The Dose

AI-assisted mammograms are already a thing. They use deep learning to help detect breast cancer and, in some cases, predict your risk of getting it. Given that breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in Canada, University of Alberta professor Amber Simpson says the tech behind AI-assisted mammograms is promising and a potential step forward.Want to learn more about AI and health care? Listen to our episode on what you should know about asking ChatGPT about health advice.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.

Look out Canada, flu season is here early! As influenza cases rise across the country, experts warn it's still too soon to say how bad this season will be. Alberta infectious diseases specialist Dr. Lynora Saxinger joins the show to talk everything flu, COVID-19 and RSV. She says wash your hands, stay indoors if you've got the sniffles and get your vaccines as soon as they're available.Want to learn more about RSV? Listen to our previous episode on what you need to know about the RSV vaccine.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.

Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in Canada, and a growing number of never-smokers are getting diagnosed. Dr. Nicole Ezer, director of McGill University Health Centre's lung cancer screening centre, explains why this is happening and how workplace and environmental exposures may be contributing.

Nishta Saxena, a Toronto-based registered dietitian and founder of Vibrant Nutrition, explores why “fibremaxxing” is more than a social media fad. She breaks down soluble versus insoluble fibre, its links to heart health, appetite, digestion and mood, plus what low-fibre stool can reveal. Learn easy whole-food upgrades, when supplements help, and how to increase fibre safely, including during GLP-1 treatment.

Raymond Kim, a medical geneticist, oncologist and cancer researcher at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, explores the promise and pitfalls of cancer blood tests. He explains how liquid biopsies can guide treatment and track recurrence, while examining their uncertain role in screening healthy people. The conversation covers false positives, private clinics, costs, and why standard screening still matters.

Andrew Kim, a Toronto Metropolitan University psychology professor and addiction researcher, explores the risks behind sports betting apps. They discuss how casino features, targeted promotions and prediction markets can expand gambling, who is most vulnerable, and how betting can affect finances, relationships and mental health. They also examine warning signs and the riskiest app features.

Dr. Ramin Nilforooshan, a UK psychiatrist and dementia researcher, explores whether Alzheimer’s can be prevented before symptoms appear. He discusses trontinemab, the Preventron trial, detecting hidden brain changes, and the personal choice of learning your risk. The conversation also examines ethical questions, recruitment challenges, and practical ways to reduce dementia risk today.

Social media is filled with people discussing their mental health symptoms, often encouraging others to consider getting a diagnostic label as well. Dr. Gail Beck, a child psychiatrist at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, says experts like her are seeing more young patients seeking a diagnosis, while others are asking about neurodivergence.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.

The Dose is currently on a summer break, but we wanted to feature some of our favourite shows while we’re away. This week, we've put together two episodes where we explore the science behind two popular wellness trends, including: What's the real evidence on injectable peptides and What do we know so far about psilocybin as a medical treatment? Have a listen.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.

Jennifer Brown, a registered dietitian who focuses on bariatric nutrition, and Dr. Mary Sko, a family physician with a PhD in nutrition who translates research for clinicians, discuss one-meal-a-day fasting versus other schedules and evidence on short-term weight changes. They cover how fasting shifts metabolism, timing and exercise tips, and practical nutrition strategies while taking GLP-1 drugs.