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Cancer Questions

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Cancer Questions is a podcast by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute that addresses some of the most common questions surrounding cancer risk and prevention. From screening recommendations to actionable ways to decrease your cancer risk, our experts provide research-backed insights that everyone can use.

Does Pregnancy Reduce the Risk of Developing Breast or Gynecologic Cancers?

Harold Burstein, MD, PhD, breast oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explores insights from past and current studies, offering a comprehensive view of how reproductive history can influence cancer risk.

Learn more about breast and gynecologic cancers.

    Episode Transcript

    Welcome to Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I'm Dr. Harold Burstein, a breast oncologist in the Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers. Today's question is "Does pregnancy affect the risk of developing breast or gynecologic cancer?" The answer is yes.

    In fact, in the 19th century, one of the first epidemiological studies that looked at risk factors for developing breast cancer found that nuns, obviously women who almost never become pregnant, were at very high risk of developing breast cancer compared to women who had more pregnancies.

    And since then, many studies have shown that around the world the likelihood of developing breast cancer is inversely related to the number of pregnancies that most women will have in that country or in that society.

    So that's why when you meet the oncology team, they're often asking you questions about how many times you've been pregnant, because they want to understand some of the background that contributes to your risk of developing breast cancer.

    How Can I Reduce My Colorectal Cancer Risk?

    Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH, medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the link between diet, lifestyle, and family history on colorectal cancer risk. Ng, MD, MPH, explains why maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes can reduce colorectal cancer risk.

    Learn more about colorectal cancer screening, risk, and prevention.

      Episode Transcript

      Welcome to Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I'm Dr. Kimmie Ng, a medical oncologist at Dana-Farber. Today's question is "How can I reduce my risk of colorectal cancer?"

      There are several things that one can do because colorectal cancer is actually one of the cancers that is most strongly linked to diet and lifestyle factors. General recommendations are to maintain a healthy body weight, exercise, not drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes, and to decrease your consumption of red meat.

      Additional things that can be done are to know your family history of colorectal cancer. If there is a family history, that might mean an earlier screening age. And the final most important thing is to get screened for colorectal cancer starting at age 45 if you are at average risk.

      What's The Association Between Drinking Alcohol and Cancer?

      Wendy Chen, MD, MPH, medical oncologist with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the recommended limits for alcohol consumption. Chen explains how regular alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing various cancers, including breast, head and neck, esophageal, and stomach cancer, among others.

      Learn more about cancer prevention and risk reduction.

        Episode Transcript

        Welcome to Cancer Question from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I'm Dr. Wendy Chen, a breast cancer medical oncologist at the Susan F Smith Center for Women's Cancers. Today's question is "What is the association between drinking alcohol and cancer?"

        Many studies have looked, and as it turns out, drinking alcohol regularly, and that's defined as drinking alcohol on a daily basis, can increase a person's risk of developing multiple cancers, including breast cancer, head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer and stomach cancer, among many cancers.

        Therefore, we do recommend that all people, regardless of whether they are cancer survivors or not, try to avoid daily alcohol use. It doesn't really make a difference what type of alcohol it is when it comes to the association with cancer. It could be liquor, it could be wine, it could be beer. A few servings per week is what is generally recommended.

        Can Sunscreens Cause Cancer?

        Elizabeth Buchbinder, MD, senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, addresses recent concerns about trace levels of chemical sunscreens found in blood samples and what this could mean for your health. Buchbinder, MD explains the benefits of using sunscreen and the evolution of sunscreens from mechanical blockers like zinc to modern chemical sunscreens. 

        Learn more about melanoma risk, screening, and prevention.
        Learn more about skin cancer risk, screening, and prevention.

          Episode Transcript

          Welcome to Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber. My name is Elizabeth Buchbinder, and I am a senior physician at Dana-Farber within the Melanoma Disease Center. Today's question is "Can sunscreens cause cancer?"

          And this is actually a very complicated question because we're not 100% sure yet. Sunscreens have really evolved. It used to be that most of the sunscreens that were used were what are called mechanical blockers. So, zinc — what you think of when you see that lifeguard with the white nose.

          But over time, newer sunscreens came onto the market, and these were chemical sunscreens. These have the advantage of being a lot more sheer, not causing as much staining on clothing, being a lot easier to use and blocking both UVA and UVB.

          However, recently there was some data that showed that trace levels of those chemical sunscreens could be found in the blood in patients who were using a lot of those sunscreens. We really don't know yet what that means, but we do still firmly believe that using sunscreen has far more benefit than not.

          But if you're worried, there are many mechanical blockers out on the market, including zinc, that can be used.

          Should My Child Get The HPV Vaccine?

          Susanne Menon, NP, a nurse practitioner at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights how the HPV vaccine is a critical tool in preventing HPV-related cancers, including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, mouth, and throat cancers.

          Learn more about cancer prevention and risk reduction.

            Episode Transcript

            Welcome to Cancer Questions with Dana Farber. My name is Susanne Menon, a women's health nurse practitioner with the GYN group at Dana-Farber. Today's question is, "Should my child get the HPV vaccine?"

            HPV or the human papillomavirus is a very common virus. Most of us will be exposed to this virus at some point in our lives. And there are several high-risk strains that cause the majority of HPV-related cancers. These cancers include cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, mouth and throat.

            HPV vaccination can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by the HPV virus. The HPV vaccine was first introduced in 2006, and over the last 15 years, the CDC estimates that over 135 million doses have been given.

            The HPV vaccine is safe, durable and incredibly effective. This is especially important because we know that more than 90% of cervical cancers are caused by the HPV virus. Vaccination has been shown to reduce infections in girls and young women by 80% and reduce the percentage of cervical precancers in vaccinated women by 40%.

            But HPV does not just affect women. Over 40% of HPV related cancers affect men. These cancers can take years or even decades to develop after being exposed to the HPV virus. That is why the CDC recommends that children as young as nine years old, boys and girls, be vaccinated with the HPV vaccine. Talk to your child's health care provider today to see if HPV vaccination is right for your family.

            Can Bras Cause Breast Cancer?

            Tim Rebbeck, PhD, professor of Cancer Prevention at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explores factors contributing to breast cancer, debunks myths, and highlights effective prevention strategies. Rebbeck, PhD, explains why getting regular mammograms, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and being aware of family history is important.

            Learn more about breast cancer risk and prevention.

              Episode Transcript

              Welcome to Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I'm Tim Rebbeck, the Vincent L. Gregory Professor of Cancer Prevention. Today's question is, "“Can bras cause breast cancer?"

              We know a lot about breast cancer from many, many years of research studies. We know there are many risk factors and there are many ways to prevent breast cancer from occurring. However, we don't believe that bras can cause breast cancer.

              Women have many opportunities to prevent breast cancer by exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and, if you have a family history, making sure that that's known to your care provider so that they can assess whether you have genetic risk of breast cancer.

              The most important factor in keeping yourself healthy is to have your regular mammogram. Mammograms will detect breast cancer early and will allow you to have optimal treatment if breast cancer is found. 

              I Was a Regular Smoker and I Quit. How Can I Reduce My Cancer Risk?

              David Jackman, MD, senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses the critical steps to reduce cancer risk after quitting smoking, eligibility for lung cancer screening, and the importance of early detection.

              Learn more about lung cancer risk and prevention.

                Episode Transcript

                Welcome to Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber. My name is David Jackman. I'm a senior physician here at the Center for Thoracic Oncology at Dana-Farber. Today's question is, "I was a regular smoker and I quit. How can I reduce my cancer risk?"

                First and foremost, I want to congratulate you. We know that quitting smoking is never easy, and you are genuinely to be commended. If you are someone who quit within the last 15 years, if you had smoked at least 20 pack years and you're between the ages of 50 and 80, you're the kind of person that we would recommend for lung cancer screening.

                This is done by an annual low-dose CT scan. You should definitely talk to your physician about proceeding with this, because if we can find and catch lung cancers earlier, while they're more easily treated, that can significantly improve outcomes.

                Finally, one of the most important things you can do for your health is to not fall back into smoking. If there are smokers in your life, try to get them to quit — for their sake and for yours, because we know that it's easier to fall back into smoking when there are cigarettes in the house. When the smell is around, it can be so tempting. So please try to convince those around you to also quit smoking.

                How Do I Know if I'm at High Risk for Certain Cancers?

                Huma Rana, MD, MPH, physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the role of germline genetic testing in identifying inherited cancer risk.

                Learn more about cancer genetics and prevention.

                  Episode Transcript

                  Welcome to Cancer Questions with Dana Farber. My name is Dr. Huma Rana and I'm Clinical Director of Cancer Genetics and Prevention. Today's question is "How do I know if I'm at a high risk for certain cancers?"

                  Germline genetic testing, or testing for inherited cancer risk, can be helpful in determining whether you're at a higher risk for certain cancer types. However, genetic testing alone is not enough to determine if you're at higher risk. Sometimes there can be a strong family history of certain cancer types or certain patterns of cancers with negative genetic test results.

                  In those scenarios, looking at the overarching structure of the family and looking at cancers that occur in multiple individuals, over multiple generations, can help us to know whether someone is at a higher risk for those cancer types.  

                  In addition, there's a new test called polygenic risk scores. Polygenic risk scores are calculated by testing hundreds of markers across the genome and can tell us whether someone is at higher risk for certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer. 

                  Does Eating Grilled Food Increase Cancer Risk?

                  Christina Conte, RDN, LDN, nutritionist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explores the link between grilled food and cancer risk, offering practical tips for healthier grilling. She explains why choosing lean meats like skinless chicken and fish, using vinegar or lemon-based marinades, and opting for smaller cuts can help reduce your exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.

                  Learn more about our integrative therapies and health living services.
                  Learn more about our nutrition services.

                    Episode Transcript

                    Welcome to Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I'm Christina Conte, the nutrition coordinator in the Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living and today's question is “Does eating grilled food increase cancer risk?”

                    Eating grilled food is not a major cause of cancer, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of exposure to some chemicals linked to cancer which can form during grilling.  

                    If you're grilling meat, choose lean cuts like skinless chicken, fish and 93% lean turkey or beef. Leaner meats create less smoke on the grill, which is a key part of minimizing cancer risk. Marinate chicken and fish in vinegar or lemon containing marinades. This has been shown to reduce cancer-causing that can form when grilling food. Limit how long food is on the grill. Try smaller cuts of meat like kabobs because they take less time to cook, and always thaw frozen meats before putting them on the grill.

                    Lastly, grill vegetables. They have less protein, which means they don't form the same amount of cancer promoting compounds on the grill.

                    Does Breastfeeding Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer?

                    Harold Burstein, MD, PhD, breast oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights studies that have shown the longer women offer breastfeeding to their infants, if they have the option, the lower the risk of breast cancer.

                    Learn more about breast cancer screening, risk and prevention.

                      Episode Transcript

                      Welcome to Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I'm Dr. Harold Burstein, a breast oncologist in the Susan F Smith Center for Women's Cancers at Dana-Farber. Today's question is "Does breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer?" The answer seems to be yes.

                      Many epidemiological studies have shown over the years that the more frequently and the longer women offer breastfeeding to their infants, the lower the risk of breast cancer. And in fact, some of the variation in the rates of breast cancer between different countries and different societies reflects the likelihood that women breastfeed after they deliver their babies.

                      So, for women who have the option of breastfeeding, it's a small secondary reason to think about it. Obviously, not every woman can breastfeed, and the impact of breastfeeding on breast cancer risk remains a relatively minor effect and so there shouldn't be too much distress one way or the other if you're able to breastfeed or not. 

                      Are At-Home Tests a Good Screening Option for Colorectal Cancer?

                      Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH, medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights various screening methods for colorectal cancer, including at-home stool-based tests and colonoscopies.

                      Learn more about colorectal cancer screening, risk and prevention.

                        Episode Transcript

                        Welcome to Cancer Questions from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I'm Dr. Kimmie Ng, a medical oncologist at Dana-Farber. Today's question is "Are at-home tests a good screening option for colorectal cancer?" The answer is yes.

                        There is a dedicated effort to make sure that there are a menu of screening options available for individuals at average risk of colorectal cancer. Although colonoscopy is widely considered to be the gold standard test because it can both prevent cancer as well as catch cancer at an earlier stage, at-home tests are equally effective at trying to catch cancers at an earlier stage and have been shown to decrease deaths from colorectal cancer. The take home message is the best screening test is the one that gets done. 

                        What Is the Association Between Soy and Cancer Risk?

                        Wendy Chen, MD, MPH, medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, helps shed light on the link between soy and breast cancer risk, drawing from cultural and laboratory studies to provide guidance on how to eat soy safely.

                          Episode Transcript

                          Welcome to Cancer Questions from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I'm Dr. Wendy Chen, a breast cancer medical oncologist at the Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers. Today's question is: What is the association between soy and cancer risk?

                          This question comes up most in relation to breast cancer risk. And that's because soy contains what are called phytoestrogens, which are plant-based estrogens. And in laboratory studies, high concentrations of soy proteins can be associated with breast cancer cell growth.

                          Interestingly, however, when you look at studies of cultures where they consume large amounts of soy, like in China and Japan, the high consumers of soy actually have slightly lower risks of breast cancer.

                          So what I tell my patients is if it's food-based soy, they can definitely eat that in moderation.

                          However, I would not buy highly processed or any type of soy supplement. 

                          How and When Should I Get Screened for Skin Cancer?

                          In this episode of Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber, we address the question: How and when should you get screened for skin cancer?  

                          Elizabeth Buchbinder, MD, senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights what you need to know about skin cancer screening.

                          Learn more about melanoma risk, screening, and prevention.
                          Learn more about skin cancer risk, screening, and prevention.

                            Episode Transcript

                            Welcome to Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber. My name is Elizabeth Buchbinder, and I am a senior physician at Dana-Farber within the Melanoma Disease Center.

                            Today's question is "How and when should I get screened for skin cancer?"

                            There are several things we think about when recommending patients get screened for skin cancer. The most important is history.

                            If you have a history in your family of skin cancer, a relative with a melanoma or other skin cancer, it's a good idea to get checked by a dermatologist at some regularity.

                            In addition, if you have any history yourself of a skin cancer, be it a melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma, [that's] definitely a reason to be seeing dermatology pretty regularly to keep looking for new lesions or other new skin cancers.

                            The second factor we think about a lot is exposure, so exposure to the sun or other forms of UV radiation.

                            So that could be tanning booths, history of prior sunburns, anything that is an increase in UV exposure is a reason to potentially get checked.

                            The third factor we think about is the skin itself. And if you're noticing that a mole is changing or there's a new spot on the skin, whether that spot is changing in size, color, is becoming more irritated or even just seems a little different. It's worth getting that checked.

                            And that initial check could be with a primary care doctor who takes a look at it. But that doctor may send you on to the dermatologist if there's anything concerning about that spot.

                            Risk factors include persistent infection with high risk strains of the human papillomavirus, smoking, or those who have a weakened immune system.

                            It is important to talk to your health care provider about your individual risks for each of these different cancers and what you can do to help prevent them.

                            What Are the Risk Factors for Gynecologic Cancers?

                            Gynecologic cancers, including ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers, have varying risk factors. Susanne Menon, NP, a women's health nurse practitioner at Dana-Farber, helps break down these factors for prevention and early detection.

                            Learn more about gynecologic cancers.

                              Episode Transcript

                              Welcome to Cancer Questions with Dana Farber. My name is Susanne Menon, a women's health nurse practitioner with the GYN group at Dana-Farber.

                              Today's question is: What are the risk factors for gynecologic cancers?

                              About 21,000 individuals are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in the United States, making ovarian cancer the fifth deadliest cancer in the U.S. for women.

                              There are some known risk factors, however, and these include personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer, known high risk genetic mutations including BRCA mutation or Lynch syndrome, having a history of infertility, not having had children, or having a late onset of menopause.

                              Uterine cancer is the most common of all of the gynecologic cancers. The majority of individuals are diagnosed with uterine cancer over the age of 50.

                              Other risk factors include obesity, having taken estrogen without progestin as part of hormone replacement therapy after menopause, having received tamoxifen as part of breast cancer treatment, having a personal or family history of colon cancer, or an ovarian cancer, or a family history of uterine cancer, or high risk genetic mutations such as BRCA or Lynch syndrome.

                              Cervical cancer was once the most common and the most deadly of the gynecologic cancers. But now, with current screening techniques, fewer women are being diagnosed and are dying with cervical cancer than ever before.

                              Currently, about 11,500 individuals per year are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States.

                              Risk factors include persistent infection with high risk strains of the human papillomavirus, smoking, or those who have a weakened immune system.

                              It is important to talk to your health care provider about your individual risks for each of these different cancers and what you can do to help prevent them. 

                              Do Wireless Devices or Bluetooth Devices Cause Cancer?

                              In this episode of Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber, Tim Rebbeck, PhD, Dana-Farber's Vincent L. Gregory Professor of Cancer Prevention, breaks down the latest research and addresses the common fears and misconceptions about the radiation emitted by devices.

                              Learn more about cancer prevention and risk reduction.

                                Episode Transcript

                                Welcome to Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I'm Tim Rebbeck, the Vincent L. Gregory Professor of Cancer Prevention.

                                Today's question is whether Bluetooth devices or wireless devices can cause cancer.

                                The question about whether these devices cause cancer comes from the fact that they do emit radiation.

                                However, the kind of radiation emitted by these devices cannot cause cancer.

                                Based on all of the research we have so far, you can use your devices safely without worry.

                                Are There Any Screening Options for Lung Cancer?

                                In this episode of Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber, David Jackman, MD, senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, breaks down screening options like annual low-dose CT scans for individuals ages 50-80 with a history of smoking. Dr. Jackman emphasizes the importance of discussing the potential benefits and risks of lung cancer screening with your physician.

                                Learn more about lung cancer screening and treatment.

                                  Episode Transcript

                                  Welcome to Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber. My name is David Jackman. I'm a senior physician here at the Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology at Dana-Farber.

                                  Today's question is "Are there any screening options for lung cancer?" And the answer is that, yes, lung cancer is one of the cancers for which we have an approved and validated screening test.

                                  Specifically, annual low-dose CT scans have been recommended for patients between the ages of 50 to 80 who have smoked at least 20 pack years and who either still smoke or have quit within the last 15 years.

                                  A number of questions arise from that.

                                  First: What's a pack year? A pack year is the number of packs of cigarettes you smoke per day, times the number of years that you did that. So if you smoke one pack a day for ten years, that's ten pack years.

                                  Another question that arises is, well, I don't quite meet those criteria, but I think I might be at increased risk for lung cancer due to environmental exposures or family history. Should I be screened? And the answer to that one is we don't know. The data and the studies that were conducted were specifically in heavier smokers, in patients with potential risks caused by other things.

                                  You should have a conversation with your physician about the potential benefits of screening, but also about the potential risks.

                                  The summary message here is, yes, if you have a significant smoking history according to the guidelines previously mentioned, please do talk to your physician about proceeding with CT screening for lung cancer.

                                  How Do I Know if I Should Do Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk?

                                  How do you know if you should do genetic testing for cancer risk? We address this common question in the latest episode of Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber, featuring Huma Rana, MD, MPH, clinical director of Cancer Genetics and Prevention at Dana-Farber.

                                  Learn more about cancer risk and prevention.

                                    Episode Transcript

                                    Welcome to Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber. My name is Dr. Huma Rana, and I'm clinical director of Cancer Genetics and Prevention. Today's question is: How do I know if I should do genetic testing for cancer risk?

                                    Testing for cancer risk is done by testing one's germline DNA or the DNA that one is born with and has inherited from one's mother and one's father.

                                    It's recommended if someone has a cancer diagnosis, specifically if there's a diagnosis of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, early onset endometrial cancers or colorectal cancers.

                                    In addition, it's recommended if somebody has a rare cancer diagnosis — for example, sarcomas or a rare benign tumor, such as pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas.

                                    Genetic testing can also be recommended when there's a strong family history of cancers.

                                    So if there's a pattern of breast and ovarian cancers or a pattern of colorectal and uterine cancers in the family, we recommend germline genetic testing.

                                    Individuals who have Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry should also have germline genetic testing. If one has at least one grandparent of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, then they have a higher risk of carrying a mutation in the BRCA one or BRCA two gene.

                                    Germline genetic testing is very much a personal decision, and one can always meet with a genetic counselor to determine if it's right for them. 

                                    What's the Connection Between Coffee and Cancer?

                                    This episode of Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber addresses the question: What's the connection between coffee and cancer?

                                    Christina Conte, RDN, LDN nutrition coordinator at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights how coffee, especially black coffee without cream and sugar, can positively impact health and potentially lower the risk of developing cancer. 

                                    Learn more about integrative therapies and healthy living.

                                      Episode Transcript

                                      Welcome to Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Today's question is "What's the connection between coffee and cancer?"

                                      I'm Christina Conte, the nutrition coordinator in the Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living.

                                      Coffee, especially black coffee without sugar and cream, has more potential health benefits than it does risks.

                                      In fact, we now have decades of research that shows drinking coffee may lower the risk of developing some types of cancer.

                                      So enjoy your coffee! Thanks for watching. 

                                      How and When Should Women Get Screened for Breast Cancer?

                                      In this episode of Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber, Harold Burstein, MD, PhD, a breast oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights what you should know about breast cancer screening. Mammography has significantly reduced breast cancer mortality globally.

                                      Learn more about breast cancer screening, risk, and prevention.

                                        Episode Transcript

                                        Welcome to Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I'm Dr. Harold Burstein, a breast oncologist in the Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers at Dana-Farber. Today's question is "How and when should women get screened for breast cancer?"

                                        That's a really important public health question. And to be honest, there are different answers around the country and around the world. But the recommendations that we follow most closely are those of the American Cancer Society, and they suggest that women get a screening mammogram every year, beginning around age 40 and continuing to around age 70.

                                        For women who have higher risk of developing breast cancer, perhaps because of a very strong family history or because of a known gene mutation that might predispose them to breast cancer, we also recommend additional breast imaging with an MRI typically done every year or two.

                                        Mammography is a very important tool for lowering the risk of death from breast cancer, and around the globe has made a substantial impact in reducing the burden of breast cancer mortality for women everywhere. 

                                        How and When Should I Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer?

                                        In this episode of Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber, Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH, a medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the latest guidelines for colorectal cancer screening from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

                                        Learn more about colorectal cancer screening, risk, and prevention.

                                          Episode Transcript

                                          Welcome to Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I'm Dr. Kimmie Ng, a medical oncologist at Dana-Farber. 

                                          Today's question is “How and when should I get screened for colorectal cancer?” The latest guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force are that people at average risk should start colorectal cancer screening at age 45. 

                                          There are a variety of different options for screening tests, including at-home stool-based tests, as well as colonoscopy, which is widely considered to be the gold standard test. 

                                          Colorectal cancer is a highly preventable cancer. Getting screened means a chance at preventing colorectal cancer from developing as well as potentially finding a cancer at an earlier stage when it is more curable.

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