more! Join today on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.

Check out thecancerpod.com! Looking for more information? The website has blogs, merch, and all of the episodes listed by season and category. 

Shop the Bookshop! The shelves at Bookshop feature books by authors who have been on the show and other fav books.

Buy The Cancer Pod merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody.

Have a comment or suggestion? Email info (at) thecancerpod (dot) com

Follow @TheCancerPod on social media:

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