In this episode (part 2 of 2), Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with a team of MSK experts to explore the complexities of breast cancer treatment and life afterwards. Breast medical oncologist Dr. Julia Brockway-Marchello and nurse Jenna Galinsky explain chemotherapy and hormone therapy, their potential side effects, and ways they can be alleviated. …

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with two MSK clinical social workers, Hadley Maya and Natalie Santos, about how parents who've been diagnosed with cancer can talk to their children. They offer compassionate guidance on being honest with kids to prepare them for changes in family routines or treatment side effects, helping them feel …

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with MSK physician-scientist Dr. Karuna Ganesh and epidemiologist Dr. Caitlin Murphy about the troubling rise in cancer rates among younger generations, specifically people born in the 1980s (Gen X) and 1990s (Millennials). The latest research suggests prenatal exposures, environmental toxins, and var…

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with MSK’s Dr. Neil Iyengar, a nationally recognized expert on the relationship between obesity, metabolic health, and cancer. Together, they discuss the intriguing connection between a new class of weight loss drugs, called GLP-1 agonists, and cancer risk reduction. They explore how medications li…

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes is joined by Dr. Erica Lee, a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at MSK, to discuss misconceptions around who can get skin cancer, how it presents on different skin types, and practical sun safety tips to help prevent skin cancer. They break down the different types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma…

In this episode (part 1 of 2), Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with a team of MSK experts to demystify three breast cancer treatment options: surgery, radiation, and reconstruction. Breast surgeon Dr. Tracy-Ann Moo explains the difference between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy, and why one isn’t always better than the other. Radiation oncologist Dr. …

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Comen, author of "All in Her Head: The Truth and Lies Early Medicine Taught Us About Women's Health and Why It Matters Today." They discuss ways to empower women to advocate for their health when talking to doctors, and how a historic gender bias in medical research has influence…

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with 3 women breaking new ground in the field of cancer research: Dr. Karuna Ganesh studies metastasis and how cancer spreads, Dr. Chrysothemis Brown is unlocking secrets of our immune system to fight cancer, and Marie-Josée Kravis has donated generously to support women in cancer research. Together, …

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with Dr. Allison Applebaum, founder of the Caregivers Clinic at MSK, about the need to support cancer caregivers. She shares her own experience with her father and offers practical advice on navigating the healthcare system. This episode includes tips for managing intense emotions like anger, grief an…

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes has a meaningful conversation with Dr. Alan Carver, an MSK neurologist specializing in end-of-life and palliative care, and Hadley Vlahos, a hospice nurse with over 1 million social followers and author of "The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments." Together, they offer advice for…

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and Dr. Alex Drilon, Chief of MSK's Early Drug Development Service, answer the most common questions about participating in clinical trials. Through hearing the experience of patients, they discuss the practical aspects as well as the fears and misconceptions associated with clinical trials. They explain the…

We’re listening back to one of our favorite episodes from December 2022. 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 tha…

Discover the revolutionary potential of CAR T-cell therapy as a possible cure for some types of cancer. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with the pioneer of CAR T-cell therapy, MSK immunologist Dr. Michel Sadelain, as well as cellular therapist Dr. Jae Park, about the intricate process of modifying a patient’s own immune cells to tar…

Learn what you need to know about early-stage prostate cancer, from risk factors to treatment options and how to tackle their side effects. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes is joined by medical oncologist Dr. Dana Rathkopf, radiation oncologist Dr. Sean McBride, and urologic surgeon Dr. Behfar Ehdaie. Together, they provide an overview of t…

Spanish episode #4 | Episodio #4 en español En este episodio, la Dra. Diane Reidy-Lagunes habla con el Dr. José Flores, cirujano urológico de MSK, sobre el tema de la salud sexual de los hombres después de un diagnóstico de cáncer. Es un tema que a menudo se pasa por alto, pero es de vital importancia. Exploran el amplio espectro de la disfunción s…

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with former New York Mets president and MSK patient, Sandy Alderson, along with his dedicated team of doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering. They discuss Sandy’s unique journey with appendix cancer and how experts from various disciplines came together to save his life, a testament to MSK’s multidiscipli…

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with MSK’s Chief of Computational Oncology, Sohrab Shah, and Chair of the Department of Radiology, Lawrence H. Schwartz, to discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence in cancer care. They explore how A.I. is making a real impact in radiology, from reducing the time patients spend ge…

George Kolasa was living his dream life as a fashion executive in New York City when in February 2022, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma – the most common form of brain cancer. In this special episode, George and his husband Justin take us on their journey as cancer patient and caregiver as it has unfolded in real time over the past year. We see G…

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with MSK oncodermatologist Dr. Mario Lacouture and clinical nurse Sheryl Scott to discuss the most effective ways of preventing or mitigating the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. They provide tips for living with fatigue, keeping or regrowing hair, soothing skin rashes, protecting nails,…

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with two physician-scientists researching vaccines and novel immunotherapies, Dr. Vinod Balachandran and Dr. Dmitriy Zamarin. They discuss the power of the body’s immune system to prevent and treat cancers, the difference between preventative and therapeutic vaccines, which cancers are treatable wi…

In this special episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with renowned journalist and cancer screening advocate Katie Couric at The Paley Center for Media in New York City. After losing her first husband to colon cancer in 1997, Katie made history when she received her first colonoscopy on-air as host of the Today show, inspiring millions of Amer…

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.c…

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 univer…

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 a…

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 chap…

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…

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…

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 …

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 ep…

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 tr…

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 co…

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 pre…

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 disappear…

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 Ch…

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 “Su…

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, …

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. Di…

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 emoti…

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 tha…

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 holi…

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…

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’…

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…

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 a…

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 p…

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 …

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with Dr. Neil Iyengar, a breast medical oncologist and MSK’s leading researcher on diet, metabolism, and cancer. Together, they debunk myths surrounding diet trends, exercise, and the relationship between fat tissue and cancer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with MSK’s chair of psychiatry, Dr. William Breitbart, about the unique mental toll that a worldwide pandemic has on cancer patients and caregivers alike. Dr. Breitbart shares strategies for coping and finding hope in the midst of uncertainty. Learn more about MSK's Support Services. Learn more about …

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with MSK's infectious disease specialist and deputy physician-in-chief Dr. Monika Shah about the special concerns patients with cancer have about their risk for COVID-19 and vaccine safety while they’re in active treatment. Learn more about MSK's COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Patients. See omnystudi…

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes chats with medical oncologist Dr. Juan-Manuel Schvartzman about the cellular damage that causes cancer. Can we find its Achilles’s heel? For more information or to ask a question, please visit MSKCC.org/podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…