Mayo Clinic Q&A
Episodes
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed, canceled and delayed many parts of people's lives, including when or if they seek medical care.
Dr. Robert McWilliams, a Mayo Clinic medical oncologist, says there are various reasons patients may be avoiding or delaying care. But he emphasizes that coming to medical institutions is safe, and that ignoring symptoms or delaying exams can result in more severe illness or even death.
"Early o...
Colorectal cancer is a term that includes colon and rectal cancers, both of which originate in the lower portion of the large intestine and into the rectum.
"The vast majority of the time, we don't know exactly what causes any specific cancer," says Dr. Jeremy Jones, a Mayo Clinic oncologist. "But there are a number of factors that can increase the risk of developing colon or rectal cancer."
Dr. Jones says one r...
Smaller incisions, less pain and faster recovery are just a few reasons minimally invasive heart surgery can be a good option for patients with heart disease.
"I would define minimally invasive heart surgery, or robotic-assisted surgery as essentially performing a standard surgical operation through smaller incisions, without going through the breastbone," says Dr. Phillip Rowse, a Mayo Clinic cardiovascular surgeon.
People may be curious, confused or critical of what seem to be changing messages related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, reminds folks that messages change because data changes and the science evolves.
"As we learn new science, we use that science to modify our recommendations," says Dr. Poland. "It's not that scientist...
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that sits just beneath the liver, on the right side of the abdomen. Slender tubes that carry bile fluid also are also located in that area. Because of the relatively hidden nature of the gallbladder and bile ducts, cancers can grow without being detected. Late detection can mean a poor prognosis.
Dr. Kabir Mody, co-chair of the Hepatobiliary Disease Group at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, s...
With fall approaching and winter just around the corner, many are wondering how COVID-19 will affect this flu season. Some experts warn of a “twindemic,” with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of influenza overlapping here in the Northern Hemisphere. To keep people healthy and not overload the health care system, experts say getting a flu vaccine this year is more important than ever.
On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, D...