Why’d You Have To Go and Make Cancer So Complicated?

Please note: We experienced some unavoidable technical difficulties during recording, which you may notice throughout the episode. We are always working to improve quality and appreciate your patience and support!  On this week’s episode of the pod, we take a break from discussing COVID-19 to discuss something that has undoubtedly touched all of our lives—cancer. We kick things off with a population health summary of cancer incidence and prevalence, to understand its disease burden in the US and globally. We discuss how the pandemic has impacted diagnosis and treatment of cancer due to reduced access to care which will take years to quantify. Next, we dive into the actual definition of cancer and how it is not one disease but rather hundreds of different diseases. We discuss mutations and the impact of genetic heterogeneity on cancer development. We talk about the different ways to categorize cancers and some nomenclature. We describe how signs and symptoms caused by cancer will vary depending on what part of the body is affected but outline some general signs and symptoms associated with, but not specific to, cancer. We talk about some risk factors for cancer—genetic, behavioral, and environmental – and how some can be modified, while others cannot. We could spend many hours talking about this topic—so next week, we will continue the conversation and discuss treatment options and clinical outcomes. PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.  Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices