Cancer Conversations

Recurrence Anxiety

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Bethany Giles, LCSW, Oncology Social Worker, Markey Cancer Center
Cancer Conversations Episode 34
Whether it is you or a loved one who has had cancer, there may be some recurrence anxiety.  On this episode of Cancer Conversations, Bethany Giles shares some ways to cope with the anxious feelings that many experience concerning the recurrence of cancer.  She also share what you should do if your cancer does recur.
Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS is a partnership project between Family and Consumer Sciences Extension and the Markey Cancer Center.
For more information:
Understanding Recurrence - American Cancer Society
Connect with the UK Markey Center
Online Markey Cancer Center
On Facebook @UKMarkey
On Twitter @UKMarkey

The Cancer Crisis in Appalachia - The Students’ Perspectives

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guests: Dr. Nathan Vanderford, UK College of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology and Markey Cancer Center, Karlee Compton and Michael Buoncristiani, ACTION Program student participants
 
Cancer Conversations Episode 33
Kentucky has the highest rate of new cancer cases and deaths in the nation, with the greatest burden of the disease being in the Appalachian region. High risk behaviors, poverty, low healthcare access and engagement, and other factors drive these high rates.  This month on Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Dr. Nathan Vanderford shares about his second edition book The Cancer Crisis in Appalachia, a collection of essays written by students who have been personally affected by cancer and also live in the region.  We visit with two of these students, Karlee Compton and Michael Buoncristiani, as they share about their experience participating in the ACTION program and writing for the book.
Listen to:
Karlee's Story Just A Disease
Michael's Story A Continuous War
 
For more information about :
Appalachian Career Training in Oncology Program
 
Connect with the UK Markey Center
Online Markey Cancer Center
On Facebook @UKMarkey
On Twitter @UKMarkey
 
 

The Elephant in the Room: Interacting with People Living with Cancer

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky
Guests: Dr. Amy Kostelic, Extension Specialist for Adult Development and Aging and Sheila Fawbush, Shelby County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences
Cancer Conversations Episode 32
On this special edition of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, we visit with Sheila Fawbush, a cancer survivor, and Dr. Amy Kostelic, who address the "elephant in the room."  They share insight into how to care for and communicate with those living with cancer.  With light and humor, their tips for compassionate and assertive concern while dealing with the realities of everyday life, will benefit everyone in this situation.
For more information:
Markey Cancer Center
Kentucky Cancer Statistics

Cancer and Spirituality

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky
Guest: Rev. Diana Hultgren, M. Div. Board Certified Chaplain, Oncology Chaplain, Markey Cancer Center
Special Edition Series - Cancer Conversations Episode 29
Our spirituality effects every piece our lives and when we have a chronic disease, how we process the diagnosis, prognosis or even respond to treatment can be impacted by our spirit.  On this episode of Cancer Conversations Reverend Diana Hultgren shares important tips to consider for those living with cancer.  She shares questions that you might want to think about for yourself and how you can answer them or discuss with a trusted advisor, partner or faith leader.
For more information, visit:
Spiritual Health
Surviving Cancer
Spiritual Support When You Have Cancer
 

Prioritizing Your Mental Health After A Cancer Diagnosis

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Dr. Kerri Ashurst, Extension Specialist for Family and Relationship Development
Episode 13, Season 4
Getting a cancer diagnosis is scary and sometimes the last thing we think about is our own mental health.  On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Kerri Ashurst discusses the importance of prioritizing your mental health after receiving that diagnosis so that you can handle all the other issues that surround caring for your physical health.
 

Summer Health Experience in Oncology

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Dr. Nathan Vanderford, UK College of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology and Markey Cancer Center
Special Edition Series - Cancer Conversations Episode 28
Dr. Nathan Vanderford joins Dr. Jennifer Hunter on Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS as they discuss The S.H.E. in Oncology program.  SHE specifically targeted young women with an interest in science and medicine, who identify as underrepresented in the sciences (i.e., racial or ethnic minority, low income, first-generation college-bound, and/or living with a disability). 
Connect with the UK Markey Center
Online Markey Cancer Center
On Facebook @UKMarkey
On Twitter @UKMarkey

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Dr. Natalie Jones, Extension Specialist for Family Health
Special Edition Series - Cancer Conversations Episode 27
Blood Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated every September to raise awareness of the types of cancer that affect the vascular system.  Due to a technical issue our friends at Markey were not able to join us this month, but our own Dr. Natalie Jones, is joining the podcast to provide education about these types of cancer.
Connect with the UK Markey Center:
Online Markey Cancer Center
On Facebook @UKMarkey
On Twitter @UKMarkey

After the Cancer Diagnosis- Now What?

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Jenny DeLap, Senior Social Worker, Psych-Oncology Services, Markey Cancer Center
Special Edition Series - Cancer Conversations Episode 26
If you have just gotten a cancer diagnosis, there are many questions probably swarming through your mind.  On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Jenny Delap from the Markey Cancer Center is going to talk about those questions.  She will share with Dr. Jennifer Hunter the important discussions people recently diagnosed with cancer need to have with their loved ones and with their oncology team.
Connect with the UK Markey Center:
Online Markey Cancer Center
On Facebook @UKMarkey
On Twitter @UKMarkey

Talking with Children About Cancer

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Joan Scales, Senior Social Worker, Psych-Oncology Services, Markey Cancer Center
Special Edition Series - Cancer Conversations Episode 25
Talking with children about a cancer diagnosis will rank among most difficult conversations.  On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Joan Scales from Markey Cancer Center explores the importance of communication.  She shares tips with Dr. Jennifer Hunter for making these discussions more natural and comfortable, even if not easy. 
Connect with the UK Markey Center:
Online Markey Cancer Center
On Facebook @UKMarkey
On Twitter @UKMarkey

Sexual Health and Cancer

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Amy Downs, Senior Social Worker, Psych-Oncology Services, Markey Cancer Center
Special Edition Series - Cancer Conversations Episode 24
When a person receives a cancer diagnosis, many questions swarm through their brain.  Your sexual health is an important discussion to pursue with your healthcare providers.  In this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Amy Downs shares with Dr. Jennifer Hunter some questions that you will want to ask your doctor, as well as, some personal observations that you might want to make to share with your healthcare team so that they can better inform your care.
Connect with the UK Markey Center:
Online Markey Cancer Center
On Facebook @UKMarkey
On Twitter @UKMarkey

Taking Care of Business: Advance Directives and Cancer

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Raven Darko-Mensah, Oncology Social Worker, Markey Cancer Center
Special Edition Series - Cancer Conversations Episode 23
When you start talking about Advance Directives and Living Wills, people often shut down because they do not want to think about what they consider "end of life".  On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Raven Darko-Mensah shares why these critical documents are simply part of the business of planning well and living life fully.  Join this conversation to learn why it is important to prepare these documents, no matter your life stage or health situation.
Click these link for additional resources:
Kentucky Living Will Document
City of Hope Advance Directives
American Cancer Society - Understanding Legal Matters
National Cancer Institute Advanced Directives
Connect with the UK Markey Center:
Online Markey Cancer Center
On Facebook @UKMarkey
On Twitter @UKMarkey
 
 
 

Cancer and COVID-19

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Dr. Frederick Ueland, Director Oncology Clinical Operations and Vice Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Markey Cancer Center
 
Special Edition Series - Cancer Conversations Episode 22
 
COVID-19 has affected every aspect of life, including how we receive medical care.  On this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Dr. Fred Ueland shares with Dr. Jennifer Hunter how medical care and oncology care specifically, has changed and will be forever changed and what aspects will return when life starts to take on a more normal appearance.
Connect with the UK Markey Center
Online Markey Cancer Center
On Facebook @UKMarkey
On Twitter @UKMarkey