All Things Cancer | National Foundation for Cancer Research

What does it take to turn a breast cancer diagnosis into a movement that changed how cancer research is funded? On this episode of All Things Cancer, Dr. Sujuan Ba, CEO of the National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR), sits down with Fran Visco, President of the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC), for a candid conversation about patient advocacy, cancer research funding, and the push for bolder science.

Fran was a lawyer, wife, and mother when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987. She went on to help build NBCC into one of the most influential patient advocacy organizations in the country. She explains how patient advocates earned a seat at the table in cancer research, from the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program to Project LEAD, the science training program that has trained more than 2,600 advocates.

The conversation also covers why researchers so often submit conservative proposals, why Fran believes it’s not how much money is spent on research but how it’s spent, and what it will take to fund high-risk, high-reward science. She shares the story behind the Artemis Project and its effort to develop a preventive breast cancer vaccine, reflects on NBCC’s bold goal to end breast cancer by 2020, and explains why patient advocates need to speak up to Congress as federal research funding comes under pressure.

Whether you’re a cancer patient, survivor, caregiver, researcher, advocate, or donor, this episode offers a clear look at how patients can influence cancer research, funding, and policy.

From a graduate student who couldn't reliably spell "genetics" to the scientist who provided the first experimental evidence for the class of gene now called "tumor suppressors" — Dr. Webster "Web" Cavenee's career changed how we understand and treat cancer.

In this episode, Dr. Cavenee sits down with NFCR President & CEO Dr. Sujuan Ba to trace a friendship and scientific partnership that's spanned more than 25 years — starting with a name Cavenee accidentally botched at a conference podium. From there, the conversation moves through his landmark discovery of the first tumor suppressor gene, the family who inspired it, and a moment in a Stockholm operating room that changed the direction of his entire career.

They also dig into the origin story of GBM AGILE — the adaptive clinical trial model that took over a decade, $100 million, and no shortage of skeptics to get off the ground, and is now running in more than 100 institutions across the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Canada.

A conversation about risk, collaboration, and what it actually takes to move cancer research from the lab to the patient.

What happens when a cancer biologist and a mathematician become research partners?

In this episode of All Things Cancer, Dr. Lisa Coussens and Dr. Elana Fertig sit down to talk about the unlikely collaboration transforming how we understand breast cancer. Lisa's path wound through art school, marine biology, and an early stint at Genentech before she became a leading cancer biologist. Elana came to science through a love of puzzles and math, eventually applying data science to weather prediction before turning her tools toward cancer research.

Funded by an NFCR grant that encouraged cross-disciplinary partnerships, the two built a collaboration Lisa describes as "like a marriage" — one that combined enormous, complex datasets with the computational tools to make sense of them. They discuss what they found when combining four different anti-cancer therapies in a breast cancer model, why basic science funding matters now more than ever, and what AI can — and can't — realistically do for cancer treatment.

When Tom Clark's wife Bernadette — a nurse and his high school sweetheart of over 50 years — began showing subtle, out-of-character symptoms, she was the one who suspected something was seriously wrong before any scan confirmed it. She was right: a brain tumor, later diagnosed as glioblastoma (GBM), one of the most aggressive cancers there is.

In this episode of All Things Cancer, Tom sits down with Dr. Sujuan Ba, NFCR's President and CEO, to share the full arc of Bernadette's journey — from that first stumble on a mountain trail to brain surgery, chemo, hospice care at home, and the promise he made to keep going. Tom opens up about caregiving, faith, grief, and why he's now dedicated to helping other families facing GBM navigate what he and Bernadette went through.

This is a story about love, persistence, and what it means to show up for someone completely — even when there are no easy answers. All Things Cancer is available anywhere you listen.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world — and the most survivable, if you catch it early. Dr. Ron Shore has spent 34 years and 28,000 patient screenings proving it. In this episode, he breaks down the three types of skin cancer, why melanoma can be silent until it's deadly, and the simple screening habits that could save your life. If you've ever skipped your annual skin check, listen to this first.

Dr. Shore also shares his five essential tips for protecting yourself: get a thorough annual exam from a knowledgeable dermatologist, return for check-ups every six to twelve months, wear SPF 50 or higher whenever you're in the sun, encourage older loved ones with visible sun damage to get screened, and if you spot something new or unusual — don't wait, see a doctor now.

What happens when a curious biochemist follows his wife to California, falls in love with whitewater rafting — and accidentally makes one of the most important cancer discoveries of the 20th century?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tony Hunter, the 2025 St. Gyorgi Prize winner and Salk Institute legend, whose 1979 discovery of tyrosine phosphorylation laid the foundation for over 80 cancer drugs in use today. We talk about the moment the scientific world accepted his discovery, why America's cancer research dominance is now under serious threat, the "valley of death" killing promising treatments before they reach patients, and what AI can — and can't — do for the future of cancer medicine.

Equal parts science, adventure, and a warning the research world needs to hear.

What if you could know your breast cancer risk at 25 and actually do something about it?

Dr. Funmi Olopade, a trailblazing oncologist at the University of Chicago, has spent 30 years rewriting the rules of breast cancer care, and she believes we can eradicate it as a cause of premature death within a decade.

In this episode, she breaks down how AI, genetic testing, and a simple blood test are transforming early detection, why too many women are still being failed by a broken system, and what every woman should be doing right now, no matter their age.

This is a conversation that could change how you think about your own health.

At age 37, Kathy Giusti was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and told she had just three years to live. Instead of accepting that fate, she turned urgency into action and founded the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), transforming how cancer nonprofits accelerate drug development. Today, more than 15 therapies have been approved for multiple myeloma and survival rates have more than doubled.

In this episode of All Things Cancer, Dr. Sujuan Ba speaks with Kathy Giusti about her new book Fatal to Fearless, the leadership and strategy required to drive progress in cancer research, and how collaboration between nonprofits, academia, industry, and regulators can speed lifesaving treatments to patients.

They also explore the future of cancer research, including venture philanthropy, data sharing, AI-driven discovery, and why patients must be empowered to advocate for themselves in a complex medical system.

Half a village was dying of cancer. No one could explain why.

For the Season One finale of All Things Cancer, we’re ending with a story that changed the trajectory of cancer research — and saved generations of lives.

What began as a keynote trip to Turkey turned into one of the most extraordinary cancer investigations in modern medicine.

In this episode, Dr. Michele Carbone shares how he uncovered a deadly inherited mutation, confronted government officials, helped relocate entire villages, and identified the BAP1 gene — a discovery that transformed our understanding of mesothelioma and inherited cancer risk.

But the twists don’t stop there.

After four years, $10 million in funding, and zero published results, his research was on the brink of collapse. Then a 1-in-100-billion clue changed everything.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

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How a remote village in Turkey led to a global cancer breakthrough

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The gene that can guarantee cancer — yet may also help patients survive it

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The policy battle that protected future generations

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Why Dr. Carbone warns against overreliance on AI in medicine

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And how cooking helped him build a cancer center from the ground up

This is a story about persistence, courage, and the power of research to move beyond the lab and into real lives.

As we close out Season One, this conversation is a powerful reminder of why cancer research matters — and what’s possible when science meets compassion.

In this episode, Dr. Sujuan Ba is joined by Dr. Ann Barker, one of the most influential architects of modern cancer research, for a wide-ranging conversation on where the field is headed and what must change to accelerate progress.

Dr. Barker shares why cancer research is at a critical inflection point, driven by an explosion of data, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the urgent need to move beyond siloed science. Together, they explore the promise and limitations of AI in oncology, the importance of high-quality and standardized data, and why collaboration across disciplines is no longer optional.

The conversation also dives into funding challenges, the role of nonprofits in building shared research infrastructure, and how convergence science has powered landmark efforts like The Cancer Genome Atlas and GBM AGILE. Dr. Barker reflects on her career, the lessons learned from large-scale collaboration, and why this moment may be one of the most exciting in the history of biomedical research.

This episode offers a candid, big-picture look at how AI, data, and collaboration could shape the future of cancer research — and what it will take to get there.

In this heartfelt episode of All Things Cancer, NFCR CEO Dr. Sujuan Ba sits down with Shereen Pavlides and her daughter, Isabella Pavlides, to explore how personal loss can spark powerful action.

From Isabella’s leadership through Play4TheCure and her growing Dine & Donate initiative to the lasting influence of her grandmother Esther’s seven-year journey with pancreatic cancer, this conversation highlights caregiving, resilience, and the next generation of advocates stepping up for cancer research.

It’s a moving reminder of how community, compassion, and initiative help make cures possible.

In this episode of All Things Cancer, Dr. Sujuan Ba sits down with Dr. Monica Bertagnolli — surgeon, scientist, former Director of the National Cancer Institute and former Director of the National Institutes of Health — for one of the most candid and forward-looking conversations we've ever shared.

Dr. Bertagnolli reflects on her journey from a cattle ranch in rural Wyoming to leading the nation’s most important scientific institutions, the challenges facing today’s cancer research ecosystem, the impact of declining federal funding, and what it will take to protect the future of discovery. She also offers a clear-eyed look at artificial intelligence, the trust required to use it in patient care, and the national learning health system we must build to ensure every community benefits.

A compelling conversation about leadership, equity, scientific progress, and the urgent need to support cancer research.

What happens when a pioneering oncologist and a next-generation immunotherapy researcher sit down to talk about the future of cancer care?

Join NFCR President and CEO Dr. Sujuan Ba as she moderates an eye-opening discussion between Dr. Brian Leyland-Jones and Dr. Avery Posey. From early detection and sequencing to CRISPR and CAR-T breakthroughs, this episode dives into the science — and the human drive — behind making cures possible.

In this episode of All Things Cancer, NFCR CEO Dr. Sujuan Ba sits down with Dr. Isaac Witz, the 2023 Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research laureate and a pioneer in tumor microenvironment science. Decades before it became a central focus of oncology, Dr. Witz recognized that cancer is not just about tumor cells—it’s about the environment that surrounds them.

Dr. Witz shares how he challenged conventional thinking, why keeping patients at the center of research matters, and how his discoveries reshaped cancer treatment worldwide. From immune responses inside tumors to overlooked “orphan results” and the role of collaboration, this conversation explores both the groundbreaking past and the future of holistic, patient-driven cancer research.

Listeners will hear Dr. Witz’s insights on:

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The origins of tumor microenvironment research.

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Why therapies must go beyond targeting cancer cells.

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The importance of integrating overlooked discoveries into clinical progress.

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His vision for AI and international collaboration in advancing cures.

In this episode of All Things Cancer, NFCR President and CEO Dr. Sujuan Ba sits down with Dr. Drew Pardoll, a pioneer in cancer immunology, to explore the breakthroughs reshaping cancer research. From harnessing the immune system and advancing protein, cell, and microbial engineering to launching biotech startups that translate discoveries into real treatments, Dr. Pardoll shares how innovation and collaboration are driving cures forward. Together, they also reflect on the vital role of young scientists, the importance of smarter clinical trials, and what’s next on the horizon for cancer patients worldwide.

Continuing our Survivor Mini-Series:

In this powerful episode of All Things Cancer, NFCR President and CEO Dr. Sujuan Ba sits down with Cheryl, a stage IV melanoma survivor whose determination and persistence changed the course of her life. Told she might not live to see another holiday, Cheryl refused to accept “no” for an answer. Her relentless search led her to a groundbreaking clinical trial that not only saved her life but helped shape the future of melanoma treatment and cancer research as a whole.

Cheryl opens up about the shock of diagnosis, the uphill battle to find care, the side effects of early-stage therapies, and the unwavering hope that carried her forward. She also shares lessons for patients, families, and doctors about advocacy, resilience, and the importance of communication in cancer care.

Her story is one of courage, survival, and transformation—and a reminder that research saves lives.

In this powerful episode of All Things Cancer, host Dr. Sujuan Ba convenes some of the most forward-thinking voices in oncology to explore how early detection and early intervention are reshaping the future of cancer care.

Featuring insights from Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, Dr. Samir Hanash, Dr. Steven Lipkin, Dr. Sapna Syngal, Dr. Ajay Goel, and Dr. Carlos Doti, this conversation dives into breakthroughs in biomarkers, liquid biopsies, genetic risk modeling, cancer interception, and how equitable access remains the key to meaningful progress.

From the lab bench to real-world implementation, this episode reveals how science, strategy, and compassion must align to truly reduce cancer mortality.

Original music featured in this episode is composed and performed by David Tolk.
Explore more of his work at: http://www.youtube.com/@DavidTolkMusic

In this inaugural episode of our special Survivor Series on All Things Cancer, NFCR President and CEO Dr. Sujuan Ba sits down with breast cancer survivor and NFCR Community Ambassador, Hope Stewart. With honesty, warmth, and insight, Hope shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery—highlighting the moments that tested her, the community that uplifted her, and the research that saved her life.

From navigating a cold, clinical diagnosis to finding comfort in a compassionate care team, Hope opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of cancer treatment, and how they ultimately inspired her to speak out, support others, and give back through advocacy and fundraising.

Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or passionate about advancing cancer research, this conversation is a powerful reminder of why survivor voices matter—and how NFCR’s mission plays a critical role in turning hope into cures.

Every cancer breakthrough begins with a single step—funding. In this episode of All Things Cancer, NFCR CEO Dr. Sujuan Ba speaks with leading researchers about the funding crisis threatening cancer research across the U.S. and beyond. From early-stage, high-risk studies to game-changing therapies now approaching clinical trials, these conversations reveal what’s possible when bold science is backed by strong support—and what’s lost when it isn’t.

Hear from:

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Dr. Aaron Hata (Mass General Hospital)

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Dr. Jessica Lin (Mass General Cancer Center)

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Dr. Wayne Marasco (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)

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Dr. Susan Horwitz (Albert Einstein College of Medicine)

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Dr. Alfred Slanetz and Dr. Raju Kucherlapati (Harvard Medical School)

Whether you're a donor, advocate, or simply passionate about progress, this episode makes one thing clear: cancer doesn't wait—and neither can we.

This special edition of All Things Cancer features a powerful conversation with Dr. Rakesh Jain—pioneering scientist, educator, and longtime NFCR-supported researcher—on the eve of receiving the 2025 AACR Lifetime Achievement Award.

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Jain sits down with NFCR President and CEO Dr. Sujuan Ba to reflect on his decades of groundbreaking work, including his revolutionary concept of vascular normalization, which has reshaped how we treat cancer. Together, they discuss:

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How unconventional thinking led to new cancer therapies

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The impact of NFCR’s early seed funding on high-risk research

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The promise of affordable treatments like Losartan for brain tumors

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Why collaboration and bold science are essential to progress

“Without risk, science can’t move forward. NFCR understood that from the beginning.” – Dr. Rakesh Jain

Tune in to hear how Dr. Jain’s work is saving lives, shaping clinical trials, and making the future of cancer care more accessible—around the world.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.