CancerCast

Breast cancer screening aims to catch breast abnormalities and cancers early, often before the onset of physical symptoms. There are many tools available including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI as well as image-assisted biopsies. Depending on cancer risk, breast density, and other variables, a combination of these may be used to detect breast malignancies and guide cancer treatment. Additionall...

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) accounts for about one-fourth of all new leukemia cases and diagnosis typically comes from routine bloodwork. While most cases result in a watch-and-wait strategy, understanding the underpinnings of this disease has helped advance CLL care, research and treatment. Guest: John Allan, MD, hematologist and medical oncologist specializing in the treatment and care of...

Pain is one of the most common, but complex symptoms for cancer patients. Both cancer and its treatments can cause pain and managing this pain is a personalized process. While there are numerous pharmacological and non-drug based approaches, improving pain can significantly impact quality of life. Oncology care teams and pain management specialists can help patients navigate options.  Guest: Abhil...

Kidney cancer is among the ten most common forms of cancer with about 79,000 new cases annually. It is often found incidentally but certain variables may increase risk, including factors such as family history, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and more. Kidney cancer can present in many ways, but common signs and symptoms, such as blood in urine, can indicate a problem with your kidneys and...

Groundbreaking updates and scientific advancements were shared at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, a leading conference bringing together oncology professionals from around the world. This conversation covers top research presented across solid tumors and hematologic malignancies that is changing the landscape of care for patients with cancer. Guest: Manish Sha...

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, may evoke certain stigmas and associations, but when used in medicine, marijuana is a highly regulated botanical. If prescribed under proper guidance, medical marijuana can often be a helpful tool in cancer symptom management, from nausea and lack of appetite to chronic pain and beyond. Multidisciplinary cancer care teams can offer knowledge and support in naviga...

Precision medicine leverages genetic and genomic information to help create individualized treatment plans for cancer patients. One example is an emerging test called a liquid biopsy. While traditional biopsies use more invasive tissue samples, liquid biopsies use blood tests to detect circulating tumor cells throughout the body. This technique can provide easier access to information, helping det...

While cancer screening methods and treatments have improved over the years, there are still significant barriers that prevent access to care for many individuals. Community outreach and engagement can help to combat these health disparities and dismantle myths and stigmas surrounding cancer. Through the help of community health workers and dedicated teams, efforts are underway to bring health equi...

Procedures involving stem cell and bone marrow transplants were one of the first successful forms of immunotherapy in cancer care. Recent scientific and medical advances have led to novel approaches making transplant safer and more effective than ever before. Innovations continue to transform the field, offering alternative treatments that help the body’s immune system better recognize and fight t...

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common form of women's cancer worldwide. While cervical cancer used to be the most common cause of cancer death for women, advances in testing and prevention – from the pap smear to the HPV vaccine – now makes it one of the most preventable forms of cancer. With all gynecologic cancers, regular check-ups are key to early diagnosis and treatment. Guest: Eloise Cha...

For the fourth consecutive year, Dr. John Leonard shares his list of the 10 most interesting and impactful lymphoma and blood cancer abstracts – with 5 “bonus” podcast-only selections – to be presented at the 2021 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). Host : John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist, and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hosp...

Testicular cancer is an uncommon form of cancer and yet remains the #1 cancer among young men. Testicular cancer is highly treatable and curable, especially when caught early, but it’s not often talked about. Normalizing the topic and increasing awareness for regular self-checks is critical to proper detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Guest: Doug Scherr, MD, urologist and Clinical Director of Ur...

Clinical trials are pivotal in developing medical breakthroughs and advancing cancer treatments. Patient volunteers are instrumental in this research process. This behind-the-scenes look offers insight into how clinical trials are conducted and what participation entails, including safety precautions, risks and benefits, and much more.  Guest: Peter Martin, MD, clinical investigator for new and pr...

Cancer and heart health can be interconnected. Cardio-oncology is an important, emerging field to help cancer patients and survivors manage pre-existing heart disease and better tolerate the cardiac side effects of certain cancer therapies. Guest: Syed Mahmood, specialized cardio-oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematolog...

Demystifying supportive and therapeutic procedures that may be performed in the course of a cancer patient’s journey. From biopsies to port placements, tumor ablations, and other minimally invasive means of treatment, interventional radiology is a rapidly evolving field at the forefront of minimally-invasive techniques for patient care. Guest: Bradley Pua, MD, Chief of Interventional Radiology at...

Combining cutting-edge Western medicine with the ancient wisdom of Eastern traditions can provide for a holistic approach to cancer care. There are a variety of ways to manage common side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, fatigue, anxiety and pain. Integrative medicine – including acupuncture, nutrition, vitamins & supplements, medical marijuana, yoga, and meditation – can play an impo...

A review of important research presented at the 2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting and a guide to the scientific jargon to better understand how clinical trials are designed, what is being evaluated and what the research showed.  Guest: Manish Shah, MD, Director of the Solid Tumor Service and Gastrointestinal (GI) Oncology Program at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork...

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. Everything you need to know about how to prevent skin cancer, who is at highest risk, what treatment entails and much more. Guest: Anna Pavlick, DO, medical oncologist, skin cancer expert, and Director of the Cutaneous Oncology Program at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and...

An expert breaks down what you need to know about colorectal cancer -- risk factors, signs & symptoms, myths & misconceptions, the latest screening recommendations, and much more! Guest: Felice Schnoll-Sussman, MD, gastroenterologist and Director of The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned...

Stress and anxiety are common feelings when coping with cancer. The pandemic has added another layer of uncertainty and vulnerability, but there are strategies to help get through these difficult times. Guest: Guy Maytal, MD, psychiatrist and mental health specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital where he serves as Chief of Integrated Care and Psychiatric Oncology. Ho...

How do COVID-19 vaccines work and are they safe for cancer patients? What to know about the latest updates in COVID-19 prevention and treatment. Guest: Kristen Marks, MD, infectious disease expert who has led pivotal research on COVID prevention and treatment at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at W...

From the bench to the bedside -- how translational research and multidisciplinary care impact treatment for people with cancer. Guest: Manuel Hidalgo, MD, PhD, Chief of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.  Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Dr. John Leonard provides his perspective on the 15 most interesting and impactful lymphoma and blood cancer abstracts to be presented at the 2020 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist, and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

Multidisciplinary management of breast cancer, and disease disparities among African American and white patients. Guest: Lisa Newman, MD, Chief of the Section of Breast Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Unique medical and psychosocial considerations for care of adolescents and young adults with lymphoma. Guest: Lisa Roth, MD, Director of the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Lymphoma Program at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.