How An Oncologist Is Changing Sarcoma Care for Young Adults
What happens when cancer strikes in your 20s or 30s? How do you navigate life-changing diagnoses during the most formative years of your life? In this powerful episode of All Talk Oncology, Kenny Perkins speaks with Dr. Venkataraman, a young adult cancer specialist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, who is deeply committed to caring for patients with rare cancers like sarcoma.
From the emotional trauma of delayed diagnoses to the complexities of survivorship, Dr. V shares how he supports patients not just through treatment—but through rediscovering their lives afterward.
Key topics discussed:
Why young adults are often diagnosed late—and what we can do about it
How sarcoma differs from other cancers and why it's so misunderstood
Treatment challenges: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and their impact
Why survivorship care is just as important as treatment
The mental health struggles cancer patients rarely talk about
The role of personalized care: meeting patients where they are
Advances in sarcoma research, clinical trials, and treatment protocols
Empowering patients to take charge of their own journey
Creative outlets for physicians: how Dr. V uses reflective writing to process the emotional weight of oncology
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51:25
From Melanoma to Marathons: The Mindset That Saved Leah Adams
What happens when you’re forced to stop doing what you love—and rebuild your life from the inside out?
In this deeply moving episode of All Talk Oncology, host Kenny Perkins sits down with Leah Adams, a melanoma survivor, passionate runner, and daughter of a stage four cancer fighter. Diagnosed at just 26 years old with Stage 1A melanoma, Leah shares how cancer interrupted her daily running routine—and how she eventually turned pain into power.
From being unable to run post-surgery, to completing multiple marathons, Leah’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of reframing your mindset. Whether it’s her honesty about guilt, body image, or mental recovery—this conversation is full of hard truths, healing lessons, and undeniable hope.
Key points discussed:
Leah’s diagnosis at age 26 and her emotional reaction to stopping running
The surgeries she underwent and how melanoma impacted her body and mindset
Why she believed she gave herself cancer—and how she forgave herself
How running became both her therapy and her triumph
The shift in self-talk and mindset that changed her emotional healing
Her public vulnerability through social media and how it helped others
Her journey through frequent skin checks, biopsies, and long-term follow-ups
Crossing the five-year cancer-free mark and what that milestone meant
Why she now advocates for skin checks and sun protection
Her mission to use her story to spread awareness and hope
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36:01
How Jana Short Turned a Terminal Diagnosis into a Life of Purpose
What happens when you’re given just months to live—and decide not just to survive, but thrive?
In this inspiring episode of All Talk Oncology, Kenny Perkins speaks with Jana Short, a woman who transformed a terminal diagnosis into a global mission of hope and holistic healing. After losing her stomach, surviving sepsis, and being fed intravenously for months, Jana made a choice to rewrite her story—starting with her mindset.
From launching a magazine with over 1.8 million subscribers to becoming a coach and podcast host, Jana shares the journey that taught her how powerful the words we tell ourselves truly are.
Key points discussed:
Jana’s diagnosis and near-death experience with gastroparesis and sepsis
How essential oils and holistic research sparked her healing path
The mental shift that made survival possible—and sustainable
Why she refuses to speak negatively about her body, even at her weakest
The Yet Factor and how changing your language can unlock resilience
Her raw and real story of unlearning self-judgment and embracing self-love
Building Best Holistic Life Magazine from a Canva experiment to a global platform
Lessons on aging joyfully and creating meaningful connections
The power of receiving love—and believing you deserve it
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39:00
Beyond Chemo: How Direct Immunotherapy Is Changing Cancer Outcomes with Dr. Jason Williams
What if cancer treatment could be made more effective by going straight to the source? In this episode of All Talk Oncology, Kenny Perkins sits down with Dr. Jason Williams, a pioneering interventional radiologist who is reshaping the future of cancer care through tumor-directed immunotherapy.
Dr. Williams shares how his childhood experience with his grandmother's breast cancer shaped his path toward developing innovative treatments. Instead of administering immunotherapy through traditional systemic methods, he and his team inject directly into tumors, enhancing immune response and potentially reducing side effects.
Key points discussed:
The origin and evolution of immunotherapy: from 2011 to now
Why Dr. Williams transitioned from oncology to interventional radiology
Direct tumor injection vs. systemic immunotherapy—why it matters
Risks and overlooked dangers of traditional biopsy procedures
How immune-stimulating drugs like Tocilizumab reduce side effects
Addressing insurance limitations and off-label treatments
The surprising link between Tylenol and immunotherapy effectiveness
Clinical trials, success rates, and future directions in cancer treatment
Why patients must take charge of their own care
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35:13
Early Breast Cancer Detection: What Every Woman Should Know with Dr. Jovita Oruwari | EP 66
How can women take control of their health and reduce the risks of breast cancer? In this empowering episode, we sit down with Dr. Jovita Oruwari, a seasoned breast surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Oruwari shares her inspiring journey into medicine, practical advice for women’s health, and her efforts to rebuild trust in underserved communities.
Key points discussed:
Dr. Oruwari’s early passion for medicine and her determination to succeed in a male-dominated field.
How a young patient’s story inspired her to specialize in breast surgery.
The importance of breast cancer risk assessments starting at age 25.
Clarifying the misconception that seeing a breast surgeon means having cancer.
Why self-care is critical for women as caregivers and its impact on family dynamics.
Practical tips for lifelong health monitoring, including mammograms and colonoscopies.
Balancing a demanding medical career with personal life through intentional self-care.
Community outreach initiatives to build trust in underserved populations.
The evolution of cancer care and the importance of lifelong learning in medicine.
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https://www.alltalkoncology.com
All Talk Oncology is a Cancer Podcast that empowers cancer patients through insightful conversations that reinforces confidence and certainty about their cancer condition. Transforming a terrifying experience into a manageable one, by arming patients with the understanding they need, and the ability to take control of their treatments through knowledge, allowing effective interaction with their medical team.
Ireland