Advance Care Planning with Stephanie Broussard
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP talks with licensed clinical social worker about the importance of patients sharing their wishes regarding palliative and end-of-life care. Broussard stresses the need to include a social worker as part of the cancer care team from the point of diagnosis to address emotional distress. She explains that palliative care, which focuses on relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, is different from hospice care, which is a Medicare benefit and service for those with a terminal diagnosis. shares why it's vital for everyone, even young adults, to have a...
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Five Years of Survivorship with Gina Gregory
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. JYP talks with , a breast cancer survivor and a second-time Cancering Show guest. Gina shares her journey five years after her initial diagnosis, discussing the difficulties of living with cancer and the side effects from treatment, such as receding gums and ringing ears. She is open about the challenges, as well as the strength and faith she gained along the way. Gina offers advice on how survivors can manage their health after cancer, including eating a balanced diet (and finding a middle ground with organic foods), and making time for regular workouts. Having...
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Triple Negative Breast Cancer with Dr. Ayesha Munir
The Cancering Show
In this Cancering episode, Dr. JYP is joined by oncologist as they tackle the complex and crucial topic of breast cancer and health disparities. Together, they explore the impact of socioeconomic status on health inequalities, the challenges faced by different racial groups in accessing breast cancer screening, and the concerning prevalence of triple-negative breast cancer among African American women. They discuss the research into the biological underpinnings of triple negative breast cancer and the promising developments in immunotherapy. This is an episode you won't want to...
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Therapeutic Gardening With Barbara Boone
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce talks with guest Barbara Boone, who shares her journey with endometrial cancer and how gardening has helped her through the tough times. Barbara emphasizes the benefits of gardening, such as stress relief, a sense of achievement and being part of a nurturing gardening community. Even during her cancer treatment, Barbara stayed positive by focusing on daily achievements and supporting others. Dr. JYP points out the need for cancer patients to take safety precautions in the garden, such as wearing a mask to protect against harmful microbes. They also...
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Cancer as a Chronic Disease
The Cancering Show
In the latest episode of The Cancering Show, Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce delves into the topic of cancer as a chronic disease. It's a thought-provoking discussion that challenges our understanding of cancer and survivorship. Dr. Pierce emphasizes that cancering is not just a phase or a battle to be won, but an ongoing journey that requires long-term management and adaptation. She shares insights on the concept of cancer as a chronic disease and its implications for patients, survivors and caregivers. 3 Key Episode Takeaways 1. Chronic Disease: Dr. Pierce emphasizes that cancer is an ongoing...
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Choosing Previvorship with Haley Orillion
The Cancering Show
In today's episode, Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce is joined by the brave and resilient Haley Orillion, who shares her powerful story of undergoing risk-reducing surgeries after learning she carries a BRCA gene mutation. From the societal pressures she faced to the emotional aftermath of her surgeries, Haley opens up about her experiences and ongoing challenges. Dr. Pierce guides us through Haley's journey, emphasizing the importance of support and advocacy, and breaking down complex information for listeners. Join us as we delve into the emotional and practical aspects of genetic mutations,...
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Miss Mobile Bay: Childhood Cancer Survivor Turned Activist
The Cancering Show
In this inspiring episode, we meet , a 13-year cancer survivor and an extraordinary advocate for childhood cancer research. Hannah shares her story of overcoming cancer at a young age, her journey to becoming Miss Mobile Bay and her relentless pursuit of her dreams. Hannah's resilience and dedication are truly remarkable, from her experience lobbying in Washington, D.C., to founding the nonprofit H.U.G.S. 4 Childhood Cancer. Prepare to be moved by her inspiring journey and her message of hope and empowerment. Join us as we delve into Hannah's incredible story and her impactful work in the...
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Cancering through the Holidays: Navigating Emotions and Celebrations
The Cancering Show
In this holiday special episode of The Cancering Show, Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce discusses the unique challenges that cancer patients face during the holiday season. Drawing on classic Christmas and holiday movies, she offers guidance on managing mixed emotions, navigating events, adapting to food restrictions, and providing support as a caregiver. Additionally, she addresses the financial hardships many cancer patients experience and emphasizes the gift of presence as the most meaningful present during the holidays. Throughout the episode, Dr. JYP extends support and encouragement to...
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Managing Mental Health With Cancer
The Cancering Show
In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce discusses mental health and its impact on cancer patients. She emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health concerns and seeking help, as they can affect the overall quality of life and even survival. Dr. Pierce explains that mental health encompasses external factors (such as basic needs and purpose) and internal factors (such as anxiety and depression). She advises patients to assess their ability to engage in daily activities and seek help if they cannot. The oncology team is a good starting point for support, as they have expertise in...
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Navigating Pain On The Cancer Journey
The Cancering Show
In this episode of The Cancering Show, Dr. JYP explores the topic of pain and its connection to cancer. She shares a powerful personal story highlighting the importance of addressing and managing pain in cancer patients. She also discusses the types of pain that can arise during the cancer journey, the difference between cancer pain and treatment pain, and when to communicate with your doctor about your pain. Dr. JYP also relates strategies for managing pain at home and the importance of finding the right pain relief methods. Join us as we delve into this crucial aspect of Cancering. ...
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On this episode, Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce talks with Dr. Martin Heslin, a surgical oncologist and the director of the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, about the future of cancer treatment, what it means to cure cancer, the advancements in genetics and the importance of building personal relationships throughout the cancer journey.
Key Takeaways
- Your physician needs to be more than biology, science and facts; physicians need to build a relationship with their patients and support team.
- One of the hardest conversations for a physician is to explain to a patient and the family that surgery is not the best option.
- For every different type of cell in your body, there is a different type of cancer.
- People fail to recognize that cancer is a part of yourself. Your body takes care of cancer cells every single day of your life.
- The future of cancer treatment may be understanding all the details of the mechanism of cancer and how we can alter those mechanisms in real time.
- To say to cure cancer as a single swipe of the sword won't happen because different cells have different reasons (for why) they go haywire.
- A cancer cure means you die of something else.
- Cancer for every patient means 100 percent coming back, or it's a zero percent chance of coming back.
Dr. Martin Heslin Said:
I want to be the patient and family's greatest advocate to put your cape on, go in and save the day, do the big operation, and cure some people from a challenging disease, but it's also about the relationship.
Patients should ask three questions: Are you going to cure me? Are you going to make me live longer? Are you going to make me live better?
As we understand "the biology," I think our ability to define and personalize cancer therapy will be much greater.
A cancer cure means you die of something else. Some cancers you die with, and some cancers you die from. It's our job as cancer physicians and cancer coaches, if you will, to guide patients and their families through that process.
Dr. JYP Said:
When I describe a cancer cure to patients, I usually say that your labs are normal, your CT scans are normal, you have no evidence of cancer in your body, and that is over some time frame. If the cancer hasn't come back after that specified period of time, you are most likely cured.
There's so much that we don't know now that we're operating blind to say we think you have a certain percentage risk that this will come back. But as one of my professors said to me, that's all 1's and 0's. It's either 100 percent coming back, or it's a zero percent chance of coming back. It's just that we can't tell with our current and limited knowledge.
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USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute
The Cancering Show is brought to you by USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute. 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.
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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.