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 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. 

Learn more about lung cancer risk and prevention.

    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, "Does vaping increase your risk of cancer?"

    The answer is it's too early to say. There's about a 30-year lag between changes in behavior and when we see potential increases in lung cancer. We saw this almost a century ago when American soldiers came back from World War I, now addicted to cigarettes. And almost exactly 30 years later, we saw a spike in the development of lung cancer in American men. So back to vaping. It's still too early to tell. It's going to be another decade or so before we see what happens. But are we worried?

    The answer is absolutely yes. Even though vape may not have the tar that can be associated with typical cigarette smoking, we know that there are other potentially carcinogenic organic compounds included in vaping smoke. These include things like nicotine derivatives, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and other organic compounds. So, are we going to see an increase in lung cancer? We don't know yet, but I'm holding my breath. 

    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.

      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 do you reduce your cancer risk if you've had a history of sunburns?"

      Very often, with a lot of our patients who develop cancer, it's from sunburns ages ago. And what can you do now to kind of lower that risk? The most important thing is actually keeping an eye on your skin.

      So, if you do notice anything changing that you have it seen by your primary care doctor, have it seen by a dermatologist because catching cancer early is very important, and sunburns and sun exposure can increase risk for not just melanoma, but also other forms of skin cancer, like squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.

      The other thing that you can do is continue to use sun protection and be careful in the sun as you go forward. So, using sunscreen regularly, using UV protective clothing, avoiding the sun around that 10 to 2 time of the day when the sun is really bright and just making sure you're careful and thoughtful of seeking out shade whenever you can.

      Finally, there are some medications that some dermatologists will recommend in patients if they have a history of certain types of skin cancer that can lower their risk of those skin cancers. It's a medication called Nicotinamide that actually, if patients have squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas, can lower the risk of those. They don't affect the risk of melanoma but can affect the risk of those other cancers.

      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. 

      Learn more about gynecologic cancers.

        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, "Are there any screening options for gynecologic cancers?"

        Cervical cancer is the most preventable of all the gynecologic cancers. About 90% of cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV. Cervical cancer generally takes many, many years to develop. And in that time, early changes can happen, which can be detected on a PAP test.

        It's also possible to test for the high-risk strains of HPV. Both of these tests together are recommended screening tests for cervical cancer. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force or USPSTF, recommends that all individuals with a cervix start cervical cancer screening at age 21. A PAP test combined with high-risk HPV screening is only screening for cervical cancer and is not screening for ovarian cancer or uterine cancer.

        There are currently no recommended screening tests for healthy women without symptoms for ovarian cancer. And in fact, the USPSTF recommends against screening healthy women without symptoms with transvaginal ultrasounds and CA 125. because they found no evidence that this reduces mortality from ovarian cancer and may actually cause harm by increasing unnecessary surgeries. If you have persistent symptoms like abdominal bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain changes in your bowel or bladder function, you should speak to your healthcare provider to see if there are any recommended screening tests based on your symptoms.

        Similarly, there are no recommended screening tests for healthy asymptomatic women for uterine cancer. If you have abnormal uterine bleeding or post-menopausal bleeding, you should speak to your health care provider who may recommend endometrial biopsy, or an abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound, which can detect abnormalities in the uterus.

        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.

        Learn more about integrative therapies and healthy living.

          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. Today's question is, "Does eating a plant-based diet reduce cancer risk?"

          Eating plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts has been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. That's in part due to something called phytonutrients, which are one part of plant-based foods that provide health benefits, like strengthening our immune systems and helping the body get rid of waste.

          But the evidence on plant-based eating doesn't suggest you need to eliminate all animal-based foods entirely. For example, including Omega-3-rich fish like salmon has its own benefits. If you want to increase your intake of plant-based foods, aim for three servings a day of vegetables and two servings of fruit. A serving of vegetables is one cup raw or cooked or two cups raw for leafy salad greens. A serving of fruit is one cup or a medium piece of fresh fruit. You can also swap out white refined grains for their whole grain counterparts, like brown rice instead of white rice, or whole wheat bread instead of white bread. Thanks for watching. Be well. 

          Does Marijuana Increase Cancer Risk?

          David Jackman, MD, senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, talks about the latest available data.

          Learn more about lung cancer risk and prevention.

            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, "Does marijuana increase cancer risk?"

            This is an evolving answer. For one, getting and recording an accurate marijuana smoking history has been less commonplace, in part because marijuana was or in some places still is illegal.

            In addition, we need to think about this in a different way. Though marijuana smokers don't tend to smoke as many joints as cigarette smokers smoke cigarettes in a given day. Marijuana smokers tend to inhale more deeply and hold that smoke in for a longer period of time, allowing potentially dangerous particles to settle in their airways and their lungs. With regards to the available data, a meta-analysis from colleagues in Korea did show that there was an increased risk of lung cancer in marijuana smokers, particularly those who smoked more heavily. This association between lung cancer and heavy marijuana smoking was also borne out in a separate study conducted in New Zealand in the UK.

            Finally, one of the studies suggested that marijuana smoking may not only increase your risk of lung cancer but may actually increase your risk of testicular cancer.

            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.

            Learn more about cancer genetics and prevention.

              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, "Do cancers always have a genetic component?"

              Cancer cells and normal cells all contain the same 22,000 or so genes that we're born with. Cancer cells turn off genes that would prevent them from growing, and they turn on genes that help them to proliferate and grow faster.

              15% of cancers or 15 out of 100 cancers are associated with an inherited mutation. Often these mutations occur in tumor suppressor genes. So, when someone is born with a mutation in one of these genes, they have a higher rate of developing cancer, a higher likelihood of developing multiple cancers, and they can develop cancer at an earlier age.

              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.

                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. Today's question is, "Do processed foods cause cancer?"

                Let's start by defining the term processed food, which simply means food that is changed from its natural state. This includes any change like washing, cutting, blanching, and freezing. That means many foods in the grocery store, even fresh vegetables and fruits, technically are processed. That might be different from what you’re thinking when you hear processed foods; things like sugary cereal, convenience-style snacks, and frozen or pre-packaged meals may come to mind.

                These foods are more accurately defined as highly or ultra-processed foods and typically have a longer list of ingredients that include things like added sugar, sodium, and fat, along with artificial colors, flavorings, and preservatives. It's not true to say these foods alone cause cancer, but research does suggest that eating ultra-processed foods on a regular basis can lead to a higher risk of health problems.

                What matters is your overall eating pattern, not just the occasional packaged snack. And generally speaking, the goal is to limit ultra-processed foods whenever possible and choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins on a regular basis.

                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.

                Learn more about breast cancer risk and prevention.

                  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 deodorant can cause breast cancer?" There have been concerns among some that the components found in deodorants might cause breast cancer.

                  There is some evidence that some of the components found in deodorants could be carcinogenic. However, none of the research in humans done to date suggests that deodorants are associated with breast cancer risk. It's very unlikely that the kind of exposure that women have to deodorants will cause 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.

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

                    Vitamin D is an extremely interesting compound. Laboratory studies have shown that it can decrease and slow down cancer growth, prevent inflammation, and activate the immune system, as well as be involved in many other processes that may contribute to cancer development.

                    However, randomized clinical trials have not shown that taking a supplement can reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. What we have shown, though, is that high doses of vitamin D may help to slow the progression of colorectal cancer after somebody has already been diagnosed with cancer and may help patients live longer.

                    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.

                    Learn more about breast cancer risk and prevention.

                      Welcome to Cancer Questions from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Today's question is, "Do birth control pills affect cancer risk?"

                      I'm Dr. Wendy Chen, a breast cancer medical oncologist at the Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers. This question comes up the most when you think about breast cancer because birth control pills do contain estrogen and/or progesterone.

                      Most of the modern studies have not shown an increased risk of breast cancer with birth control pills. Many of the newer birth control pills now use lower doses of estrogen and progesterone than some of the older birth control pills had.

                      The overwhelming majority of the evidence suggests that birth control pills are safe for people to take if they choose to do so.

                      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.

                        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 to know if you're at a higher risk for skin cancer?” So, there are several risk factors for skin cancer, but the largest one is your family history and the type of skin you have.

                        So if you have someone in your family with a history of a skin cancer, then you are at higher risk and should be seen by a dermatologist to look and make sure that you have no concerning spots and very likely that dermatologist will want to see you at some interval to watch to make sure you don't develop a skin cancer.

                        The other thing that places patients at higher risk of skin cancer is exposure. And so, the big exposures here are the sun or other forms of UV radiation like tanning booths. If you have a high exposure in the past to sun, have had a lot of sunburns, or have used tanning booths a lot of times, then you are at higher risk for skin cancer. And sometimes skin cancer can happen even without these factors. And so, it's important that if you notice something changing, you do get it checked by a dermatologist.

                        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.

                        Learn more about gynecologic cancer.

                          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, "Can aspirin prevent ovarian cancer?"

                          Multiple studies have been done looking at the potential benefit of taking aspirin to reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. A recent meta-analysis looking at over 8,000 individuals in different risk groups taking aspirin found an overall 13% reduction in ovarian cancer risk.

                          A 2023 study looked at individuals from the US, UK, and Australia and found that this 13% reduction in ovarian cancer risk was regardless of whether or not they had a genetic risk factor. Aspirin can lead to serious health problems such as internal bleeding or stroke, so individuals should always discuss taking a prophylactic aspirin regimen with their healthcare provider before starting. But these studies are encouraging, especially since we do not have a lot of preventative measures for women who do not have known genetic risk factors for ovarian cancer.

                          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.  

                          Learn more about cancer genetics and prevention.

                            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 "Are there different kinds of genetic testing?"

                            There are numerous types of genetic testing. For cancer, we think about the germline, or one's inherited DNA, as compared to somatic sequencing or testing of a tumor.

                            Somatic sequencing is done by testing a cancer and looking for mutations that are targetable or can be treated with precision therapies. That's different from the DNA that we're born with, which we've inherited from our mother and from our father, and that testing is done on blood, saliva or DNA that's isolated through one's skin.

                            There is another type of testing called CT DNA testing or circulating tumor DNA testing. Circulating tumor DNA testing looks at the blood, but look specifically at the DNA that is being shed by a cancer. This testing is used to follow some patients who have a cancer diagnosis. It is also currently being studied as a tool for early detection of cancers in individuals without a cancer diagnosis.

                            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. 

                            Learn more about lung cancer risk and prevention.

                              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, “Does secondhand smoke contribute to cancer risk?”

                              Unfortunately, it does. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that exposure to secondhand smoke can increase your risk of developing lung cancer by as much as 20 to 30%.

                              In addition, we know that secondhand smoke exposure can cause a host of other health problems, including an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, and exacerbation of asthma. We know that when pregnant women are exposed to secondhand smoke, it increases the risk of low birth weight babies. When infants are exposed to secondhand smoke, it can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. So, if there are folks in your life that still smoke, please urge them to stop.

                              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.  

                              Learn more about cancer prevention and risk reduction.

                                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: "What is radon and how can it impact cancer risk?"

                                Radon is a naturally occurring element found all over the world and is commonly seen in basements or workplaces in the United States. Radon is a carcinogen and is known to be associated with lung cancer risk.

                                However, the level of radon required to cause cancer is higher than most people are exposed to. In fact, if radon is found in a home, it can be remediated very easily. Radon can cause cancer, but most people don't have to worry about it if appropriate steps are taken.

                                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. 

                                Learn more about integrative therapies and healthy living.

                                  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 sugar increase cancer risk?"

                                  The most important thing to know is that sugar does not feed cancer. This means it's okay to have some sweets a few times a week, even if you have cancer or are in remission.

                                  It's also important to know the difference between added sugar and naturally occurring sugar. Added sugar is just as it sounds: sugar that gets added to food and drinks during manufacturing. Added sugar is found in soda breakfast cereals, prepackaged desserts, flavored yogurts and many other foods. Added sugar is something to eat less of overall.

                                  The American Heart Association recommends keeping added sugar intake below 24 grams a day for women and 36 grams a day for men. You can check how much sugar is added to a food by looking on the nutrition label for the line that says includes added sugar. Naturally occurring sugar is what's found in fruits and vegetables. For example, an orange naturally has about nine grams of sugar. Naturally occurring sugar often comes along with fiber and phytonutrients, both of which have health benefits.

                                  The bottom line on cancer and sugar, naturally occurring sugar from fruits and vegetables is not something to limit. Added sugar is a thing to pay attention to.

                                  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.

                                    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.

                                      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.

                                        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.

                                          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.

                                            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.

                                              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.

                                                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.

                                                  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.

                                                    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.

                                                      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.

                                                        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.

                                                          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.

                                                            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.

                                                              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.

                                                                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.

                                                                  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.

                                                                    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.

                                                                      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.

                                                                        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.

                                                                          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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