The news cycle is buzzing with how Elle MacPherson refused conventional treatment and cured herself of breast cancer naturally. While the media spins and influencers speculate, Tina and Leah talk about what they gleaned from a recent interview with Elle MacPherson on 60 Minutes Australia. They delve into the controversies surrounding natural versus conventional cancer treatments, including her decisions for self-care. The doctors also discuss the specifics of her diagnosis and the standard of care for her stage and type of cancer. There are many lessons from her story, so tune in for insights and opinions from two naturopathic docs who put Elle's story into perspective.

Prognostic and Predictive Value of Her2 status in DCIS
Understanding different types of DCIS
Elle MacPherson's book on Amazon (We may earn a commission at no cost to you if you buy the book using this link. Thank you for your support!)
Find local produce and farmers near you with Local Harvest 

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Dr. Wendy Garvin Mayo, distinguished nurse practitioner and healthcare leader, sits down with Tina and Leah to discuss how addressing stress can change your life. With over two decades of experience, Wendy shares her journey from an oncology nurse caring directly for patients to becoming a scientist with a large pharmaceutical company. Now, using the same techniques she teaches, she's found her place is helping people recognize and deal with stress. She founded Collaborative Cancer Care and The Stress Blueprint to help patients, their loved ones, and fellow healthcare professionals.

In this interview, we discuss stress management and emotional intelligence, offering strategies for dealing with stress. Wendy emphasizes finding joy and aligning with one's purpose using the "SHAPE" framework for sustainable stress management. Tune in for insights on revolutionizing mental health in oncology and practical stress-management tools.

Where to find more about Dr. Gavin-Mayo:
Link to her bio and all of her social media links
Collaborative Cancer Care: Revolutionizing Mental Health Care in Oncology
The Stress Blueprint
Her book, SHAPE Your Life: A 5-Step Blueprint for Sustainable Stress Management

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Join us to explore the benefits and myths surrounding chia and flax seeds. Learn how these seeds can be integrated into your diet, their historical origins, and their role in digestive health, blood sugar control, and cancer care. Tina and Leah also address common misconceptions about flax seeds and breast cancer, and flax and thyroid issues. The Moment of Woo is revived! Tina and Leah explore of the Budwig protocol and its claims about cancer treatment.

The origins and distribution of the flax plant
Memorial Sloan Kettering Monograph on Flaxseed
Flaxseed study that showed it led to less aggressive breast cancer growth
The Budwig Protocol
 

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Dr. Janet Abrahm, a distinguished professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and an expert in palliative care at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, sits down with Tina and Leah to discuss palliative or supportive care. Palliative does NOT mean "end-of-life" care! This misconception is just one myth dispelled during their conversation. Dr. Abrahm clarifies other misconceptions around palliative care, emphasizing its role from cancer diagnosis through treatment. Did you know that palliative care may help you stay on track when receiving curative treatment? Dr. Abrahm also discusses integrating non-pharmacologic pain management techniques, the psychological aspects of cancer treatment, and the importance of effective communication between oncologists and patients. Join Tina and Leah for this enlightening discussion about palliative care. (Hint: supportive care may be a more accurate descriptor.)

Links we mentioned and more about Dr. Abrahm:
Dr. Abrahm's website
Announcement of her prestigious award from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (2024)
Her book, Comprehensive Guide to Supportive and Palliative Care for Patients with Cancer, 4th ed (2022)

Other resources that were mentioned:
Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness
Living with Cancer: A Step-by-Step Guide for Coping Medically and Emotionally
The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis

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Tina and Leah take on some TikTok misconceptions, including influencers' anti-sunscreen rants, head-on (wearing a wide-brimmed hat, of course).  The sun is good. The sun is bad. The sun will give you cancer, no wait, it will protect you from cancers. As is often the case, the truth is somewhere in the middle. Tune in for a factual discussion about sun exposure, tanning, and the difference between UVA and UVB rays on your skin. We talk sunscreens, sun blockers, and why there is so much darn skin cancer down under! (Not THAT down under! We mean Australia/New Zealand).

Some links that you may like:
Who's Spicoli?
List of the recalled Sunscreens
Bain De Soleil Commercial
SPF and Sun Protection explained (Skin Cancer Foundation)
Eating tomatoes - evidence of protection from sun damage (mice)
The ABCDE of identifying melanoma
Five sunburns in childhood increases risk, and more info
Skin Cancer rates across by country (Scientific American)
Our prior episode on Vitamin D
Sunscreen Chemicals and Marine Life (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association)
Guide to the Safer Sunscreens (Environmental Working Group) 

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Dr. Katie Deming was a practicing radiation oncologist who now practices "conscious oncology." She talks about the six pillars of health in her whole-person program for deep healing. Dr. Deming shares why she walked away from a successful career to pursue her path as a conscious oncologist, including the impact of her near-death experience. The discussion also touches on the usage of language around cancer, the significance of emotional health, and how caregivers can better communicate with their loved ones. Dr. Deming advocates balancing nourishment with detoxifying the body, always keeping whole-person health in mind. Join Tina and Leah as they talk with Katie Deming in this enlightening discussion.

Some highlights of Dr. Deming's work:
TEDxReno Talk:  How to Talk to Someone Who Has Cancer
Article:  How Processing Your Emotions Aids in Healing Cancer

Where you can connect with Dr. Deming:
Websites- Born to Heal
Podcast - Born to Heal
Instagram
The Six Pillars of Healing Program

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Microplastics are not just around us, they are in us. These microscopic particles of plastic may be wreaking havoc on our health in many ways, and worsening cancer risk and prognosis is one of them. In this episode, Tina and Leah discuss microplastics and their potential link to cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. They explore sources of microplastics, from single-use plastic bottles to synthetic clothing, and highlight steps you can take to reduce your exposure. They also discuss the difficulties in eliminating microplastics already present in the body and suggest ways to excrete toxins in general. Join Tina and Leah as they shed light on this growing concern and offer practical advice for healthier living.

Things we mentioned (and promised we'd share) in this episode:

Articles and Studies:
Health Risks to Microplastics Pose? (Medscape, 2024)
Harvard Magazine Article on Microplastics 
Washington Post article on microplastics, with a cool graphic!
Microplastics May Be a Driver of Early Onset Colorectal Cancer
Higher microplastics are found in those with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Faster spread of cancer due to microplastics inside cancer cells 
The actual study showing  microplastics inside cancer cells increase migration
Evidence that "tighter" charcoal filters are better at reducing microplastics than "loose" charcoal.
The blood, urine, and sweat study shows excretion of BPA in sweat
Some lighter fare:
What is a #2 pencil?
How to freeze things without using plastic
Alpaca Underwear exists! And, it's available at Paka Apparel (we have no affiliation)
Merino Wool Activewear by Avala and their instagram account Leah mentioned

Don't Miss Our Interview with Kristina Marusic, Environmental Health Journalist!

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Kristina Marusic, author of 'A New War on Cancer,'  discusses her motivation and research into the chemicals contributing to rising cancer rates.  Tina and Leah cover a lot of ground in this interview. She discusses the pitfalls of individual responsibility. She talks about a system that permits the use of known carcinogens. She also covers what can be done to push the agenda toward a healthier place for all of us. Did you know that of the over 300,000 industrial chemicals invented in the last century, only five have ever been taken off the market in the USA?  Neither did we! Hit play and join us for an enlightening and hopeful discussion!

More about Kristina Marusic
Buy her book at Island Press, use the checkout code WAR for 20% off 
Link to Cancer Moonshot Project (add your two cents!)
Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Project (find cleaner products)
Anti-Cancer Lifestyle Program

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Join Dr. Tina Kaczor and Dr. Leah Sherman as they delve into the complexities of heart toxicity in cancer care. This enlightening episode sheds light on the heart’s resilience and the specific challenges posed by cancer treatments known for their toxic effects on the heart muscle. Through engaging dialogue, the hosts explore topics such as risk factors, treatments associated with the highest risk of heart damage, and integrative medicine approaches to prevention and repair.

They share personal experiences, the latest research, and practical tips for patients and healthcare practitioners aiming to mitigate the side effects of cancer treatment on the heart. Whether you’re a patient, a healthcare provider, or someone interested in the intersection of oncology and cardiology, this episode offers valuable insights into keeping the heart healthy before, during, and after cancer treatment.

Leah’s favorite sardine salad recipe (from Martha Stewart!) https://www.marthastewart.com/1050733/lemon-herb-sardine-salad

Prior episodes we mention:
The Movement Mentor: Sarah Court, PT, DPT, e-RYT https://www.thecancerpod.com/the-movement-mentor-sarah-court-pt-dpt-e-ryt/
Magnesium: The Goldilocks Nutrient? https://www.thecancerpod.com/magnesium-the-goldilocks-nutrient/
Omega 3s: Supplements 101 https://www.thecancerpod.com/listen-7/

Heart Sparing Radiotherapy Techniques in Breast Cancer: A Focus on Deep Inspiration Breath Hold https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9309321/

CoQ10 Study on Antioxidant Dietary Supplement Use During Chemotherapy https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7062457/

Impact of Hormonal Therapies for Treatment of Hormone-Dependent Cancers (Breast and Prostate) on the Cardiovascular System: Effects and Modifications: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association  https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HCG.0000000000000082

Adverse Cardiovascular Events Associated With Cyclin‐Dependent Kinase 4/6 Inhibitors in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.123.029361

Cardiotoxicity of Anthracyclines doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2020.00026 

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Tina and Leah have an insightful conversation with Natasha Ewa, a licensed social worker, psychotherapist, founder of I Thrive Therapy & Wellness, and #cancerinsider who was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer at the age of 29.  Natasha shares her perspective on dealing with PTSD, grief, and death from the standpoint of wellness, based on her professional experience and personal journey as a cancer survivor. 

In her private practice, Natasha regularly helps people navigate trauma related to health challenges, and her advice is applicable to anyone who has been through (or is in) a tough health challenge. She emphasizes the importance of the power of knowledge, supporting mental wellness, and various coping strategies for cancer survivors.  

Follow Natasha on Instagram @natashaaftercancer 
and on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ittandwellnessllc

For more on I Thrive Therapy & Wellness, visit the website at https://www.ittandwellness.com/

To order Natasha’s book, email her directly at zanatasha (at) gmail.com

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