Category: Oncology/Hematology

What the research really says about infrared saunas

As someone who believes in a healthy amount of social media consumerism — just enough to stay inspired without drowning in every new trend — I recently found myself intrigued by a wellness practice that kept resurfacing on my feed: infrared sauna. Beyo…

Earwax could hold secrets to cancer, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease

Most of us think of earwax as a nuisance–something to be cleaned out and discarded. But, did you know that this sticky substance is a natural part of your body that can reveal information about your health? If you regularly clean your ears at home, it&…

What a dying patient’s handshake taught me about life and love

I was working in my oncology ward as usual when I received a call from the medical ICU to evaluate a patient. The patient was a young male who had been admitted a few days earlier with severe respiratory distress. His workup raised suspicion of a possi…

How functional precision oncology is revolutionizing cancer treatment [PODCAST]

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Physician and clinical researcher Chris Apfel discusses his article, “Functional precision oncology: a game changer in cancer therapy.” Chris explains that fun…

Financing cancer or fighting it: the real cost of tobacco

Introduction: Financing cancer or fighting it? Tobacco remains the single largest preventable cause of cancer worldwide, responsible for nearly 8 million deaths annually, including 1.2 million from exposure to secondhand smoke. Despite decades of publi…

How a TV drama exposed the hidden grief of doctors

Like many of us in health care, I recently became engrossed in The Pitt. If you’re still watching—or plan to—consider this your spoiler alert. HBO’s new medical drama immerses viewers in a grueling 14-hour shift in the ER of a trauma center…

5 cancer myths that could delay your diagnosis or treatment

Having worked with patients for more than 25 years, I’ve witnessed the courage, determination, and unbreakable spirit of those facing a cancer diagnosis. But I’ve also seen the questions, uncertainties, and misinformation they and their fam…

When bleeding disorders meet IVF: Navigating von Willebrand disease in fertility treatment

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting approximately 1 percent of the population, though clinically significant symptoms occur in about 1 in 10,000 individuals. It is caused by a deficiency or dysfunction…

The child within: a grown woman’s quiet grief

As a child, I was an introvert. Due to various circumstances, I didn’t have the opportunity to play any sports. On many days, I see young children playing football or cricket in the large cricket park in front of my home. Various trainers from di…

A female doctor’s day: exhaustion, sacrifice, and a single moment of joy

When I was unemployed, I applied for countless positions. For months, I have been waiting for a call letter regarding a test or an interview. Now that I have accepted a job at a hospital located far away, I receive call letters in the mail almost every…