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.

• 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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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.

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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.

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