Dr. Chovanec podcast

Dr. Michal Chovanec
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Clear, evidence-based answers on cancer, men’s health, and survivorship. Hosted by Dr. Michal Chovanec, Associate Professor of Oncology (National Cancer Institute). Trained at Indiana University under Dr. Lawrence Einhorn, Dr. Chovanec translates complex science into simple answers for patients and survivors. Topics: Everyday Cancer Questions (Safety, Prevention, Diet) Men’s Health Myth-Busting & Survivorship Disclaimer: Content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your physician.

  1. 94% Accurate Prostate Test? Here’s What It Really Means

    Apr 28

    94% Accurate Prostate Test? Here’s What It Really Means

    There’s a new blood test being called 94% accurate for prostate cancer.It sounds like a breakthrough.But before you trust that number, you need to understand what it actually means.Because right now, many men are still being sent for biopsy based on a test — PSA — that was never designed to diagnose prostate cancer.And that’s where things start going wrong.In this video, I explain:Why PSA is often misleadingWhy many biopsies are unnecessaryWhat this new test (PSE) actually measuresWhat “94% accuracy” really means in real clinical practiceAnd how modern prostate diagnostics are shifting toward better decision-makingThe goal is not to avoid testing.The goal is to make better decisions before committing to invasive procedures.👉 Free Biopsy Checklist (1 page): Don’t go to your appointment empty-handed. Download and print: “Before Prostate Biopsy: 5 Essential Questions to Ask Your Urologist.”https://drchovanec.kit.com/30968ddb5c📘 Optional Paid PSA Guide (14 pages): If you want everything organised in one place, my 14-page PSA Guide includes the full step-by-step sequence, how to interpret common PSA/biomarker results, MRI basics, and a printable decision tree. All info is covered for free in the videos — this is the printable toolkit.https://chovano.gumroad.com/l/luikhi▶️ Subscribe to my youtube channel: https://youtube.com/@DrChovanec?si=A_pIsuLTnA408nAaResources "health in hands": https://zdravievhrsti.sk/en/ 🎥 Watch next:When do you actually need a prostate biopsy?→ https://youtu.be/KNTT5oWqxQQThis podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always discuss decisions with your treating physician.

    9 min
  2. Metastatic Prostate Cancer: What It Really Means (Not What You Think)

    Apr 25

    Metastatic Prostate Cancer: What It Really Means (Not What You Think)

    For many men, those words immediately mean one thing:👉 “This is the end.”But that assumption is often wrong.In this video, I explain what metastatic prostate cancer actually means — what is happening inside the body, why it spreads (especially to bone), and how modern treatment has changed what this diagnosis looks like today.We’ll break down:What metastasis really is (and what it is NOT)Why prostate cancer spreads to boneWhat happens to your body when it doesWhy treatment shifts from cure → controlAnd what this means for real life and long-term outcomesThis is not about false reassurance.It’s about understanding the biology — and making sense of a diagnosis that is often misunderstood.👉 Free Biopsy Checklist (1 page)Don’t go to your appointment empty-handed. Download and print:“Before Prostate Biopsy: 5 Essential Questions to Ask Your Urologist.”https://drchovanec.kit.com/30968ddb5c📘 Optional PSA Guide (14 pages)If you want everything organised in one place, this guide walks through how clinicians think about PSA, biomarkers, MRI, and biopsy decisions.All essential information is covered for free in the videos — this is the printable toolkit.https://chovano.gumroad.com/l/luikhiResources:Health in Hands → https://zdravievhrsti.sk/en/If this helped you understand the situation more clearly, consider subscribing.This channel is about helping you navigate cancer decisions with clarity — not fear.#prostatecancer #metastaticcancer #oncology #cancerexplained #menshealth

    9 min
  3. Enlarged Prostate or Cancer? The 3 Signs You Can't Ignore

    Apr 4

    Enlarged Prostate or Cancer? The 3 Signs You Can't Ignore

    Spotify Episode Description If you are waking up at night to urinate, dealing with a weak stream, or feeling like your bladder never completely empties, you might be asking yourself the question every man dreads: "Is this prostate cancer?" In this episode, Dr. Chovanec breaks down the crucial differences between Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. We separate the facts from the fear, explaining why the location of a prostate issue determines your symptoms, and why early prostate cancer is usually completely silent. In this episode, we cover: The Anatomy Reality: Why BPH causes early urinary symptoms, while prostate cancer often does not. The "Zip Code" Rule: The difference between the transition zone and the peripheral zone of your prostate. The Retention Risk: Why a sudden inability to pass urine is a massive red flag. The 3 Actual Clinical Signals: What visible blood in the urine, PSA density, and recurrent UTIs really mean for your health. Next Steps: Why a multiparametric MRI is often a better move than an immediate systematic biopsy. 👇 Resources & Guides Mentioned in this Episode: 👉 Free Biopsy Checklist (1 page): Don’t go to your appointment empty-handed. Download and print: “Before Prostate Biopsy: 5 Essential Questions to Ask Your Urologist.” https://drchovanec.kit.com/30968ddb5c 📘 Optional Paid PSA Guide (14 pages): If you want everything organised in one place, my 14-page PSA Guideincludes the full step-by-step sequence, how to interpret common PSA/biomarker results, MRI basics, and a printable decision tree. All info is covered for free in the videos/podcast — this is the printable toolkit.https://chovano.gumroad.com/l/luikhi 🌐 Resources "health in hands": https://zdravievhrsti.sk/en/ Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast by Dr. Chovanec is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listening to this content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician, urologist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan. #drchovanec

    9 min
  4. Sometimes the Best Prostate Cancer Treatment Is No Treatment

    Apr 1

    Sometimes the Best Prostate Cancer Treatment Is No Treatment

    Hearing the words "you have cancer" triggers an immediate instinct: cut it out or radiate it. But what if the smartest, safest medical decision you can make is to do absolutely nothing? In this episode, Dr. Chovanec breaks down the paradox of prostate cancer. Because many prostate tumors grow incredibly slowly, rushing into aggressive treatments like surgery or radiation can permanently damage your urinary control and sexual function without actually improving your survival rate. We dive deep into Active Surveillance—the rigorous, evidence-based medical protocol where we carefully monitor the cancer instead of immediately attacking it. In this episode, we cover: • Why doing "nothing" is actually a highly structured medical strategy. • What the long-term clinical data shows (and why 50% of men on this protocol never need treatment). • The exact criteria that make you a good candidate for surveillance. • The critical difference between Active Surveillance and Watchful Waiting. • How to manage the intense psychological challenge of "scan-xiety." 👇 RESOURCES TO NAVIGATE YOUR DIAGNOSIS 👇 ✅ FREE Urology Visit Checklist Download the exact questions you need to ask your doctor before making any treatment decisions: https://drchovanec.kit.com/30968ddb5c 📘 The Complete PSA & Biopsy Guide (Printable) A step-by-step guide to help you deeply understand your PSA results, your pathology report, and your biopsy decisions so you can take back control of your health: https://chovano.gumroad.com/l/luikhi Connect with Dr. Chovanec: YouTube: [Insert YouTube Link] Website: https://youtube.com/@drchovanec?si=ge7yleqMunoTbMSi Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute individual medical advice. Always consult with your multidisciplinary oncology team regarding your specific diagnosis and treatment plan.

    7 min
  5. How to Choose the Right Prostate Cancer Treatment: Surgery, Radiation, or Waiting?

    Mar 30

    How to Choose the Right Prostate Cancer Treatment: Surgery, Radiation, or Waiting?

    A prostate cancer diagnosis often leads to a single, urgent thought: "Get it out of me." However, rushing this decision can be dangerous, as the treatment you choose today will shape your urinary control, sexual function, and daily life for decades to come. In this episode, we break down how doctors categorize risk—low, intermediate, or high—using PSA levels, Gleason scores, and MRI findings. We explore the three main pillars of prostate cancer management: Active Surveillance: Why monitoring the cancer carefully through regular tests is often the preferred strategy for low-risk cases. Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy): The advantages of physical removal via robotic systems and what to expect regarding recovery and nerve-sparing techniques. Radiation Therapy: Comparing external beam radiation and brachytherapy to surgical options, including the role of hormone therapy. Whether you are newly diagnosed or supporting a loved one, this guide is designed to help you move from fear to a place of informed, deliberate decision-making. There is no universal "best" treatment—only the one that aligns with your life and goals. Free Checklist before biopsy: A printable guide to help you navigate your urology or biopsy discussion. https://drchovanec.kit.com/30968ddb5c Comprehensive PSA & Biopsy Guide: An organized, printable resource to help you understand your results. https://chovano.gumroad.com/l/luikhi Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard in this podcast.

    7 min
  6. Prostate Surgery: What They Don’t Tell You About Side Effects

    Mar 27

    Prostate Surgery: What They Don’t Tell You About Side Effects

    The fear of prostate cancer isn't just about survival—it’s about the life that comes after. Will I have an erection again? Will I leak urine? These are the questions that keep men awake at night, yet the answers in the doctor's office are often rushed or incomplete. In this episode, Dr. Chovanec, associate professor of oncology, breaks down the medical evidence behind post-surgical recovery. We dive deep into the reality of "nerve-sparing" surgery, why recovery can take up to 24 months, and the specific strategies—like penile rehabilitation and pelvic floor physiotherapy—that can change your outcome. The Nerve Truth: Why 70-80% of men may still require assistance for erections even after "perfect" surgery. Neuropraxia: Understanding the "temporary shutdown" of nerves and the timeline for recovery. Continence Realities: Why 80-90% of men regain control, and how to ensure you are in that majority. Active Recovery: Why you shouldn't be passive—the role of Tadalafil, Sildenafil, and Kegel exercises. Decision Making: How to balance cancer risk with your quality-of-life priorities. [FREE] Pre-Biopsy Checklist: Take this to your urologist to ensure no question goes unasked. https://drchovanec.kit.com/30968ddb5c [GUIDE] The PSA & Biopsy Organizer: A structured, printable guide to help you navigate your results and decisions. https://chovano.gumroad.com/l/luikhi Connect with the community: Share your story in the comments or on social media. Your experience might be the lifeline another man needs today. #drchovanec #prostatecancer #menshealth #oncology #survivorship #shorts Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your physician regarding your specific health situation. What you will learn:Resources for Your Journey:

    9 min
  7. Option 1: PSA Rising? An Oncologist's 4-Step Playbook to Avoid Unnecessary Biopsies

    Mar 6

    Option 1: PSA Rising? An Oncologist's 4-Step Playbook to Avoid Unnecessary Biopsies

    Episode Description If you logged into your patient portal tomorrow and saw your PSA rising, what would be your next move? Most men—and many doctors—panic and rush straight into a blind biopsy. As an oncologist, I see this mistake every day. In this episode, I’m taking off the white coat to share my personal playbook. If my own PSA spiked tomorrow, here is the exact 4-step sequence I would follow to protect my health, demand the right context, and avoid unnecessary procedures. In this episode, we cover: Step 1: Confirm – Why you must wait 2-6 weeks to rule out "noise" (like recent workouts, ejaculation, or lab errors). Step 2: Context – How prostate size changes the game and why you need to know your "PSA Density." Step 3: The Map – Why a multiparametric MRI (and understanding your PI-RADS score) is an absolute deal-breaker before any needle touches the prostate. Step 4: The Target – The crucial difference between throwing darts blindfolded and getting an MRI-guided fusion biopsy. The PREVENT Trial – Why you should ask your doctor about a transperineal biopsy instead of a transrectal one to reduce the risk of severe infection. You deserve the exact same standard of care that a doctor would demand for himself. Do not let fear choose your next step. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: 📥 Download my optional payed 14-Page PSA Guide: chovano.gumroad.com/l/luikhi

    7 min
  8. Prostate Biopsy Trap: What Most Men Aren’t Told

    Mar 6

    Prostate Biopsy Trap: What Most Men Aren’t Told

    Episode Description Most men are never told the full truth about prostate cancer screening. When a single PSA test comes back high, the medical "conveyor belt" often kicks into high gear, moving you straight toward a biopsy without a second thought. This is what I call the Biopsy Trap. In this episode, I explain why a reflex biopsy can lead to "battleship medicine"—a blind sampling approach that can miss aggressive cancer or, worse, find low-risk "turtle" cancers that trigger unnecessary panic and life-altering overtreatment. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why you should never agree to a biopsy based on just one PSA result. The "Escape Routes": How MRI, biomarkers, and risk calculators provide a modern sequence for smart decision-making. The 2 specific questions you must ask your urologist to pause the conveyor belt. How to differentiate between a "clinically significant" cancer and one that can be safely watched. I’ve organized the exact testing sequences and modern tools which are discussed free in my videos and podcasts into an optional payed 14-page PSA Guide. It includes: The Blueprint: A step-by-step breakdown of how to read your lab results. The Context Framework: How clinicians use prostate size, your PSA trend, and MRI to reveal what a single number cannot. The Decision Matrix: Understanding when a biopsy is truly the right move. Download the Guide Here: chovano.gumroad.com/l/luikhi Disclaimer: I am a medical oncologist, but I am not your doctor. This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician. #drchovanec #zdravievhrsti #prostatecancer #highPSA #menshealth Free PSA & Biopsy Guide

    9 min
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About

Clear, evidence-based answers on cancer, men’s health, and survivorship. Hosted by Dr. Michal Chovanec, Associate Professor of Oncology (National Cancer Institute). Trained at Indiana University under Dr. Lawrence Einhorn, Dr. Chovanec translates complex science into simple answers for patients and survivors. Topics: Everyday Cancer Questions (Safety, Prevention, Diet) Men’s Health Myth-Busting & Survivorship Disclaimer: Content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your physician.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Michal Chovanec
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Michal Chovanec
  • Show Website
    Dr. Chovanec podcast