Join us on the Healthy Talk Podcast, where we engage with Dr. Herbert Baker, a leading oncologist, to uncover crucial insights into lung cancer. Discover the latest advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapies that are revolutionizing patient care and offering new hope for those affected by this devastating disease. Dr. Baker sheds light on common symptoms, significant risk factors like smoking, and the vital importance of early detection, especially for high-risk groups. His expert advice emphasizes how lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and undergoing early screenings, can significantly impact lung cancer prevention and treatment outcomes.
As we navigate this critical topic, our co-host DJ Mikey D shares his personal journey with early-stage lung cancer, highlighting the importance of awareness and proactive health choices. With sobering statistics and practical guidance, this episode empowers you to take control of your health or support loved ones affected by lung cancer. Tune in to learn how to advocate for better health, explore innovative treatments, and understand the transformative potential of cutting-edge medical research in changing the prognosis for lung cancer patients worldwide.
For our segment two, we are addressing a crucial subject affecting many of our service members: burn pit exposure. Used across various military bases in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond, burn pits were massive open-air waste disposal sites that emitted toxic fumes from burning everyday trash to hazardous materials.
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Episode Transcript
You are listening to the People Station on
GreatDayRadiocom.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
This is DJ Tyler.
Thank you for tuning in toGreatDayRadiocom.
We are your party mix onlineradio station and podcast show.
Do you have that special lovedone you want to dedicate a song
to?
Do you want to give a specialshout out to that special person
or two?
Visit GreatDayRadiocom, hit thelet's Talk category and leave a
(00:26):
60-second message.
Thank you for taking the timeto listen to our shows and
sharing the love.
Speaker 3 (00:32):
This is DJ Mikey D.
While I do not often discuss mypersonal life on air, I
recently discovered I have thebeginning stages of lung cancer.
As you may or may not know, Iam a combat veteran and have
been going through the burn pitstudies as I consider treatment
options.
I've gathered extensiveresearch on various aspects of
(00:52):
cancer to share with you, myamazing audience.
Lung cancer is one of the mostfatal cancers worldwide, causing
up to 3 million deaths annually.
Only 1 in 10 patients diagnosedwith this disease will survive
the next five years.
Although this was an illnessthat previously affected
predominantly men, lung cancerrate for women has been
(01:14):
increasing because of the risingratio of female to male smokers
.
In many developing countries,public education about the
dangers of cigarette smoking andeffective cessation programs
has contributed to the slowlyfalling rate of incidence of
lung cancer.
Lung cancer is still the mostcommon cancer in men worldwide
and the fifth most common inwomen.
(01:35):
Stay locked in as we continuethis discussion with my co-host,
dj DeMarie.
Speaker 4 (01:41):
Welcome to Healthy Talk Podcast, the podcast where
we explore the cutting-edgedevelopments in medical science
and health.
I am DJ DeMarie.
Welcome to Healthy Talk Podcast, the podcast where we explore
the cutting-edge developments inmedical science and health.
I am DJ DeMarie.
Speaker 3 (01:49):
And I'm DJ Mikey D.
Today we're focusing on lungcancer and the latest
advancements in its treatment.
Joining us is Dr Herbert Baker,an oncologist and researcher
specializing in lung cancer.
Welcome, Dr Baker.
Speaker 5 (02:03):
Thank you for having me.
It's great to be here todiscuss such an important topic
While I mention some facts basedon my research.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
let's start with the basics.
Dr Baker, could you explainwhat lung cancer is and some of
the common symptoms peopleshould be aware of?
Speaker 5 (02:20):
Certainly.
Lung cancer occurs when cellsin the lungs grow uncontrollably
, forming tumors that caninterfere with the lungs'
function.
Common symptoms include apersistent cough, chest pain,
shortness of breath and, in somecases, coughing up blood.
However, it's worth noting thatsymptoms often appear in the
later stages of the disease.
Speaker 4 (02:41):
Early detection seems crucial.
Are there specific risk factorsthat increase the likelihood of
developing lung cancer?
Speaker 5 (02:48):
Yes, smoking is the most significant risk factor,
accounting for about 85% ofcases.
Other factors include exposureto secondhand smoke, radon gas,
asbestos and other carcinogens,as well as a family history of
lung cancer.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
What are some of the promising new treatments for
lung cancer that you're excitedabout?
Speaker 5 (03:09):
We've seen significant advancements in
targeted therapies andimmunotherapies.
Targeted therapy involves drugsthat attack specific cancer
cell mutations, such as EGFR orALK mutations.
Immunotherapy, on the otherhand, helps boost the body's own
immune system to fight cancerby targeting checkpoints that
cancer cells use to hide fromimmune attack.
Speaker 4 (03:31):
How have these treatments changed the outlook
for lung cancer patientscompared to traditional
treatments like chemotherapy?
Speaker 5 (03:39):
These new treatments have dramatically changed the
landscape.
They often have fewer sideeffects compared to traditional
chemotherapy and have been shownto increase survival rates and
improve quality of life for manypatients.
It's an exciting time asongoing research continues to
identify new targets andstrategies that sounds promising
.
Speaker 3 (04:00):
I have early stages of lung cancer.
Should I overly concern myself?
What role does early screeningplay in lung cancer treatment?
Speaker 5 (04:08):
Early screening is absolutely vital.
Low-dose computed tomographyLDCT scans can detect lung
cancer at earlier, moretreatable stages, significantly
improving outcomes.
This is particularly importantfor high-risk groups like
long-term smokers and has beenshown to reduce lung cancer
mortality.
Speaker 4 (04:28):
For listeners who might be concerned about lung
cancer, either for themselves orloved ones.
What steps would you recommendthey take?
Speaker 5 (04:36):
First, quitting smoking is the most important
preventive step and there aremany resources to help with that
.
If you're at high risk, talk toyour doctor about screening
options.
Also, staying informed aboutsymptoms and advocating for
yourself in medical settings iscrucial.
Speaker 3 (04:52):
Thank you, Dr Baker, for sharing such valuable
insights.
Before we wrap up, is thereanything else you'd like to
share with our listeners?
Speaker 5 (05:01):
I would emphasize hope and progress.
The developments in lung cancertreatment over the last decade
are substantial and continuedresearch promises even more
breakthroughs.
Stay informed and proactiveabout your health.
Speaker 4 (05:15):
Yes, and thank you all for tuning in to Healthy
Talk Podcast.
Be sure to subscribe for moreepisodes on the latest health
advancements and expertinterviews.
Speaker 1 (05:25):
You are listening to the People Station on
GreatDayRadiocom.
Speaker 3 (05:30):
Hey party peeps, this is DJ Mikey D.
I want to talk to you about anorganization and many like them
that are trying to rid cancerand support those who are
fighting it.
As a person diagnosed withcancer throughout my life and
having both parents dying ofcancer, I know how your support
can make a difference.
This podcast supports cancerorg.
(05:51):
They are a leading cancerfighting organization with a
vision to end cancer as we knowit for everyone.
They are improving the lives ofpeople with cancer and their
families as the onlyorganization combating cancer
through advocacy, research andpatient support to ensure that
everyone has an opportunity toprevent, detect, treat and
(06:12):
survive cancer.
Call toll-free 1-800-227-2345or visit cancerorg to get more
information and or make adonation.
Your donation will lead tobetter outcomes and longer lives
for patients with lung cancerand other cancer diagnoses.
Speaker 4 (06:29):
Welcome to Veterans Talk Podcast, the podcast
dedicated to sharing theexperiences and challenges faced
by our service members.
This is a two-part show wherewe just discuss lung cancer.
This is a two-part show wherewe just discuss lung cancer.
As my co-host mentioned, he isgoing through a burn pit study
through the Veterans Affair andthe University of Colorado
Cancer Center.
The goal of this podcast is tohighlight this study and how it
(06:53):
impacts our soldiers.
I'm your host, dj DeMarie.
Today we're discussing acritical issue affecting many
United States soldiers returningfrom overseas burn pit exposure
and its lasting impact.
Joining me is our own DJ MikeyD, a veteran who was deployed in
multiple war operations and hasbeen directly affected by this
(07:14):
exposure.
Thank you for opening up aboutyour exposure and time you spent
at war.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
Thank you for your interest in discussing this
important topic and I'm glad tobe here to share my experiences
with our amazing listeners.
Speaker 4 (07:28):
To start, could you tell our listeners about your
deployments and how you cameinto contact with burn pits?
Speaker 3 (07:35):
Absolutely.
I served in Iraq andAfghanistan and burn pits were
the main method of wastedisposal at our base.
They burned everything fromhousehold trash to more
hazardous materials likeplastics, batteries and even
medical waste.
During those times, we weren'taware of the potential health
risks.
These pits were just part ofdaily life.
(07:55):
Additionally, I served inaviation units where we were
exposed to jet fuels and othertoxins.
Speaker 4 (08:02):
When did you start noticing health problems and do
you believe they are linked toyour exposure?
Speaker 3 (08:08):
I began experiencing respiratory issues shortly after
returning from my firstAfghanistan tour in 2009.
I had difficulty breathing,chronic cough and unusual
fatigue.
Back then.
I did not get observed until Ireturned from my last overseas
tour in 2014, as I was preparingto exit the military.
After seeing a few specialists,we concluded that these
(08:31):
symptoms were likely tied to myexposure to the burn pits.
Over time, it's becomeincreasingly clear that many of
my fellow soldiers areexperiencing similar issues.
Speaker 4 (08:41):
That must be incredibly challenging.
How has this impacted yourdaily life?
Speaker 3 (08:48):
Physically, I get tired more easily and certain
activities are harder.
Mentally, it's a struggle too,knowing these issues might have
been preventable.
Navigating the healthcaresystem to get the right
diagnosis and treatment has beenan uphill battle, although
recent efforts by the VA arestarting to make a difference.
Speaker 4 (09:07):
It sounds like a complex situation.
Have you found support orresources that have been helpful
on this journey?
Speaker 3 (09:14):
The VA's Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit
Registry has been a useful tool,providing a platform to
document exposure and symptoms.
Additionally, veteran advocacygroups have been instrumental in
connecting servicemen likemyself with the right resources
and raising awareness.
Speaker 4 (09:31):
What steps do you think need to be taken to
address the ongoing issuesrelated to burn pit exposure?
Speaker 3 (09:38):
Firstly, there needs to be continued research into
the health impacts of burn pitsto establish clear links and
determine effective treatments.
Increased awareness andeducation among both soldiers
and health care professionalsare essential.
Policies like the PACT Act aresteps in the right direction,
but implementation on the groundlevel needs to be robust and
(10:00):
comprehensive.
Speaker 4 (10:01):
Thank you, DJ Mikey D , for sharing your story and
shedding light on this pressingissue.
Is there anything you'd likeour listeners to take away, or
any last message you'd like toshare?
Speaker 3 (10:13):
I'd say it's crucial for fellow veterans to speak up
and seek support, and for thepublic.
Acknowledging these sacrificesand advocating for better health
care for veterans is vital.
This isn't just a problem forthose of us who served.
It's something that affects ourcommunities and nation as a
whole.
Overall, burn pit exposurerepresents a silent yet
(10:35):
significant health battle formany US soldiers.
While strides have been made inrecognizing and addressing the
issue, continued advocacy andresearch are crucial.
With increased awareness,policy improvements and medical
advancements, there is hope forbetter outcomes.
For those who have served andsacrificed, Addressing these
(10:56):
challenges head-on not onlyhonors their service, but also
ensures they receive the careand recognition they deserve.
Speaker 4 (11:03):
Wise words indeed.
Thank you once again, mikey D,for your service and for being
here today To our listeners.
Thanks for tuning in to VeteranTalk Podcast.
If you or someone you know isaffected by burn pit exposure, I
encourage you to explore theresources available.
Until next time, take care andremember to support our veterans
(11:23):
.
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