
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 17, 2024 • 25min
Women in Cancer: Meet Three Trailblazers at MSK
Join Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes as she engages with trailblazers Karuna Ganesh, a medical oncologist specializing in colorectal cancer, and Chrysothemis Brown, a pediatrician focused on immune regulation. They dive into groundbreaking research on cancer metastasis and immune response. The discussion highlights the pivotal role of mentorship and philanthropy in fostering innovation in cancer science. Discover how these women are reshaping the landscape and empowering future generations in the fight against cancer.

Mar 20, 2024 • 23min
Advice and Support for Cancer Caregivers
Dr. Allison Applebaum, founder of the Caregivers Clinic at MSK, shares practical advice for cancer caregivers, including navigating the healthcare system and managing intense emotions like anger and grief. She discusses the profound meaning that can be found in the experience of being a cancer caregiver.

Feb 21, 2024 • 24min
Finding Peace at the End of Life & Preparing for Death from Cancer
Neurologist Dr. Alan Carver and hospice nurse Hadley Vlahos discuss transitioning to hospice care, managing fear, and finding peace in one's final days. They emphasize the importance of emotional support, end-of-life conversations, and the impact of quality care on patients and caregivers.

Jan 25, 2024 • 23min
Demystifying Clinical Trials: A Comprehensive Guide to The Science of Hope
Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and Dr. Alex Drilon demystify clinical trials by discussing patient experiences, trial phases, and misconceptions. They highlight the importance of trials in cancer treatment, success stories, enrollment processes, navigating placebos, and result disclosure delays.

Dec 7, 2023 • 20min
What Makes Life Meaningful? (Encore)
Explore finding meaning in the midst of cancer challenges during the holidays. Hear insights on spirituality, gratitude, and the significance of traditions. Discover how patients embrace hope in small moments and lessons on end-of-life care.

Nov 16, 2023 • 23min
Could CAR T-Cell Therapy Be a Cure for Some Cancers?
Hear from Dr. Michel Sadelain and Dr. Jae Park about the potential of CAR T-cell therapy in the treatment of cancer. They discuss its origins, clinical success in blood cancers, potential side effects, and strategies to enhance accessibility. Both doctors express optimism for CAR T-cell therapy's future in treating a wider range of cancers, including solid tumors.

Oct 25, 2023 • 25min
Early-Stage Prostate Cancer: Know Your Treatment Options
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 treatment options for people diagnosed with prostate cancer, including active surveillance, internal and external radiation, surgery and hormone therapy. They offer guidance on navigating these choices and mitigating their side effects with state-of-the-art technology and holistic support services. Episode Chapters:1:24 – Risk factors and screening4:12 – Active surveillance6:12 – Radiation11:31 – Surgery 14:53 – Hormone therapy 20:38 – New and upcoming treatmentsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 11, 2023 • 20min
Guía para hombres sobre el sexo y el cáncer
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 sexual, cómo abordar este delicado tema con su médico y despejan los mitos y tabúes comunes que lo rodean. Descubra cómo los pacientes y los médicos están encontrando soluciones para mantener una vida sexual saludable antes, durante y después del tratamiento contra el cáncer. Vea todos los episodios de Cancer Straight Talk en Español. A Man's Guide to Sex and Cancer In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with Dr. José Flores, urologic surgeon at MSK, about the often overlooked but vital topic of men's sexual health after a cancer diagnosis. They delve into the broad spectrum of sexual dysfunction, how to address this sensitive subject with your doctor, and break down common myths and taboos that surround it. Discover how patients and doctors are finding solutions to maintaining a healthy sex life before, during and after cancer treatment. See all episodes of Cancer Straight Talk en Español.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 20, 2023 • 20min
Sandy Alderson's Playbook for Cancer and Why Teamwork is Key
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 multidisciplinary care model. Sandy also dives into the reasons he kept his diagnosis private for eight years, and highlights the power of mental distractions and trust in your medical team when living with cancer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 21, 2023 • 20min
Artificial Intelligence vs. Cancer
Experts discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in cancer care, focusing on how AI is improving radiology, enhancing cancer detection accuracy, and providing personalized treatment predictions. They highlight the role of AI in early detection, treatment advancements, and revolutionizing cancer care for better patient outcomes.
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