Cancer Conversations
The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the UK Markey Cancer Center have teamed up for “Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS,” a special edition podcast series focused on various cancer topics.
Following the success of our first series, new episodes will continue to air via the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service’s Talking FACS (Family and Consumer Sciences) podcast, hosted by Jennifer Hunter, UK assistant director for family and consumer science extension.
Each new episode features doctors and researchers from Markey speaking on the biggest topics surrounding the disease. Check back here for the latest episodes with Markey's cancer experts!
Episodes
Episode 57: Understanding Palliative and Supportive Care
Welcome to another enlightening episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS where Dr. Nichols breaks down the multifaceted nature of palliative care, explaining its role as both an approach and a medical sub-specialty aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses, particularly cancer. She outlines the comprehensive, team-based approach required for effective palliative care, emphasizing the collaboration among various healthcare professionals including pharmacists, nurses, social workers, and chaplains.
The conversation also delves into the differences between palliative care and hospice care, the types of support patients and their caregivers can expect, and the importance of mental and spiritual health in the treatment process.
Episode 56: Surviving and Thriving: Navigating Life After Cancer Treatment
This episode features Joan Scales, the Markey Psych Oncology Program Director, exploring the nuanced journey of cancer survivorship.
From the moment of diagnosis, every cancer patient is considered a survivor. But what happens when treatment ends? Joan sheds light on the emotional and psychological challenges that arise post-treatment, such as the anxiety of losing a regimented routine and the fear of recurrence. Discover the coping strategies and cognitive behavioral techniques used to help survivors manage these feelings and reclaim their lives.
Join us for an insightful conversation that not only addresses the struggles but also celebrates the resilience of cancer survivors. Learn how the Markey Psych Oncology Program supports both patients and their families through this transformative journey.
Episode 55: Unraveling Genetic Links in Pediatric Cancer
Dr. Amanda Harrington delves into the intricate world of genetic predispositions to cancer, shedding light on how family history and specific genetic markers can signal an increased risk of developing cancer. Through compelling stories and expert insights, she explains the importance of genetic screening and the proactive steps families can take to manage these risks. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding how genetic factors influence cancer risk and what can be done to mitigate those risks.
The Pediatric and Young Adult Cancer Predisposition Clinic at UK Children's Hospital serves as a beacon of hope for families navigating the complexities of cancer risk.
Episode 54: The High Risk Upper GI Clinic at Markey Cancer Center
On this episode of Cancer Conversation we take a look at the the critical role played by Oncology Advanced Providers at the Markey Cancer Center. Our goal is to clarify the responsibilities of a surgical oncology advanced provider and outlines the comprehensive care provided from pre-op through post surgical surveillance. Furthermore, she discusses her care for high-risk patients who may have genetic dispositions to cancer or existing risk factors.
Episode 53: Art Therapy and Cancer Care
On this episode of Cancer Conversations, Amber Bruce provides insight into the unique mental health profession of art therapy, how it complements traditional psychotherapy methods, and how the process of creating art can help patients navigate and process their experiences, emotions, and mental health challenges during their cancer journey.
Learn about the role of an art therapist in a hospital setting and how UK Healthcare, unlike many hospitals, provides this specialized resource. Discover the wide variety of artistic mediums used, the benefits for motor skills, and how each therapy session is tailored to meet the patient's unique needs from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.
Additionally, Amber shares information about the outpatient art therapy events that lead up to the Expressions of Courage event, a special gathering to celebrate cancer survivorship and shared expression through art.
Episode 52: Cancer in Appalachia: A Collection of Youth-Told Stories
Kentucky has the greatest cancer burden in the country with the highest rates of new cases and deaths occurring in Appalachian Kentucky. The high rates of cancer are caused by health behaviors, such as tobacco use, and economic and social conditions, including poverty and insufficient healthcare infrastructure and access. Behind every cancer case lies individual stories of devastation.
Cancer in Appalachia: A Collection of Youth-Told Stories is an anthology of fictional stories -- short stories and a few poems -- about cancer in Appalachian Kentucky. The stories were written by a group of high school and undergraduate students from Appalachian Kentucky.
Episode 51: Cancer related Feeding and Swallowing Issues
Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing is a common complication in cancer patients and can be associated with the direct effects of the presence of a tumor, surgical resection of the cancer and/or the combined effects of chemo and/or radiation treatment. Tammy Wigginton, a board certified specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders, shares guidance for recognizing the onset of symptoms and implementation strategies to prevent or mitigate dysphagia effects.
Bonus Episode: A Lung Cancer Survivor's Story
January is Radon Action Month. Experts say that lung cancer affects Kentuckians at rates 50% higher than the national average. The second leading cause of lung cancer is radon. On this episode of Talking FACS, Lindi Huffman shares her story as a lung cancer survivor who was not considered at risk for developing lung cancer because she was not a smoker. She advocates for policy change to change the landscape of lung cancer causes in our state.
Episode 50: Benefits of Genetic Counseling for Specific Cancers
Genetic counseling can be an important component of cancer care for people who have been diagnosed with certain cancers. On this episode of Cancer Conversations, Terra Armstrong shares about the benefits of genetic counseling for cancer patients and their families, especially when they have been diagnosed with specific types of cancer.
Episode 49: Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling might be a new term to some or might sound scary to others. On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Michael Goskey brings genetic counseling to light and shares some very common uses for this field. He also discusses some of the perceived barriers and helps to alleviate concerns that listeners might have about seeking genetic counseling.
Episode 48: Markey Cancer Center — A Comprehensive Cancer Center
What does it mean when a cancer center, such as Markey, receives the comprehensive cancer center designation? How does being a comprehensive cancer center impact the work being done at Markey? Does having a comprehensive cancer center have significant implications for Kentucky? Listen to this episode of Cancer Conversations, as Dr. Mark Evers answers these questions and more.
Episode 47: Acupuncture for Good Health
Acupuncture is a centuries-old treatment for many ailments. On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Norah Charles and Dennis Kim, Licensed Acupuncturists share common uses for acupuncture and what to expect during and after treatment.
Episode 46: Yoga For Stress Relief and Relaxation
Yoga has many positive benefits for our health. On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Dindy Yokel and Carrie Seiter from Integrative Medicine and Health discuss how stress relief and relaxation can benefit our overall well being.
Episode 45: Narrative Medicine
As Dr. Robert Slocum says, "Everyone has a story." When that story is related to one's health, Dr. Slocum and his team are ready to listen. The Narrative Medicine Program at UK Healthcare helps patients, including those living with a cancer diagnosis, process their stories in ways that can have beneficial health outcomes. Listen to this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS for more information about the Narrative Medicine program.
Episode 44: LGBTQIA+ and Cancer
Living with cancer is challenging. Living with cancer when you are also dealing with other barriers to care often faced by the LGBTQIA+ community can be daunting. On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Tiffany Arps, a licensed clinical social worker with Markey Cancer Center, shares unique challenges faced by this community and provides strategies for overcoming these obstacles while managing a cancer diagnosis.
Episode 43: Cancer Support Groups
Whether it is you or a loved one who has cancer, having others to talk to who are experiencing life with cancer can have beneficial results. In this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Juile Steffey shares some of the benefits of connecting with support groups for those living with cancer and for those who love and care for them. While support groups might not be for everyone, the Oncology Social Work team at Markey Cancer Center can recommend the support patients and their families need as they travel this journey.
Episode 42: Financial Considerations for Cancer Patients
Sometimes people who have cancer don't seek treatment because of the financial burden they are concerned that it will place on their family. On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Charles McCann shares information that can alleviate those fears as he outlines resources that are available to cancer patients and their families.
Episode 41: Nutrition for those living with Cancer
Making food choices may be difficult for those undergoing cancer treatment due to how the treatment might affect appetite, taste, and smell. On this episode of Cancer Conversation, Rachel Miller shares nutrition tips for those living with cancer.
Episode 40: Toxic Positivity
Can one ever be too positive? On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Bethany Giles shares that failing to acknowledge the realities facing someone living with cancer might not be the best policy. She gives guidance for maintaining a positive outlook while understanding the journey faced by the cancer patient and family.
Episode 39: Understanding and Preventing HPV
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. HPV (or human papillomavirus) can cause cervical cancer. HPV vaccines can prevent the infection that can lead to this and other types of cancer. On this episode of Cancer Conversations, Dr. Pamela Hull shares information about HPV and the HPV vaccine, including when recipients should begin getting the vaccination. This information is very important for parents of pre-teen and teens.
Episode 38: Tangible Ways to Show you Care
When friends or family receive a cancer diagnosis, we often are unsure about how much or what types of assistance to offer. On this episode of Cancer Conversations, Joan Scales shares tips for ensuring that people who are living with cancer are shown the care and compassion that works for each unique situation.
Episode 37: Precision Medicine
Historically, cancer treatment has been offered through one-size-fits-all therapies based on the average person. On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Dr. Jill Kolesar shares how that is changing as we learn more about cancer and why it occurs. She discusses how precision medicine—treatment that takes into account each patient’s individual genetics—environment and lifestyle to find a tailored therapy that works for their specific cancer, is changing cancer care in Kentucky.
Episode 36: Unraveling the Kentucky Cancer Needs Assessment
Everyone has a story. And in Kentucky, it is likely that you know at least one person whose story involves cancer—whether you are living with the disease yourself or supporting a friend or loved one through their cancer journey. On this episode of Cancer Conversations, Dr. Pam Hull shares about the recent Kentucky Cancer Needs Assessment. The Assessment will help researchers understand why cancer is so prevalent in Kentucky and the steps they can take to change the cancer rate trajectory. She also shares some positive news about Kentucky health factors.
Episode 35: Cancer Care Close to Home - the UK Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network
Community hospitals collaborate with the UK Markey Cancer Center to allow patients to stay close to home for high quality cancer care. On this episode of Cancer Conversations, Dr. Tim Mullett and Cheri Tolle from the UK Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network (MCCAN) share how everyone (from the patients and families, to the healthcare providers, to Markey Cancer Center, up to the community) benefits from MCCAN. They explain why the NCI cancer center designation is important and how high quality care is defined in communities.
Episode 34: Recurrence Anxiety
Whether it is you or a loved one who has had cancer, there may be some recurrence anxiety. On this episode of Cancer Conversations, Bethany Giles shares some ways to cope with the anxious feelings that many experience concerning the recurrence of cancer. She also share what you should do if your cancer does recur.
Episode 33: The Cancer Crisis in Appalachia - The Students’ Perspectives
Kentucky has the highest rate of new cancer cases and deaths in the nation, with the greatest burden of the disease being in the Appalachian region. High-risk behaviors, poverty, low healthcare access and engagement, and other factors drive these high rates. This month on Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Dr. Nathan Vanderford shares about his second edition book The Cancer Crisis in Appalachia, a collection of essays written by students who have been personally affected by cancer and also live in the region. We visit with two of these students, Karlee Compton and Michael Buoncristiani, as they talk about their experience participating in the ACTION program and writing for the book.
Episode 32: The Elephant in the Room: Interacting with People Living with Cancer
On this special edition of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, we visit with Sheila Fawbush, a cancer survivor, and Dr. Amy Kostelic, who addresses the "elephant in the room." They share insight into how to care for and communicate with those living with cancer. With light and humor, their tips for compassionate and assertive concern while dealing with the realities of everyday life will benefit everyone in this situation.
Episode 31: Cancer Clinical Trials: Benefits to Patients and Society
Cancer clinical trials are research studies to test the efficacy of treatments for various types of cancer. On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Dr. Hao shares the importance of clinical trials to the treatment of cancer and how we all benefit from those willing to participate in these research experiences.
Episode 30: Promoting Cancer Screening for Black Individuals
There are health disparities among black and brown populations that are especially prevalent when we look at cancer. On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Dr. Bola Adegboyega, discusses the importance of early detection through cancer screenings. She also discusses how social factors such as where someone lives and works can impact their health.
Episode 29: Cancer and Spirituality
Our spirituality affects every piece of our lives and when we have a chronic disease, how we process the diagnosis, prognosis, or even respond to treatment can be impacted by our spirit. On this episode of Cancer Conversations Reverend Diana Hultgren shares important tips to consider for those living with cancer. She shares questions that you might want to think about for yourself and how you can answer them or discuss them with a trusted advisor, partner, or faith leader.
Bonus Episode: Prioritizing Your Mental Health After a Cancer Diagnosis
Getting a cancer diagnosis is scary and sometimes the last thing we think about is our own mental health. On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Kerri Ashurst discusses the importance of prioritizing your mental health after receiving that diagnosis so that you can handle all the other issues that surround caring for your physical health.
Episode 28: Summer Health Experience in Oncology
Dr. Nathan Vanderford joins Dr. Jennifer Hunter on Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS as they discuss The S.H.E. in Oncology program. SHE specifically targeted young women with an interest in science and medicine, who identify as underrepresented in the sciences (i.e., racial or ethnic minority, low income, first-generation college-bound, and/or living with a disability).
Episode 27: September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month
Blood Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated every September to raise awareness of the types of cancer that affect the vascular system. Due to a technical issue, our friends at Markey were not able to join us this month, but our own Dr. Natalie Jones is joining the podcast to provide education about these types of cancer.
Episode 26: After the Cancer Diagnosis - Now What?
If you have just gotten a cancer diagnosis, there are many questions probably swarming through your mind. On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Jenny Delap from the Markey Cancer Center is going to talk about those questions. She will share with Dr. Jennifer Hunter the important discussions people recently diagnosed with cancer need to have with their loved ones and with their oncology team.
Episode 25: Talking with Children about Cancer
Talking with children about a cancer diagnosis will rank among the most difficult conversations. On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Joan Scales from Markey Cancer Center explores the importance of communication. She shares tips with Dr. Jennifer Hunter for making these discussions more natural and comfortable, even if not easy.
Episode 24: Sexual Health and Cancer
When a person receives a cancer diagnosis, many questions swarm through their brain. Your sexual health is an important discussion to pursue with your healthcare providers. In this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Amy Downs shares with Dr. Jennifer Hunter some questions that you will want to ask your doctor, as well as, some personal observations that you might want to make to share with your healthcare team so that they can better inform your care.
Episode 23: Taking Care of Business: Advance Directives and Cancer
When you start talking about Advance Directives and Living Wills, people often shut down because they do not want to think about what they consider "end of life". On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Raven Darko-Mensah shares why these critical documents are simply part of the business of planning well and living life fully. Join this conversation to learn why it is important to prepare these documents, no matter your life stage or health situation.
Episode 22: Cancer and COVID-19
COVID-19 has affected every aspect of life, including how we receive medical care. On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Dr. Fred Ueland shares with Dr. Jennifer Hunter how medical care and oncology care specifically, has changed and will be forever changed and what aspects will return when life starts to take on a more normal appearance.
Episode 21: Colorectal Cancers in Kentucky
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, so it is a great time to talk to Dr. Thomas Tucker about Colorectal Cancer in Kentucky. Join us as he shares the alarming statistics about where Kentucky ranks related to the incidence of colorectal cancers and mortality rates, as well as the genetic factors that have impacted all of Kentucky but especially the Appalachian region. He also discusses the importance of screening for early detection and how that relates to survival rates.
Episode 20: Cancer Burden in Kentucky
Kentucky ranks high in the incidence of many types of cancer. On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Dr. Thomas Tucker shares with Dr. Jennifer Hunter some of the most prevalent types of cancer in Kentucky and how this affects our lives.
Episode 19: Cancer Curriculum for Kentucky Schools
Cancer Conversations are back! On this episode, Dr. Nathan Vanderford shares an important curriculum that is available for Kentucky classrooms to help teachers educate their students about cancer in Kentucky. The program discusses everything from prevalence to risk factors to prevention measures. Listen in as he shares about this program and how your school can get involved.
Episode 18: Susanna's Story - The Cancer Crisis in Appalachia: KY Students Take ACTION
Susanna Goggans' mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer during a routine screening by the Ovarian Cancer Screening Program at the University of Kentucky, immediately following Susanna's first year of college. Dr. Jennifer Hunter sits down with Susanna to talk about how this experience has shaped her view of healthcare in her hometown and the surrounding region of Appalachia. Susanna shares her life experiences that have led her down a medical career path.
Episode 17: Carrigan’s Story - The Cancer Crisis in Appalachia: Kentucky Students Take ACTION
Growing up in Appalachia and experiencing cancer in a loved one at a young age, help to shape Carrigan Walilchenko's desire to become an oncologist. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Hunter sits down with Carrigan to learn about her life experiences that have brought her to the University of Kentucky and her ultimate goal to serve the people in the state she loves as a physician.
Episode 15: Community Cancer Screening Opportunities
We all know that cancer is a disease that touches nearly every Kentuckian, but did you know that there are several free screening opportunities offered in communities across the state? On this edition of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Dr. Jennifer Hunter explores the many opportunities available to Kentuckians with the director and coordinator of outreach at UK Markey Cancer Center, Melissa Hounshell and Melanie Hunter.
Episode 14: Pancreatic Cancer Awareness
Many people are familiar with breast cancer or lung cancer because it seems that we hear about it frequently. But, pancreatic cancer is the 4th most common cancer in men and women. In this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Dr. Michael Cavnar sits down with Dr. Jennifer Hunter to talk about pancreatic cancer. He shares some of the warning signs, as well as, information about post-diagnosis and treatment teams.
Episode 13: Oncofertility
In this final episode of Cancer Conversations for 2019, Dr. Jennifer Hunter sits down again with Dr. Emily Marcinkowski to talk about Oncofertility. While this might not be a term with which you are familiar, the concept of preserving fertility through cancer treatment should be on the minds of any young person (or the parents of any young person) going through treatment for this disease. Listen and learn. We certainly did!
Episode 12: The Lung Nodule Clinic at the University of Kentucky
The Lung Nodule Clinic at the University of Kentucky is a unique resource for Kentuckians. In this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Holly Stilz shares with Dr. Jennifer Hunter about the incidence of lung cancer in Kentucky and the specialized services that people can receive at the clinic.
Episode 11: Let's talk about lung cancer
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. This week, on Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, we are going to visit with some of the experts in the field about prevention and treatment! Today, Dr. Jennifer Hunter visits with Dr. Jordan Miller from the UK College of Medicine. He shares statistics about the incidence of Lung Cancer in Kentucky as well as some screening options that you might want to talk about with your doctor if you have smoked in the past or are currently smoking.
Episode 10: Nutrition and Cancer Prevention
We've all heard the old adage, "You are what you eat." The foods you choose to eat can certainly impact your health. On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Dr. Jennifer Hunter sits down with Rachel Miller from the Markey Cancer Center to discuss the importance of eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as other tips for making healthy food choices.
Bonus Episode: Straight Talk About Mammograms
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Jennifer Hunter and Natalie Jones are going to talk about mammograms; who needs them, how to prepare, and what to expect when you go in for one. They discuss things women can do to help their healthcare provider give them the best care possible!
Episode 9: Ovarian Cancer Awareness - Research and Screening in KY
In this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Dr. Jennifer Hunter and Dr. Ed Pavlik discuss many characteristics and issues associated with cancer of the ovaries. They also discuss the Kentucky Ovarian Cancer Screening Program and the eligibility requirements for Kentucky women to participate. The Ovarian Cancer Research Program has been supported since its inception by the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association, as they recognize the importance of early detection of this disease which is often called the silent killer.
Episode 8: Ovarian Cancer Awareness
Ovarian Cancer is often diagnosed in late stages because its symptoms are similar to many other conditions women experience. On this edition of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Amber Silberman, from the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, shares with Dr. Jennifer Hunter some warning signs and conditions that a woman might recognize that could indicate ovarian cancer. Additionally, she recommends preventative measures that women can take to help catch this disease in earlier stages leading to improved survival rates.
Episode 7: Breast Cancer - Treatment and Reconstructions Options
Dr. Emily Marcinkowski sits down with Dr. Jennifer Hunter to share some of the options regarding breast cancer treatment and clarifies so possible misconceptions surrounding survival rates. She also explains some realities regarding reconstruction.
Episode 6: Thriving through Cancer Survivorship
At the UK Markey Cancer Center, work is underway every day to help cancer patients not just to survive, but to thrive. This month's Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS focuses on the many ways that cancer survivors can have vibrant and meaningful lives after surviving cancer. Dr. Jennifer Hunter sits down with Amber Silberman to discuss the keys to successful survivorship.
Episode 5: The Importance of Community Outreach
Dr. Jennifer Hunter and Dr. Nathan Vanderford continue the Cancer Conversations on this episode of Talking FACS. Dr. Vanderford explains some of the Community Outreach activities that the Markey Cancer Center conducts across Kentucky. He also outlines ways that Kentuckians can get involved in and benefit from cancer research.
Episode 4: Education and Oncology Training
Dr. Jennifer Hunter and Dr. Nathan Vanderford continue the Cancer Conversations on this episode of Talking FACS. They discuss the Appalachian Career Training in Oncology (ACTION) program which is providing education to youth in 57 Kentucky counties in the cancer field. They also talk about other educational opportunities that are happening in Central Kentucky middle and high schools.
Episode 3: Research at the UK Markey Cancer Center
There is cancer research occurring every day at the UK Markey Cancer Center and across the Commonwealth. On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Drs. Jennifer Hunter and Nathan Vanderford discuss cancer research and its impact on Kentuckians.
Episode 2: Reducing Your Cancer Risk
Reducing your cancer risk is in your hands. On this episode of Cancer Conversations, Dr. Nathan Vanderford sits down with Dr. Jennifer Hunter to discuss the steps that we can take today to reduce our cancer risk. They talk about the prevalence of cancer in Kentucky and explore the reasons why people in our state are so cancer-prone.
Episode 1: Cancer in Kentucky
Kentucky tops the list for cancer and cancer-related deaths. May is Cancer Research Awareness Month and throughout the month, we will be talking about cancer. Dr. Vanderford from the Markey Cancer Center will be breaking down the research, the statistics, what can be done to combat cancer, and what the Markey Cancer Center is doing in Kentucky communities to raise awareness and educate the people of the Commonwealth.
