Oncology Revolution

In this episode of the Oncology Revolution Podcast, Gilleanne Lenart - occupational therapist, oncology rehabilitation specialist, and clinical lead at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, explores the critical role of cancer rehabilitation in supporting function, independence, and quality of life across the cancer continuum. Drawing from her clinical experience, Gilleanne highlights how occupational therapy interventions, fatigue management, and interdisciplinary care can transform outcomes for individuals affected by cancer. She brings a practical, patient-centered perspective to a field that remains underdeveloped in many healthcare systems.What to reflect on:How can cancer rehabilitation be better integrated across the continuum of care?What strategies can effectively address cancer-related fatigue and its impact on daily life? What role does occupational therapy play in supporting independence, home adaptation, and long-term survivorship?

In this episode of the Oncology Revolution Podcast, David Roze, a biological dentist and founder of Roze BioHealth, explains how oral health influences inflammation, immunity, and systemic balance. Trained in dental surgery and neuroscience, he blends evidence-based dentistry with integrative medicine to show how the mouth can be both a messenger and a mirror of overall health. What to keep in mind: Oral inflammation can quietly shape whole-body healthDentistry is shifting from repair to preventionThe microbiome links to mouth, gut, and immune balanceHealing starts with connection between systems and professionals

Season 2 of the Oncology Revolution Podcast is out - and it opens with a powerful conversation on mind, body and identity.In this first episode, we speak with Renee Exelbert, a licensed psychologist and certified personal trainer who brings together clinical expertise, lived experience and a deep understanding of the mind-body connection.Renee shares both her personal and professional journey in oncology, exploring the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis, the concept of cancer-related trauma, and how identity evolves across diagnosis, treatment and long-term survivorship. The conversation highlights why psychological care does not end with treatment, and how self-care, exercise and emotional regulation become essential tools for long-term well-being.A special moment in this episode focuses on how to stay true to New Year’s resolutions - particularly when motivation fluctuates or life after cancer feels uncertain. Renee offers practical, compassionate insights on setting intentions that are sustainable, values-based and supportive of long-term health, rather than driven by pressure or perfection.What you’ll take away:How cancer can shape identity beyond diagnosis and treatmentWhy trauma can resurface long after treatment endsThe role of mind-body strategies in emotional resilience and long-term careHow to approach New Year’s resolutions in a realistic, supportive and sustainable wayWant to integrate mind-body practices into care? Our Advanced Certificate in Lifestyle Oncology includes modules on stress, mindfulness, communication, and behavior change – designed for professionals who want to bring awareness-based tools into oncology and lifestyle medicine. Learn more: esloncology.com

In this episode of the Oncology Revolution Podcast, we delve into the science and implementation of exercise in cancer care, with Associate Professor at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences Tormod S. Nilsen. From resistance training and soccer-based interventions to managing fatigue and improving daily function, Tormod shares evidence and practical insights that show why exercise isn’t optional but essential. In this episode: •Why any movement is better than none and the need to start small and stay consistent •How strength training preserves independence and quality of life •Fatigue isn’t one condition; it has many causes •Exercise trials prove benefit, but implementation is the next frontier •Sustainable habits matter more than perfect programs

Following up the previous episode of the Oncology Revolution Podcast, we continue our discussion with Dr. Arif Kamal on making humanized care operational. We look at rebuilding trust, redesigning clinical trials with real lives in mind, and improving navigation so patients get clear information, plain-language consent, and support that fits their daily reality. We explore topics such as: •Trials that fit life: access, eligibility, logistics, and language •Trust grows through transparency and authentic communication •Navigation as a clinical intervention, not a brochure •Technology should reduce burden, not add to it •Partnering with patients turns experience into system changeFollow Dr. Arif at: linkedin.com/in/arifkamal

In this episode of the Oncology Revolution Podcast, we're joined by Matthew Zachary, a brain cancer survivor, founder of Stupid Cancer, and creator of Out of Patients, in a conversation about what real patient advocacy means today. Drawing from decades of experience leading movements and building communities, Matthew shares how empathy, storytelling, and trust can transform the relationship between patients and professionals.Matthew wants everyone to learn that: •Advocacy starts with listening, not branding •Empathy builds more trust than expertise alone •Community creates change faster than awareness •Storytelling is strategy, not decoration •Patients don’t need saving; they need partnership Want to bring empathy, communication, and patient-centered advocacy into your practice? Our Advanced Certificate in Lifestyle Oncology explores how lifestyle, communication, and integrative approaches strengthen the human side of cancer care. Learn more at esloncology.com

In this episode of the Oncology Revolution Podcast, we welcome Toral Shah, a Nutritional Scientist, Integrative Oncology Practitioner, and breast cancer survivor, to tell us about how culture, environment, and lifestyle deeply shape cancer outcomes. Drawing from personal experience and research, Toral explains how personalized, culturally sensitive interventions can improve cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. Key takeaways:•Why cultural context matters in oncology care•How food access, urban planning, and environment affect health outcomes•Blind spots in current medical training and research diversity•The role of lifestyle interventions in improving treatment adherence•Why integrative, patient-centered care leads to better support Want to integrate cultural sensitivity and lifestyle medicine into your clinical practice? Our Advanced Certificate in Lifestyle Oncology includes modules on communication, nutrition, exercise, behavior change, and integrative care strategies, all helping you deliver more inclusive, effective survivorship care. Learn more here: esloncology.com

In this episode of the Oncology Revolution Podcast, we chat with Petra Thaller (Outdoor Against Cancer) and Rūdolfs Cešeiko, PhD (Exercise Oncology Clinic, Latvia) on how structured exercise and outdoor movement can transform the cancer journey - from treatment to long-term recovery. Petra shares how founding Outdoor Against Cancer during chemotherapy put nature-based activity at the center of care, while Rūdolfs explains the clinic framework that blends aerobic endurance with strength training and the evidence-based 4×4 Method adapted for oncology. What Petra & Rūdolfs want you to try: •Start light, keep moving •Go outdoors when you can •Don’t skip strength work •Use a structured plan (4×4) •Seek supervised, accessible sessions Want to bring exercise oncology into your professional practice? The Advanced Certificate in Lifestyle Oncology includes evidence-based modules on movement, strength training, communication, and behavior change. Explore here: esloncology.com

In this episode of the Oncology Revolution Podcast, we speak with Dr. Jessica Gorzelitz — researcher and director of the PACS Lab at the University of Iowa — about how physical activity can support and shape life after cancer. Jess combines kinesiology and epidemiology to study how behavior change and movement can shape life after cancer. As director of the Physical Activity and Cancer Survivorship (PACS) Lab at the University of Iowa, she develops scalable, accessible approaches that bring exercise and physical activity into survivorship care. We talk about: •The key difference between exercise and physical activity •How to motivate people when fatigue and anxiety get in the way•Why avoiding perfection helps build long-term habits •The role of community and accountability in sustaining change•When remote vs. in-person support works best for survivors Want to better support cancer survivors in movement, mindset, and motivation? Explore our Advanced Certificate in Lifestyle Oncology — with modules on exercise, communication, behavior change, and long-term survivorship care: esloncology.com

In this episode of the Oncology Revolution Podcast, we’re joined by Krista Brown (@cancer.prevention.coach), an oncology nurse navigator and certified functional nutrition counselor with a master’s degree in medical nutrition. Krista shares her personal journey with cancer and how it shaped her mission to support others in navigating complex decisions with clarity and confidence.We explore the role of genetic testing and counseling, breast reconstruction options, and the intersection of nutrition, lifestyle, and survivorship. Krista also highlights the power of self-advocacy, the importance of information literacy, and how patients can actively shape their care.You’ll also hear: • Why genetic counseling should be central to preventive oncology • What patients need to look for in breast reconstruction options • How to implement lifestyle strategies to support prevention and recovery • Practical ways to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system

In this episode of the Oncology Revolution Podcast, Adrian Pogacian, a licensed clinical psychologist, psycho-oncology specialist, and founder of the INCKA Psycho-oncology Center — shares his perspective on the emotional and relational dimensions of cancer care.We explore his journey into psycho-oncology, the role of trust, human touch, and communication, and how families can navigate a cancer diagnosis together. Adrian also discusses post-traumatic growth, cultural barriers, and why multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for healing.If Adrian’s insights on emotional wellbeing, communication, and patient–family support resonate with you, discover how our Advanced Certificate in Lifestyle Oncology equips healthcare professionals with practical skills in these areas — from stress management and relationships to communication in oncology and mental health after a cancer diagnosis: https://aim.clinic/en/product/lifestyle-oncology/

In this episode of the Oncology Revolution Podcast, we welcome Michael Stubblefield — one of the world’s leading voices in cancer rehabilitation — for a deep dive into why restoring function should be a priority in oncology care.We explore the evolution of cancer rehabilitation, from its early development to large-scale implementation across the U.S. and beyond. Stubblefield shares insights from his work with the ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation Program and his founding of the International Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation, highlighting the urgent need to train professionals, expand access, and reshape how survivorship is approached.We discuss:• How pain, fatigue, and loss of function after cancer treatment can — and should — be treated• The specific needs of young adult survivors and long-term effects of chemo and radiotherapy• The importance of knowing when to refer patients to specialists like nutritionists and therapists• The upcoming launch of a global registry to improve access to cancer rehabilitation servicesEnjoyed this episode? Listen to the others or subscribe so you don't miss next week's episode!Want to learn more about cancer rehab or get involved? Discover the mission of the International Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation, co-founded by Stubblefield, and support global efforts to transform cancer recovery: cancerrehabfoundation.org

In this episode of the Oncology Revolution Podcast, we sit down with Ines Sadoc Pereira, a nurse consultant and wound care specialist, to explore the often-overlooked world of oncology wound and scar management. Ines shares her professional journey from ICU nurse in Portugal to tissue viability expert in the UK and explains the unique challenges cancer patients face when it comes to skin health, wounds, and healing. We talk about the role of education, therapeutic communication, and scar therapy in improving quality of life, as well as the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care. We also explore how recent advancements — from AI and telemedicine to next-generation wound products — are reshaping this field, and what still needs to change to make care more accessible, holistic, and human.