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Dr. Prasanth Reddy, On Biden Health Issues | 5-20-25See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Sarah Boston is a veterinary surgical oncologist, comedian, actor, author of "Lucky Dog," and the host of Comedicine podcast. In this episode, Sarah talks with Kathy about her solo show, Stoppable, which she performed at the 2024 Guelph Fringe Comedy Festival. Tune in to learn more about the change.org petition Sarah created (and received over 63,000 signatures) to ensure that the streets of Canada were safe from He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, a few of her experiences while living in Florida for five years, and why she is so fascinated with Ken Jeong (whom she would love to have on her podcast). So, Ken if you're listening, give Sarah a call.You can watch Sarah's solo show, Stoppable, on YouTube, watch her stand up at Yuk Yuks Comedy Club in Ottawa, and listen to Comedicine podcast.Follow Sarah on IG @comedicine_comedy.Follow us on social media @womenwhosarcast and @womenwhopodcastmagazine.Get the current issue of Women Who Podcast magazine at womenwhopodcastmag.com.All content © 2025 Women Who Sarcast and WWS Productions.
BEST OF - A uro-oncologist explains Biden's cancer diagnosis, James Comey defends his '8647' social media post, Walmart responds to Trump's remarks about eating the tariffs, the FAA is investigating another outage at Newark Airport, Trump comments on Biden's cancer diagnosis, White House Correspondent Jon Decker reports that Trump touted a positive call with Putin, despite the ceasefire deal.
On today's episode, Liz Wheeler is joined live by Dr. Craig M. Wax, D.O., to discuss President Biden's announcement that he has colon cancer. Was this a massive, years-long medical cover-up? Did Biden have an obligation to tell the public sooner? Plus, Liz breaks down the true intent behind James Comey's "8647" post on Instagram. Tune in to find out his primary motivation for his now-deleted photo! SPONSORS: THE LAST RODEO: Tickets are going fast, so don't wait. Reserve your seats now for this powerful new film, in theaters starting May 23rd. Get your tickets today at https://Angel.com/LIZ HOME TITLE LOCK: Go to https://hometitlelock.com/lizwheeler and use promo code LIZ to get a FREE title history report so you can find out if you're already a victim AND 14 days of protection for FREE! And make sure to check out the Million Dollar TripleLock protection details when you get there! Exclusions apply. For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warranty PREBORN: Your tax-deductible donation of twenty-eight dollars sponsors one ultrasound and doubles a baby's chance at life. How many babies can you save? Please donate your best gift today– just dial #250 and say the keyword, “BABY" or go to https://preborn.com/LIZ. BLAZETV: If you're ready to keep winning, shop your values and make sure we don't lose the ground we've gained—go to https://BlazeTV.com/liz and subscribe today. Use promo code LIZ, and you'll save 20 bucks right now off our annual plan. BlazeTV. Unfiltered. Unafraid. On Demand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dr. Lopez is a board-certified medical oncologist and integrative oncologist with the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Her clinical focus is women's cancers and integrative oncology. She is working with the Integrative Medicine team to establish both an inpatient and outpatient integrative oncology service. Dr Lopez is committed to working with patients to facilitate healing of mind-body-and spirit and describes her work as one of great honor to be able to walk with patients during this experience. _________ To learn more about the 10 Radical Remission Healing Factors, connect with a certified RR coach or join a virtual or in-person workshop visit www.radicalremission.com. To watch Episode 1 of the Radical Remission Docuseries for free, visit our YouTube channel here. To purchase the full 10-episode Radical Remission Docuseries visit Hay House Online Learning. To learn more about Radical Remission health coaching with Liz or Karla, Click Here Follow us on Social Media: Facebook Instagram YouTube _____
Episode 538 - Tony Stewart - Carrying the Tiger - Living With Cancer, Dying With Grace and Finding Joy While GrievingAbout the authorTony Stewart has made award-winning films for colleges and universities, written software that received rave reviews in The New York Times and the New York Daily News, designed a grants-management application that was used by three of the five largest charities in the world, and led the development of an international standard for the messages involved in buying and selling advertisements, for which he spoke at conferences across Europe and North America. Tony and his late wife Lynn Kotula, a painter, traveled extensively in India and Southeast Asia, staying in small hotels off the beaten track and eating delicious food with their fingers when cutlery wasn't available. Carrying the Tiger is his first published book.An inspiring story of love, loss and recovery“[A] beautifully devastating memoir… a remarkable odyssey of learning to ‘live fully in the shadow of death.'” — Publishers Weekly BookLife (Editor's Pick)In the spirit of Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking and Paul Kalanithi's When Breath Becomes Air comes Carrying the Tiger, a life affirming memoir about the full circle of life and death.When Tony Stewart's wife, Lynn, receives a sudden and devastating diagnosis, they scramble to find effective treatment, navigate life threatening setbacks, learn to live fully in the shadow of death, and share the intimate grace of her departure from this world. Then Tony slowly climbs out of shattering grief and, surprisingly, eases toward new love.There is uncertainty, fear, and sorrow, but also tenderness and joy, along with a renewed perspective on what it means to live and love with one's whole heart.“Captures emotions and experiences that will be familiar to anyone who's stood by a loved one facing a cancer diagnosis... this is a work that will strengthen all who read it.” — Khalid Dar, MD, Oncologist, Mount Sinai Morningside“A beautiful and very human love story which breathes an extraordinary generosity of spirit.” — David Newman, author of Talking with Doctorshttps://www.tonystewartauthor.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca
Listen to ASCO's JCO Oncology Practice, Art of Oncology Practice article, "An Oncologist's Guide to Ensuring Your First Medical Grand Rounds Will Be Your Last” by Dr. David Johnson, who is a clinical oncologist at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. The article is followed by an interview with Johnson and host Dr. Mikkael Sekeres. Through humor and irony, Johnson critiques how overspecialization and poor presentation practices have eroded what was once internal medicine's premier educational forum. Transcript Narrator: An Oncologist's Guide to Ensuring Your First Medical Grand Rounds Will Be Your Last, by David H. Johnson, MD, MACP, FASCO Over the past five decades, I have attended hundreds of medical conferences—some insightful and illuminating, others tedious and forgettable. Among these countless gatherings, Medical Grand Rounds (MGRs) has always held a special place. Originally conceived as a forum for discussing complex clinical cases, emerging research, and best practices in patient care, MGRs served as a unifying platform for clinicians across all specialties, along with medical students, residents, and other health care professionals. Expert speakers—whether esteemed faculty or distinguished guests—would discuss challenging cases, using them as a springboard to explore the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment. During my early years as a medical student, resident, and junior faculty member, Grand Rounds consistently attracted large, engaged audiences. However, as medicine became increasingly subspecialized, attendance began to wane. Lectures grew more technically intricate, often straying from broad clinical relevance. The patient-centered discussions that once brought together diverse medical professionals gradually gave way to hyperspecialized presentations. Subspecialists, once eager to share their insights with the wider medical community, increasingly withdrew to their own specialty-specific conferences, further fragmenting the exchange of knowledge across disciplines. As a former Chair of Internal Medicine and a veteran of numerous MGRs, I observed firsthand how these sessions shifted from dynamic educational exchanges to highly specialized, often impenetrable discussions. One of the most striking trends in recent years has been the decline in presentation quality at MGR—even among local and visiting world-renowned experts. While these speakers are often brilliant clinicians and investigators, they can also be remarkably poor lecturers, delivering some of the most uninspiring talks I have encountered. Their presentations are so consistently lackluster that one might suspect an underlying strategy at play—an unspoken method to ensure that they are never invited back. Having observed this pattern repeatedly, I am convinced that these speakers must be adhering to a set of unwritten rules to avoid future MGR presentations. To assist those unfamiliar with this apparent strategy, I have distilled the key principles that, when followed correctly, all but guarantee that a presenter will not be asked to give another MGR lecture—thus sparing them the burden of preparing one in the future. Drawing on my experience as an oncologist, I illustrate these principles using an oncology-based example although I suspect similar rules apply across other subspecialties. It will be up to my colleagues in cardiology, endocrinology, rheumatology, and beyond to identify and document their own versions—tasks for which I claim no expertise. What follows are the seven “Rules for Presenting a Bad Medical Oncology Medical Grand Rounds.” 1. Microscopic Mayhem: Always begin with an excruciatingly detailed breakdown of the tumor's histology and molecular markers, emphasizing how these have evolved over the years (eg, PAP v prostate-specific antigen)—except, of course, when they have not (eg, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, etc). These nuances, while of limited relevance to general internists or most subspecialists (aside from oncologists), are guaranteed to induce eye-glazing boredom and quiet despair among your audience. 2. TNM Torture: Next, cover every nuance of the newest staging system … this is always a real crowd pleaser. For illustrative purposes, show a TNM chart in the smallest possible font. It is particularly helpful if you provide a lengthy review of previous versions of the staging system and painstakingly cover each and every change in the system. Importantly, this activity will allow you to disavow the relevance of all previous literature studies to which you will subsequently refer during the course of your presentation … to wit—“these data are based on the OLD staging system and therefore may not pertain …” This phrase is pure gold—use it often if you can. NB: You will know you have “captured” your audience if you observe audience members “shifting in their seats” … it occurs almost every time … but if you have failed to “move” the audience … by all means, continue reading … there is more! 3. Mechanism of Action Meltdown: Discuss in detail every drug ever used to treat the cancer under discussion; this works best if you also give a detailed description of each drug's mechanism of action (MOA). General internists and subspecialists just LOVE hearing a detailed discussion of the drug's MOA … especially if it is not at all relevant to the objectives of your talk. At this point, if you observe a wave of slack-jawed faces slowly slumping toward their desktops, you will know you are on your way to successfully crushing your audience's collective spirit. Keep going—you are almost there. 4. Dosage Deadlock: One must discuss “dose response” … there is absolutely nothing like a dose response presentation to a group of internists to induce cries of anguish. A wonderful example of how one might weave this into a lecture to generalists or a mixed audience of subspecialists is to discuss details that ONLY an oncologist would care about—such as the need to dose escalate imatinib in GIST patients with exon 9 mutations as compared with those with exon 11 mutations. This is a definite winner! 5. Criteria Catatonia: Do not forget to discuss the newest computed tomography or positron emission tomography criteria for determining response … especially if you plan to discuss an obscure malignancy that even oncologists rarely encounter (eg, esthesioneuroblastoma). Should you plan to discuss a common disease you can ensure ennui only if you will spend extra time discussing RECIST criteria. Now if you do this well, some audience members may begin fashioning their breakfast burritos into projectiles—each one aimed squarely at YOU. Be brave … soldier on! 6. Kaplan-Meier Killer: Make sure to discuss the arcane details of multiple negative phase II and III trials pertaining to the cancer under discussion. It is best to show several inconsequential and hard-to-read Kaplan-Meier plots. To make sure that you do a bad job, divide this portion of your presentation into two sections … one focused on adjuvant treatment; the second part should consist of a long boring soliloquy on the management of metastatic disease. Provide detailed information of little interest even to the most ardent fan of the disease you are discussing. This alone will almost certainly ensure that you will never, ever be asked to give Medicine Grand Rounds again. 7. Lymph Node Lobotomy: For the coup de grâce, be sure to include an exhaustive discussion of the latest surgical techniques, down to the precise number of lymph nodes required for an “adequate dissection.” To be fair, such details can be invaluable in specialized settings like a tumor board, where they send subspecialists into rapturous delight. But in the context of MGR—where the audience spans multiple disciplines—it will almost certainly induce a stultifying torpor. If dullness were an art, this would be its masterpiece—capable of lulling even the most caffeinated minds into a stupor. If you have carefully followed the above set of rules, at this point, some members of the audience should be banging their heads against the nearest hard surface. If you then hear a loud THUD … and you're still standing … you will know you have succeeded in giving the world's worst Medical Grand Rounds! Final Thoughts I hope that these rules shed light on what makes for a truly dreadful oncology MGR presentation—which, by inverse reasoning, might just serve as a blueprint for an excellent one. At its best, an outstanding lecture defies expectations. One of the most memorable MGRs I have attended, for instance, was on prostaglandin function—not a subject typically associated with edge-of-your-seat suspense. Given by a biochemist and physician from another subspecialty, it could have easily devolved into a labyrinth of enzymatic pathways and chemical structures. Instead, the speaker took a different approach: rather than focusing on biochemical minutiae, he illustrated how prostaglandins influence nearly every major physiologic system—modulating inflammation, regulating cardiovascular function, protecting the gut, aiding reproduction, supporting renal function, and even influencing the nervous system—without a single slide depicting the prostaglandin structure. The result? A room full of clinicians—not biochemists—walked away with a far richer understanding of how prostaglandins affect their daily practice. What is even more remarkable is that the talk's clarity did not just inform—it sparked new collaborations that shaped years of NIH-funded research. Now that was an MGR masterpiece. At its core, effective scientific communication boils down to three deceptively simple principles: understanding your audience, focusing on relevance, and making complex information accessible.2 The best MGRs do not drown the audience in details, but rather illuminate why those details matter. A great lecture is not about showing how much you know, but about ensuring your audience leaves knowing something they didn't before. For those who prefer the structured wisdom of a written guide over the ramblings of a curmudgeon, an excellent review of these principles—complete with a handy checklist—is available.2 But fair warning: if you follow these principles, you may find yourself invited back to present another stellar MGRs. Perish the thought! Dr. Mikkael SekeresHello and welcome to JCO's Cancer Stories: The Art of Oncology, which features essays and personal reflections from authors exploring their experience in the oncology field. I'm your host, Mikkael Sekeres. I'm Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Hematology at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami. What a pleasure it is today to be joined by Dr. David Johnson, clinical oncologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. In this episode, we will be discussing his Art of Oncology Practice article, "An Oncologist's Guide to Ensuring Your First Medical Grand Rounds Will Be Your Last." Our guest's disclosures will be linked in the transcript. David, welcome to our podcast and thanks so much for joining us. Dr. David JohnsonGreat to be here, Mikkael. Thanks for inviting me. Dr. Mikkael SekeresI was wondering if we could start with just- give us a sense about you. Can you tell us about yourself? Where are you from? And walk us through your career. Dr. David JohnsonSure. I grew up in a small rural community in Northwest Georgia about 30 miles south of Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the Appalachian Mountains. I met my wife in kindergarten. Dr. Mikkael SekeresOh my. Dr. David JohnsonThere are laws in Georgia. We didn't get married till the third grade. But we dated in high school and got married after college. And so we've literally been with one another my entire life, our entire lives. Dr. Mikkael SekeresMy word. Dr. David JohnsonI went to medical school in Georgia. I did my training in multiple sites, including my oncology training at Vanderbilt, where I completed my training. I spent the next 30 years there, where I had a wonderful career. Got an opportunity to be a Division Chief and a Deputy Director of, and the founder of, a cancer center there. And in 2010, I was recruited to UT Southwestern as the Chairman of Medicine. Not a position I had particularly aspired to, but I was interested in taking on that challenge, and it proved to be quite a challenge for me. I had to relearn internal medicine, and really all the subspecialties of medicine really became quite challenging to me. So my career has spanned sort of the entire spectrum, I suppose, as a clinical investigator, as an administrator, and now as a near end-of-my-career guy who writes ridiculous articles about grand rounds. Dr. Mikkael SekeresNot ridiculous at all. It was terrific. What was that like, having to retool? And this is a theme you cover a little bit in your essay, also, from something that's super specialized. I mean, you have had this storied career with the focus on lung cancer, and then having to expand not only to all of hematology oncology, but all of medicine. Dr. David JohnsonIt was a challenge, but it was also incredibly fun. My first few days in the chair's office, I met with a number of individuals, but perhaps the most important individuals I met with were the incoming chief residents who were, and are, brilliant men and women. And we made a pact. I promised to teach them as much as I could about oncology if they would teach me as much as they could about internal medicine. And so I spent that first year literally trying to relearn medicine. And I had great teachers. Several of those chiefs are now on the faculty here or elsewhere. And that continued on for the next several years. Every group of chief residents imparted their wisdom to me, and I gave them what little bit I could provide back to them in the oncology world. It was a lot of fun. And I have to say, I don't necessarily recommend everybody go into administration. It's not necessarily the most fun thing in the world to do. But the opportunity to deal one-on-one closely with really brilliant men and women like the chief residents was probably the highlight of my time as Chair of Medicine. Dr. Mikkael SekeresThat sounds incredible. I can imagine, just reflecting over the two decades that I've been in hematology oncology and thinking about the changes in how we diagnose and care for people over that time period, I can only imagine what the changes had been in internal medicine since I was last immersed in that, which would be my residency. Dr. David JohnsonWell, I trained in the 70s in internal medicine, and what transpired in the 70s was kind of ‘monkey see, monkey do'. We didn't really have a lot of understanding of pathophysiology except at the most basic level. Things have changed enormously, as you well know, certainly in the field of oncology and hematology, but in all the other fields as well. And so I came in with what I thought was a pretty good foundation of knowledge, and I realized it was completely worthless, what I had learned as an intern and resident. And when I say I had to relearn medicine, I mean, I had to relearn medicine. It was like being an intern. Actually, it was like being a medical student all over again. Dr. Mikkael SekeresOh, wow. Dr. David JohnsonSo it's quite challenging. Dr. Mikkael SekeresWell, and it's just so interesting. You're so deliberate in your writing and thinking through something like grand rounds. It's not a surprise, David, that you were also deliberate in how you were going to approach relearning medicine. So I wonder if we could pivot to talking about grand rounds, because part of being a Chair of Medicine, of course, is having Department of Medicine grand rounds. And whether those are in a cancer center or a department of medicine, it's an honor to be invited to give a grand rounds talk. How do you think grand rounds have changed over the past few decades? Can you give an example of what grand rounds looked like in the 1990s compared to what they look like now? Dr. David JohnsonWell, I should all go back to the 70s and and talk about grand rounds in the 70s. And I referenced an article in my essay written by Dr. Ingelfinger, who many people remember Dr. Ingelfinger as the Ingelfinger Rule, which the New England Journal used to apply. You couldn't publish in the New England Journal if you had published or publicly presented your data prior to its presentation in the New England Journal. Anyway, Dr. Ingelfinger wrote an article which, as I say, I referenced in my essay, about the graying of grand rounds, when he talked about what grand rounds used to be like. It was a very almost sacred event where patients were presented, and then experts in the field would discuss the case and impart to the audience their wisdom and knowledge garnered over years of caring for patients with that particular problem, might- a disease like AML, or lung cancer, or adrenal insufficiency, and talk about it not just from a pathophysiologic standpoint, but from a clinician standpoint. How do these patients present? What do you do? How do you go about diagnosing and what can you do to take care of those kinds of patients? It was very patient-centric. And often times the patient, him or herself, was presented at the grand rounds. And then experts sitting in the front row would often query the speaker and put him or her under a lot of stress to answer very specific questions about the case or about the disease itself. Over time, that evolved, and some would say devolved, but evolved into more specialized and nuanced presentations, generally without a patient present, or maybe even not even referred to, but very specifically about the molecular biology of disease, which is marvelous and wonderful to talk about, but not necessarily in a grand round setting where you've got cardiologists sitting next to endocrinologists, seated next to nephrologists, seated next to primary care physicians and, you know, an MS1 and an MS2 and et cetera. So it was very evident to me that what I had witnessed in my early years in medicine had really become more and more subspecialized. As a result, grand rounds, which used to be packed and standing room only, became echo chambers. It was like a C-SPAN presentation, you know, where local representative got up and gave a talk and the chambers were completely empty. And so we had to go to do things like force people to attend grand rounds like a Soviet Union-style rally or something, you know. You have to pay them to go. But it was really that observation that got me to thinking about it. And by the way, I love oncology and I'm, I think there's so much exciting progress that's being made that I want the presentations to be exciting to everybody, not just to the oncologist or the hematologist, for example. And what I was witnessing was kind of a formula that, almost like a pancake formula, that everybody followed the same rules. You know, “This disease is the third most common cancer and it presents in this way and that way.” And it was very, very formulaic. It wasn't energizing and exciting as it had been when we were discussing individual patients. So, you know, it just is what it is. I mean, progress is progress and you can't stop it. And I'm not trying to make America great again, you know, by going back to the 70s, but I do think sometimes we overthink what medical grand rounds ought to be as compared to a presentation at ASH or ASCO where you're talking to subspecialists who understand the nuances and you don't have to explain the abbreviations, you know, that type of thing. Dr. Mikkael SekeresSo I wonder, you talk about the echo chamber of the grand rounds nowadays, right? It's not as well attended. It used to be a packed event, and it used to be almost a who's who of, of who's in the department. You'd see some very famous people who would attend every grand rounds and some up-and-comers, and it was a chance for the chief residents to shine as well. How do you think COVID and the use of Zoom has changed the personality and energy of grand rounds? Is it better because, frankly, more people attend—they just attend virtually. Last time I attended, I mean, I attend our Department of Medicine grand rounds weekly, and I'll often see 150, 200 people on the Zoom. Or is it worse because the interaction's limited? Dr. David JohnsonYeah, I don't want to be one of those old curmudgeons that says, you know, the way it used to be is always better. But there's no question that the convenience of Zoom or similar media, virtual events, is remarkable. I do like being able to sit in my office where I am right now and watch a conference across campus that I don't have to walk 30 minutes to get to. I like that, although I need the exercise. But at the same time, I think one of the most important aspects of coming together is lost with virtual meetings, and that's the casual conversation that takes place. I mentioned in my essay an example of the grand rounds that I attended given by someone in a different specialty who was both a physician and a PhD in biochemistry, and he was talking about prostaglandin metabolism. And talk about a yawner of a title; you almost have to prop your eyelids open with toothpicks. But it turned out to be one of the most fascinating, engaging conversations I've ever encountered. And moreover, it completely opened my eyes to an area of research that I had not been exposed to at all. And it became immediately obvious to me that it was relevant to the area of my interest, which was lung cancer. This individual happened to be just studying colon cancer. He's not an oncologist, but he was studying colon cancer. But it was really interesting what he was talking about. And he made it very relevant to every subspecialist and generalist in the audience because he talked about how prostaglandin has made a difference in various aspects of human physiology. The other grand rounds which always sticks in my mind was presented by a long standing program director at my former institution of Vanderbilt. He's passed away many years ago, but he gave a fascinating grand rounds where he presented the case of a homeless person. I can't remember the title of his grand rounds exactly, but I think it was “Care of the Homeless” or something like that. So again, not something that necessarily had people rushing to the audience. What he did is he presented this case as a mysterious case, you know, “what is it?” And he slowly built up the presentation of this individual who repeatedly came to the emergency department for various and sundry complaints. And to make a long story short, he presented a case that turned out to be lead poisoning. Everybody was on the edge of their seat trying to figure out what it was. And he was challenging members of the audience and senior members of the audience, including the Cair, and saying, “What do you think?” And it turned out that the patient became intoxicated not by eating paint chips or drinking lead infused liquids. He was burning car batteries to stay alive and inhaling lead fumes, which itself was fascinating, you know, so it was a fabulous grand rounds. And I mean, everybody learned something about the disease that they might otherwise have ignored, you know, if it'd been a title “Lead Poisoning”, I'm not sure a lot of people would have shown up. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres That story, David, reminds me of Tracy Kidder, who's a master of the nonfiction narrative, will choose a subject and kind of just go into great depth about it, and that subject could be a person. And he wrote a book called Rough Sleepers about Jim O'Connell - and Jim O'Connell was one of my attendings when I did my residency at Mass General - and about his life and what he learned about the homeless. And it's this same kind of engaging, “Wow, I never thought about that.” And it takes you in a different direction. And you know, in your essay, you make a really interesting comment. You reflect that subspecialists, once eager to share their insight with the wider medical community, increasingly withdraw to their own specialty specific conferences, further fragmenting the exchange of knowledge across disciplines. How do you think this affects their ability to gain new insights into their research when they hear from a broader audience and get questions that they usually don't face, as opposed to being sucked into the groupthink of other subspecialists who are similarly isolated? Dr. David Johnson That's one of the reasons I chose to illustrate that prostaglandin presentation, because again, that was not something that I specifically knew much about. And as I said, I went to the grand rounds more out of a sense of obligation than a sense of engagement. Moreover, our Chair at that institution forced us to go, so I was there, not by choice, but I'm so glad I was, because like you say, I got insight into an area that I had not really thought about and that cross pollination and fertilization is really a critical aspect. I think that you can gain at a broad conference like Medical Grand Rounds as opposed to a niche conference where you're talking about APL. You know, everybody's an APL expert, but they never thought about diabetes and how that might impact on their research. So it's not like there's an ‘aha' moment at every Grand Rounds, but I do think that those kinds of broad based audiences can sometimes bring a different perspective that even the speaker, him or herself had not thought of. Dr. Mikkael SekeresI think that's a great place to end and to thank David Johnson, who's a clinical oncologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and just penned the essay in JCO Art of Oncology Practice entitled "An Oncologist's Guide to Ensuring Your First Medical Grand Rounds Will Be Your Last." Until next time, thank you for listening to JCO's Cancer Stories: The Art of Oncology. Don't forget to give us a rating or review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. You can find all of ASCO's shows at asco.org/podcasts. David, once again, I want to thank you for joining me today. Dr. David JohnsonThank you very much for having me. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this podcast express their own opinions, experience, and conclusions. Guest statements on the podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity, or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement. Show notes: Like, share and subscribe so you never miss an episode and leave a rating or review. Guest Bio: Dr David Johnson is a clinical oncologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School.
This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/TFB865. CME/MOC/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until April 27, 2026.Unleashing Immunotherapy Against Resectable Melanoma: The Surgeon-Oncologist Alliance for Delivering Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapy In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported through educational grants from Bristol Myers Squibb and Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.
This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/TFB865. CME/MOC/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until April 27, 2026.Unleashing Immunotherapy Against Resectable Melanoma: The Surgeon-Oncologist Alliance for Delivering Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapy In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported through educational grants from Bristol Myers Squibb and Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.
This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/TFB865. CME/MOC/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until April 27, 2026.Unleashing Immunotherapy Against Resectable Melanoma: The Surgeon-Oncologist Alliance for Delivering Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapy In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported through educational grants from Bristol Myers Squibb and Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.
This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/TFB865. CME/MOC/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until April 27, 2026.Unleashing Immunotherapy Against Resectable Melanoma: The Surgeon-Oncologist Alliance for Delivering Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapy In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported through educational grants from Bristol Myers Squibb and Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.
Today in the vet’s office, Dr. Josie Horchak welcomes her longtime friend and vet school classmate, Dr. Daniela Korec, a veterinary oncologist with a deep passion for helping pets and their people navigate the cancer journey. From the most common types of cancer in pets to the misconceptions around prevention, Daniela and Josie dive into it all — including the hot-button topic of using ivermectin and supplements as treatments. Dr. Korec breaks down how chemotherapy for pets differs from human treatment (hint: most pets tolerate it surprisingly well!) and even shares which dog breeds lose their hair and how it grows back differently. Plus, she gives her unfiltered take on what *not* to do as a pet owner in the oncology office — like trusting breeders over licensed vets. It’s an honest, informative, and eye-opening episode every pet parent should hear.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Navigating disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of biliary tract cancer (BTC) is essential for improving patient outcomes, ensuring equitable care, and optimizing the patient experience. The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) remains committed to increasing awareness and disseminating the latest strategies for BTC management. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ explores these issues with Paige Griffith, CRNP, lead oncology nurse practitioner at Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, who highlights the vital role of multidisciplinary teams in reducing care fragmentation and streamlining care delivery. CANCER BUZZ also speaks with Chaundra Bishop, a patient with biliary tract cancer, who shares her personal experience confronting systemic barriers—particularly delays and obstacles during the diagnostic process—and offers insights into how addressing such disparities can improve the patient journey for others. “Everyone plays a role, even from early-stage disease all the way to advanced disease, and having someone help navigate patients through that very complex system is important.” – Paige Griffith, CRNP “From the patient perspective, I think it's always important to ask for what you need, or ask questions if you don't understand something. Don't, as they say, suffer in silence.” – Chaundra Bishop Paige Griffith, CRNP Lead Oncology Nurse Practitioner Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Baltimore, MD Chaundra Bishop Patient With Biliary Tract Cancer Resources: Bile Duct Cancer - MD Anderson Cancer Center - https://bit.ly/42YPRdT Cholangiocarcinoma - NCI - https://bit.ly/44oV4N2
Send us a textThe Royal College of Radiologists celebrates 50 years of Royal Charter this year!!!Join us as we explore 50 years of the RCR Royal Charter with the President - Dr Katharine Halliday and Vice President - Dr Tom Roques.We look at the achievements of the Royal College of Radiologists have made over the years and look to the future of cancer care at the RCR.We hear how the RCR is our voice as a community of Radiologists and Oncologists.It guides our learning and sets the standards for our training and profession.We even justify the membership fees for any sceptics.In this our 50th episode of the Simply Oncology Podcast we celebrate the Royal College of Radiologists 50th anniversary of Royal Charter Status!!
Leisha for Breakfast - Triple M Goulburn Valley 95.3 Mornings Podcast
Josh & Triple M are hosting a Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea on Friday May 9th at The Aussie Hotel at 10:30am! If you want to come along just be there at 10:30am for FREE food & DRINK featuring good times!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today in the vet’s office, Dr. Josie Horchak welcomes her longtime friend and vet school classmate, Dr. Daniela Korec, a veterinary oncologist with a deep passion for helping pets and their people navigate the cancer journey. From the most common types of cancer in pets to the misconceptions around prevention, Daniela and Josie dive into it all — including the hot-button topic of using ivermectin and supplements as treatments. Dr. Korec breaks down how chemotherapy for pets differs from human treatment (hint: most pets tolerate it surprisingly well!) and even shares which dog breeds lose their hair and how it grows back differently. Plus, she gives her unfiltered take on what *not* to do as a pet owner in the oncology office — like trusting breeders over licensed vets. It’s an honest, informative, and eye-opening episode every pet parent should hear.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode Lewis shares his journey of being diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma and his experiences throughout treatment. He is joined by his consultant, Dr Saurabh Vohra, who provides insights into the medical and holistic aspects of cancer care. They discuss the importance of early diagnosis, the role of a multidisciplinary team, and the emotional and practical challenges faced by young cancer patients and their families. Season 4 is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiotherapypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiotherapypod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radio-therapy-podcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiotherapypodcast
Download Your Free Webinar & Ultimate Guide to Water Fasting to Heal Cancer and Chronic Illness https://www.katiedeming.com/prolonged-water-fasting/How would your life transform during a 30-day water fast?Dr. Katie Deming is joined by her client Donna DiPane and medical oncologist Dr. Jason Konner from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to share an extraordinary healing journey. Donna recently completed a 30-day supervised water-only fast as part of her holistic approach to healing from ovarian cancer. What makes this story especially powerful is the collaborative relationship between conventional and holistic medicine.Chapters:00:17:00 – The fear wasn't just about cancer00:22:00 – I unzipped from my body00:31:00 – A message from God at 3 am00:38:00 – When the shell started to crack00:52:00 – Strip it all down to healThey explore how fasting goes far beyond physical detoxification. Donna shares the profound spiritual awakening she experienced, including receiving powerful messages during the night, connecting with her "light body," and finding a deep release from the fear that had dominated much of her life. Dr. Konner offers his perspective as a conventional oncologist, describing his initial concerns about safety and his surprise at witnessing Donna's transformation throughout the process - not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.Listen and learn about what happens during a fast, from the physical challenges of the first week to the emotional and spiritual openings that can occur as the body and mind clear.Disclaimer: Never attempt prolonged fasting without proper medical oversight as it can be dangerous. Send us a text with your question (include your phone number)Join Dr. Katie at CANCER: FROM FEAR TO HOPE on May 8, 2025https://heal.regfox.com/heal-from-fear-to-hopeCode: KATIERESILIENCE10 Transform your hydration with the system that delivers filtered, mineralized, and structured water all in one. Spring Aqua System: https://springaqua.info/drkatie MORE FROM KATIE DEMING M.D. Download Your Free Webinar & Ultimate Guide to Water Fasting to Heal Cancer and Chronic Illness https://www.katiedeming.com/prolonged-water-fasting/6 Pillars of Healing Cancer Workshop Series - Click Here to EnrollWork with Dr. Katie: www.katiedeming.comFollow Dr. Katie Deming on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiedemingmd/ Take a Deeper Dive into Your Healing Journey: Dr. Katie Deming's Linkedin Here Please Support the Show Share this episode with a friend or family member Give a Review on Spotify Give a Review on Apple Podcast DISCLAIMER:The Born to Heal Podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for seeking professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual medical histories are unique; therefore, this episode should not be used to diagnose...
In this episode, you'll hear about the latest developments in tailoring cancer treatments to individual patients using Precision Oncology. Two thought leaders, Simone Ndujiuba, a Clinical Oncology Pharmacist at Prime Therapeutics, and Karan Cushman, Head of Brand Experience and host of The Precision Medicine Podcast for Trapelo Health, discuss real-world research that is paving the way for Prime and our partners to help providers reduce turnaround times so patients can start treatment as soon as possible. Join your host Maryam Tabatabai as they dig into this evolving topic of precision oncology. www.primetherapeuitics.com ChaptersDefining precision medicine (08:50)Evaluating real-world operational process of biomarker testing (14:36)Turnaround times are crucial (17:40)A patients view into the importance of time (24:39)Technology and process aid in time and process (29:30)Helping bridge knowledge gaps for providers and payers (33:55) The focus is on Precision Oncology right now (37:00)Precision medicine in other disease categories (40:09)Future of precision oncology is bright (42:07) References Singh, B.P., et al. (2019). Molecular profiling (MP) for malignancies: Knowledge gaps and variable practice patterns among United States oncologists (Onc). American Society of Clinical Oncology. https://meetings. asco.org/abstracts-presentations/173392 Evangelist, M.C., et al. (2023). Contemporary biomarker testing rates in both early and advanced NSCLC: Results from the MYLUNG pragmatic study. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 41(Supplement 16). https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2023.41.16_suppl.9109. Ossowski, S., et al. (2022). Improving time to molecular testing results in patients with newly diagnosed, metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 18(11). https://doi.org/10.1200/OP.22.00260 Naithani N, Atal AT, Tilak TVSVGK, et al. Precision medicine: Uses and challenges. Med J Armed Forces India. 2021 Jul;77(3):258-265. doi: 10.1016/j.mjafi.2021.06.020. Jørgensen JT. Twenty Years with Personalized Medicine: Past, Present, and Future of Individualized Pharmacotherapy. Oncologist. 2019 Jul;24(7):e432-e440. doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.2019-0054. MedlinePlus. What is genetic testing? Retrieved on April 21, 2025 from https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/testing/genetictesting/. MedlinePlus. What is pharmacogenetic testing? Retrieved on April 21, 2025 from https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/pharmacogenetic-tests/#:~:text=Pharmacogenetics%20(also%20called%20pharmacogenomics)%20is,your%20height%20and%20eye%20color. Riely GJ, Wood DE, Aisner DL, et al. National Cancer Comprehensive Network (NCCN) clinical practice guidelines: non-small cell lung cancer, V3.2005. Retrieved April 21, 2025 from https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/nscl.pdf. Benson AB, Venook AP, Adam M, et al. National Cancer Comprehensive Network (NCCN) clinical practice guidelines: colon cancer, V3.2025. Retrieved April 21, 2025 from https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/colon.pdf. Rosenberg PS, Miranda-Filho A. Cancer Incidence Trends in Successive Social Generations in the US. JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Jun 3;7(6):e2415731. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.15731. PMID: 38857048; PMCID: PMC11165384. Smeltzer MP, Wynes MW, Lantuejoul S, et al. The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Global Survey on Molecular Testing in Lung Cancer. J Thorac Oncol. 2020 Sep;15(9):1434-1448. doi: 10.1016/j.jtho.2020.05.002.The views and opinions expressed by the guest featured on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Prime Therapeutics LLC, its hosts, or its affiliates. The guest's appearance on this podcast does not imply an endorsement of their views, products, or services by Prime Therapeutics LLC. All content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice.
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are novel therapeutic agents designed to target specific tumor markers with potent anticancer drugs. The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is dedicated to providing up-to-date information on ADC treatment management. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Nancy Mallett, a patient advocate, to discuss the patient's perspective and experience receiving treatment for gynecologic cancers, particularly with ADCs such as mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx. “[Providers] giving me the information and allowing us to decide together, instead of just telling me, makes me feel more cared about and that I'm not just a number, I'm a person. They care about what I think, and look at my life and what it can do for me.” – Nancy Mallett Nancy Mallett Patient Advocate Resources: FDA Approval Summary: Mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx for FRα-positive, Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer - https://bit.ly/4is00nD Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO): Gynecologic Cancer Resources for Patients and Their Families - https://bit.ly/4jpYaoP ASCO: Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Gynecologic Cancer - https://bit.ly/42GP5k8 Society of Gynecologic Oncology Journal Club: The ABCs of ADCs (Antibody drug Conjugates) - https://bit.ly/42U2962 Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Gynecologic Cancers - https://bit.ly/4cLYECZ Funder Statement This program is supported by AbbVie.
Download Your Free Webinar & Ultimate Guide to Water Fasting to Heal Cancer and Chronic Illness https://www.katiedeming.com/prolonged-water-fasting/What if a cancer diagnosis is not the end of your story, but rather the beginning of a more authentic way of living?Dr. Katie Deming shares essential wisdom for anyone newly diagnosed with cancer. She explains why "stopping your world" might be the most crucial step you can take after diagnosis. Rather than trying to squeeze cancer treatment into your already busy life, she outlines why pausing to reflect on how you got here is fundamental to true healing. You'll learn why many people make treatment decisions they later regret, and how slowing down the decision-making process gives you space to consider what genuinely aligns with your values and needs.Key Takeaways: What Happens When You Actually Stop EverythingThe Risk of Rushing a Cancer DecisionWhy a Calm Mind Could Save Your LifeDr. Katie reveals the hidden metrics that drive conventional treatment timelines and provides practical questions to ask your doctors about benefits, risks, and side effects of proposed treatments.Dr. Katie offers a compassionate roadmap that empowers you to take control of your health. Listen and learn practical tools to calm your nervous system and make clear-headed decisions.Kumo Shift: https://www.komusodesign.com/?ref=theconsciousoncologistTapping Episode: https://pod.link/1585725298/episode/5a9f90aec6663c0c2b1df07fa48b8fddSend us a text with your question (include your phone number) Transform your hydration with the system that delivers filtered, mineralized, and structured water all in one. Spring Aqua System: https://springaqua.info/drkatieMORE FROM KATIE DEMING M.D. Download Your Free Webinar & Ultimate Guide to Water Fasting to Heal Cancer and Chronic Illness https://www.katiedeming.com/prolonged-water-fasting/6 Pillars of Healing Cancer Workshop Series - Click Here to EnrollWork with Dr. Katie: www.katiedeming.comFollow Dr. Katie Deming on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiedemingmd/ Take a Deeper Dive into Your Healing Journey: Dr. Katie Deming's Linkedin Here Please Support the Show Share this episode with a friend or family member Give a Review on Spotify Give a Review on Apple Podcast DISCLAIMER:The Born to Heal Podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for seeking professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual medical histories are unique; therefore, this episode should not be used to diagnose...
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 5-and-a-half million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the US. Many of those cancers are highly preventable. In addition, though, about 100 thousand news cases of melanoma are diagnosed each year, making skin cancer the most common cancer in the US. Dr. Jeanine Cook-Garard talks with Dr. Bhuvanesh Singh, surgical director of the Skin Cancer Program at the Northwell Health Cancer Institute. A board-certified otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon with extensive experience in oncological and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Singh has published over 190 articles in major journals, is a co-editor of two medical textbooks, and has received numerous research grants.
*DISCLAIMER* This episode covers adult topics that are not intended for young ears. 260. Sex After Cancer with Dr. Kris Christiansen James 1:19 (NIV) My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, **Transcription Below** Questions We Discuss: What is common mis-information that you want to set straight as it relates to cancer and sex? If someone is walking their own cancer journey right now, what would you advise them to both do and avoid doing so that they can still enjoy the healthiest sex life possible with their spouse? What hope do you have to share with people who have battled cancer and still desire to connect intimately with their spouse? Dr. Kris Christiansen is a board-certified family physician who specializes in sexual medicine. She attended medical school and completed her residency in family medicine at the University of Minnesota. She practiced full spectrum family medicine for 10 years and then pursued additional training to specialize in sexual medicine. She works as a sexual medicine specialist at two different clinics in the twin cities. Her clinical interests include both male and female sexual dysfunction, and she loves working with individuals and couples to restore an important part of life. Dr. Christiansen is involved with teaching medical students and residents at the University of Minnesota Medical School, and she has presented at multiple local, national, and international medical conferences. She is involved with the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) and serves on committees, collaborates with other experts to publish articles for medical journals, and edits informational articles for the society's new patient facing website. She is passionate about teaching patients, students, and colleagues about the importance of sexual health and well-being. In her free time, she started her own business called Intimate Focus which provides information and quality products to enhance and restore sexual health and wellness. She also enjoys shopping, hiking, and spending time with her family. Dr. Kris Christiansen's Website Previous Episodes featuring Dr. Kris Christiansen on The Savvy Sauce: 215 Enriching Women's Sexual Function, Part One with Dr. Kris Christiansen 216 Enriching Women's Sexual Function, Part Two with Dr. Kris Christiansen Additional Place to Find More Episodes from The Savvy Sauce Related to This Topic: One-Stop Shop for Marriage and Intimacy Resources Dr. Kris Christiansen's Recommended Websites for Sexual Health: The Menopause Society Mayo Clinic National Institutes of Health International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health American Urological Association International Society of Sexual Medicine Sexual Medicine Society of North America American Cancer Society ISSWSH International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health SMSNA Sexual Medicine Society of North America ISSM International Society of Sexual Medicine The Menopause Society Find a provider: For a women's sexual health provider, pelvic floor physical therapist, (non-Christian) sex therapist ABCST American Board of Christian Sex Therapists (for a Christian sex therapist) Thank You to Our Sponsor: Leman Property Management Company Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and subscribing to this podcast! Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.” Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“ Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“ Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” **Transcription** Music: (0:00 – 0:09) Laura Dugger: (0:10 - 1:22) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here. Leman Property Management Co. has the apartment you will be able to call home, with over 1,700 apartment units available in Central Illinois. Visit them today at lemanproperties.com or connect with them on Facebook. Today's message is not intended for little ears. We'll be discussing some adult themes, and I want you to be aware before you listen to this message. Not many people specialize in the same thing as our returning guest for today, Dr. Kris Christiansen. She specializes in sexual medicine, and today she's going to provide clarity, information, and direction for how to maximize sexual pleasure with our spouse after one receives a cancer diagnosis. Here's our chat. Welcome back to The Savvy Sauce, Dr. Christiansen. Dr. Kris Christiansen: (1:23 - 1:30) Well, thank you so much, Laura. We had so much fun last time, and I'm looking forward to this conversation again today. Laura Dugger: (1:31 - 1:57) Likewise. I feel the same way. And it really wasn't that long ago that you were on The Savvy Sauce two times, so I'll make sure and link to both of those episodes in the show notes for today. But hopefully everybody's already well acquainted with you, and that's why we're just kind of diving right into our topic today. So, for starters, how did this topic of sex after cancer become an interest of yours to study? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (2:00 - 2:32) Well, so Laura, my job as a sexual medicine physician is that I work with both men and women and helping them with their sexual lives when they have problems or whatever. So, cancer is often a big part of that. So, through my journey with work, I've just developed a significant interest in learning how to really care for people to help restore this important part of life. Laura Dugger: (2:33 - 2:52) Absolutely, because a lot is taken away when somebody gets that awful diagnosis, and so I'm very grateful for people like you who are experts. But is there any common misinformation that you would like to set straight as it relates to cancer and sex? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (2:55 - 6:42) Well, interesting you say that, because there is so much misinformation out there just about sex in general. And then when we throw cancer in on top of that, it just makes it even more complicated. So, I think a common fear that people experience when they get that diagnosis that they hope they never hear, the C word, is that it's going to have a significant impact on their sexual intimacy. And you know what, it can, but that doesn't mean that that chapter in life is closed. We just have to remember that sexual intimacy is much, much broader than just intercourse. So, if we can refer to this as PIV sex, penis in vagina sex, many people view it as kind of an all or none thing. If they can't have vaginal intercourse or that PIV sex, then they don't want anything at all. Unfortunately, that just rules out or shuts out so much of sexual intimacy that God has intended for us. We may not be able to engage in the same activities for a time or even long term, but that doesn't mean that we can't connect. So, if we try to remember that intimacy, sexual intimacy is all about giving and receiving pleasure, then there are so many more opportunities. So, we have to get beyond the fact that sexual intimacy, sexual intercourse is just vaginal intercourse because it's not. It's giving and receiving pleasure. And however people want to connect or comfortable connecting, that they can still enjoy a very fruitful sex life. The other thing that is misunderstood and misconceptions is estrogen, vaginal estrogen, especially. Because, well, all women who enter menopause and you're in menopause for the rest of your life do experience some changes. And it's so common that women experience the genital urinary syndrome of menopause. That's vaginal atrophy, or when the tissues get drier and thinner and there can be tearing and pain as well as bleeding and decreased sensation, decreased sensitivity. These things are common with aging, but oftentimes cancer treatments emphasize that or accelerate it or make it even worse. And vaginal estrogen is really, really safe. It does not cause cancer. And most of the studies show that even in women who have breast cancer, that it doesn't cause recurrence. So vaginal estrogen, being so safe, can really save our vaginas. And we're talking about vaginal health and bladder health. It's not just about sex, but it helps keep our bodies functioning properly and minimizing pain and discomfort. So, if a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and she's on treatment, then obviously we have to talk to the oncologist, make sure they're okay with that. But we get more and more studies showing it's safety and it's definitely effective and can help keep our tissues young. Laura Dugger: (6:42 - 7:25) This is really helpful and brand new information to me. So someone, like you used that example, if they have breast cancer diagnosis and there's different types, but if they're doing the treatment where perhaps they go into early menopause or they have a hysterectomy or remove their ovaries and they even have an estrogen blocker so that they're not producing estrogen, for that type, you're still saying as long as you're working with the oncologist for that personal client, even in those situations, vaginal estrogen, which would be, I'm assuming, more of a cream or something you insert to the vagina, is that right? That that would be safe? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (7:25 - 10:55) So, where it gets a little gray is if the woman is taking an aromatase inhibitor, which is the estrogen blocker. So, it pretty much wipes all estrogen out of her system. There's a little more risk there. So most definitely we need to double check with the oncologist. But it often comes down to quality of life. I have a patient who, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, I believe, in her early 60s. And she came to me at the sexual medicine clinic and she was just miserable. I mean, when we think of vaginal dryness, you think of, okay, it's annoying. You use a lubricant, right, and it's going to be just fine. In the beginning, yes, that's the case. But this genital urinary syndrome of menopause, GSM, gets worse with time, especially with those anti-estrogen treatments. And for this poor woman, she couldn't exercise. She loved to go hiking. She loved to go skiing. And just any kind of movement was painful. And we don't think of that. We kind of take it for granted. But for some women who really experience severe side effects of the breast cancer treatments and causing dryness and irritation, it affects everything. And for her, we tried all the non-hormonal things first. They didn't work. And her oncologist gave us the blessing saying, you know, we tried it. This is really important to you. Let's give it a try. And so, we've monitored her, and the vaginal estrogen hasn't caused any problems. So, a couple points on that. With the vaginal estrogen, yes, it comes as a cream. There's a tablet, which is like a little pill with an applicator that you insert in the vagina. There are vaginal inserts. They look like little caplets that you just insert with the finger. There's a vaginal ring. But with the localized treatment, it's meant to just act locally, meaning just on the vaginal tissues. And, oh, package insert. So, you know, here we tell patients, vaginal estrogen is safe. Don't worry. It's not going to cause cancer, heart attack, strokes, or blood clots. But then they go home. They get their prescription. They open up the patient insert, package insert, and it talks about risks and bad things that can happen and side effects. Unfortunately, the FDA says we have to use the class labeling or the side effects that are associated with systemic estrogen. And it automatically gets applied to the localized or vaginal estrogen treatments. So, patients go home, they read that, and they think we're lying to them. But, unfortunately, it's just very misleading because we have plenty of studies to show that vaginal estrogen doesn't cause those terrible things. And it's very safe. So, they just have to trust us. And there are groups and people out there trying to work with the FDA to get that class labeling effect removed because it just scares everybody away from using estrogen, which can be so helpful. Laura Dugger: (10:57 - 11:04) Wow, that is helpful. Is there any other common misinformation you want to make sure we don't overlook before we continue on? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (11:05 - 11:29) Well, I made a few notes here. No, I don't think so. Except that media, television, and all that other stuff that we see out there is so misleading when it comes to sexual intimacy. Because sex in real life doesn't look like what you see in the movies. Yeah. Laura Dugger: (11:30 - 11:45) Great, great point. And so, when somebody does get, like you said, that dreaded C-word diagnosis, what's a common path that they may experience as it affects them sexually? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (11:48 - 14:00) Well, so, the different cancers are so different and treatments are so different that it's hard to generalize for everybody. But, you know, first thing most people experience is fear. What's this mean for me? What's this mean for my life, my family? Am I going to be around in five years? So, it's that fear. And the initial part of that journey is often involved with meeting with lots of doctors, having all the tests, trying to figure out what's going on, what we're going to do. And sexual intimacy often isn't part of that first steps that they take. So, but when things kind of finally settle down, then those questions start popping up. What does this mean? It's important to talk with your cancer journey, your cancer team, the oncology team to find out what's going on. And it's important to ask all these questions because doctors really aren't very good about asking about sexual health and what that means to you. Oncologists, generally speaking, they want to treat the cancer and their job is done when the cancer is treated, under control, gone, whatever. And they've done a good job. However, so many of us are just left afterwards saying, okay, thanks, cancer's gone, but now what? And so, it's a matter of really trying to figure out what's important over time, learning what's going to work and what's not. And know that there are people out there to help you and that want to help you if it's not going as planned. You know, I just want to reiterate that people really need to advocate for themselves and they need to ask questions. And if they're not getting the answers that they want, don't give up because there are people, organizations, information out there that can be helpful. So rather than just worrying about what's next, seek help. Laura Dugger: (14:02 - 14:18) That's really great advice. And I think this may be an appropriate place to pause and just get some of those recommended places. Because if somebody, this is new to them and they don't know where to turn, do you have any places or websites off the top of your mind that you would recommend? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (14:20 - 15:41) Well, so cancer.org, the American Cancer Society has a lot of resources on there. When it comes to menopause-type symptoms and such, menopause.org is the Menopause Society, which has a lot of information. And a website called PROSAYLA, it's P-R-O-S-A-Y-L-A.com, is a website that's managed by ISHWISH. We've got all these acronyms. The International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health. So that is my go-to. Okay, so that's the organization where there's so much research and science and such happening. And the PROSAYLA.org or prosayla.com, either one works, is a website where there are several articles written by experts in the field. So, these are articles backed by science. It's not just somebody's opinion or somebody's blog. And I know there's an article on there about sex or cancer and sexuality. So, some generalities and some other references on that site too. Laura Dugger: (15:42 - 15:51) Okay, that is super helpful information. We'll make sure and add links to those places as well. Anything else that you want to make sure we don't miss? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (15:52 - 17:36) Well, when we talk about sexual concerns or sexual problems, we always try to approach it from a biopsychosocial aspect. Because those three different entities all play a big role in what works well and what doesn't. So, from the biological section, that's pain, medications, nerve problems, chronic medical problems. So obviously cancer plays a big role in that. And with cancer treatments and such, pain may be part of that, nausea, fatigue. And so, we just don't feel the same going through these treatments because it's really hard. As far as the psych bubble, I'm usually referencing a Venn diagram here. Psychological, so when we experience anxiety or depression or performance anxiety, that plays a big role. So, we need to take a step back and realize that what happens up here in our brain has a huge impact on how our bodies function physically. And then as far as the social aspect, that's our relationships, our interpersonal relationships with our partner, our spouse, with our family and how things are going on at work. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can affect all of those. And so, it's not just a magic pill to improve your libido because if we don't treat all these other things, people continue to struggle with their sexual function. Laura Dugger: (18:01 - 19:46) Duplexes, studios and garden style options located in many areas throughout Pekin. In Peoria, a historic downtown location and apartments adjacent to the OSF Medical Center provide excellent choices. Check out their brand-new luxury property in Peoria Heights overlooking the boutique shops and fine dining on Prospect. And in Morton, they offer a variety of apartment homes with garages, a hot downtown location and now a brand-new high-end complex near Idlewood Park. Their beautiful, spacious apartments with private garages in a quiet but convenient location await you in Washington. And if you're looking in Canton, don't miss Village Square Apartments. Renters may be excited to learn about their flexible leases, pet-friendly locations and even mini storage units available in some locations. Leman Property Management Co. has a knowledgeable and helpful staff, including several employees with over 30 years working with this reputable company. If you want to become a part of their team, contact them about open office positions. They're also hiring in their maintenance department, so we invite you to find out why so many people have chosen to make a career with them. Check them out on Facebook today or email their friendly staff at Leasing@LemanProps.com. You can also stop by their website at lemanproperties.com. That's LEMANproperties.com. Check them out and find your place to call home today. Also, Dr. Kris, are there any certain cancers or treatments that have the most detrimental impact on a person's sex life? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (19:48 - 23:15) We know that cancers that affect the breast, for women, but men too get breast cancer, and also the genital area have the biggest impact. We've talked a fair amount about breast cancer. Many of the treatments for breast cancer result in early menopause. If a woman is premenopausal when this happens, menopause can have a definite impact. The treatments can cause the pain and dryness and decrease sensitivity. Also, if surgery is involved in a mastectomy, it can affect our own body self-image. From a more physical standpoint too, when we have the mastectomy and those nerves are cut, it decreases the sensitivity. For a lot of women, breast stimulation is really important as part of their sexual play. If now her breasts are gone and she can't feel anything when her husband is touching her breasts, that can be a really hard adjustment. Any cancers that affect the genital area, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, or anal rectal cancer for both men and women, and prostate cancer for men, those all have a huge impact. In addition to working with a lot of women who have breast cancer and overcoming and improving those areas, I work with a lot of men who have prostate cancer. Those treatments usually result in erection problems and urinary incontinence, which can be hard to deal with. Men who have a prostatectomy, so if they have their prostate removed, then 100% of them are going to have erectile dysfunction in the beginning. It's going to take time for those nerves to recover, and it may take up to two years to see that full recovery. In those first few months when I'm working with men, I'm trying to be their cheerleader, saying, don't lose hope, don't give up, because this is going to get better. It just takes time for those nerves to regrow. In the process, though, it is important to do whatever we can to make sure that that tissue stays healthy. Remember that the penis is actually muscle, muscle tissue, smooth muscle. If we don't use a muscle for several months, atrophy sets in, which is a bad thing. With atrophy, the penis can shrink in size, and scar tissue potentially can set in, and it just makes that recovery less optimal than what it would have been. Trying to maintain the blood flow during those first few months or first year is really helpful. Just to help maintain the blood flow and the oxygen to help keep the tissues healthy, so when the tenders do recover as best as they're going to, we get the best outcome. Laura Dugger: (23:16 - 23:36) This may be an ignorant question, but then if erectile issues are present during that first time period, but it's crucial to have the blood flow to that area, what can men do to increase blood flow there, even if erection is difficult or impossible? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (23:36 - 25:01) That's a great question. Taking a medication like Viagra or Cialis. Cialis is my favorite because it stays in the system for a good 36 to 48 hours every time you take it. If you're just taking a low dose every day, it just encourages a little bit of that blood flow every day. Using a vacuum device, which I just happen to have one right here, looks like this. A penis goes inside the cylinder, we create a vacuum or suction, and it pulls the blood flow in. It's not the most sexy thing, but using it and using the vacuum device several times a week just to get that blood flow going is a very helpful way to keep the tissues healthy. Getting an erection with the vacuum doesn't get those arousal-type feelings, so it looks a little weird, but it does work. For men who want to use this for sexual activity, you can get the erection within the tube, and then it comes with these tight rings that are stretched over the edge of the cylinder. Once you get the full erection within the tube, you slide that ring off to maintain the erection. Laura Dugger: (25:04 - 25:14) That's incredible just to pause and think of God's grace and these inventions and how incredible that there are solutions. Please continue, but I find that encouraging. Dr. Kris Christiansen: (25:16 - 27:39) There are all kinds of encouraging things, but if you're in the middle of this journey, it can be sometimes hard to keep going when you're not getting the results that you want to. But we believe in a big God, and he created sexual intimacy, and it's a gift. Other ways to help manage erectile dysfunction and a couple other show-and-tell things here. This medication is called Muse. The actual medication is a pellet that comes preloaded in this applicator. You insert it in the tip of the penis, the medication gets absorbed, and 10 minutes later, magic happens. I don't prescribe this very often because it's really, really expensive, a little harder to find. But the advantage to this medication is that it doesn't need the nerves to work, whereas the medications like Viagra and Cialis, they need the nerves. Guys usually kind of turn white when I pull this out. For our listeners, I'm holding an insulin syringe and needle. There is such a treatment where you can actually inject a tiny amount of medicine directly into the penis, and it will give you an erection. I tell men that with the pills like Viagra and Cialis, just in general with ED, it works in about 60% of men. We can get this to work, the injections to work, in 90-95%. It's such a tiny needle that men say it feels like a poke or a pinch once they get past that initial shock that they think is going to hurt. The usual response is, oh, that wasn't so bad, and it's very effective. This can work within four to six weeks, so whenever your surgeon says it's okay to engage in sexual activity again, this will work. Then last but not least is a penile implant. That's surgery, and that you have to wait at least a year, if not two, after the prostate surgery. That works in 99.99%. Wow. Laura Dugger: (27:40 - 27:56) We were focusing a lot on men for that one. Is there any medication or any other injections or anything like that for women, other than the vaginal cream or different ways to get estrogen in the vagina? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (27:58 - 31:15) Yes, we've got all kinds of treatments. If a woman has breast cancer, or for whatever reason we want to avoid hormones as much as possible, then generally we're starting with a vaginal moisturizer, which is different than a lubricant. A lubricant is just for sexual activity and just to make things slipperier and feel better. That often helps in the beginning, but as the GSM or the atrophy continues, the lubricant isn't enough. A moisturizer, think of like a facial moisturizer or a moisturizer for your hand, in order for it to work, you have to use it regularly, which is probably at least three times a week. These moisturizers can come in forms of a liquid that gets injected. They're little capsules that you can insert. Reveri is a hyaluronic acid suppository, which you insert in the vagina and over time that can be really helpful. One of my favorites is this Rosebud Everyday Balm. It's a really nice balm that you can put on the tissues inside the lips and inside the vagina. It's just really, really soothing. Again, you've got to use these things regularly. It will take a good two months at least to see the full effect, so it doesn't work right away. Just like with the guys where they've got to be patient with the nerves, we have to be persistent and patient with things that can work. A vaginal moisturizer is really helpful. A lubricant for sexual activity. There are over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help with arousal and orgasm. There are two approved medications for the treatment of low libido in premenopausal women. One is Addi, which is a pill that you take every day, also known as the pink pill. Another treatment is Vilece, which is an injection. It comes in a pen, so you never see the needle and really don't feel the needle. You give it to yourself about 45 minutes to an hour before sexual activity. Both of these medications are working on the brain chemistry because the brain is the biggest sex organ in the body. It's the most important sex organ. It works on the brain chemistry and improving the dopamine and norepinephrine and the good sex positive hormones. Like I said, it's only approved for premenopausal women, but many of us do prescribe it for postmenopausal women. We have studies to show that it's safe and it's effective. The drug companies didn't go through with all the rigmarole they had to do to get the FDA-approved indication for that. We've got all kinds of tricks up our sleeve. Laura Dugger: (31:16 - 31:26) Absolutely. Just piggybacking on that, they wouldn't oftentimes follow through on all those studies, would you say primarily because of financial restraints? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (31:27 - 31:41) Totally. To get a medication approved for female sexual function, it's multi-million, if not a billion dollars. Studies and everything that needs to be done, it's crazy. That's why these meds are so expensive. Laura Dugger: (31:42 - 32:14) Then you also mentioned earlier bringing in the quality of life. There are so many options to consider, but such a personal basis. I had another question that arose. You kind of were answering that because this one works with the brain chemistry. I'm thinking the body parts may be functioning and you can do different things to have an erection or be aroused with your genitalia, but how is desire affected with cancer? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (32:16 - 35:03) It's huge, unfortunately. Again, if we go back to that biopsychosocial model and for everything to work well, everything's got to be working well. If we have pain, of course that drives down desire. We use the analogy of putting your hand on a hot stove. Pain with sex can hurt just as badly as that. I have women tell me it's 10 out of 10 pain feels like shards of glass. Obviously, that's not pleasant. If we compare that to putting your hand on a hot stove, why in the world would you want to do that? We've got to take care of the pain. When it comes to pain, it becomes imprinted in the brain and the body responds by just amplifying that pain. You've got more pain and you have less desire. Part of GSM or surgery or chemotherapy and other treatments, radiation, can affect the nerves. We don't get those positive sensations and the arousal anymore. There's arousal in the brain as well as arousal in the genital area. If we're not getting that positive feedback that this just isn't fun anymore, it's hard to get enthused about engaging in that. Sex therapy can be really helpful. Sex therapy isn't going to fix thin tissues, but a sex therapist is very skilled and trained at working with people and working with couples on trying to process this, working through the process and the changes that are happening. Sometimes it is a permanent change in sexual function, so there's grief involved. Helping to process through some of that is really important. But again, if we take a step back and remember that sexual intimacy is more than just PIV sex, that there are all kinds of ways to be able to give and receive pleasure, as long as each person is comfortable with this. And moving beyond the thinking that, well, if I can't have intercourse, I'm not going to have anything at all, then that may mean you might not have anything at all for the rest of your life. That makes me sad. We just have to take a step back, work through some of this, because it's a journey, it's a cancer journey, it's an aging journey, and try to make the most of it. Laura Dugger: (35:04 - 36:32) I want to make sure that you're up to date with our latest news. We have a new website. You can visit thesavvysauce.com and see all of the latest updates. You may remember Francie Hinrichsen from episode 132, where we talked about pursuing our God-given dreams. She is the amazing businesswoman who has carefully designed a brand-new website for Savvy Sauce Charities, and we are thrilled with the final product. So, I hope you check it out. There you're going to find all of our podcasts, now with show notes and transcriptions listed, a scrapbook of various previous guests, and an easy place to join our email list to receive monthly encouragement and questions to ask your loved ones so that you can have your own practical chats for intentional living. You will also be able to access our donation button or our mailing address for sending checks that are tax deductible so that you can support the work of Savvy Sauce Charities and help us continue to reach the nations with the good news of Jesus Christ. So, make sure you visit thesavvysauce.com. What are some of those examples for someone if they can't have PIV sex anymore? What are ways that you encourage continuing to build intimacy and a knowing of one another and offering and receiving pleasure? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (36:34 - 41:17) Well, starting with making sure each person is on the same page as far as what they're comfortable with. Okay? Communication is key. To be able to talk about what you want, what you desire, what your needs are, and listening to your partner say that same thing, trying to make no judgments and not forcing anybody into anything, but just so that we can help understand each other. And when it comes to actual giving and receiving pleasure, whether that's with manual stimulation, with your hands, with your fingers, or if you have a massager, oral stimulation, using a vibrator. And a vibrator can be really helpful for women in menopause, women dealing with cancer treatments, and also for men if they need a little extra help with the stimulation because their nerves aren't working so well. A vibrator, using it together in the context of giving and receiving pleasure can help, just help with the response, help with the enjoyment, and make it a little more fun, as long as everybody's okay with that. Using a lubricant is really important. And a good lubricant, you want to use a good lubricant because some of the more common ones, unfortunately, have ingredients in them that can actually hurt or irritate. And like KY and Astroglide, sorry to name names here, but they're basic water-based lubricants, have either glycerin, parabens, or propylene glycol in them, and those can irritate, so we want to try to avoid those. A silicone-based lubricant doesn't have those preservatives, and it stays slippery longer. Where we have to be careful with that is that if you're using a silicone tool, otherwise known as a vibrator, you don't want to use those together because it can ruin the tool. And if the man is struggling with ED, using too much, especially of a silicone lubricant, can make it too slippery. And too slippery is not so good for him. Oil-based lubricants, they're very nice, except if you're using condoms, it will degrade the condom and create other problems, potentially. Other ways to stimulate, manually, orally, and when women have pain with intercourse, I'm going to bring in another show-and-tell here, the pain is often coming from the vulva, not so much in the vagina. We talk about vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy, but the part that's most sensitive is often just right inside the little lips here. And so, if we have terrible pain with penetration, we want to avoid that. However, the whole surrounding vulvar area is very rich in nerves, can be very much stimulated, and it can feel really good, however each person is comfortable stimulating that area. And another fun fact is that this entire structure is the clitoris. You know, when we think of the clitoris, we think of the glands, this tiny little magic button right here, which, by the way, has 10,000 nerve endings in it. It's incredible. But the legs, the legs are the cruise of the clitoris, as well as the bulbs. They come down on either side of the vagina. So, the vagina is here. However, this part of the clitoris can easily be stimulated, so the legs of the clitoris can be easily stimulated, just inside the labia majora, or the outer lips. So, using a vibrator here can be really pleasurable, and you're avoiding the part that hurts. So, stimulating externally the clitoris, the labia, and wherever else feels good can be very fun. And so, if you try to approach it may be like a game, making it fun and exploring each other's bodies so that you can really figure out ways to make the other person feel good or experience pleasure without causing pain. Laura Dugger: (41:18 - 41:43) That's so great. And like you had mentioned, if they go see a Christian sex therapist, they would say the same thing as you to stop when there is pain, because it just makes it worse over time. And so, I love that you've given us other options, if that is the case. Is there ever a time where orgasm is no longer possible after cancer? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (41:46 - 43:14) It's possible. Yes. Depending on the cancer and the treatment, that it can make it really difficult or even impossible to get there. But that's where we want to not focus on orgasm as the ultimate goal, because if we engage in sexual activity with orgasm as the ultimate goal, your brain's not going to let you go there, whether it's the male or the female, either one, the brain is the biggest sex organ in the body. Just trying to go for the gold just won't let you get there. So, you have to relax and enjoy the journey regardless. So even if the cancer or the treatment didn't necessarily affect orgasm or if it's just our brains, my encouragement is to approach a sexual encounter as an experience. Enjoy the experience. It's not a performance. We don't want to perform because then we get in our head, and we get nervous and our muscles all tighten up. So, we don't want to perform. We want to enjoy the experience, and it can be very pleasurable. Even if orgasm isn't part of the picture anymore, it doesn't mean you can't have fun and can't connect because you can. Laura Dugger: (43:15 - 43:25) But then I guess also to offer the hope, if I ask it a different way, are there times that orgasm is still possible after a cancer diagnosis? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (43:27 - 44:01) Absolutely. We always have hope. We always have hope. Just because you're diagnosed with cancer doesn't mean you're not going to be able to engage in PIV sex or be able to experience an orgasm because that's always a possibility. Don't focus on just getting to the big orgasm. You want to slow down, enjoy the journey, and oftentimes it will come. There are medications that help with blood flow, that help with arousal and orgasm, and sometimes they can be helpful. Sometimes they're not, but usually it doesn't hurt to try them. Laura Dugger: (44:02 - 44:26) There you go. That's a very helpful reminder. It's a piece of the puzzle, not the whole thing. But if someone right now is walking through their own cancer journey, what else would you advise them both to do and to avoid doing so that they can still enjoy the healthiest sex life possible with their spouse? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (44:29 - 47:19) That's going to involve several pieces. One, first and foremost, maintain the communication about wants and desires, what hurts, what doesn't, what can we do, what do you want to try tonight? Maintaining the communication. It's much better to prevent problems like the vaginal dryness and pain than to try to treat it after you've been dealing with it for years sometimes, or even months. If you have, say, breast cancer, just getting in the habit of using one of those vaginal moisturizers from the get-go even before the dryness starts can help prevent problems. Seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist can be really, really helpful. A pelvic floor physical therapist is a physical therapist who specializes in these pelvic floor muscles that help support everything on the inside. And so if these muscles are too tight, causes pain, and if they're already too tight, doing tangles is the last thing that you want to do, because sometimes it means being able to relax them. Or women who have, who need pelvic radiation, say for uterine cancer, the gynecologic oncologist is usually really good about giving you a vaginal dilator and to use it, but they're not always really good at telling you exactly how to use it, how frequently and how long, so be sure and ask. Because again, we want to maintain the integrity of the tissues, because it's better to maintain them than try to get it back. That's often quite hard. For guys, especially with prostate cancer, it means participating in that, we call it penile rehabilitation. So, it's basically physical therapy for the penis. You know, its muscle, so we want to keep that muscle healthy and to help maintain healthy tissues. And just trying to be as good to ourselves as we can, giving ourselves and our partners grace when we need it, because it's a journey and it's not an easy one. But we believe in a big God and he's there to help us through this and he delights when husband and wife can unite as one, whatever that looks like. And it makes him happy and he's there to try to keep this going for us. Laura Dugger: (47:21 - 47:40) And you may have already answered this question with that, but I love how you're always encouraging and gentle and full of hope. So, any other hope that you want to share with anyone who's battled cancer or is in the midst of their journey, but they're still desiring to connect intimately with their spouse? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (47:47 - 48:33) Sometimes it means asking for help. So, for finding a provider, whether that's a therapist, a gynecologist, a sexual medicine provider, or even your pastor counselor to help you through this. In the show notes, we'll put in websites where you can find a provider because not everybody is educated. Hardly anybody's educated on this, unfortunately. But there are people out there throughout the country, throughout the world, where you can find to help guide you on this journey. Don't suffer in silence. We're here to help. So be sure to reach out so we can help you. Laura Dugger: (48:33 - 48:50) That's so good, Dr. Christiansen. And are there any other proactive measures that all of us can take to set us up for a healthy sex life into aging or any diagnoses that we may get in the future? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (48:53 - 50:38) Well, treating our body like a temple, like God says. We have to take good care of ourselves. And just in general, going for your preventative visits and checking your cholesterol and your blood sugar and your blood pressure and screening for cancer so we can prevent them or catch them really early. And it's so much easier to treat. But things like smoking and diabetes and being overweight and high blood pressure, high cholesterol, they impact sexual function very negatively, especially smoking. Guys are still surprised when I tell them, or I show them a picture of a cigarette with ashes that are kind of wilting off the end. This is your penis. This is what happens with smoking. Okay. So quitting smoking. And in women, we have those same little blood vessels and nerves that men do. And so not taking care of ourselves as far as weight, exercise and diabetes and all that stuff, that affects our sexual function, too. So just making sure that we take a proactive stance on just taking really good care of our medical and our mental health because that's so important. And our spiritual health. Can't forget that, too. Yeah. Just, you know, taking care of ourselves because aging does impact sexual function. As we get older, our endurance isn't quite what it used to be. Certainly not as flexible as we used to be. Things kind of hurt. Achy joints and whatever. So, the more we can take care of ourselves, the more we can enjoy that sexual intimacy, which does involve a little bit of physical exertion. Laura Dugger: (50:39 - 51:03) Absolutely. Well, you've shared a lot of places where we can go to seek help. But I would love to know where we can continue to learn from you or a website where people can find out more of your offerings because you mentioned not many people are educated in this field or on this topic, but you are a great resource. So where would you direct all of us after this chat? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (51:05 - 52:23) Well, I started my own business called Intimate Focus, Intimate-Focus.com. Where my goal is to offer education and quality products that people can use to help equip them and enhance sexual intimacy. As part of my clinical career where I see patients, we'd often talk about using a good lubricant or getting a vibrator to help with those nerves that just aren't quite as effective anymore. And so many times they told me they were just not comfortable going to an adult store or they didn't want to purchase them on Amazon because it could be a shared account and kids or whatever may see what they're ordering. So, this is a private and secure site and I don't even know how to sell your email so don't worry, that's not going to happen. Where you can purchase good quality products, I vet them out myself to make sure that they don't contain the ingredients that I encourage women to avoid and no pictures with nudity or anything like that because I want it to be a comfortable space or at least as comfortable as we can make it for everybody. Laura Dugger: (52:24 - 52:43) Wonderful. Well, I'll certainly link that in the show notes as well. And Dr. Christiansen, you are already a friend of The Savvy Sauce, so you know that we're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, what is your Savvy Sauce? Dr. Kris Christiansen: (52:46 - 53:15) Well, you know, James in the Bible is a very practical kind of guy and I love his advice that we should all be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. And if we were all able to do that or at least just a little more of that, I think our world would be a much better place to live. Laura Dugger: (53:16 - 53:42) This is so good. I cannot hear that verse enough and I just truly look so forward to the times that I get to spend with you. You are such a calming presence full of wisdom. That's what we prayed for before we had the recording begin for today. And I am just overflowing with gratitude. So, thank you, Dr. Christiansen, for all that you've shared. Thank you so much for being my returning guest. Dr. Kris Christiansen: (53:43 - 53:48) Well, thank you, Laura. This has been great. It's an honor to be on your show. Laura Dugger: (53:50 - 57:32) One more thing before you go. Have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you. But it starts with the bad news. Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there is absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved. We need a savior. But God loved us so much, he made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him. That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died in our place for our sin. This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished if we choose to receive what He has done for us. Romans 10:9 says, “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” So, would you pray with me now? Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you. Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me, so me for him. You get the opportunity to live your life for him. And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you ready to get started? First, tell someone. Say it out loud. Get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes & Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it. You can start by reading the book of John. Also, get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps, such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you. We want to celebrate with you too, so feel free to leave a comment for us here if you did make a decision to follow Christ. We also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process. And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “In the same way I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today. And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.
Join us as we welcome Dr. Fauzia Riaz, Samira's oncologist, who believes in treating the whole person—not just the cancer. In this episode, we explore survivorship care: What does it truly mean? What insights does a thousand-person study reveal about different cancer survivorship care models? How can oncologists optimize treatment plans to improve quality of life for survivors? And what gaps must care providers address to ensure lasting, meaningful impact? This episode features the following PCORI study: Quality of life among cancer survivors by model of cancer survivorship care by Holly Mead.Your Cancer GPS is here! Step-by-step breast cancer maps based on what others have gone through and what oncologists recommend: https://mantacares.com/pages/new-see-how-it-works Sound Bites"You're helping me live and thank you for saving my life.""It's important to look at the emotional and psychological impact.""Survivorship is recognizing that cancer care extends beyond treatment.""Quality of life is influenced by emotional and psychological factors.""Survivorship care should be integrated from the beginning.""We need to think about how we're delivering cancer care.""Treatment optimization is going to be so important."Chapters00:00 The Journey of Cancer Care09:59 Understanding Survivorship19:50 The Impact of Treatment Models30:08 Research and Future Directions in OncologyKey Highlights:- Being attentive as a physician involves more than just careful monitoring during each step of treatment; it also requires providing support and compassion to the whole person you're treating.- The goal of survivorship is more than just surviving; it is to thrive and lead a high-quality life moving forward. There are two main survivorship care models from the study we reviewed, post-survivorship treatment and oncology-embedded survivorship. Each survivorship care model has their role.
In this Heartline Echo Episode, I sit down with Dr. Maryam Zia, a hematologist and oncologist at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, to explore the profound impact of compassionate care in challenging healthcare environments. Dr. Zia's journey serving underserved communities offers a unique perspective on the rewards and challenges of working in public healthcare. Our conversation delves into the heart of what it means to be a woman in medicine, the emotional bonds formed with patients, and the delicate balance between professional dedication and personal well-being. Dr. Zia's insights shed light on the complexities of providing care in resource-limited settings and the unexpected ways in which such work can enrich a physician's life and practice. Key highlights from our discussion include: The evolution of Dr. Zia's career path and her decision to specialize in hematology-oncology The unique challenges and rewards of working in a county hospital system Strategies for maintaining compassion and avoiding burnout in high-stress medical environments The importance of recognizing and addressing signs of professional exhaustion Reflections on the disparities in healthcare and the impact on both patients and providers Discover how to: Cultivate resilience and maintain a sense of purpose in demanding healthcare roles Navigate the emotional complexities of forming bonds with patients facing serious illnesses Implement practical strategies for self-care and boundary-setting in medical practice Find inspiration and motivation through patient interactions, even in challenging circumstances Contribute to positive change within your sphere of influence in healthcare This episode offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals at all stages of their careers, as well as anyone interested in the human side of medicine. Dr. Zia's reflections on her experiences provide a compelling look at the realities of public healthcare and the profound impact of compassionate medical practice. "I think patients really bring you back down, and it's very eye-opening every day. Not just what people are going through medically, but in their lives and their families, with their jobs. And I think we really probably get a lot more out of working there than we give." Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that bridges the gap between medical expertise and human experience. Let Dr. Zia's journey inspire you to find meaning and purpose in your own work, regardless of the challenges you face.
On the inaugural episode of ASCO Education: By the Book, Dr. Nathan Pennell and Dr. Don Dizon share reflections on the evolution of the ASCO Educational Book, its global reach, and the role of its new companion podcast to further shine a spotlight on the issues shaping the future of modern oncology. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Nathan Pennell: Hello, I'm Dr. Nate Pennell, welcoming you to the first episode of our new podcast, ASCO Education: By the Book. The podcast will feature engaging discussions between editors and authors from the ASCO Educational Book. Each month, you'll hear nuanced views on key topics in oncology featured in Education Sessions at ASCO meetings, as well as some deep dives on the advances shaping modern oncology. Although I am honored to serve as the editor-in-chief (EIC) of the ASCO Educational Book, in my day job, I am the co-director of the Cleveland Clinic Lung Cancer Program and vice chair for clinical research for the Taussig Cancer Center here in Cleveland. I'm delighted to kick off our new podcast with a discussion featuring the Ed Book's previous editor-in-chief. Dr. Don Dizon is a professor of medicine and surgery at Brown University and works as a medical oncologist specializing in breast and pelvic malignancies at Lifespan Cancer Institute in Rhode Island. Dr. Dizon also serves as the vice chair for membership and accrual at the SWOG Cancer Research Network. Don, it's great to have you here for our first episode of ASCO Education: By the Book. Dr. Don Dizon: Really nice to be here and to see you again, my friend. Dr. Nathan Pennell: This was the first thing I thought of when we were kicking off a podcast that I thought we would set the stage for our hopefully many, many listeners to learn a little bit about what the Ed Book used to be like, how it has evolved over the last 14 years or so since we both started here and where it's going. You started as editor-in-chief in 2012, is that right? Dr. Don Dizon: Oh, boy. I believe that is correct, yes. I did two 5-year stints as EIC of the Educational Book, so that sounds about right. Although you're aging me very clearly on this podcast. Dr. Nathan Pennell: I had to go back in my emails to see if I could figure out when we started on this because we've been working on it for some time. Start out a little bit by telling me what do you remember about the Ed Book from back in the day when you were applying to be editor-in-chief and thinking about the Ed Book. What was it like at that time? Dr. Don Dizon: You know, it's so interesting to think about it. Ten years ago, we were both in a very different place in our careers, and I remember when the Ed Book position came up, I had been writing a column for ASCO. I had done some editorial activities with other journals for sure, but what always struck me was it was very unclear how one was chosen to be a part of the education program at ASCO. And then it was very unclear how those faculty were then selected to write a paper for the Educational Book. And it was back in the day when the Educational Book was completely printed. So, there was this book that was cherished among American fellows in oncology. And it was one that, when I was newly attending, and certainly two or three years before the editor's position came up, it was one that I referenced all the time. So, it was a known commodity for many of us. And there was a certain sense of selectivity about who was invited to write in it. And it wasn't terribly transparent either. So, when the opportunity to apply for editor-in-chief of the Educational Book came up, I had already been doing so much work for ASCO. I had been on the planning committees and served in many roles across the organization, and editing was something I found I enjoyed in other work. So, I decided to put my name in the ring with the intention of sort of bringing the book forward, getting it indexed, for example, so that there was this credit that was more than just societal credit at ASCO. This ended up being something that was referenced and acknowledged as an important paper through PubMed indexing. And then also to provide it as a space where we could be more transparent about who was being invited and broadening the tent as to who could participate as an author in the Ed Book. Dr. Nathan Pennell: It's going to be surprising to many of our younger listeners to learn that the Educational Book used to be just this giant, almost like a brick. I mean, it was this huge tome of articles from the Education Sessions that you got when you got your meeting abstracts book at the annual meeting. And you can always see people on the plane on the way out of Chicago with their giant books. Dr. Don Dizon: Yes. Dr. Nathan Pennell: That added lots of additional weight to the plane, I'm sure, on the way out. Dr. Don Dizon: And it was not uncommon for us to be sitting at an airport, and people would be reading those books with highlighters. Dr. Nathan Pennell: I fondly remember being a fellow and coming up and the Ed Book was always really important to me, so I was excited. We'll also let the listeners in on that. I also applied to be the original editor-in-chief of the Ed Book back in 2012, although I was very junior and did not have any real editorial experience. I think I may have been section editor for The Oncologist at that point. And I had spoken to Dr. Ramaswamy Govindan at WashU who had been the previous editor-in-chief about applying and he was like, “Oh yeah. You should absolutely try that out.” And then when Dr. Dizon was chosen, I was like, “Oh, well. I guess I didn't get it.” And then out of the blue I got a call asking me to join as the associate editor, which I was really always very thankful for that opportunity. Dr. Don Dizon: Well, it was a highly fruitful collaboration, I think, between you and I when we first started. I do remember taking on the reins and sort of saying, “You know, this is our vision of what we want to do.” But then just working with the authors, which we did, about how to construct their papers and what we were looking for, all of that is something I look back really fondly on. Dr. Nathan Pennell: I think it was interesting too because neither one of us had really a lot of transparency into how things worked when we started. We kind of made it up a little bit as we went along. We wanted to get all of the faculty, or at least as many of them as possible contributing to these. And we would go to the ASCO Education Committee meeting and kind of talk about the Ed Book, and we were thinking about, you know, how could we get people to submit. So, at the time it wasn't PubMed indexed. Most people, I think, submitted individual manuscripts just from their talk, which could be anywhere from full length review articles to very brief manuscripts. Dr. Don Dizon: Sometimes it was their slides with like a couple of comments on it. Dr. Nathan Pennell: And some of them were almost like a summary of the talk. Yeah, exactly. And so sort of making that a little more uniform. There was originally an honorarium attached, which went away, but I think PubMed indexing was probably the biggest incentive for people to join. I remember that was one of the first things you really wanted to get. Dr. Don Dizon Yeah. And, you know, it was fortuitous. I'd like to take all the credit for it, but ASCO was very forward thinking with Dr. Ramaswamy and the conversations about going to PubMed with this had preceded my coming in. We knew what we needed to do to get this acknowledged, which was really strengthening the peer review so that these papers could meet the bar to get on PubMed. But you know, within the first, what, two or three years, Nate, of us doing this, we were able to get this accepted. And now it is. If you look at what PubMed did for us, it not only increased the potential of who was going to access it, but for, I think the oncology community, it allowed people access to papers by key opinion leaders that was not blocked by a paywall. And I thought that was just super important at the time. Social media was something, but it wasn't what it is now. But anybody could access these manuscripts and it's still the case today. Dr. Nathan Pennell: I think it's hard to overstate how important that was. People don't realize this, but the Ed Book is really widely accessed, especially outside the US as well. And a lot of people who can't attend the meeting to get the print, well, the once print, book could actually get access to essentially the education session from the annual meeting without having to fly all the way to the US to attend. Now, you know, we have much better virtual meeting offerings now and whatnot. But at the time it was pretty revolutionary to be able to do that. Dr. Don Dizon: Yeah, and you know, it's so interesting when I think back to, you know, this sort of evolution to a fully online publication of the Ed Book. It was really some requests from international participants of the annual meeting who really wanted to continue to see this in print. At that time, it was important to recognize that access to information was not uniform across the world. And people really wanted that print edition, maybe not for themselves, but so that access in more rural areas or where access in the broadband networks were not established that they still could access the book. I think things have changed now. We were able, I think, in your tenure, to see it fully go online. But even I just remember that being a concern as we went forward. Dr. Nathan Pennell: Yeah, we continued with the print book that was available if people asked for it, but apparently few enough people asked for it that it moved fully online. One of the major advantages of being fully online now is of course, it does allow us to publish kind of in real time as the manuscripts come out in the months leading up to the meeting, which has been, I think, a huge boon because it can build momentum for the Education Sessions coming in. People, you know, really look forward to it. Dr. Don Dizon: Yeah, that was actually a concern, you know, when we were phasing out Ed Book and going to this continuous publication model where authors actually had the ability to sort of revise their manuscript and that would be automatically uploaded. You had a static manuscript that was fully printed, and it was no longer an accurate one. And we did have the ability to fix it. And it just goes to show exactly what you're saying. This idea that these are living papers was really an important thing that ASCO embraced quite early, I think. Dr. Nathan Pennell: And with the onset of PubMed indexing, the participation from faculty skyrocketed and almost within a couple of years was up to the vast majority of sessions and faculty participating. Now I think people really understand that this is part of the whole process. But at the time I remember writing out on my slides in all caps, “THIS IS AN EXPECTATION.” And that's about the best word I could give because I asked if we could make people do it, and they were like, no, you can't make people do it. Dr. Don Dizon: So right. Actually, I don't think people are aware of the work on the back end every year when I was on as EIC, Nate and myself, and then subsequently Dr. Hope Rugo would have these informational sessions with the education faculty and we would tout the Ed Book, tout the expectation, tout it was PubMed indexed and tout multidisciplinary participation. So, we were not seeing four manuscripts reflecting one session. You know, this encouragement to really embrace multidisciplinary care was something that very early on we introduced and really encouraged people not to submit perspective manuscripts, but to really get them in and then harmonize the paper so that it felt like it was, you know, one voice. Dr. Nathan Pennell: I consider that after PubMed indexing, the next major change to the Ed Book, that really made it a better product and that was moving from, you know, just these short individual single author manuscripts to single session combined manuscript that had multiple perspectives and topics, really much more comprehensive review articles. And I don't even remember what the impetus was for that, but it was really a success. Dr. Don Dizon: Yeah, I mean, I think in the beginning it was more of a challenge, I think, because people were really not given guidance on what these papers were supposed to look like. So, we were seeing individual manuscripts come forward. Looking back, it really foreshadowed the importance of multidisciplinary management. But at the time, it was really more about ensuring that people were leaving the session with a singular message of what to do when you're in clinic again. And the goal was to have the manuscripts reflect that sort of consensus view of a topic that was coming in. There were certain things that people still argued would not fit in a multidisciplinary manuscript. You know, if you have someone who's writing and whose entire talk was on the pathology of thyroid cancer. Another topic was on survivorship after thyroid cancer. It was hard to sort of get those two to interact and cover what was being covered. So, we were still getting that. But you're right, at the end of my tenure and into yours, there were far fewer of those individual manuscripts. Dr. Nathan Pennell: And I think it's even made it easier to write because now, you know, you just have to write a section of a manuscript and not put together an entire review. So, it has helped with getting people on board. Dr. Don Dizon: Well, the other thing I thought was really interesting about the process is when you're invited to do an Education Session at ASCO, you're either invited as a faculty speaker or as the chair of the session. And the responsibility of the chair is to ensure that it flows well and that the talks are succinct based on what the agenda or the objectives were as defined by the education committee for that specific group. But that was it. So really being named “Chair” was sort of an honor, an honorific. It really didn't come with responsibility. So, we use the Ed Book as a way to say, “As chair of the session, it is your responsibility to ensure A, a manuscript comes to me, but B, that the content of that paper harmonizes and is accurate.” And it was very rare, but Nate, I think we got dragged into a couple of times where the accuracy of the manuscript was really called into question by the chair. And those were always very, very tricky discussions because everyone that gets invited to ASCO is a recognized leader in their field. Some of us, especially, I would probably say, dating back 10 years from today, the data behind Standards of Care were not necessarily evidence-based. So, there were a lot of opinion-based therapies. You know, maybe not so much in the medical side, but certainly some of it. But when you went to, you know, surgical treatments and maybe even radiotherapy treatments, it was really based on, “My experience at my center is this and this is why I do what I do.” But those kinds of things ended up being some of the more challenging things to handle as an editor. Dr. Nathan Pennell: And those are the– I'll use “fun” in a broad sense. You know, every once in a while, you get an article where it really does take a lot of hands-on work from the editor to work with the author to try to revise it and make it a suitable academic manuscript. But you know what? I can't think, at least in recent years, of any manuscripts that we turned down. They just sometimes needed a little TLC. Dr. Don Dizon: Yeah. And I think the other important thing it reminds me of is how great it was that I wasn't doing this by myself. Because it was so great to be able to reach out to you and say, “Can you give me your take on this paper?” Or, “Can you help me just join a conference call with the authors to make sure that we're on the same page?” And then on the rare example where we were going to reject a paper, it was really important that we, as the editorial team, and I include our ASCO shepherder, through the whole process. We had to all agree that this was not salvageable. Fortunately, it happened very rarely. But I've got to say, not doing this job alone was one of the more important facets of being the EIC of ASCO's Educational Book. Dr. Nathan Pennell: Well, it's nice to hear you say that. I definitely felt that this was a partnership, you know, it was a labor of love. So, I want to go to what I consider sort of the third major pillar of the changes to the Ed Book during your tenure, and that was the introduction of a whole new kind of manuscript. So up to, I don't know, maybe seven or eight years ago, all the articles were authored just by people who were presenting at the Annual Meeting. And then you had an idea to introduce invited manuscripts. So take me through that. Dr. Don Dizon: Yeah, well, you know, again, it went to this sort of, what can people who are being asked to sort of lead ASCO for that year, what can they demonstrate as sort of a more tangible contribution to the Society and to oncology in general? And I think that was the impetus to use the Ed Book for everyone who was in a leadership position to make their mark. That said, I was here, and I was either president of the society or I was Education Program Chair or Scientific Program Chair, and they got to select an article type that was not being covered in the annual meeting and suggest the authors and work with those authors to construct a manuscript. Never did any one of those folks suggest themselves, which I thought was fascinating. They didn't say, “I want to be the one to write this piece,” because this was never meant to be a presidential speech or a commemorative speech or opportunity for them as leaders. But we wanted to ensure that whatever passion they had within oncology was represented in the book. And again, it was this sort of sense of, I want everyone to look at the Ed Book and see themselves in it and see what they contributed. And that was really important for those who were really shepherding each Annual Meeting each year for ASCO that they had the opportunity to do that. And I was really pleased that leadership really took to that idea and were very excited about bringing ideas and also author groups into the Educational Book who would not have had the opportunity otherwise. I thought that was just really nice. It was about inclusiveness and just making sure that people had the opportunity to say, “If you want to participate, we want you to participate.” Dr. Nathan Pennell: Yeah, I agree. I think the ASCO leadership jumped on this and continues to still really appreciate the opportunity to be able to kind of invite someone on a topic that's meaningful to them. I think we've tried to work in things that incorporate the presidential theme each year in our invited manuscript, so it really allows them to put kind of a stamp on the flavor of each edition. And the numbers reflect that these tend to be among our more highly read articles as well. Dr. Don Dizon: You know, looking back on what we did together, that was something I'm really, really quite proud of, that we were able to sort of help the Educational Book evolve that way. Dr. Nathan Pennell: I agree. You brought up briefly a few minutes ago about social media and its role over time. I think when we started in 2012, I had just joined Twitter now X in 2011, and I think we were both sort of early adopters in the social media. Do you feel like social media has had a role in the growth of the Ed Book or is this something that you think we can develop further? Dr. Don Dizon: When we were doing Ed Book together, professional social media was actually a quite identified space. You know, we were all on the same platform. We analyzed what the outcomes were on that platform and our communities gathered on that platform. So, it was a really good place to highlight what we were publishing, especially as we went to continuous publishing. I don't remember if it was you or me, but we even started asking our authors for a tweet and those tweets needed work. It was you. It was you or I would actually lay in these tweets to say, “Yeah, we need to just, you know, work on this.” But I think it's harder today. There's no one preferred platform. Alternate platforms are still evolving. So, I think there are opportunities there. The question is: Is that opportunity meaningful enough for the Ed Book to demonstrate its return on an investment, for example? What I always thought about social media, and it's still true today, is that it will get eyes on whatever you're looking at far beyond who you intended to see it. So, you know, your tweets regarding a phase 3 clinical trial in lung cancer, which were so informative, were reaching me, who was not a lung oncologist who doesn't even see lung cancer and getting me more interested in finding that article and more and more pointing to the Educational Book content that speaks to that piece, you know. And I think coupling an impression of the data, associating that with something that is freely accessed is, I think, a golden opportunity not only for our colleagues, but also for anyone who's interested in a topic. Whether you are diagnosed with that cancer or you are taking care of someone with that cancer, or you heard about that cancer, there are people who would like to see information that is relevant and embedded and delivered by people who know what they're talking about. And I think our voices on social media are important because of it. And I think that's where the contribution is. So, if we had to see what the metric was for any social media efforts, it has to be more of the click rates, not just by ASCO members, but the click rates across societies and across countries. Dr. Nathan Pennell: Yeah, social media is, I mean, obviously evolving quite a bit in the last couple of years. But I do know that in terms the alt metrics for the track access through social media and online, the ones that are shared online by the authors, by the Ed Book team, do seem to get more attention. I think a lot of people don't like to just sit with a print journal anymore or an email table of contents for specific journals. People find these articles that are meaningful to them through their network and oftentimes that is online on social media. Dr. Don Dizon: Yes, 100%. And you know what I think we should encourage people to do is look at the source. And if the Ed Book becomes a source of information, I think that will be a plus to the conversations in our world. We're still dealing with a place where, depending on who sponsored the trial, whether it was an industry-sponsored trial, whether it was NCI sponsored or sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, for example, access to the primary data sets may or may not be available across the world, but the Ed Book is. And if the Ed Book can summarize that data and use terms and words that are accessible no matter what your grade level of education is. If we can explain the graphs and the figures in a way that people can actually easily more understand it. If there's a way that we structure our conversations in the Ed Book so that the plethora of inclusion/exclusion criteria are summarized and simplified, then I think we can achieve a place where good information becomes more accessible, and we can point to a summary of the source data in places where the source is not available. Dr. Nathan Pennell: One of the other things that I continue to be surprised at how popular these podcasts are. And that gives you an opportunity pretty much the opposite. Instead of sort of a nugget that directs you to the source material, you've got a more in-depth discussion of the manuscript. And so, I'm delighted that we have our own podcast. For many years, the Ed Book would sort of do a sort of a “Weird Al takeover” of the ASCO Daily News Podcast for a couple of episodes around the Annual Meeting, and I think those were always really popular enough that we were able to argue that we deserved our own podcast. And I'm really looking forward to having these in-depth discussions with authors. Dr. Don Dizon: It's an amazing evolution of where the Ed Book has gone, right? We took it from print only, societally only, to something that is now accessed worldwide via PubMed. We took it from book to fully online print. And now I think making the content live is a natural next step. So, I applaud you for doing the podcast and giving people an opportunity actually to discuss what their article discusses. And if there's a controversial point, giving them the freedom and the opportunity to sort of give more nuanced views on what may not be something that there's 100% consensus over. Dr. Nathan Pennell: Yes. Well, I hope other people enjoy these as well. Just want to highlight a few of the things that have happened just in the couple years since you stepped down as editor-in-chief. One of them, and I don't know if you noticed, but last year we started adding manuscripts from the ASCO thematic meetings, so ASCO GI and ASCO GU, something we had certainly talked about in the past, but had lacked bandwidth to really do. And they seem to be pretty widely accessed. Dr. Don Dizon: That's fantastic. Yes, I do remember talking about the coverage of the thematic meetings and you're right, this takes a long time to sort of concentrate on the Annual Meeting. It may seem like everything happens in the span of like eight weeks. Dr. Nathan Pennell: It does feel like that sometimes. Dr. Don Dizon: Right? But this is actually something that starts a year before, once the education program is set. We're in the room when they set it. But then it's really chasing down manuscripts and then making sure that they're peer reviewed because the peer review is still really important, and then making sure that any revisions are made before it's finalized and goes to press. That is a many months process. So, when we're trying to introduce, “Oh, we should also do ASCO GU or-,” the question was, how do you want to do that given this very, very involved process going forward? So, I'm glad you were able to figure it out. Dr. Nathan Pennell: Well, it's challenging. I don't think people realize quite the compressed timeline for these. You know, the Education Session and authors and invited faculty are picked in the fall, and then basically you have to start turning in your manuscripts in February, March of the following year. And so, it's a really tight turnaround for this. When we talk about the ASCO thematic meetings, it's an even tighter window. Dr. Don Dizon: Right, exactly. Dr. Nathan Pennell: And so, it's challenging to get that moving, but I was really, really proud that we were able to pull that off. Dr. Don Dizon: Well, congratulations again. And I think that is a necessary step, because so much of what's going on in the various disease management sites is only covered cursorily through the Annual Meeting itself. I mean, there's just so much science breaking at any one time that I think if we want to comprehensively catalog the Year in Review in oncology, it kind of behooves us to do that. Dr. Nathan Pennell: Some other things that are coming up because we now have manuscripts that are going to be coming in year-round, and just to kind of make it easier on the editorial staff, we're going to be forming an editorial board. And in addition to our pool of reviewers who get ASCO points, please feel free to go online to the ASCO volunteer portal and sign up if you are interested in participating. So, moving forward, I'm really excited to see where things are going to go. Dr. Don Dizon: Well, that's great. That's great. And I do remember talking about whether or not we needed to have an editorial board. At least when I was there, having this carried by three people was always better than having it carried by one person. And I think as you expand the potential for submissions, it will be very helpful to have that input for sure. And then it gives another opportunity for more members to get involved in ASCO as well. Dr. Nathan Pennell: Absolutely. People want involvement, and so happy to provide that. Dr. Don Dizon: Yes. Dr. Nathan Pennell: Is there anything we didn't cover that you would like to mention before we wrap up? Dr. Don Dizon: Well, I will say this, that ASCO and through its publications not only has had this real emphasis on multidisciplinary management of cancers, especially where it was relevant, but it also always had a stand to ensure representation was front and center and who wrote for us. And I think every president, every chair that I've worked with naturally embraced that idea of representation. And I think it has been a distinct honor to say that during my tenure as EIC, we have always had a plethora of voices, of authors from different countries, of genders, that have participated in the construction of those books. And it stands as a testament that we are a global community and we will always be one. Dr. Nathan Pennell: Well, thank you for that. And I'm happy to continue that as we move forward. Well, Don, thank you. It's been great speaking with you. You played such a pivotal role in the Ed Book's evolution and I'm so glad you were able to join me for our inaugural episode. Dr. Don Dizon: Well, I'm just tickled that you asked me to be your first guest. Thank you so much, Nate. Dr. Nathan Pennell: And I also want to thank our listeners for joining us today. We hope you'll join us again for more insightful views on topics you'll be hearing at the Education Sessions from ASCO meetings throughout the year, as well as our periodic deep dives on advances that are shaping modern oncology. Have a great day. Disclaimer: The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this podcast express their own opinions, experience and conclusions. Guest statements on the podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement. Follow today's speakers: Dr. Nathan Pennell @n8pennell @n8pennell.bsky.social Dr. Don Dizon @drdondizon.bsky.social Follow ASCO on social media: @ASCO on X (formerly Twitter) ASCO on Bluesky ASCO on Facebook ASCO on LinkedIn Disclosures: Dr. Nathan Pennell: Consulting or Advisory Role: AstraZeneca, Lilly, Cota Healthcare, Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genentech, Amgen, G1 Therapeutics, Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Viosera, Xencor, Mirati Therapeutics, Janssen Oncology, Sanofi/Regeneron Research Funding (Inst): Genentech, AstraZeneca, Merck, Loxo, Altor BioScience, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Jounce Therapeutics, Mirati Therapeutics, Heat Biologics, WindMIL, Sanofi Dr. Don Dizon: Stock and Other Ownership Interests: Midi, Doximity Honoraria: UpToDate, American Cancer Society Consulting or Advisory Role: AstraZeneca, Clovis Oncology, Kronos Bio, Immunogen Research Funding (Institution): Bristol-Myers Squibb
In this episode of the Homegrown Podcast, host Liz Haselmayer speaks with Dr. Laura James, a board-certified naturopathic breast oncologist, about the complexities of breast cancer, its incidence, and the importance of an integrative approach to treatment. They discuss the role of genetics, nutrition, emotional well-being, and the significance of building a supportive healthcare team. Dr. Laura emphasizes the need for women to understand their cancer risk, the impact of lifestyle choices, and the benefits of seeking integrative care alongside conventional treatment.Find Dr. Laura James HERE.Find Homegrown on Instagram HERE.Find Liz Haselmayer on Instagram HERE.Find Joey Haselmayer on Instagram HERE.Shop real food meal plans and children's curriculum HERE.Get exclusive podcast episodes HERE.Shop natural home goods on Haselmayer Goods HERE.
Episode 25:15 ABCD - Is There A Common Cause Behind Alzheimer's, Blood Pressure, Cancer and Diabetes? Most Americans, as they age, will have to deal with one or more of the following “ABCD” conditions: Alzheimer's Blood Pressure Cancer Diabetes Each of these conditions are treated as separate conditions requiring separate specialists: A Neurologist for Alzheimer's. A Cardiologist for Blood Pressure. An Oncologist for Cancer. An Endocrinologist for Diabetes What if this approach is wrong? That is, what if these conditions have more in common than the medical profession has led us to believe? What if they are simply “different branches of the same tree?” And, what if there are a few root causes that are common to each of these conditions? On this episode I explore these questions. In addition, I share five simple blood tests that, in my opinion, reveal the root causes behind Alzheimer's, Blood Pressure, Cancer and Diabetes. This is an episode you DON'T want to miss. It's also one you'll want to share with your friends. Thanks! ———————- Want to learn more? Continue the conversation regarding this episode, and all future episodes, by signing up for our daily emails. Simply visit: GetHealthyAlabama.com Once there, download the “Symptom Survey” and you will automatically added to our email list. ———————- Also, if you haven't already, we'd appreciate it if you'd subscribe to the podcast, leave a comment and give us a rating. (Thanks!!!) On Facebook? Connect with us at Facebook.com/GetHealthyAlabama * This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. Please consult with your health care provider before making any health-related changes.
Download Your Free Ultimate Guide to Water Fasting to Heal Cancer and Chronic Illness https://www.katiedeming.com/prolonged-water-fasting/What could lead a respected radiation oncologist to walk away from traditional medicine?In this bonus episode, Dr. Katie Deming appears on "Conversations with Dr. Cowan and Friends" podcast. Dr. Cowan explores Dr. Deming's remarkable journey from treating cancer with radiation to helping clients heal through a whole-person approach addressing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of wellness.Dr. Deming shares her unique path—from her early athletic career as a springboard diver and professional triathlete who trained at the Olympic Training Center, to her profound experiences helping patients transition through medical aid in dying, to her own spiritual awakening that fundamentally changed her understanding of healing.Chapters:13:29 – Internal conflict and the decision to leave oncology17:59 – A shared death experience that changed her perspective32:00 – Discovering and working with a powerful shamanic mentor42:21 – Launching a virtual integrative cancer healing practice52:00 – Reflections on death, fragmentation of the soul, and spiritual alignmentHer perspective bridges Western medicine and alternative healing modalities, offering insights into what she believes truly causes cancer—from mitochondrial dysfunction and toxicity to unprocessed emotions and subconscious programming.Listen and learn how addressing root causes rather than symptoms can lead to profound transformation, and why creating peace within the body might be the most important first step toward wellness.Connect with Dr. Tom Cowan: https://drtomcowan.com/Send us a text with your question (include your phone number)MORE FROM KATIE DEMING M.D. Download Your Free Ultimate Guide to Water Fasting to Heal Cancer and Chronic Illness https://www.katiedeming.com/prolonged-water-fasting/6 Pillars of Healing Cancer Workshop Series - Click Here to EnrollWork with Dr. Katie: www.katiedeming.comFollow Dr. Katie Deming on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiedemingmd/ Take a Deeper Dive into Your Healing Journey: Dr. Katie Deming's Linkedin Here Please Support the Show Share this episode with a friend or family member Give a Review on Spotify Give a Review on Apple Podcast DISCLAIMER:The Born to Heal Podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for seeking professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual medical histories are unique; therefore, this episode should not be used to diagnose, treat, c...
David Agus is a doctor to the stars and author of the New York Times bestselling “A Short Guide to a Long Life.” In this episode, he joins ShaoLan to help Talk Chineasy listeners make their own luck and stay healthy in the long term. ✨ BIG NEWS ✨ Our brand new Talk Chineasy App, is now live on the App Store! Free to download and perfect for building your speaking confidence from Day 1. portaly.cc/chineasy Visit our website for more info about the app.
Dr. John Van Doorninck is a Pediatric Cancer Hematologist and Oncologist in Denver Colorado. He is also an active member and strong supporter of World Child Cancer, an International Organization whose main focus is to help lower income and middle income countries who do not have the wealth, resources, or expertise to help the Pediatric Cancer communities, as wealthy countries such as the United States are able to do. Dr. Van Doorninck will talk about many facets of this problem, including what solutions are already in place to hopefully bring up the survival rate in these countries to 60 percent by 2030.
2025-04-04 Hosts Craig Lipset and Jane Myles were joined by Kaitlin Morrison from UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. She shared her experiences with the potential of decentralized clinical trials, particularly in oncology, to expand participation beyond academic medical centers. We discussed the challenges of conducting clinical trials, the importance of trust and information sharing in building partnerships with local healthcare providers, and the potential benefits of working with these providers.Episode Resources:Conducting Clinical Trials With Decentralized ElementsIntegrating Randomized Controlled Trials for Drug and Biological Products Into Routine Clinical PracticeYou can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn to see what sessions are coming next and get the link to join. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.
After a career treating breast cancer, Liz O’Riordan didn’t expect to find herself on the other side of the desk. She tells Helen why she’s now dedicating her life to inspiring other women to take charge of their own wellbeing… Meanwhile, following yesterday's discussion of rising autism rates among kids, one Ma’an backed social entertprise has turned its attention to inclusivity and accessibility at work for an increasing cohort of autistic adults. We meet 13-year old Repton pupil Smayan Sethi, who has just published his first acclaimed novel, Shadows of the New World… And private tuition is big business here in the UAE – but when is it a useful driver for kids, and when does it become unhelpful? Helen asks Ruth Brewer of Steer to Success and Craig O’Brien from Elite Education. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's episode, Dr. Mistry and Donna Lee welcome back the awesome and wonderful surgical oncologist and dear friend, Dr. Declan Fleming! Dr. Fleming is a faculty member at UT Dell Medical School and is an Associate Professor there as well. He will explain all about the medical school that Austin is blessed with and what his duties entail as an Associate Professor as well as a surgeon. This episode will certainly give you great insight to what surgical oncologists do and why Dr. Fleming is the best of the best! Voted top Men's Health Podcast, Sex Therapy Podcast, and Prostate Cancer Podcast by FeedSpot.Dr. Mistry is a board-certified urologist and has been treating patients in the Austin and Greater Williamson County area since he started his private practice, NAU Urology Specialists, in 2007. Donna Lee has worked with Dr. Mistry since 2017 and is now NAU Urology Specialists' Director of Business Development. She's also a professional standup comedian. We enjoy hearing from you! Visit www.armormenshealth.com to submit a question and we'll answer your questions anonymously in an upcoming episode! Phone: (512) 238-0762Website: www.armormenshealth.comEmail: armormenshealth@gmail.comOur Locations:Round Rock Office970 Hester's Crossing Road Suite 101 Round Rock, TX 78681South Austin Office6501 South Congress Suite 1-103 Austin, TX 78745Lakeline Office12505 Hymeadow Drive Suite 2C Austin, TX 78750Dripping Springs Office170 Benney Lane Suite 202 Dripping Springs, TX 78620
In today's episode, we are joined by my naturopathic oncologist, Dr. Laura James. As you listen to our discussion, it's essential to acknowledge the whirlwind that accompanies a cancer diagnosis. For many, including myself, the speed at which treatment unfolds can be both a blessing and a challenge. The urgency of medical intervention, coupled with the support of excellent health insurance and the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 era, can lead to a swift entry into what is commonly referred to as the breast cancer industrial complex. But what exactly does this term mean? It's a new concept that encompasses medical advancements, institutional processes, and societal expectations surrounding cancer treatment. While grateful for the prompt attention and care received, there's an underlying need to address the implications of this fast-paced medical industry. For me, and perhaps for many others, navigating the breast cancer industrial complex has raised questions about agency, reflection, and informed decision-making. The speed at which decisions are made can sometimes overshadow the opportunity for thorough consideration, prayer, and seeking second opinions—elements crucial to holistic well-being. Together with Dr. James, we'll explore the importance of empowerment in the face of medical urgency, the role of advocacy in navigating treatment pathways, and the significance of holistic approaches to cancer care. ______ Air Dr. I've been using the Air Doctor air purifier for almost a year and absolutely love it! I first heard about it from Dr. Mark Hyman, and even though it was a bit of a splurge compared to what I usually spend, I'm so glad I invested. Every time I change the filter and see all the gunk it collects, I smile, knowing it's doing a great job keeping my air clean! And I'm so happy that all that gunk isn't going into my body ; Click here to purchase: https://airdoctorpro.com/?oid=17&affid=6165 ______ Just Add Buoy Companies contact me every week, asking me to try their products. Honestly, I get food and supplement samples almost weekly! Last week, a San Diego company called Just Add Buoy emailed me to ask if I wanted to try their electrolyte formula. I said yes because I've been looking for an electrolyte formula (without tons of sugar, both fake and real and no dyes) for years. They sent me some samples, and I must tell you how much I love them. I'm trying the Hydration Drops, and they have 87 trace minerals, Ionic ocean electrolytes, and antioxidants. And, also important to me, NO SUGAR (FAKE OR REAL), NO ADDITIVES OR DYES. And it's non-GMO. I like that it's flavorless, and I can add it to a smoothie or even my morning coffee without noticing any flavor change. Use the link below to get 20% off of your order. https://www.justaddbuoy.com/DEBORAH10729 ______ About Dr. Laura James Dr. Laura James is a Naturopathic Oncologist in private practice in Bellingham WA and part-time on Maui. She is trained in safely managing complementary and alternative therapies for cancer patients undergoing conventional cancer treatments. She provides complementary medicine consultations regarding whole foods nutrition, botanical medicine, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle modifications to attain optimum health during cancer treatment and after. Connect With Dr. Laura James Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn ______ Connect with Debora Deborah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whydidigetcancer/ Deborah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebsHealthCoachKitchen Deborah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ydidigetcancer Deborah on Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/whydidigetcancer/ Join Deb's weekly newsletter! -https://whydidigetcancer.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=1c37affeccf004c8957941069&id=a8572db3c2
In this episode, listen to Stephanie L. Graff, MD, FACP, FASCO; and Laura M. Spring, MD, share their clinical insights and takeaways regarding the current treatment landscape for first-line treatment of patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer including:Data from multicenter, single-arm, phase IIIb/IV DESTINY-Breast12 evaluating trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) in patients with advanced HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer and 2 or fewer previous therapiesTreatment sequencing and preferred treatment options in patients with brain metastasesResults from phase III PATINA trial of trastuzumab, pertuzumab, plus endocrine therapy with or without palbociclib in hormone-receptor positive/HER2-positive metastatic breast cancerThoughts on the use of T-DXd earlier in the treatment paradigm in light of recent results from the PATINA trial and highly anticipated results from the DESTINY-Breast09 trialProgram faculty:Stephanie L. Graff, MD, FACP, FASCODirector of Breast Oncology, Brown University HealthCo-Lead, Breast Cancer Translational Disease Research GroupLegorreta Cancer Center at Brown UniversityAssociate Professor of MedicineWarren Alpert Medical School of Brown UniversityProvidence, Rhode IslandLaura M. Spring, MDBreast Medical OncologistMass General Hospital Cancer CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBoston, Massachusetts Resources:To access the patient cases associated with this podcast discussion, please visit the program page and register for an upcoming webinar on this topic.
Can turmeric really help fight cancer? Can ancient wisdom actually support modern treatment? In this episode, I'm joined by Ayurvedic expert Dr. Shivani Gupta to explore the incredible healing potential of turmeric—and what every woman needs to know. Dr. Shivani Gupta and I dive deep into the science and tradition behind one of the most powerful natural anti-inflammatories on the planet: turmeric. We break down the truth about curcumin, the controversy surrounding its role in cancer treatment, and the critical role of absorption (yes, black pepper really matters).We also get real about:The disconnect between Western medicine and Eastern wisdomWhy adaptogens like Ashwagandha and Shilajit should be part of your routineHow to create simple, sustainable self-care rituals that workWhy women must be empowered to make their own treatment decisionsThis episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a holistic approach to cancer, inflammation, and overall health.
This Women's History Month, we are celebrating the life and legacy of one of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's original breakthrough makers: pediatric oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans. In 1969, Dr. Evans became the first woman to serve as Chief of CHOP's Division of Oncology, and she went on to co-found the first Ronald McDonald House. AUDREY'S CHILDREN, a film based on Dr. Evans' life, will be released in theaters across the United States on March 28. In this episode of Breaking Through, Julia Fisher Farbman, the film's producer and writer, joins Madeline to discuss Dr. Evans' extraordinary life and career.
Originally aired in May 2020, this final episode of The First 7 Days podcast series provides newly diagnosed lung cancer patients with crucial guidance on developing a personalized treatment plan. Building on the foundations established in previous episodes about finding the right medical team and understanding diagnostic testing, this concluding installment helps transform overwhelming information into actionable steps forward. The landscape of lung cancer treatment has evolved dramatically, extending far beyond traditional chemotherapy. This episode navigates the expanding array of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and combination approaches. Listeners will learn how biomarker testing influences treatment selection and understand the potential role of clinical trials in their care plan. Featured thoracic oncologists and patient advocates share valuable insights about: How treatment decisions are made Key factors influencing treatment selection The role of biomarker testing in personalizing treatment When to seek second opinions Strategies for coordinating care across medical teams While focused on the initial weeks after diagnosis, this episode sets the stage for long-term cancer management by providing practical tools and resources for ongoing decision-making. Gain confidence in working collaboratively with your healthcare team while advocating for your needs throughout the treatment journey. Guests Dr. David Carbone, Oncologist at The Ohio State University Transcript | Show Notes | Watch video Resources Download the First 7 Steps to share. Subscribe to Hope With Answers Living With Lung Cancer podcast for future episodes on your favorite listening platform. Apple Podcast | Spotify | Amazon Play | iHeart Join LCFA's social media communities for support and information. Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
UPMC Oncologist, Dr. Ibrahim Sahim, on rising colon cancer rates in young people full 534 Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:18:10 +0000 oUnql1a5U55SF5HFMqqMhB0KqaWAjqBb upmc,upmc marty,news,a-newscasts,top picks Marty Griffin upmc,upmc marty,news,a-newscasts,top picks UPMC Oncologist, Dr. Ibrahim Sahim, on rising colon cancer rates in young people On-demand selections from Marty's show on Newsradio 1020 KDKA , airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. News News News News news News News News News News False https://play
Send us a textDr. Cynthia Emory, board certified orthopaedic oncologist, treats soft tissue sarcomas, bone sarcomas, metastatic bone disease, lymphoma and myeloma of the bone. She is a professor and the chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. She also serves on the graduate faculty at Wake Forest University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.“I enjoy the challenging cases in orthopaedic oncology. No two tumors are the same: different locations, different tumor types, different patients. I enjoy being able to help adults and children through a very difficult time in their lives and continue to see them years later.”Recent announcement! The investiture of Dr. Cynthia Emory as the inaugural L. Andrew Koman, MD Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation. This prestigious endowed position celebrates Dr. Emory's exceptional contributions to orthopaedic research, education, and patient care since joining the faculty in 2010.The professorship also honors the extraordinary legacy of Device Nation guest Dr. Andy Koman, whose innovations and mentorship have shaped orthopaedics for over 40 years.Dr. Emory is the principal investigator for a registry to evaluate outcomes in patients who receive a novel implant to stabilize impending pathologic fractures of the bone from metastatic disease. The research led to FDA approval of this device with expanded applications over subsequent years to include patients with pathologic bone fracture from osteoporosis. Saw this personally in an oncology case recently, such a cool technology!She is passionate about mentoring, leadership and professional development. She is the past chair of the Women in Medicine and Science Committee at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the past president of the North Carolina Orthopaedic Association. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Eastern Orthopaedic Association. She also completed the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Program, a national program for women in academic medicine with senior leadership positions.Clinic Page: https://profiles.wakehealth.edu/display/person/clemory Follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-emory-md-mba-46b31678/Jada Love: https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/high-point/high-point-teen-undergoes-special-surgery-with-determination-a-smile/Support the show
Download Your Free Guide - 3 Things You Need to Know About Cancer: https://www.katiedeming.com/cancer-101/Is the entire American healthcare system designed to keep you sick instead of making you well?Dr. Katie Deming, a former radiation oncologist with 20 years of experience treating cancer patients, shares her unique perspective on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services. With healthcare costs soaring to $4.5 trillion annually while Americans get sicker and life expectancy decreases, Dr. Deming explores why this is happening and what needs to change. Key Takeaways:• The Make America Healthy Again Commission• Why cancer rates have increased• The toxins in our food and water supply affecting your health• Why many effective natural treatments remain unknown to most doctors• The role of microplastics and EMFs in chronic diseaseDr. Katie breaks down the stark reality of our current health crisis - from rising cancer rates in young people to the explosion of chronic diseases - and explains why having leadership willing to ask tough questions and examine real scientific data matters for your health.Listen and learn about promising changes that could reshape how we approach health in America.Send us a text with your question (include your phone number)Watch & Listen to Born to Heal on Youtube: Click Here Don't Face Cancer Alone"The 6 Pillars of Healing Cancer" workshop series provides you valuable insights and strategies to support your healing journey - Click Here to Enroll MORE FROM KATIE DEMING M.D. Free Guide - 3 Things You Need to Know About Cancer: https://www.katiedeming.com/cancer-101/6 Pillars of Healing Cancer Workshop Series - Click Here to EnrollWork with Dr. Katie: www.katiedeming.comFollow Dr. Katie Deming on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiedemingmd/ Take a Deeper Dive into Your Healing Journey: Dr. Katie Deming's Linkedin Here Please Support the Show Share this episode with a friend or family member Give a Review on Spotify Give a Review on Apple Podcast DISCLAIMER:The Born to Heal Podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for seeking professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual medical histories are unique; therefore, this episode should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease without consulting your healthcare p...
We often hear about what happens when you're told you have cancer, but we rarely hear about the post-treatment realities. What your body looks like, feels like, and the emotional toll treatment has on your body and your brain from that point forward. Plus, the truth about your libido, the so-called cancer diet, and what you can do to find your old self again! Sara Sidner is co-anchor of CNN News Central, airing weekdays from 7am-10am ET. Dr. Elizabeth Comen is a renowned Oncologist and author of "All In Her Head." For more information visit DrElizabethComen.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today, I'm joined by an extraordinary guest, Dr. Dawn Mussallem, D.O., DipABLM, a globally recognized Integrative Oncologist and Lifestyle Medicine Specialist at Mayo Clinic. Internationally respected for her work in cancer prevention and integrative oncology, Dr. Mussallem is a prolific speaker, author, and dedicated physician, bridging the gap between traditional medicine and cutting-edge wellness strategies. Her dedication to advancing health and longevity aligns perfectly with IM8, where she serves as a Medical Advisory Board member, helping to shape its evidence-based approach to nutrition and supplementation But beyond her medical expertise, Dr. Mussallem has an awe-inspiring personal journey. A stage 4 cancer survivor and heart transplant recipient, she defied the odds, not only returning to health but embracing endurance sports—running her first marathon just one year after her transplant. Today, she is an eight-time marathoner, proving firsthand the power of movement, mindset, and lifestyle medicine. In today's conversation, we'll explore her groundbreaking work in medicine, her role with IM8, and how endurance sports and lifestyle choices can transform health outcomes. This is an episode packed with insight, inspiration, and science-backed wellness strategies CONNECT Dr. Dawn Mussallem on Instagram The Mayo Clinic on Instagram Prenetics on Instagram Marni On The Move Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, or YouTube` Marni Salup on Instagram and Playlist on Spotify SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Do What Moves You, for Marni on the Move updates, exclusive offers, invites to events, and exciting news! SUPPORT THE PODCAST Leave us a five star review on Apple or Spotify Subscribe to MarniOnTheMovePodcast, YouTube Channel Tell your friends the episodes you are listening to on your social. Share a screen shot of the episode in your stories, tag us, we will tag you back! Subscribe, like and comment on our YouTube Channel, MarniOnTheMovePodcast
The Montana Supreme Court this week sided with Helena's St. Peter's Health in a lawsuit over the hospital's termination of Dr. Tom Weiner. The Court unanimously ruled that the hospital was immune from liability because it followed proper procedure in an internal review process that culminated in Weiner's firing in 2020.
Dr. Christy Kesserling, a radiation oncologist, shares groundbreaking insights about the connection between metabolic health and cancer treatment. Her journey from conventional cancer treatment to incorporating metabolic health principles offers new hope for cancer patients.In this compelling episode of Stay Off My Operating Table, Dr. Kesserling discusses how insulin resistance affects cancer development and treatment outcomes. She presents a revolutionary case study where a ketogenic diet resolved a challenging medical condition called chylothorax, contradicting traditional treatment approaches.Dr. Kesserling explains her comprehensive approach to patient care, including detailed lab testing and metabolic health monitoring. She emphasizes the importance of understanding both conventional and metabolic treatment options, helping patients make informed decisions about their care.Key timestamps: 0:00 Introduction and background 15:30 Chylothorax case study 25:45 Lab testing and monitoring 35:20 Patient care approachConnect with Dr. Kesserling at KesRx.com
In this episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Dr. Tiffany Troso, a medical oncologist with over 25 years of experience in treating breast and gynecological cancers. We'll unpack some of the most important updates from this year's San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) in a way that's clear and easy to follow. We'll cover topics like the latest on SERDS and how they're changing treatment options, the practice-changing findings from the PATINA trial, and exciting progress on a TNBC vaccine. Dr. Troso also sheds light on the growing movement toward treatment de-escalation and what it means for creating more personalized approaches to care. This episode is packed with valuable information to help patients and advocates feel informed and prepared to navigate their health journey. A special thank you to our “Your Guide to SABCS sponsors” Lilly, Gilead, Merck, Daiichi-Sankyo and Pfizer for making this episode possible.
We are back for Part two with Dr. Roy Vongtama, a board-certified radiation oncologist, actor, and producer, as he continues with transformative stories from his patients that have profoundly shifted his perspective. He explores the keys to genuine happiness, providing practical tips for a balanced, fulfilling life. Sharing his definition of health, Dr. Roy offers tips on how to achieve mindful disconnection for mental well-being, and explores the "four houses of life" through mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional, offering practical steps to help you strengthen each area. Dr. Roy provides strategies to navigate truth amid information overload, especially during the time of COVID, addressing confirmation bias and discussing ways to overcome its limitations. Discover the wisdom, practical tips, and transformative insights Dr. Roy has to share. “It's not about accepting [feelings], it's about releasing them… that's how you prevent disease” - Dr. Roy You're going to leave this episode with… Lessons from Dr. Roy's cancer patients that have profoundly shifted his perspective Real stories from Dr. Roy of how he balances work and the creative aspects of his life How to achieve balance in your life that will make you more happy and prevent disease What Dr. Roy has to say to the listeners about being bombarded with mis- and dis-information surrounding covid and science What confirmation bias is and how it may be limiting you Dr. Roy answers the question “Why isn't health sexier?” Dr. Roy gives his definition of health and shares what true happiness looks like A simple exercise you can do to take inventory of what ‘house of health' in your life requires more attention An important question every person needs to ask themselves Practical ways you can disconnect How you can find out more about Dr. Roy's new platform called “I've got cancer, so what now?” The Manhood Experiment that will help you live with more joy ----- Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the show, please leave us an encouraging review and tell us why you loved the show. Remember to click ‘subscribe' so you get all of our latest episodes. https://ratethispodcast.com/man What is the Manhood Experiment? It's a weekly podcast where we give you one experiment to level up your mind, career, business, health, relationships and more! For more tips and behind the scenes, follow us on: Instagram @ManhoodExperiment Tiktok @ManhoodExperiment Threads @ManhoodExperiment Submit your questions @ www.manhoodexperiment.com Resources Mentioned: Dr Roy's website: www.MDRoy.com BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Before-Youre-Cured-Evidence-based-ebook/dp/B07MBC58HW HOUSE OF HEALTH QUIZ: www.RoyVMD.com Acting Resume: https://www.imdb.me/royv FOLLOW HIM: Instagram: @DoctorRoyV @RoyVongtama Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoyVongtamaMD/
Ever wondered what practices you can do that will leave you with a healthier, happier body and mind? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Roy Vongtama, a board-certified radiation oncologist, actor, and producer. Dubbed the real-life Dr. McDreamy, Dr. Roy brings a unique perspective on health, mental well-being, and the integration of Western Medicine with Eastern philosophies. In this episode, we explore proactive choices you can make for your health, provide practical tips for guided meditation, and delve into the intricate link between stress, disease, and your breath. Join Dr. Roy as he shares insights from his book, "Healing Before You're Cured," where he provides actionable techniques to help you navigate emotional trauma and embark on a journey toward lasting health. “You have to have both [in medicine], the Eastern sense of the inner and the Western sense of the outer” - Dr. Roy You're going to leave this episode with… Dr. Roy's unique perspective on the current state of physical and mental health Proactive choices you can make to better your health Strategies you can implement to deal with fear in our culture What is learned helplessness and how is it affecting your mental health Why a positive mindset isn't the only thing that matters How disease and stress are connected to your breathing How Dr. Roy integrates Western Medicine and Eastern philosophies What practices you can do before bed to help you better your health A meditation you can begin using today What are burn pages and why are they helpful for men Tips on how you can feel emotions and why it is important to do so Questions you can ask yourself about your current relationships that will help you deal with your emotional health ----- Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the show, please leave us an encouraging review and tell us why you loved the show. Remember to click ‘subscribe' so you get all of our latest episodes. https://ratethispodcast.com/man What is the Manhood Experiment? It's a weekly podcast where we give you one experiment to level up your mind, career, business, health, relationships and more! For more tips and behind the scenes, follow us on: Instagram @ManhoodExperiment Tiktok @ManhoodExperiment Threads @ManhoodExperiment Submit your questions @ www.manhoodexperiment.com Resources Mentioned: Dr Roy's website: www.MDRoy.com Healing Before You're Cured - By Dr. Roy Vongtama House of Health Quiz Acting Resume Follow Dr. Roy: Instagram: @DoctorRoyV @RoyVongtama Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoyVongtamaMD/
8 X Clips. Covid, Elites Get Fake Jabs, Heart Damage, Jan 6, Peter St. Onge, Trump's Judge, SV40. 60 Second Gun Control Recap Peter St Onge, Ph.D. FBI AGENTS IN MAGA GEAR LED PROTESTERS JAN. 6TH Top Cardiologist: 100 Million Vaxxed Americans Now Have Irreversible Heart Damage 2200 celebrities and European elites were falsely vaccinated against Covid Judge Juan Merchan has ordered Donald Trump The Pfizer's are filled with SV40 a cancer causing DNA segment. Post Glockford Files @GlockfordFiles The only reason governments want to take guns is to get full control the people. With guns we are citizens. Without guns we are subjects. Listen to this 2 minutes of the history of countries who give up their guns and what happened next. Post Peter St Onge, Ph.D. @profstonge How DOGE can cut a trillion of federal spending. The left pretends the first dollar cut will be firemen, social security, and national parks. The truth is there's easily a trillion of waste and cronyism that no voter wants. Peter St Onge, Ph.D. @profstonge Jan 7 A debt wall of nearly $8 trillion in federal debt is set to hit in the next year thank to Janet Yellen's crackhead-level debt management. What makes it fun is all the big buyers from China to the Fed are actually selling. Post JOSH DUNLAP @JDunlap1974 CONFIRMED FBI AGENTS IN MAGA GEAR LED PROTESTERS THROUGH THE CAPITAL ON JAN. 6TH DON'T BELIEVE ALL THE LIES!! Top Cardiologist: 100 Million Vaxxed Americans Now Have Irreversible Heart Damage SlayNews 1.03K followers 69.3K NewsVaccinesDies SuddenlySudden DeathsCovid ShotsHeart FailureCardiac ArrestDr. Thomas Levy A leading cardiologist has warned that over 100 million Americans may now have irreversible heart damage after receiving Covid mRNA "vaccines." Read more: https://slaynews.com/news/top-cardiologist-100-million-vaxxed-americans-irreversible-heart-damage/ Post “Sudden And Unexpected” @toobaffled Why are our most high ranking politicians not Dying Suddenly? We all know why! In a vaccine passport sting, they found more than 2200 celebrities and European elites were falsely vaccinated against Covid. They paid money to have their names fraudulently entered in a national immunization register, though refused to be vaccinated. One doctor was found to be injected with saline. Post Wall Street Apes @WallStreetApes Judge Juan Merchan has ordered Donald Trump to be sentenced for 34 counts on January 10th ahead of inauguration Judge Merchan was never supposed to oversee Donald Trump's case, he was specifically assigned the case to weaponize our legal system against Trump, here's the proof “Understand there's absolutely no reason that Judge Merchan should have even had a chance to be assigned to this case? Now, I'm sure the left is just gonna call this a conspiracy theory. So I'll issue a challenge to them, and maybe they can tell me how he managed to be the judge. Because for these type of cases, the way it's supposed to work is that there is a panel of 24 judges, and they are all put in rotation and randomly assigned these types of cases. Judge Merchan is not on that panel. That's because he's not a judge. He's an acting judge. So even though they're trying to claim that they didn't pick the judge, that it was randomly assigned, that's not possible because judge Merchan isn't in the pool to be randomly assigned. So the only way he could have caught this case was to be specifically assigned to it. There was no chance of him being randomly selected. And the wild thing is that according to the left and the department of justice, judge Merchan was not only randomly selected to be the judge in this trial, but he was also randomly selected to be the judge in the Trump Organization case, and he was randomly selected to be the judge in the Steve Bannon case. So judge Merchan, a judge that is not in the pool of 24 judges that is supposed to catch these cases, a judge that is not an actual judge, but an acting judge caught all 3 Trump related cases randomly. This is a judge who gives heavily to an organization very plainly named Stop Trump, and a judge whose daughter makes tens of millions of dollars every year promoting Democrats. But, yeah, I'm sure this was just a coincidence. It was a coincidence that one of the most high profile cases ever, we didn't assign a judge, we assigned an acting judge. And that that judge somehow got selected even though he wasn't in the pool of judges available to be selected, and that that same judge that was selected also caught 2 other Trump related cases in the same year, and then that judge's daughter makes tens of millions of dollars a year promoting Democrats. Yeah. I'm sure that's all a coincidence.” Post Concerned Citizen @BGatesIsaPyscho “The Pfizer's are filled with SV40” Angus Dalglesh isn't a tin foil hat conspiracy theorist - he's Britains most respected & devoted Oncologist. He's telling you, that they literally injected you with Cancer - how are you now angry yet?