<div>Azra Raza is a physician, scientist, author, and outspoken advocate for reconfiguring the current model of research in cancer. In this episode, Azra discusses the content of her book, The First Cell, which takes a critical look at the outdated models being used to study cancer resulting in a lack of progress in survival rates for cancer patients. Azra offers a solution which focuses on early detection and prevention, and she concludes with an optimistic outlook for the future of cancer research.</div> <div> </div> <div>We discuss:</div> <div> <ul> <li>Azra's upbringing, interest in oncology, and the basis for writing her book [3:30];</li> <li>The lack of progress in cancer treatment over the decades [18:45];</li> <li>What is holding the oncology field back? [33:15];</li> <li>Do the purported advances in oncology reflect the billions of dollars spent on cancer research? [40:00];</li> <li>Economics of new cancer drugs—how small increases in survival come with staggering financial burdens [47:00];</li> <li>How good intentions can still lead to misaligned incentives and a broken system [1:03:00];</li> <li>Why 95% of new cancer drugs fail—a critical review of the cancer research model [1:11:15];</li> <li>Early detection and prevention—a potential solution to the cancer problem [1:22:30];</li> <li>Coping with the loss of her husband to cancer [1:46:00];</li> <li>Azra's optimistic view of the future [1:49:30]; and</li> <li>More.</li> </ul> <p>Learn more: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/">https://peterattiamd.com/</a><br /> <br /> Show notes page for this episode: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/azraraza">https://peterattiamd.com/azraraza</a><br /> <br /> Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/">https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/</a><br /> <br /> Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/">https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/</a><br /> <br /> Connect with Peter on <a href="http://Facebook.com/PeterAttiaMD"><u>Faceboo</u></a><u>k</u> | <a href="http://Twitter.com/PeterAttiaMD"><u>Twitter</u></a> | <a href="http://Instagram.com/PeterAttiaMD"><u>Instagram</u></a>.</p> </div> <p> </p>
Actionable Insights
1. Prioritize Early Cancer Detection
Focus efforts and resources on early cancer detection, as it is the only strategy proven to work in cancer treatment, enabling intervention when the disease is in its earliest, most curable stages.
2. Adopt Continuous Body Monitoring
Leverage cutting-edge technology like microfluidic chips, genomics, proteomics, and AI to continuously monitor the human body for early biomarkers of cancer, moving beyond annual screenings for more timely detection.
3. Embrace Cancer Prevention Lifestyle
Actively understand and implement lifestyle changes related to diet, stress management, and exercise, as these factors can significantly reduce cancer risk by 30-50% and are crucial for prevention.
4. Shift Cancer Research Focus
Redirect a significant portion of cancer research funding and intellectual resources (e.g., 50% instead of 5%) towards prevention and early detection, studying human tissue and biomarkers rather than relying on artificial animal models.
5. Refine Prostate Cancer Screening
Move beyond basic PSA testing for prostate cancer screening by incorporating PSA volume, PSA velocity (rate of change over time), and advanced tests like 4K to get a more nuanced and accurate assessment of risk.
6. Cultivate Radical Acceptance
When facing uncontrollable and devastating circumstances, strive for acceptance, as exemplified by Harvey’s approach to his terminal illness, focusing on what can be handled rather than succumbing to despair.
7. Correct Initial Impressions
Avoid self-delusion in relationships and ideas by being willing to correct your initial impressions when new information or experiences don’t align, rather than trying to change the person or idea to fit your preconceived notion.
8. Teach Truth Gradually
When conveying difficult or overwhelming truths, especially to those new to a field, present information gradually and with kind explanation, allowing understanding to ‘dazzle gradually’ rather than blinding with too much intensity at once.
9. Stimulate Lymphatic System Daily
Incorporate daily physical activity like jumping on a small rebounder (mini-trampoline) for 20-30 minutes, as this can effectively stimulate the lymphatic system.
10. Read ‘The Price We Pay’
Read Marty McCary’s book, ‘The Price We Pay,’ to gain a deeper understanding of the economic obscenities and vulgarity within the healthcare system, particularly regarding drug costs and their impact on patients.
11. Write Only When Compelled
Approach writing a book with the mindset that it should only be undertaken if you feel an absolute, undeniable compulsion to write it, as this indicates a deep-seated need to communicate the ideas.
12. Establish Human Tissue Repositories
For researchers, meticulously collect and save diverse human tissue samples (blood, bone marrow, germ line controls, various cell types) from patients, serially following them over time to create a national treasure for unraveling disease natural history and identifying early biomarkers.