Andrew Beggs is a Professor of Cancer Genetics & Surgery at the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, and the Deputy Director of the Birmingham Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre and Theme Lead for Biomarkers and Liquid Biopsy. He is also Head of Somatic Cancer in the Central and South Genomic Medicine Service Alliance and Co-Lead of the Translational Biology and Genetics research theme within the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences. He is a fellow of the Alan Turing Institute and has recently been awarded an MRC Senior Clinical Fellowship.
Summary
This conversation explores the role of genetics in cancer and why the disease is hard to treat. It discusses assessing cancer risk and the benefits of annual MRI scans. Advances in less invasive and targeted therapies are highlighted, along with the importance of accessing new treatments and seeking second opinions. The conversation also touches on the progress in treatments, the cost of care, cancer genetics research, ways to reduce cancer risk, and the uncertain effects of vaping.
Key Moments
02:13 Understanding cancer
07:36 Why is cancer difficult to treat?
13:12 Assessing personal risk of cancer
16:01 The effectiveness of annual MRI scans
24:55 Advancements in Less Invasive and Targeted Therapies
28:20 Availability and Access to New Treatments
29:04 Importance of Seeking Second Opinions
31:59 Progress in Cancer Treatment and Cures
33:38 The Cost of Cancer Treatments
36:42 Cancer Genetics Research and its Process
44:19 Reducing the Risk of Cancer
46:14 Vaping and its Unknown Effects on Cancer
Music credit: David Cutter Music / @dcuttermusic
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