Cancer.net Podcasts

The ASCO Annual Meeting brings together physicians, researchers, patient advocates, and other health care professionals to discuss the latest in cancer care. The research presented at this meeting frequently leads to treatment advances and new ways to improve the quality of life for people with cancer. In today’s podcast, Cancer.Net Associate Editors share their thoughts on the most exiting and practice-changing news to come out of the 2018 ASCO Annual Meeting. Cancer Research News

Approximately 70% of people diagnosed with cancer are 65 or older, and often older adults with cancer have different needs and concerns than young adults or children. In this podcast, we will discuss new recommendations from ASCO about how doctors can assess older adults in order to ensure they get the care they need. Quality of Life

In this podcast, Dr. Paul Celano discusses what patients should know when taking medication for cancer treatment, including tips for safely storing the medication, special considerations for oral chemotherapy and opioids, as well as resources to help dispose of unneeded or expired medications. Cancer Basics

Treatment for head and neck cancer can often cause side effects that make it difficult to eat. In this podcast, dietitians Maureen Gardner and Annette Goldberg discuss several side effects that may be caused by head and neck cancer treatment and offer tips for managing these side effects and taking in enough nutrients, including information about feeding tubes. Side Effects

In this podcast, Dr. Timothy Gilligan will discuss new research presented at the 2018 Cancer Survivorship Symposium: Advancing Care and Research, held February 16-17 in Orlando, Florida. This multidisciplinary meeting brings together primary care physicians, oncologists, patient advocates, and others to discuss ways to address cancer survivors’ unique concerns.  The research discussed in this podcast includes mention of suicide. If you need help, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Cancer Research News

Research into new forms of biologic therapy, such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy, have made dramatic advances in treating and managing cancer, but these therapies can be very expensive. You may be familiar with generic drugs, which are identical copies of brand-name drugs, and are often much cheaper. However, the manufacturing process for biologic therapies is so complex, it is not possible for a different manufacturer to make an identical copy. In this podcast, Dr. Gary Lyman discusses biosimilar agents, which are similar, but not identical, copies of these drugs.  Treatments, Tests, and Procedures

In today’s podcast, Dr. Noelle LoConte discusses the relationship between alcohol use and cancer, and explains why ASCO has released a statement on this topic.  Cancer Screening and Prevention

There are many benefits to being physically active during and after cancer treatment. However, the side effects of cancer treatment can make it challenging to get to a gym or complete standard exercises. In this podcast, we discuss these challenges, tips for staying physically active, and the benefits of participating in a fitness program designed for cancer survivors, like LIVESTRONG at the YMCA.  After Treatment and Survivorship

A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has some specific neurological effects. In today’s podcast, Annette Goldberg talks with Dr. Roy Strowd about this diet, its history, and its potential benefits in people with certain types of brain tumors. Cancer Research News

Many people with cancer receive long-term therapy after their primary cancer treatment—such as surgery or chemotherapy—has ended, in order reduce the risk of their cancer returning or worsening. In today’s podcast, Dr. Ryan Nipp discusses the unique challenges faced by people who receive this extended therapy and their caregivers. Dr. Nipp also talks about the importance of survivorship care plans and having open communication between patients and their health care team in addressing these challenges. After Treatment and Survivorship

In today’s podcast, Dr. Judith Paice discusses options for managing cancer-related pain, including opioid medications, and medication-free alternatives. She also discusses the use of cannabinoids, which are derived from marijuana, including recent clinical research and associated risks and barriers.  Side Effects

In today’s podcast, Dr. Erika Ramsdale and Dr. Andrew Chapman discuss new options for improving care for older adults with cancer, including online tools and telecommunications options. Dr. Ramsdale is a board-certified specialist in geriatric medicine and medical oncology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Dr. Chapman is the co-director of the Jefferson Senior Adult Oncology Center and a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist at Thomas Jefferson University. Cancer Research News

A therapy animal has been trained to visit hospitals and other healthcare environments to provide comfort, help decrease a patient’s pain or discomfort, encourage movement, and even serve a role in a patient’s treatment program. In today’s podcast, Leslie Horton will discuss what is involved in training a dog or other pet to become a therapy animal. Family, Friends, and Caregivers

Genetic testing can help estimate a person’s chance of developing cancer in their lifetime based on changes, or mutations, in their genetic code. Genetic counselors are specially trained medical professionals who can assess and advise people on their individual risk of cancer based on their family’s history of cancer and the results of genetic testing. In this podcast, Tiffani DeMarco explains the role of a genetic counselor and discusses how genetic testing has changed over time.   Cancer Screening and Prevention

Voices on Cancer is a Cancer.Net Blog series where advocates share their stories and the lessons they have learned about being a cancer advocate. In this Voices on Cancer podcast, young adult cancer survivor Matthew Zachary shares his advocacy story and shares tips to help advocate for young adults with cancer. Cancer Basics

Through art therapy, someone with cancer can explore and express feelings that they may not be able to say aloud. In today’s podcast, Michelle Itczak will discuss the role of art therapy in cancer care, and what someone with cancer should know about working with an art therapist.  Cancer Basics

In today’s podcast, Dr. Anthony Alberg explains why it’s not too late to quit smoking after a cancer diagnosis, including the immediate and long-term benefits during and after cancer treatment. He also addresses common myths around quitting smoking and provides resources for someone who wants to quit.   Cancer Research News

In today’s podcast, Dr. Arti Hurria, Dr. Lee Jones, and Dr. Hyman Muss will discuss their article “Cancer Treatment as an Accelerated Aging Process: Assessment, Biomarkers, and Interventions.” They discuss research on why aging-related problems—such as physical conditions or cognitive decline—occur more frequently in cancer survivors, and how these aging-related problems can be prevented or minimized.   Cancer Research News

In today’s podcast, Dr. Howard Bailey will discuss human papillomavirus, or HPV, and explain why it’s associated with certain types of cancer. He also discusses HPV vaccines, and how they can help lower the risk of these cancers.  Cancer Screening and Prevention

In this podcast, Dr. Michael Fisch, Dr. Melissa Accordino, and Dr. Arlene Chung discuss their article, “Using Technology to Improve Cancer Care: Social Media, Wearables, and Electronic Health Records,” and explain how doctors are using digital technology to communicate with their patients, and each other. Cancer Research News