Cancer Straight Talk

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with Dr. Jun Mao, Chief of MSK’s Integrative Medicine Service, and Jason Hou, herbalist and acupuncturist at MSK, to break down the facts about alternative medicine—an approach that combines conventional cancer treatments like surgery, radiation, chemo, immunotherapy and targeted treatments, with holistic therapies like acupuncture, mindfulness, natural herbs and supplements. They tackle common misconceptions about alternative medicine, explaining what the science says, what’s safe, and what to avoid. Offering guidance on how these natural therapies can complement other cancer treatments – and how to recognize misleading claims – this episode empowers patients and caregivers with the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their cancer care and the use of alternative therapies. Resources: MSK's "About Herbs" Database MSK's Meditation Library MSK's Integrative Medicine at Home Program Episode Chapters: 2:05 - Integrative vs. Alternative medicine 3:14 - Which integrative therapies are right for me? 6:29 - Do these therapies actually treat/kill cancer? 7:59 - The very real benefits of human connection 9:36 - Ivermectin 10:18 - Cannabis oil and Castor oil 11:55 - Vitamin C 13:53 - Turmeric 14:30 - Medicinal mushrooms 14:59 - Ashwagandha 15:42 - Traditional Chinese medicine 18:25 - The dangers of "Why not try?" 21:49 - Resources: herbs, meditation, yoga, music, etc. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this empowering episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks to a panel of onco-fertility experts about preserving fertility during cancer treatment. MSK oncologists Dr. Julia Brockway-Marchello and Dr. José Flores discuss the timing and options for patients who want to have biological children without delaying life-saving cancer treatments, like radiation and chemotherapy. Dr. Lucky Sekhon, reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist at RMA of New York, explains the safety, success rates, and evolving technologies used to freeze eggs and bank sperm. A nurse from MSK's fertility preservation program, Lauren Martino, explains what patients should know about the cost and the importance of early referrals. Emotional stories from cancer survivors, new parents, and patient advocates offer hope to anyone, man or woman, who faces cancer and wants to have a baby someday. Episode Chapters: 2:26 - Timeline from diagnosis to preservation 3:17 - Why fertility preservation is recommended 4:27 - Preservation options for women 5:58 - Egg retrieval success rates 7:31 - Testing embryos for cancer-causing genes 9:12 - Breast cancer patient testimonial 10:23 - Embryos or eggs: Which is better to freeze? 12:39 - Testicular cancer patient testimonial 13:26 - Preservation options and timeline for men 14:43 - Will the preservation process delay my treatment? 16:14 - Will the preservation process worsen my cancer? 17:25 - Preservation options during/after treatment 19:25 - Pregnancy success rates for various methods 22:40 - Cost of sperm banking 23:16 - Cost of egg and embryo freezing 24:41 - Insurance and financial grants 28:23 - It takes a village See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode, MSK patients, caregivers and clinicians share the miracles they’ve witnessed, even in the darkest of times. From life-saving medicine to gratitude for caregivers and a surprise romance, these stories remind us of the power of human connection. Episode Chapters: 1:15 - A Marathon Bond 5:09 - 2000 Miles Apart, United by a Breakthrough 7:55 - Showing Up for the Little Things 9:42 - Love After Loss, With Help from Two Angels 13:10 - More Time, More Memories: Marley’s Gift 14:57 - A Village for Ryan: MSK’s Creative Care 19:39 - The Healing Touch: Cecilia’s Miracle 22:13 - Cancer Hits Home for Dr. Reidy 23:28 - The Gift of Meaning: Michael's "Revelation" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode (part 2 of 2), Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with a team of MSK experts to explore the complexities of breast cancer treatment and life afterwards. Breast medical oncologist Dr. Julia Brockway-Marchello and nurse Jenna Galinsky explain chemotherapy and hormone therapy, their potential side effects, and ways they can be alleviated. Nurse Adriana Olivo discusses how survivors can cope with emotional challenges, like the fear cancer will come back. Breast cancer patients and survivors offer advice on asking for support while navigating life during and after cancer treatment. Listen to episode 52 "Breast Cancer Treatment Part 1: Surgery, Radiation and Reconstruction" Listen to episode 39 "How to Manage Side Effects During Cancer Treatment: Fatigue, Hair Loss, Skin Care and More" Listen to episode 12 "A Woman's Guide to Sex and Cancer" Episode Chapters: 1:44 - Why use some treatments over others? 2:55 - Types of breast cancers & their treatments 4:50 - Patient testimonial on self-advocacy 6:02 - Length of treatment & why it can change 7:38 - Quality of life advice during treatment 9:10 - Mitigating chemotherapy side effects 9:57 - Maintaining sexual health during treatment 10:46 - When is taking estrogen a bad idea? 13:07 - Quality of life concerns & when to switch meds 16:16 - Mitigating hormone therapy side effects 17:32 - Patient testimonial on finishing treatment 18:22 - Managing fear & life after treatment 19:34 - Mitigating long-term side effects of treatment 21:24 - Patient testimonial on fear of recurrence 22:49 - Why scanning for recurrence isn't recommended 26:25 - The reason for all this: live your life! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with two MSK clinical social workers, Hadley Maya and Natalie Santos, about how parents who've been diagnosed with cancer can talk to their children. They offer compassionate guidance on being honest with kids to prepare them for changes in family routines or treatment side effects, helping them feel more secure during a difficult time. With practical tips and real-life examples, this conversation offers advice for parents navigating one of the hardest discussions imaginable, while making sure their children feel supported and can continue being kids. Learn more about MSK’s Talking with Children about Cancer program Additional resources mentioned in this episode: Red Door Community CancerCare Bright Spot Network Episode Chapters: 1:14 - Should I tell my child I have cancer? 3:01 - Should it be one conversation or more? 4:16 - Advice from a mother with cancer 5:27 - Should I put on a brave face? What if I cry? 8:30 - How do I explain side effects like hair loss? 10:36 - Advice from a mother who lost her hair 11:43 - How do I tell my child I may die from cancer? 14:24 - Advice from a mother with months to live 16:02 - Age-appropriate guidelines for talking to kids 21:30 - Advice from a father on age-appropriate talks 22:39 - Advice from a daughter on having a sick mother 24:32 - What if my teenager doesn't respond well? 25:32 - Advice for the surviving parent 26:17 - Resources to help parents with cancer 28:09 - A note on trusting your child See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with MSK physician-scientist Dr. Karuna Ganesh and epidemiologist Dr. Caitlin Murphy about the troubling rise in cancer rates among younger generations, specifically people born in the 1980s (Gen X) and 1990s (Millennials). The latest research suggests prenatal exposures, environmental toxins, and various lifestyle factors may be contributing to the alarming trend of young people getting cancer earlier in their lives than previous generations. These insights could reshape our understanding of cancer risk and impact our approach to screening and treatment in the future. Learn more about how MSK is finding solutions through the Lisa and Scott Stuart Center for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers and MSK’s Center for Young Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancer Episode Chapters: 2:01 - In utero and early life exposures 5:38 - Microbiome risk factors 8:15 - Environmental chemicals 9:56 - Cross-generational research methods 11:40 - Are young adult cancers unique on a cellular level? 14:02 - Moving past the "smoking gun" mindset 15:37 - What is the exposome and why is it promising? 17:01 - Who's responsible for monitoring risk factors? 20:19 - Updating screening guidelines See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with MSK’s Dr. Neil Iyengar, a nationally recognized expert on the relationship between obesity, metabolic health, and cancer. Together, they discuss the intriguing connection between a new class of weight loss drugs, called GLP-1 agonists, and cancer risk reduction. They explore how medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and others, which were originally designed for diabetes, are not only effective for weight loss but may also lower the risk of developing obesity-related cancers. They explain how those drugs work within the body to deliver potential benefits, the limitations of current studies, and what weight loss drugs mean for both cancer prevention and treatment. Episode Chapters: 1:35 - How do these drugs cause weight loss? 3:08 - What cancers could these drugs help prevent? 4:29 - How exactly do they prevent cancer? 6:10 - Should people with cancer take these drugs? 7:42 - What happens when you stop taking them? 10:56 - Potential side effects 12:25 - Limitations of recent study and breast cancer prevention 14:36 - 3 lifestyle tips to prevent and treat cancer See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes is joined by Dr. Erica Lee, a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at MSK, to discuss misconceptions around who can get skin cancer, how it presents on different skin types, and practical sun safety tips to help prevent skin cancer. They break down the different types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. They also hear from Jocelyn, a Hispanic melanoma survivor who shares her surprise of being diagnosed with melanoma despite her Hispanic background, emphasizing the importance of routine skin checks for people of all skin types. Episode Chapters: 1:30 - Types of skin cancer 4:39 - Who's most at risk? 7:13 - Warning signs to look out for 10:25 - What darker skin populations need to know 13:25 - Sun protection myths and tips See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode (part 1 of 2), Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with a team of MSK experts to demystify three breast cancer treatment options: surgery, radiation, and reconstruction. Breast surgeon Dr. Tracy-Ann Moo explains the difference between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy, and why one isn’t always better than the other. Radiation oncologist Dr. Michael Bernstein discusses the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of breast cancer. Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Michelle Coriddi describes various breast reconstruction and preservation techniques, which can help patients maintain a positive body image after treatment. Subscribe to Cancer Straight Talk to be notified when Part 2 airs, covering chemotherapy, hormone therapy and survivorship for people with breast cancer. Episode Chapters: 1:27 - Surgery options: lumpectomy vs. mastectomy 2:32 - Family history, genetics, and BRCA mutation 3:30 - Which surgery has the best outcomes? 5:16 - Surgery patient testimony 6:46 - Nipple-sparing mastectomy 7:36 - What is radiation? 8:49 - Why is radiation needed? 10:11 - What does a typical radiation plan entail? 11:19 - Radiation patient testimony 12:38 - Radiation side effects & how to mitigate them 14:25 - Exercise during treatment and recovery 15:10 - Reconstruction options after surgery 18:22 - Recovery after reconstruction 19:10 - Insurance coverage for breast reconstruction 19:31 - Reconstruction patient testimony 20:58 - Nipple tattoos and 3D areola reconstruction 22:00 - Surveillance and risks of breast implants 23:02 - Advice for patients See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Comen, author of "All in Her Head: The Truth and Lies Early Medicine Taught Us About Women's Health and Why It Matters Today." They discuss ways to empower women to advocate for their health when talking to doctors, and how a historic gender bias in medical research has influenced practices today. Tune in for an insightful conversation on tackling stigmas and reshaping the narrative around women's health. Listen to Episode 12: "A Woman's Guide to Sex and Cancer" Listen to Episode 30: "Achieving Excellent Healthcare for All: A Candid Conversation with MSK’s President & CEO, Dr. Selwyn Vickers" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with 3 women breaking new ground in the field of cancer research: Dr. Karuna Ganesh studies metastasis and how cancer spreads, Dr. Chrysothemis Brown is unlocking secrets of our immune system to fight cancer, and Marie-Josée Kravis has donated generously to support women in cancer research. Together, they discuss their pioneering research, the importance of mentorship in science, and the critical role philanthropy plays in the biggest breakthroughs. Learn more about the work of women at MSK. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with Dr. Allison Applebaum, founder of the Caregivers Clinic at MSK, about the need to support cancer caregivers. She shares her own experience with her father and offers practical advice on navigating the healthcare system. This episode includes tips for managing intense emotions like anger, grief and guilt felt by people caring for a loved one with a serious illness. The challenge can be difficult and heartbreaking, but Dr. Applebaum says it’s possible to find profound meaning in the experience of being a cancer caregiver. For more caregiver tips and support, listen to Episode 13: "Cancer and Caregivers: Navigating Stress, Worry and Other Challenges." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes has a meaningful conversation with Dr. Alan Carver, an MSK neurologist specializing in end-of-life and palliative care, and Hadley Vlahos, a hospice nurse with over 1 million social followers and author of "The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments." Together, they offer advice for both patients and caregivers about transitioning to hospice care, managing fear, and finding peace in one's final days. Sharing their own experiences, families describe how “joy and grief can walk together.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and Dr. Alex Drilon, Chief of MSK's Early Drug Development Service, answer the most common questions about participating in clinical trials. Through hearing the experience of patients, they discuss the practical aspects as well as the fears and misconceptions associated with clinical trials. They explain their rigorous development, different phases, and potential to save patients’ lives now and in the future. MSK is proud to support the key initiatives of the National Cancer Plan by helping to develop effective treatments and end cancer as we know it. Click here to learn more about the National Cancer Plan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re listening back to one of our favorite episodes from December 2022. While the holidays are meant to be a season of celebration, reflection and spending time with family and friends, it can also be a time of anxiety, grief or loneliness for those living with the reality of cancer. How does one find peace and meaning in the swarm of emotions that cancer brings up? In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and MSK chaplain Brian Kelly share their thoughts on what makes life meaningful and how to find your light in the darkest of times. This episode features a reflection from Anthony, an MSK patient. Sadly, earlier this year, Anthony passed away. We thank him for sharing his beautiful words and send our love to his family. Read "Coping With Grief: 7 Things to Remember When Dealing with Loss" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover the revolutionary potential of CAR T-cell therapy as a possible cure for some types of cancer. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with the pioneer of CAR T-cell therapy, MSK immunologist Dr. Michel Sadelain, as well as cellular therapist Dr. Jae Park, about the intricate process of modifying a patient’s own immune cells to target and eliminate cancer cells. They discuss its origin, clinical success in treating blood cancers like lymphoma and leukemia, and potential side effects. Dr. Sadelain addresses cost concerns, proposing strategies to enhance accessibility, while both doctors express optimism for CAR T-cell therapy’s future in treating, and maybe curing, a wider range of cancers, including solid tumors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn what you need to know about early-stage prostate cancer, from risk factors to treatment options and how to tackle their side effects. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes is joined by medical oncologist Dr. Dana Rathkopf, radiation oncologist Dr. Sean McBride, and urologic surgeon Dr. Behfar Ehdaie. Together, they provide an overview of treatment options for people diagnosed with prostate cancer, including active surveillance, internal and external radiation, surgery and hormone therapy. They offer guidance on navigating these choices and mitigating their side effects with state-of-the-art technology and holistic support services. Episode Chapters: 1:24 – Risk factors and screening 4:12 – Active surveillance 6:12 – Radiation 11:31 – Surgery 14:53 – Hormone therapy 20:38 – New and upcoming treatments See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spanish episode #4 | Episodio #4 en español En este episodio, la Dra. Diane Reidy-Lagunes habla con el Dr. José Flores, cirujano urológico de MSK, sobre el tema de la salud sexual de los hombres después de un diagnóstico de cáncer. Es un tema que a menudo se pasa por alto, pero es de vital importancia. Exploran el amplio espectro de la disfunción sexual, cómo abordar este delicado tema con su médico y despejan los mitos y tabúes comunes que lo rodean. Descubra cómo los pacientes y los médicos están encontrando soluciones para mantener una vida sexual saludable antes, durante y después del tratamiento contra el cáncer. Vea todos los episodios de Cancer Straight Talk en Español. A Man's Guide to Sex and Cancer In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with Dr. José Flores, urologic surgeon at MSK, about the often overlooked but vital topic of men's sexual health after a cancer diagnosis. They delve into the broad spectrum of sexual dysfunction, how to address this sensitive subject with your doctor, and break down common myths and taboos that surround it. Discover how patients and doctors are finding solutions to maintaining a healthy sex life before, during and after cancer treatment. See all episodes of Cancer Straight Talk en Español. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with former New York Mets president and MSK patient, Sandy Alderson, along with his dedicated team of doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering. They discuss Sandy’s unique journey with appendix cancer and how experts from various disciplines came together to save his life, a testament to MSK’s multidisciplinary care model. Sandy also dives into the reasons he kept his diagnosis private for eight years, and highlights the power of mental distractions and trust in your medical team when living with cancer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with MSK’s Chief of Computational Oncology, Sohrab Shah, and Chair of the Department of Radiology, Lawrence H. Schwartz, to discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence in cancer care. They explore how A.I. is making a real impact in radiology, from reducing the time patients spend getting scans to detecting cancerous lesions with more accuracy. By complementing researchers’ expertise, A.I. is already offering breakthroughs in early detection, as well as personalized predictions about the best treatment for patients. This conversation is a must-listen for those eager to explore how technology is leading to better patient care. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.