Cancer Questions

Can aspirin prevent ovarian cancer?  Susanne Menon, NP, a nurse practitioner at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights recent research indicating that aspirin might lower the risk of ovarian cancer by 13%.   It's important to note that aspirin can also lead to serious health complications. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any prophylactic aspirin regimen.  Want to learn...

Are there different kinds of genetic testing?  Huma Rana, MD, MPH, physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the different types of genetic testing for cancer: germline DNA testing, somatic sequencing and CT DNA testing.   Want to learn more about cancer genetics and cancer prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/patient-family/cancer-prevention-risk   

Does second hand smoke contribute to cancer risk?  David Jackman, MD, senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explains the significant health risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure.   According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), exposure to secondhand smoke can increase your risk of developing lung cancer by up to 30%.   Beyond lung cancer, secondhand smoke is also linked...

What is radon and how does it impact cancer risk?   Tim Rebbeck, PhD, professor of Cancer Prevention at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, helps answer this common question.   Radon is a naturally occurring, carcinogenic element commonly found in basements and workplaces across the United States. Rebbeck explains what radon is, where it's found, and the associated risks of lung cancer.   Learn more abo...

Does sugar increase cancer risk?  Christina Conte, RDN, LDN, nutritionist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, addresses the misconception that sugar feeds cancer and explains the key differences between added sugar and naturally occurring sugar.  Want to learn more about integrative therapies and healthy living? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/patient-family/support-services/integrative-therapies ...

Does pregnancy reduce the risk of developing breast or gynecologic cancers?   Harold Burstein, MD, PhD, breast oncologist Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explores insights from past and current studies, offering a comprehensive view of how reproductive history can influence cancer risk.  Want to learn more about breast or gynecologic cancers? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/...

How can I reduce my risk of colorectal cancer? Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH, medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the link between diet, lifestyle, and family history on colorectal cancer risk. Ng, MD, MPH, explains why maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes can reduce colorectal cancer risk.  Want to learn more from Dan...

What's the association between drinking alcohol and cancer? Wendy Chen, MD, medical oncologist with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the recommended limits for alcohol consumption. Chen explains how regular alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing various cancers, including breast, head and neck, esophageal, and stomach cancer, among others.   Learn more about Dana-Farber Ca...

Can any sunscreens cause cancer? Elizabeth Buchbinder, MD, senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, addresses recent concerns about trace levels of chemical sunscreens found in blood samples and what this could mean for your health. Buchbinder explains the benefits of using sunscreen and the evolution of sunscreens from mechanical blockers like zinc to modern chemical sunscreens.  Want to...

Should my child get the HPV vaccine? Susanne Menon, NP, a nurse practitioner at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights how the HPV vaccine is a critical tool in preventing HPV-related cancers, including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, mouth, and throat cancers.   Want to learn more about cancer risk and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/

Can bras cause breast cancer? Tim Rebbeck, PhD, professor of Cancer Prevention at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explores factors contributing to breast cancer, debunks myths, and highlights effective prevention strategies. Rebbeck, PhD, explains why getting regular mammograms, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and being aware of family history is important.  Want to learn more about breast cancer r...

I was a regular smoker, and I quit, so how can I reduce my cancer risk? David Jackman, MD, senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses the critical steps to reduce cancer risk after quitting smoking, eligibility for lung cancer screening, and the importance of early detection.  Want to learn more about lung cancer risk and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/...

How do I know if I'm at high risk for certain cancers? Huma Rana, MD, MPH, physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the role of germline genetic testing in identifying inherited cancer risk.  Want to learn more about cancer genetics and cancer prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/patient-family/cancer-prevention-risk

Does eating grilled food increase cancer risk? Christina Conte, RDN, LDN nutritionist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explores the link between grilled food and cancer risk, offering practical tips for healthier grilling. Conte, RDN, LDN explains why choosing lean meats like skinless chicken and fish, using vinegar or lemon-based marinades, and opting for smaller cuts, can help reduce your exposu...

Does breastfeeding reduce your risk of breast cancer? Harold Burstein, MD, PhD breast oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights studies that have shown the longer women offer breastfeeding to their infants, the lower the risk of breast cancer.  Want to learn more about breast cancer screening, risk, and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/types/breast-cancer

Are at home tests a good screening option for colorectal cancer? In this episode of Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber, Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH, medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights various screening methods for colorectal cancer, including at-home stool-based tests and colonoscopies.  Want to learn more about colorectal cancer screening, risk and prevention? Visit: https://www...

What is the association between soy and cancer risk? Wendy Chen, MD, medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, helps shed light on the link between soy and breast cancer risk, drawing from cultural and laboratory studies to provide guidance on how to eat soy safely. 

In this episode of Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber, we address the question: How and when should you get screened for skin cancer?   Elizabeth Buchbinder, MD, senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights what you need to know about skin cancer screening.                  Want to learn more about skin cancer risk, screening, and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cance...

What are the risk factors for gynecologic cancers? Gynecologic cancers, including ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers, have varying risk factors. Susanne Menon, NP, a women's health nurse practitioner at Dana-Farber, helps break down these factors for prevention and early detection.

Do wireless or bluetooth devices cause cancer?           In this episode of Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber, Tim Rebbeck, PhD, Dana-Farber's Vincent L. Gregory Professor of Cancer Prevention, breaks down the latest research and addresses the common fears and misconceptions about the radiation emitted by devices.       Learn more about Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: https://www.dana-farber.org/   

In this episode of Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber, David Jackman, MD, senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, breaks down screening options like annual low-dose CT scans for individuals ages 50-80 with a history of smoking. Jackman emphasizes the importance of discussing the potential benefits and risks of lung cancer screening with your physician.               Want to learn more abo...

How do you know if you should do genetic testing for cancer risk? We address this common question in the latest episode of Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber, featuring Huma Rana, MD, MPH, clinical director of Cancer Genetics and Prevention at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Want to learn more about cancer risk and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/cancer-genetics

This episode of Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber addresses the question: What's the connection between coffee and cancer? Christina Conte, RDN, LDN nutrition coordinator at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights how coffee, especially black coffee without cream and sugar, can positively impact health and potentially lower the risk of developing cancer. Want to learn more about integrative thera...

In this episode of Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber, Hal Burstein, MD, PhD, a breast oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights what you should know about breast cancer screening. Mammography has significantly reduced breast cancer mortality globally. Want to learn more about breast cancer screening, risk, and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/types/breast-can...

In this episode of Dana-Farber's Cancer Questions, Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH, a medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the latest guidelines for colorectal cancer screening from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Want to learn more about colorectal cancer screening, risk, and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/gastrointestinal/programs/color...