Cancer Questions
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 Vaping Increase Your Risk of Cancer?
David Jackman, MD, senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the historical patterns seen with cigarette smoking and lung cancer and explains why similar patterns might emerge with vaping.
While it's too early to say definitively, due to the typical 30-year lag between behavioral changes and observed cancer rates, concerns are certainly rising due to potential carcinogens present in vape smoke.
How Do You Reduce Your Cancer Risk If You've Had a History of Sunburns?
Elizabeth Buchbinder, MD, senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, emphasizes the importance of paying attention to changes in the skin and using sun protection.
Learn more about skin cancer risk, screening, and prevention.
Are There Any Screening Options for Gynecologic Cancers?
Susanne Menon, a nurse practitioner at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights various screening methods for gynecological cancers.
Does Eating a Plant-Based Diet Reduce Cancer Risk?
Christina Conte, RDN, LDN, nutritionist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights how integrating plant-based foods into your diet may reduce the risk of certain types of cancers. She shares helpful tips for maintaining a well-balanced diet.
Does Marijuana Increase Cancer Risk?
David Jackman, MD, senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, talks about the latest available data.
Do Cancers Always Have a Genetic Component?
Huma Rana, MD, MPH, physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explains how 15% of cancers are linked to inherited mutations. These mutations frequently affect tumor suppressor genes, increasing the risk of cancer development in individuals born with such mutations.
Do Processed Foods Cause Cancer?
Christina Conte, RDN, LDN, nutritionist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the impact of foods with added sugars, sodium, and artificial ingredients on cancer risk and emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet.
Learn more about our integrative therapies and health living services.
Can Deodorant Cause Breast Cancer?
Tim Rebbeck, PhD, professor of Cancer Prevention at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explores the research and evidence surrounding the components found in deodorants and their link to breast cancer.
Can Vitamin D Reduce My Risk of Colorectal Cancer?
Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH, medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, helps answer the common question: Can vitamin D reduce my risk of colorectal cancer?
Clinical trials have not shown that taking a supplement can reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, high doses of vitamin D may help to slow the progression of colorectal cancer in diagnosed patients.
Learn more about colorectal cancer screening, risk, and prevention.
Do Birth Control Pills Affect Cancer Risk?
Wendy Chen, MD, medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the link between birth control pills and breast cancer, the role of estrogen and progesterone in contraceptives, and the findings of modern studies on their safety.
How Do You Know If You’re at Higher Risk for Skin Cancer?
Elizabeth Buchbinder, MD, a senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights risk factors for skin cancer, including family history, skin type, and UV exposure.
Buchbinder emphasizes why individuals with a history of skin cancer in the family or significant UV exposure should consider regular check-ups with a dermatologist and monitor for any changes in their skin.
Learn more about skin cancer risk, screening, and prevention.
Can Aspirin Prevent Ovarian Cancer?
Susanne Menon, NP, a nurse practitioner at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights recent research indicating that aspirin might lower the risk of ovarian cancer by 13%.
It's important to note that aspirin can also lead to serious health complications. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any prophylactic aspirin regimen.
Are There Different Kinds of Genetic Testing?
Huma Rana, MD, MPH, physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the different types of genetic testing for cancer: germline DNA testing, somatic sequencing and CT DNA testing.
Does Secondhand Smoke Contribute to Cancer Risk?
David Jackman, MD, senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explains the significant health risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), exposure to secondhand smoke can increase your risk of developing lung cancer by up to 30%.
Beyond lung cancer, secondhand smoke is also linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, exacerbation of asthma, and other severe health issues.
What Is Radon and How Does It Impact Cancer Risk?
Tim Rebbeck, PhD, professor of Cancer Prevention at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, helps answer this common question.
Radon is a naturally occurring, carcinogenic element commonly found in basements and workplaces across the United States. Rebbeck explains what radon is, where it's found, and the associated risks of lung cancer.
Does Sugar Increase Cancer Risk?
Christina Conte, RDN, LDN, nutritionist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, addresses the misconception that sugar feeds cancer and explains the key differences between added sugar and naturally occurring sugar.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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