The Cracking Cancer Podcast
Welcome to Cracking Cancer, a podcast dedicated to breaking down the knowledge and cultural barriers between patients and healthcare providers. Our mission is to empower listeners with clear, accessible insights into cancer care and treatment options. Through expert interviews, patient stories, and Q&A, we aim to create a more informed and supportive cancer community. Join us as we crack the code to better communication, knowledge, and collaboration in the fight against cancer.
Listen on:
Episodes
3 days ago
3 days ago
Today, the Cracking Cancer team is discussing the critical topic of what not to say to someone diagnosed with cancer. Obviously, a hard diagnosis for any patient, friends, families, and strangers alike can also find it hard to know what to say and when to say it for patients going through these troubling journeys. Dr. Concannon and Samantha explore common yet potentially harmful statements, why they can be hurtful, and how to navigate these delicate conversations. Whether you're a patient, a supporter, or simply here to learn, this episode aims to provide clarity, hope, and actionable guidance in the fight against cancer.
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to Cracking Cancer
(01:46) Samantha's Personal Experiences and Insights
(05:24) The Impact of Positivity on Cancer
(14:18) The Reality of Stage Four Cancer
(26:13) Chemotherapy: Misconceptions and Realities
(30:15) Facing the Reality of Indefinite Treatment
(34:32) Navigating Social Media and Cancer
(40:47) Misconceptions About Hair Loss and Cancer
(45:07) The Pressure of Alternative Treatments
(54:08) The Importance of Communication with Your Medical Team
(58:45) Concluding Thoughts and Future Topics
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
Your First Oncology Visit: What to Expect and How to Prepare
In this episode of Cracking Cancer, Dr. Concannon and Samantha Murrell, a patient advocate with stage four non-small cell lung cancer, discuss the essential aspects of the first oncology visit.
They tackle critical topics such as the emotional and logistical preparation, the importance of bringing medical records and support systems, understanding the diagnosis, and managing the waiting period before treatment begins.
Samantha shares her personal experiences and anxieties, while Dr. Concannon provides valuable insights into what patients can expect during this crucial first step in cancer care. Tune in to gain clarity, hope, and actionable advice for navigating the initial stages of cancer treatment.
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to Cracking Cancer
(03:39) Preparing for the First Oncology Appointment
(12:59) Emotional Impact of the First Visit
(18:49) Building a Strong Patient-Doctor Relationship
(23:17) Essential Items to Bring to Your Oncology Visit
(28:08) Understanding Different Types of Scans
(31:04) Developing a Personalized Cancer Treatment Plan
(34:35) Discussing Prognosis and Treatment Goals
(38:19) The Waiting Period and Patient Advocacy
(40:38) Balancing Urgency and Thoroughness in Cancer Care
(46:12) Advocating for Timely Cancer Treatment
(53:10) Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
In this episode, Dr. Kyle Concannon, and Co-Host Samantha Murrell are taking a deeper dive into the complexities of metastasis, discussing what metastatic disease means, its implications for treatment, and how it varies across different types of cancer.
Samantha shares her personal journey, shedding light on common misconceptions and the emotional toll of living with stage four cancer. Tune in to understand the biological processes behind metastasis, the importance of staging, and why stability in cancer treatment is worth celebrating!
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to Cracking Cancer Podcast
(01:06) Understanding Metastasis: What Does It Mean?
(04:30) Clarifying Misconceptions About Metastasis
(11:48) The Biology of Cancer Spread
(25:14) The Role of PET Scans in Cancer Diagnosis
(30:38) Impact of Metastasis on Treatment Options
(35:10) Understanding Cancer Symptoms and Treatments
(38:12) Personal Experiences with Chemotherapy
(47:55) The Significance of NED and Stability
(56:32) The Future of Cancer Treatment
(59:22) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Dr. Kyle Concannon and Co-Host Samantha Murrell talk all things chemotherapy in this episode of Cracking Cancer. They tackle common myths and misconceptions in the public sphere regarding chemo, and dive into Samantha's first-hand experiences battling Stage 4 Lung Cancer and receiving continuous chemotherapy infusions.
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome to Cracking Cancer
(01:01) Diving into Chemotherapy
(03:30) Common Misconceptions About Chemotherapy
(07:17) Understanding How Chemotherapy Works
(13:24) Preparing for the First Chemotherapy Infusion
(18:39) Tips for a Better Chemotherapy Experience
(24:08) Managing Side Effects of Chemotherapy
(30:48) Understanding Chemotherapy Cycles
(35:02) Individual Variations in Side Effects
(40:57) Common Chemotherapy Side Effects
(46:23) Addressing Immune System Concerns
(55:48) Final Thoughts and Advice
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Understanding Cancer: From Diagnosis to Treatment and Support
In this very first episode of the Cracking Cancer podcast, Dr. Kyle Concannon, MD and patient advocate Samantha Murrell, focus on answering the fundamental question: 'What is cancer?'
Dr. Concannon explains the basic biological ways that cancer works, including mutations and cell regulation, while Samantha shares her personal journey with stage four non-small cell lung cancer. The discussion covers the complexity and variability of cancer, the impact of lifestyle factors, the significance of molecular profiling, and the importance of early diagnosis and staging.
Samantha emphasizes the emotional and social aspects of her cancer diagnosis and the invaluable support she has found within patient advocacy groups. The episode aims to empower listeners with crucial knowledge about cancer and provide a sense of community and support for those affected.
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to the Cracking Cancer Podcast
(01:28) Samantha's Personal Cancer Journey
(04:29) The Complexity of Cancer Origins
(17:18) Targetable Mutations and Treatment Options
(29:30) The Affects of What We Eat on Cancer
(45:42) The Emotional and Social Impact of Cancer
(49:53) The Importance of Community and Support
(57:02) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License