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EPISODE DESCRIPTIONS
201: Cancer Pain: Easing the Agony
For many of us there are few things more frightening than a diagnosis of cancer. But thanks to recent breakthroughs and new treatments millions more people today have become cancer survivors. Unfortunately, there's often a dark lining to the sunny statistics: cancer pain. Cancer pain is thought to affect more than 10 million people around the world and is an ongoing problem even if the cancer has been successfully treated. In fact, sometimes it's the treatments themselves that cause pain, other times it's the cancer but because of the nature of the disease many people don't actively seek treatment for cancer pain even if it interferes with their daily existence. But there is an array of options to treat pain and to give cancer survivors hope for a future free from this agony. In this program we meet survivors who have had debilitating pain and hear what they've done to combat it, plus we speak with experts in cancer pain and hear about pain therapies that are available today, and some that will be available in the future. These therapies can make a huge difference in the lives of cancer survivors around the world.
202: Mesothelioma: The Hidden Threat
Decades ago America was building the cities of the future. Skyscrapers dotted the skylines of cities big and small and they were among the most obvious signs of success and prosperity. But there was a danger lurking in those buildings and many others around the world: asbestos. Many of the workers exposed to the asbestos in those construction projects dozens of years ago today are being diagnosed with a devastating form of cancer called mesothelioma. In mesothelioma, malignant cells are found in the mesothelium, the protective sac that covers many of the body's internal organs. Asbestos exposure is seen in 70 to 80 percent of cases. In this program we examine the causes and the treatments for mesothelioma and meet patients who are doing battle with this difficult disease. Plus, we hear from the experts about treatments that are having success today and new therapies that may be available in the near future.
101: History of Cancer
Cancer treatments have changed dramatically since Congress declared War on Cancer in 1971 with the passage of the National Cancer Act. This program explores the history of the Cancer Act and takes a look at the breakthrough treatments that have emerged as a result of it. Patients who have benefited from these once-experimental therapies tell their stories and scientists who have been at the forefront of cancer research for several decades talk about the vast difference in treating cancer then, before the Cancer Act, and now. They also look into the future of cancer treatments.
102: Childhood Cancers
Just a generation ago pediatric cancers were nearly universally, and always rapidly, fatal. But today, on average, 80 percent of childhood cancers are cured, meaning the children are rid of their disease and go on to live a normal life span. This program explores how researchers achieved this milestone: what is today considered one of the greatest success stories in modern medicine. Also, scientists detail how research into pediatric cancer helped oncologists to develop effective anti cancer regimens for adults.
103: Breast Cancer
Without question, breast cancer is the disease many women fear the most. But this program investigates the dramatic differences in treating breast cancer today compared to the way breast cancer was treated a generation ago. Women with breast cancer detail their experiences with this disease, how they reacted to the diagnosis, and the treatments that have saved their lives. They also offer advice to women about how to emotionally survive the breast cancer experience.
104: Types of Cancer
A cancer diagnosis is always bad news; no one celebrates when hearing those awful words: You have cancer. This program seeks to demystify cancer a bit by explaining where it comes from: in many cases it has to do with chronic injury to tissue, and highlighting some of the innovative treatments that are helping many more patients to become cancer survivors. In addition scientists discuss the importance of early detection in giving cancer patients more treatment options and in the case of prostate cancer doctors opine about whether it should be treated at all.
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