In this inspiring episode of the Cancer Secrets Podcast, Dr. Jonathan Stegall welcomes Dr. Sarah Friend, a triple board-certified medical oncologist with special expertise in breast cancer. Together, they explore Dr. Friend’s journey into medicine, her personal connection to hematology and oncology, and her passion for delivering compassionate, patient-centered care. The conversation covers important topics like the pros and cons of mammograms, breast MRI, and thermography as screening tools, as well as the value of breast self-exams and navigating the sometimes challenging oncology care system.

Dr. Friend also discusses why so many patients can feel rushed or unheard in traditional healthcare settings and how shortened appointments can impact care. She introduces her virtual coaching platform, My Friend MD, designed to provide one-hour, personalized cancer coaching sessions. This innovative service aims to address patients’ education needs, bridge communication gaps, and empower individuals and their families at any stage of the cancer journey.

If you or someone you love is navigating a cancer diagnosis, this episode is filled with actionable advice, encouragement, and resources. Tune in to learn how you can advocate for yourself, find trustworthy support, and discover how Dr. Friend’s coaching can help answer your questions and bring more clarity to your cancer care. Don’t forget to check out past episodes for more cancer insights!

Website: https://myfriendmd.com/

In this episode of the Cancer Secrets Podcast, Dr. Jonathan Stegall highlights groundbreaking research on the role of exercise in reducing cancer recurrence, particularly after treatment for colon cancer. Dr. Stegall breaks down a new large-scale study presented at ASCO, which found that regular, structured exercise led to a significantly lower risk of cancer coming back and even reduced mortality rates over time for colon cancer survivors. He also reviews previous research and shares the powerful point that, if exercise were a drug, it would be worth billions because of its incredible health benefits.

Dr. Stegall goes beyond the numbers by offering practical, science-backed exercise recommendations for everyone—whether you’re fighting cancer, in remission, or focused on prevention. He explains how combining resistance training and cardiovascular activity, along with a bit of stretching, can make a transformative difference for your body and mind. The emphasis is on keeping things simple, safe, and adaptable for all fitness levels, with tips for getting started even if gyms seem intimidating.

Inspired by the latest evidence, Dr. Stegall’s message is clear: it’s never too late to make exercise a cornerstone of your health routine. Start where you are, pick an activity you enjoy, and talk to your healthcare provider before beginning. Let this episode be your encouragement to lace up those shoes and take a step toward a stronger, healthier future!

Website: https://drstegall.com/

In this episode of the Cancer Secrets podcast, Dr. Jonathan Stegall dives into the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and cancer care. He explains what artificial intelligence (AI) really means, highlighting its rapid advancements and growing presence in healthcare. Dr. Stegall discusses how AI can analyze complex data, recognize patterns, and even draw clinical inferences faster than humans, especially when it comes to interpreting medical images like CT scans and MRIs.

Dr. Stegall explores the practical ways AI is supporting cancer diagnosis, helping radiologists prioritize critical images, and assisting with genetic data analysis, all while emphasizing that AI still can't replace the nuanced decision-making and emotional connection that comes from a strong doctor-patient relationship. He reassures listeners that while AI augments care and streamlines tasks, the heart of medicine remains deeply human.

If you’re curious or even concerned about AI’s role in your healthcare journey, this episode offers practical hope and insight. Tune in to learn why AI should be viewed as a valuable tool, not a replacement for your healthcare provider.

Website: https://drstegall.com/