New miniVHAN Podcast Series: Cancer Screenings Take a Front-Row Seat
The miniVHAN podcast’s new season — our sixth — will offer practical look at the evolving landscape of cancer screening and prevention. We move beyond simple guidelines to explore how new research, policy changes and patient experiences are redefining early detection.
Throughout the five-episode series, clinical experts break down the risk factors that drive screening recommendations, explain how these strategies align with broader population health goals and provide actionable techniques for shared decision-making that respects patient preferences. Check out the lineup:
Episode 1: Early Detection and Personalized Care: How Cancer Screening Is Evolving
Ben Park, MD, director of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, discusses the evolution of cancer screening guidelines, including the lowering of recommended ages for colonoscopies and mammograms due to rising cancer rates in younger adults. He encourages “precision screening” that accounts for an individual’s genetics and family history, and advocates for shared decision-making to ensure patients feel respected and informed in their care journey.
Episode 2: From Screening to Follow-Up: Fixing the Gaps in Cancer Care Delivery
Shari Rajoo, MD, chief medical officer of Ballad Health, highlights the growing role of accessible screening options, such as low-dose CT lung scans, self-swabbing for human papillomavirus and blood-based colon cancer tests. She also advocates for community health navigators and health coaches to support patients through every phase of their care.
Episode 3: The Impact of Policy on the Future of Preventive Cancer Care
Maddie Michael, Tennessee government relations director of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, discusses how evidence-based policy shifts, such as the “PSA for HIM Act” and new colorectal screening initiatives, reduce the cancer burden by removing out-of-pocket costs and improving accessibility.
Episode 4: Music as a Vital Chord in Cancer Support and Healing
For 25 years, Musicians on Call has delivered the healing power of live and recorded music directly to the bedsides of patients, families and caregivers. In this episode, PJ Cowan, director of programs, explains how music serves as a vital therapeutical tool — lowering stress, managing pain and helping patients reclaim their sense of self beyond their medical diagnosis.
Episode 5: Beyond the Finish Line: Why Marathoner Pushes Peace of Mind Through Cancer Screenings
Mary Jo Wiggins was working toward the goal of running a marathon in all 50 states when she went in for a colonoscopy and learned she had stage 4 colon cancer. After treatment at Vanderbilt Health, she and a friend recently completed their marathon quest. She’s now a huge proponent of screenings.
Whether you’re a clinician, administrator or advocate, this important new miniVHAN series invites you to view cancer screening and prevention not just as a checklist, but as a collaborative effort to improve long-term patient outcomes.
Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to get notified when new episodes drop, and explore additional resources at minivhanpodcast.com.