Cancer Questions

Does Having Diabetes Increase Cancer Risk?

Brian Wolpin, MD, MPH, explains how diabetes raises the risk of certain cancers, including colon, liver, pancreatic, breast, and endometrial cancers.Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, a healthy diet, weight management, and routine cancer screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, can help reduce risk and ensure early detection.Learn more about Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: https://www.dana-farber.org/

Are There Any Factors That Make You More at Risk for Inflammatory Breast Cancer?

Felipa Lynce, MD, discusses factors linked to inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and signs to watch for. IBC often appears without a lump, with symptoms like skin discoloration, changes in breast texture, or persistent pain.Want to learn more about breast cancer risk and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/types/breast-cancer 

Can Blood Cancers Be Inherited?

Lachelle Weeks, MD, PhD, explains how 4-5% of blood cancers are caused by heritable conditions, meaning an abnormal gene is passed down within a family. Most blood cancers, however, are sporadic and occur by chance.For individuals with a strong family history of blood cancers, the Center for Early Detection and Interception of Blood Cancers at Dana-Farber provides personalized risk assessments and surveillance strategies to help mitigate risk. While there are no universal screening programs for blood cancers yet, efforts are underway to develop early detection methods.Want to learn more about blood cancer risk and prevention?Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/early-detection-interception/blood-cancers

Should I Get Screened for Prostate Cancer?

Mark Pomerantz, MD, discusses the complexities of prostate cancer screening.The American Cancer Society recommends that men over 50 with a 10-year or more life expectancy consider PSA screening and consult their primary care doctor. Screening is especially important for men with a family history of the disease and men of West African ancestry, who should begin screening in their 40s.The goal of screening is to identify aggressive cancers while avoiding unnecessary treatments for low-risk prostate cancers, which are often managed with active monitoring.Want to learn more about prostate cancer risk and prevention?Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/types/prostate-cancer

Does Exercise Lower Cancer Risk?

In this episode of Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber, Jennifer Ligibel, MD, explores the link between exercise and cancer risk.Research shows that people who are more active—whether through exercise, household chores, or physical jobs—tend to have a lower risk of developing common cancers such as breast, colon, and prostate cancer.While exercise likely plays a key role, other factors like diet, weight, and regular cancer screenings may also contribute to reduced risk. Staying active is an important step toward overall health and cancer prevention.For more insights on integrative therapies and healthy living, visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/patient-family/support-services/integrative-therapies