Cancer Straight Talk

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Cancer Straight Talk

Cancer Straight Talk from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center brings together national experts and cancer patients to have straightforward, evidence-based conversations. Our mission is to educate and empower patients and their families to make the right decisions and live happier, healthier lives.

  1. Breast Cancer Treatment Part 2: Chemo, Hormone Therapy and Life After Treatment

    6 NOV

    Breast Cancer Treatment Part 2: Chemo, Hormone Therapy and Life After Treatment

    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. Nurse Adriana Olivo discusses how survivors can cope with emotional challenges, like the fear cancer will come back. Breast cancer patients and survivors offer advice on asking for support while navigating life during and after cancer treatment. Listen to episode 52 "Breast Cancer Treatment Part 1: Surgery, Radiation and Reconstruction" Listen to episode 39 "How to Manage Side Effects During Cancer Treatment: Fatigue, Hair Loss, Skin Care and More" Listen to episode 12 "A Woman's Guide to Sex and Cancer" Episode Chapters:1:44 - Why use some treatments over others?2:55 - Types of breast cancers & their treatments4:50 - Patient testimonial on self-advocacy6:02 - Length of treatment & why it can change7:38 - Quality of life advice during treatment9:10 - Mitigating chemotherapy side effects9:57 - Maintaining sexual health during treatment10:46 - When is taking estrogen a bad idea?13:07 - Quality of life concerns & when to switch meds16:16 - Mitigating hormone therapy side effects17:32 - Patient testimonial on finishing treatment18:22 - Managing fear & life after treatment19:34 - Mitigating long-term side effects of treatment21:24 - Patient testimonial on fear of recurrence22:49 - Why scanning for recurrence isn't recommended26:25 - The reason for all this: live your life! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 min
  2. How to Talk to Children about Cancer

    9 OCT

    How to Talk to Children about Cancer

    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 more secure during a difficult time. With practical tips and real-life examples, this conversation offers advice for parents navigating one of the hardest discussions imaginable, while making sure their children feel supported and can continue being kids. Learn more about MSK’s Talking with Children about Cancer program Additional resources mentioned in this episode:Red Door CommunityCancerCareBright Spot Network Episode Chapters:1:14 - Should I tell my child I have cancer?3:01 - Should it be one conversation or more?4:16 - Advice from a mother with cancer5:27 - Should I put on a brave face? What if I cry?8:30 - How do I explain side effects like hair loss?10:36 - Advice from a mother who lost her hair11:43 - How do I tell my child I may die from cancer?14:24 - Advice from a mother with months to live16:02 - Age-appropriate guidelines for talking to kids21:30 - Advice from a father on age-appropriate talks22:39 - Advice from a daughter on having a sick mother24:32 - What if my teenager doesn't respond well?25:32 - Advice for the surviving parent26:17 - Resources to help parents with cancer28:09 - A note on trusting your child See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30 min
  3. Breast Cancer Treatment Part 1: Surgery, Radiation and Reconstruction

    19 JUN

    Breast Cancer Treatment Part 1: Surgery, Radiation and Reconstruction

    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. Michael Bernstein discusses the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of breast cancer. Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Michelle Coriddi describes various breast reconstruction and preservation techniques, which can help patients maintain a positive body image after treatment. Subscribe to Cancer Straight Talk to be notified when Part 2 airs, covering chemotherapy, hormone therapy and survivorship for people with breast cancer. Episode Chapters:1:27 - Surgery options: lumpectomy vs. mastectomy2:32 - Family history, genetics, and BRCA mutation3:30 - Which surgery has the best outcomes?5:16 - Surgery patient testimony 6:46 - Nipple-sparing mastectomy7:36 - What is radiation?8:49 - Why is radiation needed?10:11 - What does a typical radiation plan entail?11:19 - Radiation patient testimony12:38 - Radiation side effects & how to mitigate them14:25 - Exercise during treatment and recovery15:10 - Reconstruction options after surgery18:22 - Recovery after reconstruction19:10 - Insurance coverage for breast reconstruction19:31 - Reconstruction patient testimony20:58 - Nipple tattoos and 3D areola reconstruction22:00 - Surveillance and risks of breast implants23:02 - Advice for patients See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    25 min

About

Cancer Straight Talk from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center brings together national experts and cancer patients to have straightforward, evidence-based conversations. Our mission is to educate and empower patients and their families to make the right decisions and live happier, healthier lives.

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