Cancer Straight Talk

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks to pain management physician Dr. Neal Rakesh , and neurologist Dr. Anna DeForest , about the many options patients and doctors have to treat pain, including different therapies, safely managed painkillers, injections, and the possibility (and effectiveness) of psychedelics in the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating the dating world after a cancer diagnosis can be tricky. From the fear of disclosing a diagnosis to insecurities around bodily changes, to the emotional baggage patients feel they’re bringing into a relationship, diving back into the dating pool comes with its challenges. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sheds light on the universality of these fears with advice from MSK psychol...

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes welcomes MSK exercise scientist Dr. Lee Jones back to the show to discuss the most recent findings about the effects of exercise on cancer prevention, treatment and recovery. Dr. Jones provides advice for patients to stay physically fit and battle fatigue, as well as the most effective training regimen for anybody, with or without cancer.  See omnystudio.co...

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 make...

Spanish episode #3   |   Episodio #3 en español Un reciente ensayo clínico para el  cáncer de recto  dirigido por Memorial Sloan Kettering ha captado la atención de médicos oncólogos y científicos del cáncer alrededor del mundo. Como un milagro, en un subconjunto de pacientes con la composición genética adecuada, una infusión intravenosa de  inmunoterapia  provocó una remisión completa. Los médico...

Recent research has shown that most, if not all, high grade serous ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tubes. With no pronounced symptoms or tests to catch it early, ovarian cancer is usually detected in women with an average risk of cancer and in highly advanced stages. In this episode, gynecologic surgeons Kara Long-Roche (MSK) and Rebecca Stone (John Hopkins) join Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes...

Dr. Selwyn Vickers  was named President and CEO of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in September 2022. His vision of a future with equal access and better outcomes for all has inspired the faculty and staff at MSK. In this episode,  Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes gets to know Dr. Vickers’ philosophy on achieving health equity, from restoring trust in the system, to overcoming racial bias in the cli...

Mark Lewis was inspired to become a cancer doctor after living through the highs and lows of his father’s cancer journey. On day one of his oncology fellowship, Mark developed an abdominal pain and was suddenly diagnosed with the very same cancer that took his father; a cancer, he learned, that can be passed down to his children as well. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes chats with Dr. Mark...

For nearly half of all breast cancer patients – those with low levels of the HER2 protein – targeted treatment options have always been limited. Palliative chemo has been the standard of care in stage 4 metastatic patients – until now. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with Dr. Shanu Modi , the lead researcher of a groundbreaking MSK trial that proved a drug that combines an antibody...

Spanish episode #2   |   Episodio #2 en español Somos lo que comemos, y no hay duda de que ciertos estilos de vida aumentan el riesgo de padecer cáncer. Entonces, ¿cómo nos ayuda la comida a reducir ese riesgo? ¿Dónde puedo obtener ayuda para encontrar alimentos saludables? ¿Y qué debo comer si tengo cáncer? Médica oncóloga Diane Reidy-Lagunes habla con sus colegas de MSK, la nutricionista Karla G...

You’ve received a cancer diagnosis. Now what? For George Kolasa, it was obvious: use his glioblastoma diagnosis for good. “I’ve been chosen,” he says. Since February, George has been spreading his message of hope, acceptance and overcoming adversity on social media, while husband Justin has taken on his new role as caretaker with military-grade precision and organization. In this episode, Dr. Dian...

A recent clinical trial for rectal cancer headed up by Memorial Sloan Kettering has grabbed the attention of medical oncologists and cancer scientists around the world. Like a miracle, in a subset of patients with the right genetic makeup, an IV infusion of an immunotherapy caused a complete remission. The doctors were shocked. The cancer disappeared in every single patient enrolled on trial. The...

The negative impact of medical expenses on patients is known as financial toxicity. It’s one of the most universal and devastating side effects among cancer patients and their families, and it’s growing. Is there any hope on the horizon? In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes gets answers and advice from two champions of this issue: Dr. Fumiko Chino , radiation oncologist and inaugural winner of...

What makes a good pain remedy – chemically, mentally, legally? Is it better as an edible, oil or vapor? And how does one even begin to figure out dosing? These are the questions Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes explores in this discussion with MSK’s Director of Pediatric Integrated Medicine, Dr. Nirupa Raghunathan , and cancer survivor and winner of TV’s “Survivor: Africa”, Ethan Zohn. In this episode, Dr....

Spanish episode #1   |   Episodio #1 en español En la víspera de Navidad de 2004, Belkis Chalas se enteró de que tenía cáncer del intestino delgado en etapa 4 y apenas meses de vida. Como madre de dos hijos, no pudo evitar preguntar: "¿Por qué yo?" Luego encontró Memorial Sloan Kettering. En este episodio, la Dra. Diane Reidy-Lagunes habla con Belkis, ahora una de sus pacientes más queridas. Conve...

In 2005, Andrew McMahon was on top of the world: His rock band Something Corporate had three albums under its belt, and Andrew was busy recording the debut soon-to-be smash album under his new solo moniker, Jack's Mannequin. Then, suddenly, he couldn't sing. At just 22, Andrew was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia . In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with Andrew and his wife,...

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with Dr. John Mulhall , director of Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine at MSK and editor-in-chief of The Journal of Sexual Medicine, to discuss the impacts of cancer and its treatment on men’s sexual health. Dr. Mulhall gives advice to help men regain their sexual function, both physically and emotionally, and provides insights on the latest thera...

Every year, tens of thousands of people across the country hop on stationary bikes to raise money for rare cancer research through Cycle for Survival , MSK’s largest fundraising event of the year. With the help of founding partner Equinox, Cycle for Survival has raised nearly $300 million since 2007. But how does pedaling raise money? And who is that money helping? In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy...

How does one find gratitude while living with cancer? Can gratitude and grief exist at the same time? What are some tools for managing the two? Join us as Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and MSK clinical psychologist Dr. Wendy Lichtenthal hear from past guests of the podcast – patients, caregivers and clinicians – on how they're finding gratitude this holiday season.  Read "Coping With Grief: 7 Things to...

Twenty years ago, Dr. Charles Sawyers played a pivotal role in the development of a game-changing cancer drug that has gone on to save millions of lives and open doors for research and innovation. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with Dr. Sawyers about what’s next in the field of cancer pharmaceuticals. Is another silver bullet on the horizon? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with journalist, author and stage-four melanoma survivor, Mary Elizabeth Williams, to discuss what it was like being part of a phase-one clinical trial , how clear communication can affect health outcomes, how guilt often accompanies survival, and what not to say to a cancer patient. Mary Elizabeth’s book is  A Series of Catastrophes and Miracles...

Did you know lung cancer is more deadly than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined? Yet it gets less than half the funding. Why is that? In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with thoracic surgeon and attending physician at MSK, Dr. Bernard Park , and chair of the Lung Cancer Research Foundation , Reina Honts, to discuss why one of the most common cancers is also the most stigma...

A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event for anyone, especially for adolescents and young adults who are just getting their bearings in life. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with MSK social worker Hadley Maya to discuss the effects of a cancer diagnosis on a young person’s identity, career, relationships and more. Learn more about MSK's Center for Adolescent and Young Adult C...

Taking on the role of caregiver can be one of the most important — and overwhelming — jobs you’ll ever have. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes chats with MSK social worker Jacob Maier about what you need to know and how to care for yourself while caregiving. Learn more about MSK's Caregiver Support Services . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with Dr. Jeanne Carter , clinical psychologist and sexual health therapist, and Ashley Arkema , gynecological nurse practitioner, about women’s sexual health during and after cancer treatment. This episode includes an honest and frank conversation about the impact of treatment on a woman’s physical and emotional sexual health. Our experts provide hel...