Why Are More Young People Getting Colorectal Cancer? A GI Oncologist From Stanford Explains Episode 88 with Dr. Shruti Patel

Why Are More Young People Getting Colorectal Cancer? A GI Oncologist From Stanford Explains Episode 88 with Dr. Shruti Patel

In this episode of All Talk Oncology, host Kenny Perkins speaks with Dr. Shruti Patel, a GI medical oncologist from Stanford University, about the rising rates of early-onset colorectal and GI cancers and what they mean for patients today. Dr. Patel explains why more younger patients are being diagnosed, explores possible contributing factors like lifestyle and environmental changes, and emphasizes that there is no single cause of cancer. She also breaks down how clinical trials work, why patient advocacy matters, and how resources like clinicaltrials.gov can help guide treatment decisions. The conversation also dives into survivorship care and why life after cancer should be viewed as “life with a cancer history,” highlighting the ongoing physical, emotional, and financial challenges patients may face. In this episode, Dr. Patel discusses: * The rising rates of early-onset colorectal and GI cancers * Why younger patients are increasingly being diagnosed * Possible contributing factors (diet, lifestyle, environmental influences) * Why no single “smoking gun” explains cancer development * How clinical trials work (Phase I, II, and III differences) * Why patients should use clinicaltrials.gov and advocate for themselves * The importance of second opinions in cancer care * Why survivorship should be viewed as “life with a cancer history” * Physical, emotional, and financial challenges after treatment * The problem of patient guilt and blaming lifestyle choices Dr. Patel’s insights offer a clear, compassionate, and empowering look into modern cancer care helping patients, caregivers, and clinicians better understand both the science and the human experience behind a diagnosis.   Immortalize your voice by being an ALL TALK ONCOLOGY GUEST! Just fill-out this FORM [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/podcast-guest-application]. Invite Kenny Perkins to Speak or Participate on your event. Just fill-out this FORM [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/invite-kenny-perkins-to-speak-or-participate].   SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: All Talk Oncology: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alltalkoncology] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/AllTalkOncology] JOIN OUR FREE COMMUNITY: Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/422390543869687/] WEBSITE: www.alltalkoncology.com [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/]

A Doctor’s Battle With Stage IV Cancer: The Mindset That Saved Her | Episode 86 with Dra. Karla CastroEP 86 WITH DRA KARLA CASTRO

In this deeply moving episode of All Talk Oncology, host Kenny Perkins sits down with Dr. Karla Castro, a general and oncology surgeon from Costa Rica whose life changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with Stage IV head and neck cancer. As a physician who spent years treating cancer patients, Dr. Castro suddenly found herself on the other side of the diagnosis—becoming the patient. In this emotional and inspiring conversation, she shares the moment she received the life-altering phone call, the shock of hearing the words “you have cancer,” and the powerful journey that followed. But beyond the medical treatments, Dr. Castro reveals the deeper transformation that came from her experience—one rooted in faith, surrender, resilience, and purpose.   In this episode, Dr. Castro discusses: * The moment she discovered something was wrong and pursued a biopsy. * Navigating major surgery, complications, and a Stage IV cancer diagnosis. * Undergoing 35 radiation treatments and chemotherapy while losing significant weight. * The emotional challenges of going through treatment as a mother of a young child. * How faith and surrender became her greatest sources of strength. * Returning to the hospital not as a patient—but again as a surgeon helping others. * Why she now connects more deeply with her cancer patients than ever before. * Her powerful advice to patients: focus your energy on healing and finishing the race.   Dr. Castro’s story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the incredible strength of the human spirit. This episode is a must-listen for cancer patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone seeking a story of courage and inspiration. Immortalize your voice by being an ALL TALK ONCOLOGY GUEST! Just fill-out this FORM [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/podcast-guest-application]. Invite Kenny Perkins to Speak or Participate on your event. Just fill-out this FORM [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/invite-kenny-perkins-to-speak-or-participate].   SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: All Talk Oncology: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alltalkoncology] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/AllTalkOncology] JOIN OUR FREE COMMUNITY: Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/422390543869687/] WEBSITE: www.alltalkoncology.com [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/]

What every woman needs to know about Breast Screening | episode 85 with Dr. Sonya Bhole

Breast Cancer Awareness Month may spotlight October but breast health is a year-round commitment. In this empowering episode of All Talk Oncology, host Kenny Perkins (Your Cancer Guy) welcomes Chicago-based breast radiologist Dr. Sonya Bhole for a candid, evidence-based conversation about mammograms, breast density, MRI screening, and why fear should never stop you from getting checked. Dr. Bhole breaks down updated screening recommendations supported by the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging, including why all women should receive a breast cancer risk assessment by age 25 and begin annual screening mammograms at age 40 (or earlier if high risk). With breast cancer incidence increasing approximately 1% per year—and even higher in women under 50—this episode challenges listeners to replace anxiety with empowerment through knowledge. In this episode, Dr. Bhole discusses: * What a breast cancer risk assessment at age 25 actually means (and how to get one) * Why screening mammograms begin at 40—and how they save lives * What happens during a mammogram and why compression is necessary * The difference between screening vs. diagnostic imaging * What “dense breast tissue” means and why 50% of women have it * Why dense breasts can make cancer harder to detect * When supplemental screening like MRI or ultrasound may be needed * Why breast awareness is more important than fear * Why men should help advocate for the women in their lives Dr. Bhole also addresses the anxiety surrounding mammograms, reminding listeners that the vast majority of screenings are normal and even call-backs for additional imaging are often benign. Her message is clear: Know your breast density. Know your risk. Advocate for yourself. Because early detection doesn’t just change outcomes.. it saves lives. Immortalize your voice by being an ALL TALK ONCOLOGY GUEST! Just fill-out this FORM [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/podcast-guest-application]. Invite Kenny Perkins to Speak or Participate on your event. Just fill-out this FORM [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/invite-kenny-perkins-to-speak-or-participate].   SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: All Talk Oncology: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alltalkoncology] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/AllTalkOncology] JOIN OUR FREE COMMUNITY: Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/422390543869687/] WEBSITE: www.alltalkoncology.com [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/] Hashtags:  #BreastCancerScreening #KnowYourDensity #Mammogram #WomensHealth #AllTalkOncology #EarlyDetection

When A Surgeon Becomes The Caregiver: A Love Story Through Brain Cancer

In this emotional episode of All Talk Oncology, Kenny Perkins (Your Cancer Guy) welcomes Dr. Vera Hendricks Tuggle, a breast surgeon at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, who shares the heartbreaking and inspiring story of her husband’s battle with glioblastoma. Dr. Hendricks and her late husband, Dr. Ty Tuggle, were both surgeons when he was diagnosed at just 38 years old. What followed was brain surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy trials, second opinions across the country, and a relentless search for hope.   Highllights: * The shock of a terminal diagnosis in a young, healthy physician * The fight to access clinical trials and experimental therapies * Insurance challenges and systemic barriers families don’t see * Love, loss, and giving birth three months after her husband’s passing * How grief reshaped her practice and perspective as a breast surgeon This conversation sheds light on glioblastoma awareness, the realities of brain cancer treatment, and the humanity behind the white coat. If you or someone you love is navigating cancer, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this powerful story. Immortalize your voice by being an ALL TALK ONCOLOGY GUEST! Just fill-out this FORM [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/podcast-guest-application]. Invite Kenny Perkins to Speak or Participate on your event. Just fill-out this FORM [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/invite-kenny-perkins-to-speak-or-participate].   SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: All Talk Oncology: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alltalkoncology] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/AllTalkOncology] JOIN OUR FREE COMMUNITY: Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/422390543869687/] WEBSITE: www.alltalkoncology.com [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/] Hashtags: #BrainCancer #Glioblastoma #CancerJourney #PhysicianLife #AllTalkOncology #HopeInHardTimes

Telemedicine and Life After Cancer: A Survivor's Roadmap with Dr. Stacy Henigsman | EP 82

In this powerful episode of All Talk Oncology, host Kenny Perkins welcomes Dr. Stacy Henigsman (Dr. H), a board-certified OB-GYN with over 20 years of experience and the founder of Fem Survivorship, a nationwide telemedicine-based breast and gynecologic cancer survivorship program. Dr. Henigsman joins the conversation to shed light on women’s health, the importance of regular OB-GYN care, the evolution of telemedicine, and the often-overlooked phase of cancer care: survivorship. Together, they discuss how virtual care is breaking barriers, especially for women in rural or underserved communities, and how survivorship programs can dramatically improve quality of life for cancer survivors.   In this episode, Dr. Henigsman discusses: * How telemedicine expands access for women in rural and underserved areas. * Managing long-term side effects like onco-menopause, neuropathy, and mental health. * Why 60% of women never enter a survivorship program—and how to change that. * How Fem Survivorship coordinates care across mental health, nutrition, physical therapy, and more. * The importance of validating women’s post-cancer experiences. * Why survivorship begins at diagnosis—not after treatment ends. This episode is a must-listen for women navigating life after cancer, caregivers, and healthcare advocates looking to understand the future of comprehensive cancer care.   Immortalize your voice by being an ALL TALK ONCOLOGY GUEST! Just fill-out this FORM [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/podcast-guest-application]. Invite Kenny Perkins to Speak or Participate on your event. Just fill-out this FORM [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/invite-kenny-perkins-to-speak-or-participate].   SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: All Talk Oncology: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alltalkoncology] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/AllTalkOncology] JOIN OUR FREE COMMUNITY: Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/422390543869687/] WEBSITE: www.alltalkoncology.com [https://www.alltalkoncology.com/] Hashtags:  #Telemedicine #GynecologicCancer #BreastCancerSurvivor #OvarianCancerAwareness #AllTalkOncology #FemSurvivorship