All Talk Oncology Cancer Podcast

SHOWNOTES

Apple Podcast Description:

Episode Title:
In this episode of All Talk Oncology, host Kenny Perkins (Your Cancer Guy) talks with Dr. Jeffrey Velotta, a thoracic surgeon practicing in Northern California, to discuss a growing and often misunderstood health crisis—lung cancer in people who have never smoked.

While many people associate lung cancer primarily with smoking, Dr. Velotta explains that an alarming trend is emerging, particularly among Asian women who have never smoked. Despite California having one of the lowest smoking rates in the United States, the state continues to see some of the highest lung cancer incidence and mortality rates.

Dr. Velotta breaks down the surprising risk factors behind this phenomenon, why many patients are being diagnosed at Stage IV, and what individuals can do to advocate for themselves when symptoms appear.

This conversation is an essential listen for patients, caregivers, and anyone concerned about lung health—especially those who believe they are not at risk.

In this episode, Dr. Castro discusses:

Why lung cancer is increasing among non-smokers

The alarming rise of lung cancer in Asian women

Why many patients are diagnosed at Stage IV

Key risk factors beyond smoking

The importance of early detection and recognizing symptoms

Why persistent cough should never be ignored

When to request a chest X-ray or CT scan

Why getting a second opinion is critical for cancer care

How patients can find clinical trials and new treatment options

Dr. Velotta also encourages patients to become active participants in their healthcare by asking tough questions, advocating for themselves, and seeking the best possible care.

This episode provides vital insight into a growing public health issue and empowers patients with the knowledge needed to take action early.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help spread awareness about lung cancer and empower patients with life-saving information.

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#LungCancerAwareness #LungCancerInNonSmokers #ThoracicSurgery #CancerScreening #AllTalkOncology #YourCancerGuy #CancerEducation #CancerAdvocacy

In this episode of All Talk Oncology, Kenny Perkins (Your Cancer Guy) speaks with Dr. Nadia Nocera Zachariah, a breast surgical oncologist at Miami Cancer Institute, about what patients should know after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis.

Dr. Zachariah walks through the role of a breast surgeon and explains how treatment decisions are made, including whether surgery or chemotherapy should happen first. She also addresses one of the most common misconceptions among patients—that the entire breast must always be removed.

In reality, many patients can safely undergo breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) combined with radiation, which often provides survival outcomes comparable to mastectomy.

Dr. Zachariah also shares how her personal journey as a first-generation physician shaped her patient-centered approach to care. She emphasizes the importance of education, compassion, and empowering patients to fully understand their diagnosis and treatment options.

Additionally, the conversation explores high-risk breast cancer screening, genetic testing, and the treatment of complex benign breast diseases that are often misdiagnosed.

This episode provides valuable insight for patients, caregivers, and anyone seeking to better understand breast cancer treatment and surgical options.

Highlights:

What breast surgeons actually do after a cancer diagnosis

Lumpectomy vs. mastectomy explained

Why many patients request full breast removal

The science behind breast-conserving surgery outcomes

The importance of patient education in cancer care

Genetic testing and high-risk breast cancer screening

Treating rare inflammatory breast conditions

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help spread awareness about lung cancer and empower patients with life-saving information.

Immortalize your voice by being an ALL TALK ONCOLOGY GUEST! Just fill-out this FORM.

Invite Kenny Perkins to Speak or Participate on your event. Just fill-out this FORM.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
All Talk Oncology: Instagram & Facebook

JOIN OUR FREE COMMUNITY:

Facebook Community

WEBSITE:
www.alltalkoncology.com

Hashtags:

#BreastCancer #BreastCancerSurgery #Lumpectomy #Mastectomy #CancerEducation #AllTalkOncology #YourCancerGuy #CancerAwareness

In this episode of All Talk Oncology, host Kenny Perkins (Your Cancer Guy) sits down with legendary R&B artist Montell Jordan for an honest and deeply personal conversation about his battle with prostate cancer.

Known worldwide for the iconic hit “This Is How We Do It,” Montell opens up about life beyond music and shares what it was like receiving a cancer diagnosis after a routine annual physical. Initially diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer, Montell discusses the difficult decisions surrounding treatment, the emotional toll of recurrence, and how his unwavering faith helped him navigate one of the hardest battles of his life.

Montell candidly speaks about the realities many men don’t openly discuss—fear, masculinity, intimacy after treatment, mental resilience, and the impact cancer has on relationships and family dynamics. He also highlights the vital role caregivers play and how his wife helped sustain him through treatment and recovery.

Most importantly, Montell emphasizes the life-saving importance of early detection and PSA screening, especially for African American men who are at higher risk for prostate cancer.

This powerful episode is filled with encouragement, practical insight, and hope for patients, caregivers, survivors, and families navigating cancer.

In this episode, Montell Jordan discusses the following:

His life and career before cancer

Receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis after a routine physical

Why annual screenings and PSA testing matter

Understanding Gleason scores and prostate cancer staging

The treatment decision process: watch, treat, radiate, or remove

Undergoing a radical prostatectomy

Facing cancer recurrence and navigating proton therapy

How faith shaped his mindset during treatment

The emotional impact of cancer on spouses and caregivers

Why empathy, not sympathy is critical during cancer care

Intimacy and relationships after prostate cancer treatment

Advocacy for men’s health and prostate cancer awareness

His documentary Sustain, chronicling his cancer journey

The importance of early detection for saving lives

Montell also reminds listeners that a cancer diagnosis does not have to define the rest of your story. With faith, medical care, family support, and early intervention, there is hope—and there is life after cancer.

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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.

 

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SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
All Talk Oncology: Instagram & Facebook

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WEBSITE:
www.alltalkoncology.com

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.

Invite Kenny Perkins to Speak or Participate on your event. Just fill-out this FORM.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
All Talk Oncology: Instagram & Facebook

JOIN OUR FREE COMMUNITY:

Facebook Community

WEBSITE:
www.alltalkoncology.com