New Frontiers In Cervical Cancer Screening with Dr. Rebecca Perkins
The Cancering Show
In this episode of The Cancering Show, host Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce talks with Dr. Rebecca Perkins, a nationally recognized expert in cervical cancer prevention, about the latest updates in HPV testing and cervical cancer screening. They emphasize that HPV (human papillomavirus) is linked to virtually all cervical cancers (and several other cancers in men and women), and that testing for high-risk HPV is better at catching problems early compared with the traditional Pap test. The episode highlights new self-collection kits, in which patients can collect their own sample, usually at a...
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The Power of Oncology Yoga with Michelle Ryan-Day
The Cancering Show
In this episode of The Cancering Show, Dr. JYP welcomes certified oncology yoga instructor Michelle Ryan-Day to discuss the transformative impact of yoga for cancer patients and survivors. Michelle shares her journey into oncology yoga, emphasizing its evidence-based benefits, including reducing recurrence risk, managing treatment side effects such as fatigue and neuropathy, and supporting emotional health. The conversation highlights the accessibility of chair-based yoga tailored for all fitness levels, the power of the breath, and the importance of self-compassion in healing. Listeners also...
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Zapping Liver Tumors with Dr. Natalie Bath
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP talks with , M.D., a USA Health surgical oncologist, about a new groundbreaking cancer treatment for liver tumors called histotripsy. is a non-invasive technology that uses high-intensity sound waves to break up liver tumors without surgery, incisions or long recovery times. Patients go under general anesthesia, and the machine delivers sound waves to the cancer cells while the physician uses imaging to monitor the treatment. Most people go home the same day and recover quickly, needing only over-the-counter pain medication. This treatment works for different types...
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From Doctor To Patient with Dr. Thomas Butler
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP welcomes back , a seasoned oncologist who specializes in supportive oncology. Dr. Butler shares his journey from humble beginnings and a fascination with science to a career in cancer care, emphasizing the importance of addressing both the physical and emotional needs of patients. He discusses the distinction between palliative and supportive care, advocating for an approach that supports patients throughout their cancer journey — not just at the end of life. Dr. Butler also offers personal insights from his own cancer diagnosis, reflecting on what he has learned...
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Understanding Skin Cancer with Dr. Harrison Howard
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP talks with , a surgical oncologist who specializes in melanoma. Dr. Howard explains that not all skin cancers are the same, emphasizing that melanoma is more dangerous compared with basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. He highlights the importance of detecting melanoma early, as it is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. They discuss surgical and systemic treatment advancements, including the practice of sentinel lymph node biopsy and the game-changing benefits of immunotherapy. Dr. Howard says clinical trials are essential in improving treatment methods and...
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Art Therapy for Cancer Patients with Margaret Wielbut
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP welcomes , a trained art therapist who works with patients at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute. Margaret delves into her personal journey, from discovering art therapy to implementing it in cancer care in Mobile, Alabama. She describes art therapy as a marriage between art and psychology, emphasizing its benefits for cancer patients in creating hope, reducing anxiety, and bringing purpose to the cancer journey. She shares stories about how art can turn clinical spaces into environments of light and creativity. Sponsored by the , the MCI’s art therapy...
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Liquid Biopsy Technology with Dr. Daisy Escobar
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP welcomes medical oncologist and hematologist Dr. Daisy Escobar to discuss her background and her expertise in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Escobar shares her journey to the Mitchell Cancer Institute and talks about her family. The conversation focuses on cell-free DNA technology, also known as liquid biopsy, which is used primarily for cancer surveillance and monitoring. Dr. Escobar explains the benefits and limitations of this technology, including how it compares with traditional biopsies and its potential in early cancer detection. The conversation also...
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Fighting Cancer in Alabama: Insights from Dr. Scott Harris
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris discuss the intersection of infectious disease and cancer in Alabama. Dr. Harris shares insights into the state's cancer trends, including the impact of delayed screenings during the pandemic, and disparities in cancer outcomes based on geography and race. They discuss the collaborative efforts among state agencies, nonprofits, and medical communities to combat cancer. They also delve into Alabama's strategic initiative, Operation Wipe Out, aimed at eliminating cervical cancer through vaccination, screening, and treatment....
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Chaplain Kim’s Holiday Tips for Cancering Patients and Families
The Cancering Show
In this heartfelt episode of The Cancering Show, Dr. JYP welcomes back Chaplain Kim Crawford Meeks to discuss the complexities of celebrating the holidays while dealing with cancer. They explore the bittersweet nature of the season, emphasizing the importance of modifying expectations, planning ahead, and cherishing moments with loved ones. Chaplain Kim shares practical advice on managing emotions, supporting family members, and including children in celebrations. They also discuss commemorating a loved one who is no longer present, and ensuring everyone feels valued and included. Whether...
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A Nonsmoker’s Cancer Story with Leah Phillips
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP speaks with Leah Phillips, a nonsmoker diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer in 2019. Leah emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-advocacy in health, sharing her journey from initial misdiagnosis to targeted therapy success. Despite an initial prognosis of six to 12 months to live, Leah has surpassed expectations with a targeted drug that led to significant tumor reduction and stability for over four years. Leah discusses her participation in clinical trials, the benefits of multimodal therapy, and her role in the . For more about Leah, see...
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Welcome to the Cancering Show. On this first episode, Dr. Mike Finan, a senior gynecologic oncologist and professor of interdisciplinary clinical oncology at USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute introduces you to the show's host, Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce, or "JYP" to many of her colleagues and friends. Dr. JYP is a GYN oncologist at the Mitchell Cancer Institute and also the program leader for the MCI Division of Cancer Control and Prevention. Dr. JYP shares her journey from medical school to the Mitchell Cancer Institute, what inspired her to become a doctor and oncologist, and what drives her today in cancer research and patient care.
Key Takeaways
- The Cancering Show is a medical education podcast that delivers more than just science, innovation, treatment and doctor speak.
- The purpose of the Cancering Show is to help demystify cancer and defeat its grip on our lives.
- Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce is a talented and well-respected GYN oncologist who is passionate about her research and patient care.
- The Cancering Show will include the voices of cancer patients, caregivers, researchers, family members, friends, nurses and doctors.
- We are all in this fight against cancer, and no one is alone.
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Quotables and Tweet-ables
GYN oncology is incredibly unique in the cancer realm. We are the only doctors who do both the chemotherapy and the surgery for women's cancers. - Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce
I wanted to care for patients when they were well and when they were very sick or even dying. - Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce
I have always wanted to make sure that I could follow my patients' entire cancer journey from diagnosis to survival or even to passing. - Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce
Cancering is being diagnosed with cancer, being affected by cancer, being a part of a family that is affected by cancer, a community that is affected by cancer, and all of those people are cancering in that moment. - Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce
We're going to discuss every aspect of the cancering journey, from people trying to prevent cancer in their families all the way to families that are coping with an imminent loss. - Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce
We want the listener to think of cancer as not just a moment in time, a moment of being better than you were before, living better, turning cancer from a negative into a positive for not just the patient, but the whole community. - Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce
We will bring in the patient voices, the caretaker voices, the nurses, the researchers, everybody together who is working maybe on one case or every case at MCI at the same time so that the patient knows that they're not alone. - Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce
In previous days, patients thought that they received the edict of what their treatment would be from on high, and in this day and age, it's a partnership. This is a team sport. - Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce
We hope that some of the listeners can understand better how to help and support their family members and how to know how to get access to these amazing cancer and health resources. - Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce
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Thanks for listening to the Cancering Show, brought to you by USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute.
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Until next time, be healthy, happy and always thriving.
Sponsor
The Cancering Show is brought to you by USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute at the University of South Alabama. MCI is a cutting-edge cancer research and treatment center built to fight cancer smarter in Mobile and Baldwin counties in Alabama. Our researchers and clinicians focus daily on the struggle against cancer, serving a potential catchment population of more than 4.1 million people, with a singular focus of advancing cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond with science, technology and hope.
Want to know more about the Mitchell Cancer Institute?
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Mitchell Cancer Institute is a member of USA Health.
To learn more about all of USA Health hospitals, clinics and services, visit usahealthsystem.com.