Cancer Straight Talk

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with Dr. Jun Mao, Chief of MSK’s Integrative Medicine Service, and Jason Hou, herbalist and acupuncturist at MSK, to break down the facts about alternative medicine—an approach that combines conventional cancer treatments like surgery, radiation, chemo, immunotherapy and targeted treatments, with holistic therapies like acupuncture, mindfulness, natural herbs and supplements. They tackle common misconceptions about alternative medicine, explaining what the science says, what’s safe, and what to avoid. Offering guidance on how these natural therapies can complement other cancer treatments – and how to recognize misleading claims – this episode empowers patients and caregivers with the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their cancer care and the use of alternative therapies.  Resources:MSK's "About Herbs" DatabaseMSK's Meditation LibraryMSK's Integrative Medicine at Home Program Episode Chapters:2:05 - Integrative vs. Alternative medicine3:14 - Which integrative therapies are right for me?6:29 - Do these therapies actually treat/kill cancer?7:59 - The very real benefits of human connection9:36 - Ivermectin10:18 - Cannabis oil and Castor oil11:55 - Vitamin C13:53 - Turmeric14:30 - Medicinal mushrooms14:59 - Ashwagandha15:42 - Traditional Chinese medicine18:25 - The dangers of "Why not try?"21:49 - Resources: herbs, meditation, yoga, music, etc.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode, MSK patients, caregivers and clinicians share the miracles they’ve witnessed, even in the darkest of times. From life-saving medicine to gratitude for caregivers and a surprise romance, these stories remind us of the power of human connection. Episode Chapters:1:15 - A Marathon Bond5:09 - 2000 Miles Apart, United by a Breakthrough7:55 - Showing Up for the Little Things9:42 - Love After Loss, With Help from Two Angels13:10 - More Time, More Memories: Marley’s Gift14:57 - A Village for Ryan: MSK’s Creative Care19:39 - The Healing Touch: Cecilia’s Miracle22:13 - Cancer Hits Home for Dr. Reidy23:28 - The Gift of Meaning: Michael's "Revelation"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with two MSK clinical social workers, Hadley Maya and Natalie Santos, about how parents who've been diagnosed with cancer can talk to their children. They offer compassionate guidance on being honest with kids to prepare them for changes in family routines or treatment side effects, helping them feel more secure during a difficult time. With practical tips and real-life examples, this conversation offers advice for parents navigating one of the hardest discussions imaginable, while making sure their children feel supported and can continue being kids. Learn more about MSK’s Talking with Children about Cancer program Additional resources mentioned in this episode:Red Door CommunityCancerCareBright Spot Network Episode Chapters:1:14 - Should I tell my child I have cancer?3:01 - Should it be one conversation or more?4:16 - Advice from a mother with cancer5:27 - Should I put on a brave face? What if I cry?8:30 - How do I explain side effects like hair loss?10:36 - Advice from a mother who lost her hair11:43 - How do I tell my child I may die from cancer?14:24 - Advice from a mother with months to live16:02 - Age-appropriate guidelines for talking to kids21:30 - Advice from a father on age-appropriate talks22:39 - Advice from a daughter on having a sick mother24:32 - What if my teenager doesn't respond well?25:32 - Advice for the surviving parent26:17 - Resources to help parents with cancer28:09 - A note on trusting your childSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with MSK’s Dr. Neil Iyengar, a nationally recognized expert on the relationship between obesity, metabolic health, and cancer. Together, they discuss the intriguing connection between a new class of weight loss drugs, called GLP-1 agonists, and cancer risk reduction. They explore how medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and others, which were originally designed for diabetes, are not only effective for weight loss but may also lower the risk of developing obesity-related cancers. They explain how those drugs work within the body to deliver potential benefits, the limitations of current studies, and what weight loss drugs mean for both cancer prevention and treatment. Episode Chapters:1:35 - How do these drugs cause weight loss?3:08 - What cancers could these drugs help prevent?4:29 - How exactly do they prevent cancer?6:10 - Should people with cancer take these drugs?7:42 - What happens when you stop taking them?10:56 - Potential side effects12:25 - Limitations of recent study and breast cancer prevention14:36 - 3 lifestyle tips to prevent and treat cancerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode (part 1 of 2), Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with a team of MSK experts to demystify three breast cancer treatment options: surgery, radiation, and reconstruction. Breast surgeon Dr. Tracy-Ann Moo explains the difference between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy, and why one isn’t always better than the other. Radiation oncologist Dr. Michael Bernstein discusses the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of breast cancer. Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Michelle Coriddi describes various breast reconstruction and preservation techniques, which can help patients maintain a positive body image after treatment. Subscribe to Cancer Straight Talk to be notified when Part 2 airs, covering chemotherapy, hormone therapy and survivorship for people with breast cancer. Episode Chapters:1:27 - Surgery options: lumpectomy vs. mastectomy2:32 - Family history, genetics, and BRCA mutation3:30 - Which surgery has the best outcomes?5:16 - Surgery patient testimony 6:46 - Nipple-sparing mastectomy7:36 - What is radiation?8:49 - Why is radiation needed?10:11 - What does a typical radiation plan entail?11:19 - Radiation patient testimony12:38 - Radiation side effects & how to mitigate them14:25 - Exercise during treatment and recovery15:10 - Reconstruction options after surgery18:22 - Recovery after reconstruction19:10 - Insurance coverage for breast reconstruction19:31 - Reconstruction patient testimony20:58 - Nipple tattoos and 3D areola reconstruction22:00 - Surveillance and risks of breast implants23:02 - Advice for patientsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

Learn what you need to know about early-stage prostate cancer, from risk factors to treatment options and how to tackle their side effects. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes is joined by medical oncologist Dr. Dana Rathkopf, radiation oncologist Dr. Sean McBride, and urologic surgeon Dr. Behfar Ehdaie. Together, they provide an overview of treatment options for people diagnosed with prostate cancer, including active surveillance, internal and external radiation, surgery and hormone therapy. They offer guidance on navigating these choices and mitigating their side effects with state-of-the-art technology and holistic support services. Episode Chapters:1:24 – Risk factors and screening4:12 – Active surveillance6:12 – Radiation11:31 – Surgery 14:53 – Hormone therapy 20:38 – New and upcoming treatmentsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

George Kolasa was living his dream life as a fashion executive in New York City when in February 2022, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma – the most common form of brain cancer. In this special episode, George and his husband Justin take us on their journey as cancer patient and caregiver as it has unfolded in real time over the past year. We see George quickly evolve from accepting his disease to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for rare cancer research through Cycle for Survival. George finds purpose in his diagnosis by helping others and spreading his message of hope, even as he confronts reality. As George’s memory, speech and ability to walk declines, Justin leans in to the challenges of being a caregiver and also learns the importance of asking for help. As we follow George to his many tests, treatments, and checkups with his neuro-oncologist Alexandra Miller and her compassionate team of nurses, we witness the special bond formed between patients and care teams at MSK and see a couple making the most of every moment together, living their life with dignity, purpose, and love. Shortly after this podcast was completed, George passed away. We thank him and Justin for generously sharing their story to raise awareness and support for research. George was a remarkable person, whose legacy is everlasting. Watch the video version of this podcast here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with two physician-scientists researching vaccines and novel immunotherapies, Dr. Vinod Balachandran and Dr. Dmitriy Zamarin. They discuss the power of the body’s immune system to prevent and treat cancers, the difference between preventative and therapeutic vaccines, which cancers are treatable with vaccines, and the challenges that lie ahead. Read more about Dr. Balachandran’s recent research into a vaccine for pancreatic cancer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.