Dr. Selwyn Vickers, President & CEO of Memorial Sloan Kettering, discusses expanding cancer care and the role of environmental factors. He explores genetic factors in breast, ovarian, prostate, lung, brain, and pancreatic cancer, and the challenges of early detection. The potential impact of weight loss drug, Ozempic, on cancer is also discussed. Dr. Vickers shares his educational background, upbringing, experience with pancreatic cancer surgery, and qualities of a great surgeon.
Cancer treatment has made significant progress over the past 50 years, with cure rates increasing from 30-40% to around 68-70%, showcasing the importance of research and advancements in the field.
Early detection of cancer through screening methods like mammograms and colonoscopies greatly improves the chances of successful treatment, emphasizing the need for regular check-ups and awareness of symptoms.
Deep dives
Improvements in Cancer Treatment
Over the past 50 years since President Nixon declared war on cancer, there has been significant progress in treating cancer. The chances of a cure have increased from 30-40% to around 68-70% across the board. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, leading a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking, and limiting red meat consumption can potentially lower the risk. Early detection through screening, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, greatly improves the chances of successful treatment.
Factors and Common Types of Cancer
Cancer risk is influenced by a combination of inherited genes, genetic mutations developed over time, and environmental factors. A small percentage of cancer cases are due to inherited genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Additionally, somatic mutations resulting from environmental exposures and aging can lead to the development of malignant cells. The most common types of cancer in America are breast and prostate cancer, followed by lung and pancreatic cancer. While breast and prostate cancers have high cure rates, pancreatic cancer remains challenging to detect and treat early.
The Role of Early Detection and Challenges
Early detection of cancer plays a crucial role in successful treatment. Currently, there are effective screening methods for certain cancers, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and CT scans for lung cancer. However, there is a need for improved screening methods for other types of cancer, such as brain and pancreatic cancer. AI and computational oncology show potential in predicting individuals at risk and improving early detection. Detecting cancer at later stages, like stage four, remains challenging. Symptoms to be aware of include unexplained weight loss, new-onset diabetes, and changes in urine color or jaundice.
Memorial Sloan Kettering President & CEO Dr. Selwyn Vickers talks about expanding cancer care and the resilience required to become a great surgeon. He speaks on "The David Rubenstein Show: Peer-to-Peer Conversations". This was recorded December 19, 2023 in New York.