Cancer Explained

Cancer is not planned. No one is ever ready for it. At Central Care, we understand that. So, we created Cancer Explained, an educational podcast about the risks, signs, symptoms and treatment options for specific cancers.

Cancer Explained Season 3

Misconceptions of Cancer - Part 2

What are the benefits of taking part in a clinical trial? Why are people who use tobacco more likely to develop cancer? What about using medical marijuana/CBD products, or holistic cancer treatments? Why are cancer drugs so expensive? Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo answers some of the most common questions asked, as well as discusses some misconceptions about cancer treatments and outcomes in the second installment of a two-part series on Cancer Explained.

Misconceptions of Cancer - Part 1

Cancer has no schedule, so when you hear that you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, it can be quite overwhelming. Immediately, your mind is flooded with questions. Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses some of the most common questions that come with a cancer diagnosis, along with some common misconceptions of cancer, in this edition of Cancer Explained. Stay tuned for part 2!

Lung Cancer 4.0

Lung cancer symptoms may not show up right away, and when they do, the cancer has advanced. If you are eligible, screening for lung cancer with annual low-dose CT scans can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20% by detecting tumors at early stages when they are more likely to be curable. Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses in depth this screening option, the difference between what smoking and vaping does to your lungs, treatment options and more in this edition of Cancer Explained.

Skin Cancer 2.0

With May being the unofficial start to summer, it means more time in the sun! May is also National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. In this latest edition of Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center, Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses the most common skin cancers, as well as what to look for on your body – your whole body! Also, she goes over the ABCDE’s of Melanoma. Take a listen!

Head and Neck Cancers 2.0

It may sound obvious, but what all is included in head and neck cancers? Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo will break it all down, including answering the questions: Could you lose one of your senses? What is leukoplakia? What would my quality of life be like with head and neck cancer? And is HPV now a factor? Listen now to Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center.

Colorectal and Anal Cancers 2.0

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, so let’s talk about your colon! Learn the risk factors and symptoms to colorectal cancer and the importance of getting a colonoscopy. It’s recommended you have one at 45, unless there’s a family history of colon cancer. In the US, colorectal cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men AND women. Not only does Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Perez-Tamayo address all of this and more, but she also talks about anal cancer in this edition of Cancer Explained.

Brain Cancer

Brain cancer is the topic in this edition of Cancer Explained. Learn about cancers IN the brain versus OF the brain. That adverb is important as to how our oncologists treat the cancer, and determine the prognosis of the tumor. Plus, learn why some of the symptoms for brain cancer are similar to having a stroke, and if there are any risk factors associated with most brain cancers. Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Perez-Tamayo breaks it all down on Cancer Explained.

Cervical Cancer 2.0

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Once again, screening is vital when it comes to preventing cervical cancer. Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo explains the importance of getting a complete pelvic exam and what it all includes, as well as what a pap test is. Also, why you should limit your sex partner, what HPV is and the importance of the HPV vaccination. It’s all in this edition of Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center.

Cancer Explained Season 2

Stomach, Pancreatic & Esophageal Cancers 2.0

Stomach, Esophageal and Pancreatic cancers are all silent killers. These cancers spread early and are typically detected late – meaning, you could have a sizeable cancer before it starts giving you trouble. Hear more from Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Perez-Tamayo, on the risk factors and symptoms for these cancer. Also find out how HPV is the new risk to esophageal cancer, in this edition of Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center.

Lung Cancer 3.0

November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer symptoms may not show right away, and when they do, the cancer has advanced. If you are eligible, screening for lung cancer with annual low-dose CT scans can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20 percent by detecting tumors at early stages when they are more likely to be curable. Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses in depth this screening option, the difference between what smoking and vaping does to your lungs, treatment options and more in this edition of Cancer Explained.

Breast Cancer 2.0

What are you feeling for when doing a breast self-check? Why is it important to have the breast squeezed during a mammogram? What are estrogen receptors? October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Get the answers to these questions from Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo, as well as learn about genetic screening, triple-negative breast cancers, symptoms for breast cancer and more in the latest edition of Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center.

Ovarian, Uteran, & Cervical Cancer

Cancers that affect women are highlighted in this edition of Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center. September is Ovarian and Uterine Cancer Awareness Months, so Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses ovarian, uterine and cervical cancers. Listen for how she describes what animal a woman’s reproductive system resembles! Learn what symptoms to watch for as well as how HPV plays a part with cervical cancer.

Prostate, Bladder, & Testicular Cancer

Men are the focus in this edition of Cancer Explained with Central Care. Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Perez-Tamayo highlights cancers that affect men, such as prostate, bladder and testicular. Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. Find out why the bladder is like a ‘hat’ for a man’s prostate. And just like a woman does regular breast self-checks, a man should do regular testicular self-checks. Regular screenings of these cancers are important!

General Cancer

Why is receiving cancer treatment close to your home important? What type of annual screenings are encouraged for men and for women? What is a genetic screening and am I a candidate for it? Should I get a second opinion on my cancer diagnosis? Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo has answers to these questions and more, all in this edition of Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center. We understand you’ve got questions – about everything. We’ve got answers.

Lung Cancer 2.0

Lung cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in both men AND women (not counting skin cancer). Screening for lung cancer with annual low-dose CT scans among those at high risk can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20 percent by detecting tumors at early stages when they are more likely to be curable. Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses the importance of lung cancer screenings and who qualifies, as well as non-small cell lung cancers, RET mutations and treatment options in this edition of Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center.

Cancer Explained Season 1

Skin Cancer

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo with Central Care Cancer Center, discusses the most common skin cancers, what to look for on your skin, the ABCDE’s of Melanoma, moles and skin tags. Also find out what slip, slop, slap and slide means! All in the latest edition of Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center.

Lung Cancer

1 in 16 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime and it can affect anyone, regardless of gender or ethnicity. Screening for lung cancer is key, especially if you are prime candidate. Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses who qualifies for lung cancer screenings, as well as the stages, treatment options and lung cancer survival rates in this edition of Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center.

Stomach, Pancreatic and Esophageal Cancers

In this edition of Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center, Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses the risk factors, symptoms and treatment options for stomach and pancreatic cancers. She also explains how the risks of esophageal cancer used to be tobacco, alcohol and reflux, but now it may be more hereditary and involve a new threat from HPV.

Breast Cancer

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses symptoms, risk factors and treatment options for the various diagnoses of breast cancer. Also, the importance of breast self-exams and annual mammograms, and how men are at risk too for breast cancer in the latest Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center.

Bladder, Kidney & Testicular Cancer

Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses not only bladder, kidney and testicular cancers, but also describes the location and function of the kidneys, the importance of drinking water, how blood in the urine is never ok, and that men should also do regular self-checks for lumps in their testicles - all in the latest edition of Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center.

Prostate Cancer

About 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer during his lifetime. Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses further the importance of screening for prostate cancer (PSA and digital rectal exam) as well as symptoms, family history risk factors, and treatment options in Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center.

Cervical Cancer

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses the importance of getting a complete pelvic exam, cervical cancer risks and treatment options, HPV, and HPV Vaccinations in Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center.

Colorectal & Anal Cancers

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In the US, colorectal cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women. Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses further the importance of early detection, having a colonoscopy, and knowing what the symptoms and treatment options are for colorectal cancer, all in this episode of Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center.

Head & Neck Cancers

Head and neck cancers are more common than you think. And, it isn’t just smoking or alcohol that cause most head and neck cancers…it’s HPV as well. Learn more about the signs and symptoms for head and neck cancers, and about leukoplakia from Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo in this edition of Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center.