<![CDATA[The Good News About Cancer]]>948a1356-1e83-58a0-9281-f0c66f91de49Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:01:03 +0000Captivate.fmCharles Ryan MD, Alicia Morgans MD MPHhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/55917154-bb25-462d-9ea0-b94153bef66e/4BV2E6rbRwyIIZlmY0qzqbLw.jpgThe Good News About CancerCharles Ryan MD, Alicia Morgans MD MPHCharles Ryan MD, Alicia Morgans MD MPHDid you know that “good news” and “cancer” could go together? The truth is, patients and their families have never had more reasons for hope and optimism than they do right now. A decade of transformational breakthroughs in treatment and prevention have saved millions of lives, and that’s just the beginning. In every episode of The Good News About Cancer, Dr. Charles Ryan and Dr. Alicia Morgans speak to the doctors, researchers, and advocates who are improving outcomes and charting new paths forward all around the world. Now that’s good news!https://the-good-news-about.captivate.fmfalseepisodicnopodcastBridging the Gap in Treating Childhood Cancers WorldwideBridging the Gap in Treating Childhood Cancers WorldwideHuge strides have been made in diagnosing and treating childhood cancers, but most of those benefits are seen in the wealthiest countries in the world. This leaves hundreds of thousands of children in need of adequate cancer care. Dr. André Ilbawi with the World Health Organization tells us about their initiative that aims to bridge this gap, and deliver services to children in low and middle resourced countries with the goal of saving one million children by 2030.

]]>Huge strides have been made in diagnosing and treating childhood cancers, but most of those benefits are seen in the wealthiest countries in the world. This leaves hundreds of thousands of children in need of adequate cancer care. Dr. André Ilbawi with the World Health Organization tells us about their initiative that aims to bridge this gap, and deliver services to children in low and middle resourced countries with the goal of saving one million children by 2030.

]]>e3a47e85-35c7-441a-a3be-a0b93a40433cTue, 31 Mar 2026 00:01:00 -040024:39falsefull2882A Revolution in Bladder Cancer TreatmentA Revolution in Bladder Cancer TreatmentBladder cancer used to be a disease with very few effective treatment options. That was until two new strategies came on the scene: immunotherapies and antibody drug conjugates. These approaches have changed the way doctors treat bladder cancer, and prolonged the lives of many patients. Dr. Tom Powles, head of Barts Cancer Institute, tells Chuck and Alicia about his work on developing these treatments and where he hopes science will take us next.

]]>Bladder cancer used to be a disease with very few effective treatment options. That was until two new strategies came on the scene: immunotherapies and antibody drug conjugates. These approaches have changed the way doctors treat bladder cancer, and prolonged the lives of many patients. Dr. Tom Powles, head of Barts Cancer Institute, tells Chuck and Alicia about his work on developing these treatments and where he hopes science will take us next.

]]>1c7380c3-77ce-49d9-b927-549106326806Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:01:00 -040024:42falsefull2772Putting Quality Over Quantity with Radioligand TherapyPutting Quality Over Quantity with Radioligand TherapyRadioligand therapy is a form of precise cancer treatment that targets specific cells with a radioactive substance. It’s used to treat prostate cancer and some types of neuroendocrine cancer, delivering powerful results with minimal impact on patient quality of life. Dr. Michael Morris helped develop radioligands for prostate cancer, and he tells Chuck and Alicia about the huge promise he sees in these treatments going forward.

]]>Radioligand therapy is a form of precise cancer treatment that targets specific cells with a radioactive substance. It’s used to treat prostate cancer and some types of neuroendocrine cancer, delivering powerful results with minimal impact on patient quality of life. Dr. Michael Morris helped develop radioligands for prostate cancer, and he tells Chuck and Alicia about the huge promise he sees in these treatments going forward.

]]>b6d7ffa2-35ae-4d84-9ee2-4e195a146090Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:01:00 -040023:48falsefull2662Early Detection, Part 3: C the SignsEarly Detection, Part 3: C the SignsA lot of cancers don’t get diagnosed until the disease is somewhat advanced. Dr. Bea Bakshi founded her company, C the Signs, to change that. They use artificial intelligence to comb through medical records and identify when a patient should be screened for cancer – and it catches disease far earlier than a human doctor could. She tells Chuck about their success integrating into the National Health System in the UK, and their plans to launch in the United States.

]]>A lot of cancers don’t get diagnosed until the disease is somewhat advanced. Dr. Bea Bakshi founded her company, C the Signs, to change that. They use artificial intelligence to comb through medical records and identify when a patient should be screened for cancer – and it catches disease far earlier than a human doctor could. She tells Chuck about their success integrating into the National Health System in the UK, and their plans to launch in the United States.

]]>f5dc1354-24cf-4153-b291-2c334ce3de57Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:01:00 -040022:54falsefull2552Early Detection, Part 2: Screening for Over 50 Cancers with CancerguardEarly Detection, Part 2: Screening for Over 50 Cancers with CancerguardA new blood test called Cancerguard is pushing the boundaries of cancer early detection. The test is widely available, and has the ability to screen for more than 50 cancer types. In this episode, Chuck talks with Dr. Tom Beer of Exact Sciences, the company behind the Cancerguard test. 

]]>A new blood test called Cancerguard is pushing the boundaries of cancer early detection. The test is widely available, and has the ability to screen for more than 50 cancer types. In this episode, Chuck talks with Dr. Tom Beer of Exact Sciences, the company behind the Cancerguard test. 

]]>2c8676c1-115d-4bf6-9ad4-0c643c3e4fa7Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:01:00 -040020:34falsefull2442Early Detection, Part 1: Finding Cancer in the Blood, Years Before SymptomsEarly Detection, Part 1: Finding Cancer in the Blood, Years Before SymptomsThe earlier a cancer is detected, the more possibilities there are for effective treatment. In this episode, Chuck and Alicia talk with Dr. Nickolas Papadopoulos about his research into how indications of cancer can show up in the blood, long before symptoms arise.

]]>The earlier a cancer is detected, the more possibilities there are for effective treatment. In this episode, Chuck and Alicia talk with Dr. Nickolas Papadopoulos about his research into how indications of cancer can show up in the blood, long before symptoms arise.

]]>ced33154-f4ff-4efa-bda8-5e3009380531Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:01:00 -040020:13falsefull2332When Exercise Is The PrescriptionWhen Exercise Is The PrescriptionWe all know that exercise is good for us, but historically there hasn’t been much data on how much exercise – or what kind of exercise – might have benefits for cancer patients. In this episode, Chuck and Alicia talk with Kerry Courneya of the University of Alberta about his study that looked into the question of exercise for patients with colorectal cancer. The results, which were published in the New England Journal of Medicine, show that exercise could be even better than we think.

]]>We all know that exercise is good for us, but historically there hasn’t been much data on how much exercise – or what kind of exercise – might have benefits for cancer patients. In this episode, Chuck and Alicia talk with Kerry Courneya of the University of Alberta about his study that looked into the question of exercise for patients with colorectal cancer. The results, which were published in the New England Journal of Medicine, show that exercise could be even better than we think.

]]>48730a0b-488c-4c33-8501-b75772a9e070Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:01:00 -040022:19falsefull2222When Immunotherapy Can Replace SurgeryWhen Immunotherapy Can Replace SurgeryColorectal cancer rates are on the rise, particularly among young people. And the standard of care treatments can have lifelong impacts on a patient's quality of life – but new immunotherapies could change that. Dr. Andrea Cercek joins Chuck and Alicia to talk about the immunotherapy drug Dostarlimab, which is ushering in a new era of cancer treatment.

]]>Colorectal cancer rates are on the rise, particularly among young people. And the standard of care treatments can have lifelong impacts on a patient's quality of life – but new immunotherapies could change that. Dr. Andrea Cercek joins Chuck and Alicia to talk about the immunotherapy drug Dostarlimab, which is ushering in a new era of cancer treatment.

]]>3927d0c1-3077-4c63-ac12-581f7d858ce8Tue, 21 Oct 2025 00:01:00 -040025:25falsefull2112The Story Behind Imatinib, the First Targeted Cancer TreatmentThe Story Behind Imatinib, the First Targeted Cancer TreatmentBefore the early 2000s, there were no effective treatments for chronic myelogenous leukemia, a blood cancer. Then came Imatinib. This drug dramatically improved survival and quality of life for patients with this disease. It also ushered in a new era of cancer treatment, with drugs that directly target tumor cells. In this episode, Chuck and Alicia talk with Dr. Brian Druker, a renowned physician scientist who was the main force behind the development of Imatinib.

]]>Before the early 2000s, there were no effective treatments for chronic myelogenous leukemia, a blood cancer. Then came Imatinib. This drug dramatically improved survival and quality of life for patients with this disease. It also ushered in a new era of cancer treatment, with drugs that directly target tumor cells. In this episode, Chuck and Alicia talk with Dr. Brian Druker, a renowned physician scientist who was the main force behind the development of Imatinib.

]]>d61f408f-1827-4dd9-9f89-d1d7bf3cef9dTue, 06 May 2025 00:01:00 -040026:59falsefull110101From Breast Cancer Patients to Healthy MothersFrom Breast Cancer Patients to Healthy MothersAs more people live longer and healthier lives following a cancer diagnosis, it brings up all kinds of questions about what is possible and safe. In this episode, Chuck and Alicia talk with Dr. Ann Partridge of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute about her work looking into how breast cancer survivors can have healthy pregnancies.

In September, Dana-Farber is hosting the 2025 Cancer Centers Survivorship Research Forum. Find more information and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cancer-centers-survivorship-research-forum-2025-registration-1270679660069

]]>As more people live longer and healthier lives following a cancer diagnosis, it brings up all kinds of questions about what is possible and safe. In this episode, Chuck and Alicia talk with Dr. Ann Partridge of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute about her work looking into how breast cancer survivors can have healthy pregnancies.

In September, Dana-Farber is hosting the 2025 Cancer Centers Survivorship Research Forum. Find more information and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cancer-centers-survivorship-research-forum-2025-registration-1270679660069

]]>5a975bc1-22b3-421a-8095-8366a7b21953Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -040021:58falsefull199121 Million Years of Life Reclaimed from Blood Cancers21 Million Years of Life Reclaimed from Blood CancersAn estimated 1.6 million people in the U.S. are living with or in remission from blood cancer. Many of these people are children. Today, thanks to the work of clinicians and researchers like Dr. Andy Kolb of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, those patients are living longer and undergoing less toxic treatments. In this episode, Dr. Kolb joins Chuck and Alicia to explain how his organization is improving the lives of patients with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers.

]]>An estimated 1.6 million people in the U.S. are living with or in remission from blood cancer. Many of these people are children. Today, thanks to the work of clinicians and researchers like Dr. Andy Kolb of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, those patients are living longer and undergoing less toxic treatments. In this episode, Dr. Kolb joins Chuck and Alicia to explain how his organization is improving the lives of patients with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers.

]]>c8f4bb38-c492-4c96-a854-4f63f32b6d18Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:01:00 -040022:18falsefull1881How Melanoma Met its Match: Cancer ImmunotherapyHow Melanoma Met its Match: Cancer ImmunotherapyDid you know that the immune system, which keeps us from getting sick, can also be harnessed to fight cancer? In this episode, Dr. Jedd Wolchok of Weill Cornell Medicine explains the major breakthroughs that led to the development of immunotherapy. This revolutionized treatment of metastatic melanoma, and has since been a game-changer in treating many other kinds of cancers.

]]>Did you know that the immune system, which keeps us from getting sick, can also be harnessed to fight cancer? In this episode, Dr. Jedd Wolchok of Weill Cornell Medicine explains the major breakthroughs that led to the development of immunotherapy. This revolutionized treatment of metastatic melanoma, and has since been a game-changer in treating many other kinds of cancers.

]]>ad202b3a-55b3-4d23-89c8-59e47e264af8Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -040022:07falsefull1771Preventing Cancer by Understanding Inherited RisksPreventing Cancer by Understanding Inherited RisksWe all receive genes from our parents, but what happens when our family carries genetic variants that are known to cause cancer? Chuck talks with Dr. Pamela Munster about the specialty clinic she runs at the University of California, San Francisco, for those who have cancers that arise from genetic variants. She also shares her unique experience of being an oncologist who has had breast cancer, and has a BRCA variant herself.

]]>We all receive genes from our parents, but what happens when our family carries genetic variants that are known to cause cancer? Chuck talks with Dr. Pamela Munster about the specialty clinic she runs at the University of California, San Francisco, for those who have cancers that arise from genetic variants. She also shares her unique experience of being an oncologist who has had breast cancer, and has a BRCA variant herself.

]]>c89bde3f-0311-4f7f-ac85-520ab1653eabTue, 18 Mar 2025 00:01:00 -040022:20falsefull1661Cancer Early Detection: Beyond Mammograms and ColonoscopyCancer Early Detection: Beyond Mammograms and ColonoscopyWhat if we could detect cancer before it even formed a tumor? That’s what Dr. Margaret Tempero is working on at the Cancer Early Detection and Interception Initiative at the University of California, San Francisco. Chuck talks with Dr. Tempero about advances in early detection through circulating tumor DNA and other approaches. They discuss how new early detection strategies could affect primary care, oncology, and most of importantly, those at risk for cancers.

]]>What if we could detect cancer before it even formed a tumor? That’s what Dr. Margaret Tempero is working on at the Cancer Early Detection and Interception Initiative at the University of California, San Francisco. Chuck talks with Dr. Tempero about advances in early detection through circulating tumor DNA and other approaches. They discuss how new early detection strategies could affect primary care, oncology, and most of importantly, those at risk for cancers.

]]>22645880-8e65-4578-bef9-c017b1fc3ffeTue, 11 Mar 2025 00:01:00 -040020:37falsefull1551The Crucial Role of the National Cancer InstituteThe Crucial Role of the National Cancer InstituteThe National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health is a lot more than a group of buildings in Bethesda, Maryland. It’s an institution that provides vital support for cancer research, and connects a national network of cancer centers that treat patients around the country. In this episode, Chuck and Alicia talk with outgoing NCI director, Dr. Kim Rathmell, about the role of the organization and some recent points of progress.

]]>The National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health is a lot more than a group of buildings in Bethesda, Maryland. It’s an institution that provides vital support for cancer research, and connects a national network of cancer centers that treat patients around the country. In this episode, Chuck and Alicia talk with outgoing NCI director, Dr. Kim Rathmell, about the role of the organization and some recent points of progress.

]]>6c983614-8ffc-401d-841f-04a63c8496a2Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:01:00 -040022:34falsefull1441Winning Against HPVWinning Against HPVOver the past several years, more and more Americans have been vaccinated against HPV, a virus known to cause cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, anal cancer and vaginal cancer, among others. As a result of the HPV vaccine, the cancers caused by this virus have declined significantly, and many lives have been saved. In this episode, Chuck talks with Dr. Ashish Deshmukh about this major public health win.

]]>Over the past several years, more and more Americans have been vaccinated against HPV, a virus known to cause cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, anal cancer and vaginal cancer, among others. As a result of the HPV vaccine, the cancers caused by this virus have declined significantly, and many lives have been saved. In this episode, Chuck talks with Dr. Ashish Deshmukh about this major public health win.

]]>b30ce229-fb96-43b0-ba13-88e57f55cbc5Tue, 25 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -040020:06falsefull1331The Key that Unlocked Lung CancerThe Key that Unlocked Lung CancerChuck and Alicia sit down with Dr. William Pao to hear the story of how he contributed to the discovery of a gene mutation in lung cancer – a discovery that opened up new avenues for treatment, and changed thousands of lives. Find Dr. Pao’s book, Breakthrough, at all major booksellers.

]]>Chuck and Alicia sit down with Dr. William Pao to hear the story of how he contributed to the discovery of a gene mutation in lung cancer – a discovery that opened up new avenues for treatment, and changed thousands of lives. Find Dr. Pao’s book, Breakthrough, at all major booksellers.

]]>0857ce78-f660-424b-b485-94b3516d59e6Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:01:00 -040022:11falsefull12214.75 Million Lives Saved, and Counting4.75 Million Lives Saved, and CountingTo kick off The Good News About Cancer, Chuck and Alicia sit down with Karen Knudsen, the outgoing CEO of the American Cancer Society, to talk about some of the biggest wins in cancer prevention and treatment.

]]>To kick off The Good News About Cancer, Chuck and Alicia sit down with Karen Knudsen, the outgoing CEO of the American Cancer Society, to talk about some of the biggest wins in cancer prevention and treatment.

]]>81f1f40a-441e-49c8-88b1-21b2880d5559Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:01:00 -040023:05falsefull1111Welcome to The Good News About CancerWelcome to The Good News About CancerDid you know there was good news about cancer?

In each episode of The Good News About Cancer, Dr. Charles Ryan and Dr. Alicia Morgans unpack exciting new developments in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Subscribe today wherever you get podcasts.

]]>Did you know there was good news about cancer?

In each episode of The Good News About Cancer, Dr. Charles Ryan and Dr. Alicia Morgans unpack exciting new developments in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Subscribe today wherever you get podcasts.

]]>15551521-8a34-4675-b69b-2bdff4deb873Fri, 10 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -040000:52falsetrailer