Cancer Questions

Brian Wolpin, MD, MPH, explains how diabetes raises the risk of certain cancers, including colon, liver, pancreatic, breast, and endometrial cancers. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, a healthy diet, weight management, and routine cancer screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, can help reduce risk and ensure early detection. Learn more about Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: https://www.dana-farber.org/

Felipa Lynce, MD, discusses factors linked to inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and signs to watch for. IBC often appears without a lump, with symptoms like skin discoloration, changes in breast texture, or persistent pain. Want to learn more about breast cancer risk and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/types/breast-cancer

Lachelle Weeks, MD, PhD, explains how 4-5% of blood cancers are caused by heritable conditions, meaning an abnormal gene is passed down within a family. Most blood cancers, however, are sporadic and occur by chance. For individuals with a strong family history of blood cancers, the Center for Early Detection and Interception of Blood Cancers at Dana-Farber provides personalized risk assessments and surveillance strategies to help mitigate risk. While there are no universal screening programs for blood cancers yet, efforts are underway to develop early detection methods. Want to learn more about blood cancer risk and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/early-detection-interception/blood-cancers

Mark Pomerantz, MD, discusses the complexities of prostate cancer screening. The American Cancer Society recommends that men over 50 with a 10-year or more life expectancy consider PSA screening and consult their primary care doctor. Screening is especially important for men with a family history of the disease and men of West African ancestry, who should begin screening in their 40s. The goal of screening is to identify aggressive cancers while avoiding unnecessary treatments for low-risk prostate cancers, which are often managed with active monitoring. Want to learn more about prostate cancer risk and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/types/prostate-cancer

In this episode of Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber, Jennifer Ligibel, MD, explores the link between exercise and cancer risk. Research shows that people who are more active—whether through exercise, household chores, or physical jobs—tend to have a lower risk of developing common cancers such as breast, colon, and prostate cancer. While exercise likely plays a key role, other factors like diet, weight, and regular cancer screenings may also contribute to reduced risk. Staying active is an important step toward overall health and cancer prevention. For more insights on integrative therapies and healthy living, visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/patient-family/support-services/integrative-therapies

Heather A. Parsons, MD, MPH, discusses how family history, genetics, and lifestyle factors like smoking and obesity can influence cancer risk in young people. Learn why early detection and healthy habits matter. Learn more about Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: https://www.dana-farber.org/

William Pirl, MD, MPH, explains how anxiety and stress can lead to behaviors like smoking, drinking, and poor diet, which increase cancer risk. Managing stress can support healthier habits and potentially lower cancer risk by promoting overall well-being. Learn more about Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: https://www.dana-farber.org/

Elizabeth Buchbinder, MD, explains how skin color influences melanoma risk. While individuals with lighter skin tones have a higher risk of cutaneous melanoma, those with darker skin tones are still at risk, particularly for melanomas on the hands, feet, or mucous membranes. These melanomas are often harder to detect, more aggressive, and diagnosed later, making early detection crucial. Watching for changes in moles, itching, bleeding, or growth is essential for everyone, regardless of skin color. Want to learn more about skin cancer risk, screening and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/cutaneous-skin-cancer

Dana-Farber's Tim Rebbeck, PhD, discusses PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," and their link to cancer. Research shows that PFAS exposure is associated with kidney and testicular cancers due to DNA damage and immune system changes. While PFAS exposure often comes from drinking water, the best way to reduce overall cancer risk is by avoiding or quitting smoking, limiting processed foods and alcohol, and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle where possible. Learn more about Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: https://www.dana-farber.org/

Christina Conte, RDN, LDN, explains why supplements are not recommended for cancer prevention. Research indicates that whole foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are more effective in promoting overall health and lowering cancer risk. A balanced diet featuring fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based foods plays a key role in reducing cancer risk. Discover more about integrative therapies and healthy living at Dana-Farber: https://www.dana-farber.org/patient-family/support-services/integrative-therapies