All the Makings of a Syndemic

Cancer screening has saved countless lives through the early detection of breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancer. But there are still so many forms of cancer that slip through the cracks. Now, developments in medical research — such as multi-cancer screening blood tests and genomic tests — are promising to revolutionize cancer diagnostics.

In this episode, we talk to experts about the medical tech that is reshaping the field of early detection. Dr. Joseph Mikhael, Professor in the Applied Cancer Research and Drug Discovery Division at the Translational Genomics Research Institute, talks about the importance of multi-cancer early detection tests and genomics in detecting cancers that we don't currently screen for. Dr. Brian Druker, Director of the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University, talks about his role in spearheading the field of precision-based early cancer detection. And Jody Hoyos, President and Chief Operating Officer of Prevent Cancer Foundation, advocates for the passage of the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act to ensure equitable access to life-saving biotech.

The Big Screen is a product of OffScripHealth.

To learn more about rescheduling your cancer screening appointments, visit https://www.preventcancer.org/back-on-the-books/.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The rate of survivorship has dramatically increased since the 1980s as cancer screening improved and outreach efforts expanded access to testing. But in 2020 cancer diagnoses plummeted because of Covid-19. Lockdowns and medical anxiety forced patients to skip primary care appointments and an estimated 10 million screenings in the U.S. alone. Doctors fear that disruptions in doctor-patient relationships will continue to delay critical care for those who are unknowingly living with cancer, turning one health crisis into another. It's what experts are terming a syndemic — a synergistic pandemic.

In this episode, we examine the personal stories and statistics behind this cancer-covid syndemic. Healthcare administrator Mary Garr talks about the emotional toll of delayed cancer diagnoses and treatment. And Dr. Philip Castle, Director of the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Prevention, talks about the devastating impact Covid19 is having on cancer survival rates.

The Big Screen is a product of OffScripHealth.

To learn more about rescheduling your cancer screening appointments, visit https://www.preventcancer.org/back-on-the-books/.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap Smears are some of the tests that detect cancer at an early stage when it’s most treatable. But then Covid-19 hit and disrupted healthcare and screening as we know it. The CDC now estimates that there will be tens of thousands of additional cancer deaths in the United States because of delayed screenings during the pandemic. THE BIG SCREEN is a documentary podcast about the past, present, and future of cancer detection, its role in improving health outcomes, and what happens without it.

In this episode, we put early detection under the microscope and uncover the fascinating history behind the technology that made cancer survivorship possible. Dr. Kirsten Gardner, Associate Professor of History at the University of Texas, San Antonio, recounts how women's groups kickstarted cancer awareness campaigns and started a movement that demanded better outcomes through early detection and treatment. And Dr. Lisa Richardson, Director of CDC's Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, talks about the importance of routine and accessible cancer screening for all.

The Big Screen is a product of OffScripHealth.

To learn more about rescheduling your cancer screening appointments, visit https://www.preventcancer.org/back-on-the-books/.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Big Screen: How COVID-19 Disrupted and Reshaped Cancer Prevention is an educational and documentary podcast about the past, present, and future of cancer detection and its role in improving treatment and health outcomes. The three-part series takes a close look at the history and value of screening technology, inequities in who gets screened, the role of the pandemic in disrupting early detection, and how improved access and technological advancements in screening will save more lives. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.