The Cancer Pod: Integrative Oncology Talk

Dr. Kaczor speaks with Dr. Chad Levitt, a board-certified radiation oncologist with over 25 years of experience and founder of ONCARE MD. Levitt discusses how patients are, in effect, consumers of a product called "medical care." As consumers, they are in charge and must navigate the often fragmented healthcare landscape. He talks about the need to have your questions answered fully, to seek second opinions, and to ensure that your care team communicates clearly. The discussion covers what fully informed consent looks like, the limits of the NCCN guidelines, and the need for integrative oncology (including nutrition, stress, and supportive care). His company, OncCareMD, provides unbiased, membership-based advice for optimal treatments with frequent touch points to ensure treatment goes smoothly. Dr. Chad Levitt's bio and links OnCareMD website NCCN Guidelines for Patients Support the show Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Gain access to live Q&As, exclusive content, and so much more! Join us today! Check out our website! Looking for more information? We have blogs, merch, and all of our episodes listed by season and category. Shop our favorite reads! We've joined with Bookshop.org to offer some of our fave books! Buy our merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody. Have a comment or suggestion? Email us at thecancerpod@gmail.com Follow us wherever you browse. We're always @TheCancerPod: Instagram Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn YouTube THANK YOU!!

In this episode, we dive deep into surgical support for cancer patients and share all the insider intel you might be missing out on. From what not to take before surgery (blood clotting is essential!) to the importance of inflammation in the healing process (yes, inflammation is actually your friend after surgery!), we cover it all.  Discover key nutrients, physical and occupational therapy recommendations, and even some mind-body strategies to boost your recovery. We’re talking macronutrients, micronutrients, supplements, and the best foods to eat before and after surgery. Also, we reveal a common supplement that we’re told to skip that might actually help with healing! This episode is packed with practical, easy-to-implement advice that you won't want to miss. Past episodes we mentioned: Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supplements 101 Vitamin D: Supplements 101 Calcium: The Low Down and the High Points Vitamin C: Supplements 101 Magnesium: the Goldilocks Nutrient? Flax and Chia Seeds: Foods First Link to nutrient absorption chart of gut Find clinical trials on exercise as cancer supportive therapy Products we mentioned (we may earn a small commission at no cost to you): Juven Ginger People Tummy Drops  Support the show Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Gain access to live Q&As, exclusive content, and so much more! Join us today! Check out our website! Looking for more information? We have blogs, merch, and all of our episodes listed by season and category. Shop our favorite reads! We've joined with Bookshop.org to offer some of our fave books! Buy our merch! Whether it’s a cozy hoody or a handy water bottle, we have something for everybody. Have a comment or suggestion? Email us at thecancerpod@gmail.com Follow us wherever you browse. We're always @TheCancerPod: Instagram Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn YouTube THANK YOU!!

Writer, humorist, previvor, survivor, and breast cancer prevention advocate Gila Pfeffer joins Leah for a thoughtful, funny, and deeply honest conversation about loss, resilience, and finding humor in the most unlikely situations. Gila talks about her memoir, Nearly Departed: Adventures in Loss, Cancer, and Other Inconveniences, how humor can be a survival tool during cancer treatment, and her cheeky Feel It on the First campaign that raises awareness of breast cancer screenings and risk reduction. Gila shares her experiences from undergoing a risk-reducing double mastectomy as a BRCA+ previvor to becoming a cancer survivor who is a powerful voice in breast cancer awareness.  This wide-ranging interview moves between generations—Gila’s experience as a daughter watching her mother go through cancer, and later as a mother facing her own diagnosis—highlighting the power of storytelling to help us make sense of what feels impossible. Honest, insightful, and refreshingly human, this episode is for anyone navigating cancer. Follow Gila on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gilapfeffer/ Subscribe to her Substack  Send your Feel It On the First pictures to Gila! gilawrites@gmail.com Things mentioned in this episode: Read Gila’s first publication in McSweeney’s An Open Letter to Tiffany & Co. About Their Advertising Campaign for the Ring That Helps Women Remember They Survived Cancer The Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Calculator Koning-Vera, compression-free mammography Eleonora Deplinsky, MD Gynecologic medical oncologist  https://www.instagram.com/drteplinsky Robyn Roth, MD breast radiologist  https://www.instagram.com/theboobiedocs Sharsheret, a nonprofit dedicated to providing personalized support, education, and community for Jewish women facing breast and/or ovarian cancer. Support the show Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Gain access to live Q&As, exclusive content, and so much more! Join us today! Check out our website! Looking for more information? We have blogs, merch, and all of our episodes listed by season and category. Shop our favorite reads! We've joined with Bookshop.org to offer some of our fave books! Have a comment or suggestion? Email us at thecancerpod@gmail.com Follow us wherever you browse. We're always @TheCancerPod: Instagram Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn YouTube THANK YOU!!

Dr. Tina Kaczor and Dr. Leah Sherman discuss new diagnostic tools that can tell benign tumors from cancer in the pancreas, highlight the growing concerns over microplastics, and explore the link between ultra-processed foods and early colorectal cancer. They also highlight some amazing inventions by teenagers, like a melanoma-detection app and a skin-cancer-reducing soap. Last, they cover the benefits of hypnosis before breast cancer surgery and the health impact of commonly used chemicals in dry cleaning. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and overall wellness. Soap for skin cancers invented by TIME's Kid of the Year, Hemen Bekele A skin cancer detecting app invented by Richmond, VA high-schoolers The dramatic increase in glyphosate use across the Midwest in the USA The rising rates of cancer in young people around the world Exposure of rat fetuses to glyphosate levels led to early cancer development The rising rate of glyphosate exposure over time  Tell us your thoughts on this episode! Support the show Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Gain access to live Q&As, exclusive content, and so much more! Join us today! Check out our website! Looking for more information? We have blogs, merch, and all of our episodes listed by season and category. Shop our favorite reads! We've joined with Bookshop.org to offer some of our fave books! Have a comment or suggestion? Email us at thecancerpod@gmail.com Follow us wherever you browse. We're always @TheCancerPod: Instagram Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn YouTube THANK YOU!!

In this special November episode, we are swapping podcasts with Charlotte Bayala of the Cancer Caregiver Podcast. Charlotte explores the complexities of meeting expectations of gratitude during the holidays when you or your loved one is dealing with cancer. Listeners will hear an honest, grounded discussion of the mixed emotions that arise, and a breathing tool to help you deal with them in real time. By the end, listeners will have strategies for expressing gratitude authentically in difficult times.  Tell us your thoughts on this episode! Support the show Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Gain access to live Q&As, exclusive content, and so much more! Join us today! Check out our website! Looking for more information? We have blogs, merch, and all of our episodes listed by season and category. Shop our favorite reads! We've joined with Bookshop.org to offer some of our fave books! Have a comment or suggestion? Email us at thecancerpod@gmail.com Follow us wherever you browse. We're always @TheCancerPod: Instagram Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn YouTube THANK YOU!!

In 2022, Jeff Stewart was preparing to donate a kidney when his life took a completely different turn. Unknown to him at the time, he was harboring two separate cancers—kidney and stomach. As a former Jeopardy champ, long-time molecular biologist, and inventor, it’s no surprise that Jeff instinctively framed his relationship with cancer as a complex puzzle that needed solving. In this heartfelt interview with Dr. Sherman, Jeff shares the insights he has gained over the years. He also discusses his published memoir, Living: Inspiration from a Father with Cancer. Written with his seven children in mind, Living offers advice and inspiration for everyone, regardless of age.  He also touches on his love of writing itself, having just completed his upcoming young adult fantasy book, Angel Chloe and the Wall of Stone and Bone. Jeff passed away in August 2025, yet his wisdom, humor, and legacy live on to inspire us, just as he intended. Hope for Stomach Cancer support group mentioned by Jeff Buy his book, Living: Inspiration from a Father with Cancer, from our bookshop.org collection NPR piece by Jeff on experimental therapies  Tell us your thoughts on this episode! Support the show Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Gain access to live Q&As, exclusive content, and so much more! Join us today! Check out our website! Looking for more information? We have blogs, merch, and all of our episodes listed by season and category. Shop our favorite reads! We've joined with Bookshop.org to offer some of our fave books! Have a comment or suggestion? Email us at thecancerpod@gmail.com Follow us wherever you browse. We're always @TheCancerPod: Instagram Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn YouTube THANK YOU!!

Maria Montoya shares her personal experience as a two-time breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed first at 30 and later at 37, she discusses dealing with Li Fraumeni Syndrome—a rare genetic predisposition to various cancers. Maria also talks about the systemic gaps she encountered in the healthcare system, such as limited genetic testing and inadequate fertility counseling, and what can be done to fix this. She also shares how getting treatment during the isolating early months of the COVID-19 pandemic fueled her passion for cancer care advocacy and systemic change. Now pursuing a Master’s in Social Work, Maria aims to address systemic healthcare challenges, focusing on improving psychosocial support and survivorship care. Maria's bio and LinkedIn profile Tell us your thoughts on this episode! Support the show Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Gain access to live Q&As, exclusive content, and so much more! Join us today! Check out our website! Looking for more information? We have blogs, merch, and all of our episodes listed by season and category. Shop our favorite reads! We've joined with Bookshop.org to offer some of our fave books! Have a comment or suggestion? Email us at thecancerpod@gmail.com Follow us wherever you browse. We're always @TheCancerPod: Instagram Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn YouTube THANK YOU!!

Charlotte Bayala, host of the award-winning Cancer Caregiver Podcast, joins Dr. Leah Sherman to discuss the unique challenges caregivers face. Charlotte shares her journey of becoming a caregiver for her husband with cancer and how she developed practical, emotional, and self-care strategies for caregivers. The conversation covers how to ask for help, integrating meditation and breathwork into daily routines, and the unexpected benefits of self-compassion for caregivers. Listeners can also learn about Charlotte’s Scanxiety Toolkit, a resource designed to help manage the anxiety leading up to medical appointments. Tell us your thoughts on this episode! Support the show Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Gain access to live Q&As, exclusive content, and so much more! Join us today! Check out our website! Looking for more information? We have blogs, merch, and all of our episodes listed by season and category. Shop our favorite reads! We've joined with Bookshop.org to offer some of our fave books! Have a comment or suggestion? Email us at thecancerpod@gmail.com Follow us wherever you browse. We're always @TheCancerPod: Instagram Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn YouTube THANK YOU!!

What if something as simple as a morning versus an afternoon infusion determined whether your immune treatment works? A recent study of over 1600 patients shows that time of day can profoundly affect whether you derive benefit (ie, “respond to treatment”)!  This episode also explores how time-restricted eating can affect your fatigue (called “chrono-nutrition”) during and after treatment. Join Drs. Tina Kaczor and Leah Sherman as they bring you the latest evidence and tell you how you can use your own circadian rhythm to your advantage. The study of over 1600 patients receiving immune therapy, response and time of day The study on Time Restricted Eating and Fatigue we talk about A questionnaire to track the severity of overall symptoms The Brief Fatigue Inventory, a good way to track fatigue A study on timed eating for those with brain metastasis  Support the show Our website: https://www.thecancerpod.com Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Gain access to live events, exclusive content, and so much more. Join us today and be part of the journey! Email us: thecancerpod@gmail.com Follow @TheCancerPod on: Instagram Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn YouTube THANK YOU for listening!

In this episode, Dr. Tina Kaczor and Dr. Leah Sherman discuss notorious cancer fakers Belle Gibson(Apple Cider Vinegar), Amanda Riley(Scamanda), and Elizabeth Finch (Anatomy of Lies). Each one created elaborate schemes that often duped even their loved ones. The hosts examine the psychological aspects behind such behavior, revealing how these individuals exploited vulnerable people's emotions and trust. They also discuss distinguishing between factual integrative cancer care (hello! that's us!) and harmful misinformation (like the fakers here, for example). The episode emphasizes the need for critical evaluation of health claims, especially in the age of social media. Support the show Our website: https://www.thecancerpod.com Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Gain access to live events, exclusive content, and so much more. Join us today and be part of the journey! Email us: thecancerpod@gmail.com Follow @TheCancerPod on: Instagram Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn YouTube THANK YOU for listening!

The diagnosis of cancer is rising in young adults (<45 years old). This episode of The Cancer Pod delves into potential reasons behind this trend, including epigenetics, environmental exposures, microbiome differences, and lifestyle factors. Tina and Leah discuss the types of cancers most commonly seen in younger adults, symptoms to watch for, and the significance of advocating for timely and accurate diagnoses. And, get ready for the next episode on cancer fakes and frauds!  Links we mention in this episode: Cancer rates are 2-3 times higher today than two generations ago Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, etc.) in tattoos as a possible contributor Why diagnosis of cancer is often delayed in young adults Types of cancers more common in young adults Young adults with colorectal cancer have better outcomes than older adults The increasing rate of colorectal cancer in young adults worldwide The SHIELD blood test for colorectal cancer Support the show Our website: https://www.thecancerpod.com Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Gain access to live events, exclusive content, and so much more. Join us today and be part of the journey! Email us: thecancerpod@gmail.com Follow @TheCancerPod on: Instagram Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn YouTube THANK YOU for listening!

In 2024, a study sparked debate among wellness influencers, raising concerns about seed oils and their potential link to rising colorectal cancer rates in young adults. But is there any truth to these claims? In this episode, we break down the research and uncover the real health effects of seed oils. What are seed oils, and do they contain harmful compounds? Are some types better than others? Plus, we explore the role of ultra-processed foods in overall health—did you know there’s a key difference between processed and ultra-processed foods? Tune in for a science-backed discussion on seed oils, cancer risk, and what really matters for your health. A few scientific papers on toxic hexane in seed (vegetable) oils Snopes fact-checking article on canola oil Udo Erasmus on seed oils, etc. (YouTube) Support the show Our website: https://www.thecancerpod.com Become a member of The Cancer Pod Community! Gain access to live events, exclusive content, and so much more. Join us today and be part of the journey! Email us: thecancerpod@gmail.com Follow @TheCancerPod on: Instagram Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn YouTube THANK YOU for listening!

 What does it take to change the warning label on alcohol, an Act of Congress? (Oddly, yes! It DOES need an Act of Congress to happen.) More importantly, how much alcohol does it take to raise your risk of getting cancer? Join Tina and Leah as they give context to the topic of alcohol and cancer and explain why the Surgeon General wants to change the warning label. They admit that they do not abstain from alcohol 100%... abstinence is a choice, though, so if you don&apos;t drink at all, good for you! Prior episode: Good for You? or Bad for You? Alcohol Ireland&apos;s strong alcohol label stance How acetaldehyde from alcohol ingestion forms in your body Which cancers are linked to alcohol consumption? Support the show Our website: https://www.thecancerpod.com Join us for live events, and more! Email us: thecancerpod@gmail.com We are @TheCancerPod on: Instagram Twitter Facebook LinkedIn THANK YOU for listening!

Tina and Leah delve into frankincense&apos;s history, uses, and benefits, especially in integrative cancer care. They discuss how to test the purity of essential oils, the various therapeutic applications of frankincense, including its anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer properties, and the intricacies of using it safely. ASCO Update on Boswellia Aromatase Inhibitor induced arthritic pain - Boswellia, Lipoic acid, and MSM Boswellia alongside radiotherapy for brain tumors Boswellia for nerve pain The role of Boswellia in post-radiation therapy for brain metastasis Support the show Our website: https://www.thecancerpod.com Join us for live events, and more! Email us: thecancerpod@gmail.com We are @TheCancerPod on: Instagram Twitter Facebook LinkedIn THANK YOU for listening!

&apos;Tis the Season! Tina and Leah delve into myrrh&apos;s historical and modern uses, including its uses for gum health, wound healing, and its role as an antiseptic. The doctors also touch on its potential anti-cancer properties, interactions with blood thinners like Warfarin, and the FDA&apos;s approval of myrrh as a food additive. The episode aims to educate listeners about the traditional and scientific aspects of myrrh while emphasizing the importance of consulting a doctor before applying any information. Maud Grieve&apos;s book, A Modern Herbal (published 1931) Interaction with the medication Warfarin/Coumadin The Complete German Commission E Monographs (link to Amazon; we may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase) Support the show Our website: https://www.thecancerpod.com Join us for live events, and more! Email us: thecancerpod@gmail.com We are @TheCancerPod on: Instagram Twitter Facebook LinkedIn THANK YOU for listening!

Gratitude is good for you, but we know it can sometimes be challenging too. Leah discusses the wide variety of responses from our community to a survey asking, " Do you practice gratitude? If so, how?" Then, we look at the science, which shows exactly what improves by practicing gratitude. Spoiler: Some studies have proven measurable physical benefits, including living longer! So, thank you for reading this far. Now, please hit that play button! Gratitude Defined and more... (from The Greater Good Science Center) Gratitude studies show, at the very least, sleep improves Gratitude has positive effects on cardiovascular health Mayo Clinic&apos;s "Discover Gratitude" Program Positivity Begets Positivity Support the show Our website: https://www.thecancerpod.com Join us for live events, and more! Email us: thecancerpod@gmail.com We are @TheCancerPod on: Instagram Twitter Facebook LinkedIn THANK YOU for listening!

Sarah Olsher, author of over 12 books and creator of Mighty and Bright, discusses  her experiences as a cancer survivor and a single mother. Her books help adults and children understand each other better during difficult times. The episode offers insights into the importance of honest communication with children about serious illnesses. The hosts also delve into Sarah’s  products, which are designed to help implement some of the communication tools she has found useful with her own daughter. KOIN 6 News in Portland, Oregon, awarded Sarah the Remarkable Woman Award for 2023, and Tina and Leah are happy to bring you the many ways she is helping both kids and adults manage life’s challenges. Sara&apos;s Bio Page - links to social media, website, etc. Mighty and Bright website KOIN6 News Remarkable Woman 2023 award Support the show Our website: https://www.thecancerpod.com Join us for live events, and more! Email us: thecancerpod@gmail.com We are @TheCancerPod on: Instagram Twitter Facebook LinkedIn THANK YOU for listening!

Dr. Amy Rothenberg, a respected naturopathic physician and three-time cancer survivor, shares her story of multiple cancer diagnoses and treatments. Her most recent treatment was a stem cell transplant in 2024 for acute leukemia. Dr. Rothenberg gives valuable insights into integrative cancer care, the importance of gut health, and practical tips for caregivers. The conversation also emphasizes the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking open-minded, collaborative healthcare providers. Tune in for an informative and inspiring discussion on navigating cancer care holistically. Link to Dr. Rothenberg&apos;s social media and website Be The Match Program - Becoming a stem cell donor What is a Stem Cell Transplant? NIH explanation Tips for Caregivers of Patients - a guest blog post by Dr. Rothenberg Understanding Cancer Related Fatigue Former podcast episodes : Dr. Amy Rothenberg&apos;s initial interview with us Cancer-Related Fatigue Prebiotics (Microbiome stuff) Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy Support the show Our website: https://www.thecancerpod.com Email us: thecancerpod@gmail.com Join our growing community! We are @TheCancerPod on: Instagram Twitter Facebook LinkedIn THANK YOU for listening!

The headlines lately have been interesting, from AI to known carcinogens. Is using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help you determine a treatment plan a good idea? You can get answers from ChatGPT, but are they reliable?  There are a few considerations, like source verification, addressing ethical considerations, and who you should (and should not trust to handle your medical information. Tina and Leah also discuss a recent study that found benzene in a third of available acne creams! Benzene is a well-known carcinogen. They also talk about the possible link between oral bacteria and head and neck cancers as they quote (and question) the party line regarding proper oral hygiene. Join us and see what you think of these timely topics! Artificial Intelligence: Don&apos;t believe the bots! ChatGPT can&apos;t keep a secret Oral microbiome and cancer(s): US News and World Report: Gum disease can trigger cancer The original study on oral microbiome and head and neck cancers Put that toothbrush down! Why you should wait to brush after you eat Acidity (esp. pH <5.6) leads to loss of enamel Acne creams with benzoyl peroxide: News release from the American Association for Cancer Researchers Benzene found in a third of acne creams off the shelf from stores (the actual study) Benzene is found in some canned and bottled beverages A word from the beverage industry (2006) The FDA&apos;s stance on benzene in beverages Support the show Our website: https://www.thecancerpod.com Email us: thecancerpod@gmail.com Join our growing community! We are @TheCancerPod on: Instagram Twitter Facebook LinkedIn THANK YOU for listening!

Move over "sitting" there&apos;s a "new smoking" in town. In this episode, Tina and Leah discuss the latest data on pesticides and cancer risk. One recent study showed the numbers look just as bad (and yes, society&apos;s denial of them just as strong) as the data on smoking and cancer risk from decades ago. The doctors share practical tips for minimizing exposure and suggest ways to minimize the effects of pesticide exposures that are nearly inevitable. Hey, we know this topic can be a bummer and a major inconvenience. That said, it&apos;s best to know the data to make healthy decisions for yourself. Societal changes may be slow, but there is plenty you can do while we wait for our society to make necessary changes for a less toxic world in general. Join us, we promise not to bum you out! Pesticides are the new smoking; 69 pesticides named as carcinogenic A more reader friendly version of the technical paper on pesticides and cancer risk The Medscape article that spurred our discussion Human Cancers: Known causes and prevention by organ site (IARC) Environmental Working Group (EWG) guide on lowering intake of pesticides Kristina Marusic, Environmental Health Journalist episode Support the show Our website: https://www.thecancerpod.com Email us: thecancerpod@gmail.com Join our growing community! We are @TheCancerPod on: Instagram Twitter Facebook LinkedIn THANK YOU for listening!