Cancer and other health conditions not only affect the body physically; they can also carry a major emotional impact. While the main focus for many patients is treating the cancer itself and its accompanying side effects, it’s also crucial to address your mental health. While there are many ways to do this, meditation and mindfulness can be effective tools. To learn more about a technique that’s practiced by millions of people worldwide, we talk with Patricia Arcari, PhD, RN, program manager for meditation and mindfulness at Dana-Farber’s Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living.

What is the number one cause of pancreatic cancer? What are the early warning signs of this disease? And how are researchers making progress in the treatment of pancreatic cancer overall? In this episode of Cancer Mythbusters from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we talk about some of the most common questions and myths about pancreatic cancer with Brian Wolpin, director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center.

Meditation is a practice that can help us learn to be present in the moment and navigate life's challenges. Produced by Patty Arcari, PhD, RN, program manager of mindfulness and meditation at Dana-Farber's Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies, this audio meditation guide may be able to help you discover your inner peace.

Meditation is a practice that can help us learn to be present in the moment and navigate life's challenges. Produced by Patty Arcari, PhD, RN, program manager of mindfulness and meditation at Dana-Farber's Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies, this audio meditation guide may be able to help you discover your inner peace.

Meditation is a practice that can help us learn to be present in the moment and navigate life's challenges. Produced by Patty Arcari, PhD, RN, program manager of mindfulness and meditation at Dana-Farber's Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies, this audio meditation guide may be able to help you discover your inner peace.

Meditation is a practice that can help us learn to be present in the moment and navigate life's challenges. Produced by Patty Arcari, PhD, RN, program manager of mindfulness and meditation at Dana-Farber's Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies, this audio meditation guide may be able to help you discover your inner peace.

Meditation is a practice that can help us learn to be present in the moment and navigate life's challenges. Produced by Patty Arcani, PhD, RN, program manager of mindfulness and meditation at Dana-Farber's Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies, this audio meditation guide may be able to help you discover your inner peace.

It's no secret: Cancer treatments are powerful. It’s also no secret that these drugs can also harm healthy cells in the body, which can lead to side effects. It’s not uncommon for patients to feel nauseous or experience a loss of appetite as a result of treatment. While there are medications you can take to address these symptoms, making dietary adjustments can also help. In this podcast, Dana-Farber nutrition specialist Stacy Kennedy, MPH, RD, CSO, shares tips for patients.

Although scientists are still learning about the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes, including the question of whether they heighten cancer risk, there’s also been a flurry of news reports about lung-related illnesses and deaths caused by vaping. There’s currently a controversial temporary ban on the sale of all vaping products in Massachusetts, and menthol cigarettes could be banned in the state as well. News outlets and social media sites also report widespread e-cigarette use by students in schools, including classrooms and bathrooms. Dr. Andy Tan, a researcher at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute who is an expert in tobacco prevention and control, is here to tell us some fast facts about vaping, menthol cigarettes, vaping in youth, and what we know about the best cessation methods.

Caregivers play a vital role in helping cancer patients face the daily challenges of their diagnosis. While everyone’s needs may vary, caregivers are often asked to assist a patient with their meals. This help comes in many forms, from preparing a single dish to grocery shopping. No matter what you're asked to do, it’s important to make healthy, educated decisions that can effectively deliver the key nutrients a patient requires. But how do you know what to look for when reviewing a recipe or walking through the grocery store? While most good nutrition habits are universal, there are a few things to keep in mind when cooking or shopping for a cancer patient. For this episode, we sit down with Dana-Farber senior nutritionist Stacy Kennedy MPH, RD/LDN, CSO, who offers suggestions for caregivers. Visit www.dana-farber.org/nutrition for more information.

If you’ve ever thought about starting a diet, you're not alone. Studies suggest that more than 45 million Americans will attempt to diet every year. While it’s easy to find a regimen that claims you’ll lose weight and feel better, how do you know it’s safe or even good for you? The amount of misinformation about diets isn’t just confusing — it can be downright dangerous. For cancer patients and survivors, this is especially true. Patients who are on active treatment or have ended treatment have different nutritional needs than others. In this podcast, we address some of the most popular fad diets with Dana-Farber senior nutritionist Stacy Kennedy MPH, RD/LDN, CSO, from the keto diet to intermittent fasting. Plus, we get down to the heart of the matter: whether a patient on active treatment should even diet at all. For more information on all things nutrition, visit www.dana-farber.org/nutrition.