Cancer Straight Talk

Latest Episodes:

The Day I Couldn't Sing: Rock Star Andrew McMahon on Surviving the Identity Crisis of Cancer Mar 14, 2022

Show notes

In 2005, Andrew McMahon was on top of the world: His rock band Something Corporate had three albums under its belt, and Andrew was busy recording the debut soon-to-be smash album under his new solo moniker, Jack's Mannequin. Then, suddenly, he couldn't sing. At just 22, Andrew was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with Andrew and his wife, Kelly, about their struggle to save not just Andrew's life but also their marriage, sense of purpose, and identities beyond the patient and caregiver roles they had gotten so used to.

Learn more about MSK's Survivorship Programs.

Learn more about MSK's Center for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers.

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A Man's Guide to Sex and Cancer Feb 14, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with Dr. John Mulhall, director of Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine at MSK and editor-in-chief of The Journal of Sexual Medicine, to discuss the impacts of cancer and its treatment on men’s sexual health. Dr. Mulhall gives advice to help men regain their sexual function, both physically and emotionally, and provides insights on the latest therapies, products, and myths surrounding the subject. Some content may not be suitable for children.

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How Does Cycling Fight Cancer? Dave Linn & Ethan Zohn on the Power of Cycle for Survival Jan 10, 2022

Show notes

Every year, tens of thousands of people across the country hop on stationary bikes to raise money for rare cancer research through Cycle for Survival, MSK’s largest fundraising event of the year. With the help of founding partner Equinox, Cycle for Survival has raised nearly $300 million since 2007. But how does pedaling raise money? And who is that money helping? In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with the cofounder of Cycle for Survival Dave Linn, as well as rare cancer survivor and one of the movement’s biggest cheerleaders (and actual winner of TV’s Survivor: Africa), Ethan Zohn, to hear about their personal cancer stories and the power of Cycle for Survival.

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Gratitude, Grief and Why You Don't Have to Choose Dec 17, 2021

Show notes

How does one find gratitude while living with cancer? Can gratitude and grief exist at the same time? What are some tools for managing the two? Join us as Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and MSK clinical psychologist Dr. Wendy Lichtenthal hear from past guests of the podcast – patients, caregivers and clinicians – on how they're finding gratitude this holiday season.

Read "Coping With Grief: 7 Things to Remember When Dealing with Loss"

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The Future of Cancer Drugs: A Conversation with Dr. Charles Sawyers Dec 03, 2021

Show notes

Twenty years ago, Dr. Charles Sawyers played a pivotal role in the development of a game-changing cancer drug that has gone on to save millions of lives and open doors for research and innovation. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with Dr. Sawyers about what’s next in the field of cancer pharmaceuticals. Is another silver bullet on the horizon?

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Lessons from a Stage 4 Cancer Survivor: A Conversation with Mary Elizabeth Williams Nov 09, 2021

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with journalist, author and stage-four melanoma survivor, Mary Elizabeth Williams, to discuss what it was like being part of a phase-one clinical trial, how clear communication can affect health outcomes, how guilt often accompanies survival, and what not to say to a cancer patient. Mary Elizabeth’s book is A Series of Catastrophes and Miracles.

Listen to our episode with Mary Elizabeth’s doctor, Jedd Wolchok.

Learn more about MSK's Survivorship Programs.

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Lung Cancer: Why One of The Most Common Cancers is Also The Most Stigmatized Oct 11, 2021

Show notes

Did you know lung cancer is more deadly than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined? Yet it gets less than half the funding. Why is that? In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with thoracic surgeon and attending physician at MSK, Dr. Bernard Park, and chair of the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, Reina Honts, to discuss why one of the most common cancers is also the most stigmatized.

MSK’s lung screening tool

Episode Chapters:
3:38 – Causes and effects of stigma
8:12 – Risk factors and screening guidelines
15:58 – Awareness and fundraising hurdles
18:51 – Hope and advice

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When Life Takes a Turn: When Young Adults Get Cancer Sep 13, 2021

Show notes

A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event for anyone, especially for adolescents and young adults who are just getting their bearings in life. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with MSK social worker Hadley Maya to discuss the effects of a cancer diagnosis on a young person’s identity, career, relationships and more.

Learn more about MSK's Center for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cancer and Caregivers: Navigating Stress, Worry, and Other Challenges Aug 09, 2021

Show notes

Taking on the role of caregiver can be one of the most important — and overwhelming — jobs you’ll ever have. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes chats with MSK social worker Jacob Maier about what you need to know and how to care for yourself while caregiving.

Learn more about MSK's Caregiver Support Services.

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A Woman's Guide to Sex and Cancer Jul 01, 2021

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with Dr. Jeanne Carter, clinical psychologist and sexual health therapist, and Ashley Arkema, gynecological nurse practitioner, about women’s sexual health during and after cancer treatment. This episode includes an honest and frank conversation about the impact of treatment on a woman’s physical and emotional sexual health. Our experts provide helpful advice and tips. Some content may not be suitable for children.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.