Otis Brawley

Otis Brawley, a renowned oncology professor at Johns Hopkins, and Delavitt Castor, an infectious disease expert at Columbia University, discuss the pressing challenges in U.S. cancer research. They tackle the consequences of recent funding cuts, particularly from the Trump administration, and the implications for clinical trials. The conversation reveals alarming disparities in cancer treatment and the urgent need for innovative solutions in public health to bridge these gaps. They also reflect on the intertwined relationship between politics and funding in advancing cancer research.

Veda Giri, an expert in early onset cancers from Yale, and Rebecca Siegel, a cancer statistics specialist at the American Cancer Society, explore the rising rates of cancers among young Americans and the socio-economic factors at play. Stephen Rosenberg discusses groundbreaking advancements in immunotherapy, highlighting their potential to revolutionize treatment. Otis Brawley and Valerie Lee focus on the unique needs of younger colorectal cancer patients, stressing the importance of tailored care and addressing disparities in health outcomes.

Dr. Otis Brawley, a Johns Hopkins oncology and epidemiology professor, discusses the alarming rise in cancer rates among younger Americans, particularly colorectal and pancreatic cancers. He highlights a yearly increase of 1-1.5% in colorectal cases, linking it to dietary changes and obesity. The conversation dives into microbial influences, like HPV and gut bacteria, and environmental factors like chemical exposure. Additionally, Dr. Brawley sheds light on the distinctions between familial and sporadic cancers and the implications for treatment and prognosis.