Less Radical
Less Radical tells the story of Dr. Bernie Fisher, a surgeon-scientist who revolutionized breast cancer treatment and changed our understanding of all cancers. Despite being an unlikely hero from Pittsburgh who overcame antisemitic quotas to enter medical school, his discoveries were met with a misguided Congressional hearing that destroyed his reputation. Over six episodes, radiation oncologist Dr. Stacy Wentworth explores operating rooms, congressional halls, and labs where breakthrough cancer treatments were developed. The podcast highlights how Fisher's work impacts anyone affected by breast cancer.
Episodes
What exactly IS the NIH? And is it worth saving?
What IS the NIH? And is it worth saving? A conversation with a 20-year-NIH veteran and a new researcher with an uncertain future.Elizabeth Ginexi's SubstackMichael Green's SubstackThe Addiction Science Under Siege ReportWhat Can You Do? Liz's summary of the current OMB Proposal that replaces scientific review of NIH grants with political approval provides specific actions anyone can take to stop t
Can One Person Change the World of Cancer?
In a recent conversation with Dan Pfeiffer, historian Heather Cox Richardson discussed the American deification of self-reliance, represented by the loner cowboy from the 1950’s on. “The myth of the American cowboy,” Richardson posited, “is that he is a true American and wants nothing from the government but to be left alone. He dominates women; he dominates the minorities around him; and he’s goo
When Surviving Cancer Isn't Enough
The largest cancer meeting in North America just wrapped up. Held annually in the spring. the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting is where many big advances and discoveries are announced. This year, the highlights included a study that showed that moderate exercise improved survival in colon cancer patients as much or greater than many chemotherapy agents. Another study showed that treat
Vote for us in the Webby Awards!
I’m thrilled to tell you that Less Radical has received TWO nominations in the 29th annual Webby Awards: We’re up for Best Indie Podcast - Limited Run and Best Podcast - Documentary. We were chosen out of 13,000 entries! We’re up against companies like Audible, Wondery, Mother Jones, and Al-Jazeera, so we need your help. You can vote for Less Radical in both categories until midnight PT on Thursda
BONUS: What Could Be Better Than a Mammogram?
Mammograms were introduced fifty years ago. Recommendations for women to have annual screening mammograms began thirty years ago. The hope was that by finding breast cancer early, we could drastically reduce the number of women dying from breast cancer. And in some ways, we have been successful. The problem with annual screening mammograms is that it is based on the assumption that every breast ca
Episode 5: Bureaucrats, Administrators, and Politicians
When a colleague’s misconduct is discovered, Fisher is forced to resign from the NSABP and becomes the subject of a Congressional investigation. As the walls close in, Fisher fights back. He spends the rest of his life trying to restore his reputation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cancerculture.substack.c
Episode 4: Immovable Objects and Unstoppable Forces
We return to Washington, D.C. In the fall of 1974, the results of Bernie’s clinical trials promise to change the treatment of breast cancer forever... if only it were that easy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cancerculture.substack.com
Episode 3: Microbe Hunters and Magic Bullets
In 1958, Bernie Fisher participated in the first randomized clinical trial in patients with breast cancer. The trial was a disaster, leading most surgeons to abandon the idea of using chemotherapy to cure more patients. Bernie, however, noticed something different. This put him on a path that would change the course of cancer treatment forever. This is a public episode. If you would like to discu
BONUS: The Other Side of the Knife
For most of history, the voices of women with breast cancer have been silent, including the daughter of an American president. Fifty years ago, they began to speak. While Bernie Fisher worked to change doctor’s minds, women demanded input into their care. Those whose lives are impacted by cancer continue to influence how doctors, including me, approach our patients and your treatment. This is a p
Episode 2: The Knife is the Cure
At the end of the 19th century, a New York surgeon determined that the only way to cure breast cancer was with radical surgery. For the next hundred years, millions of breast cancer survivors bore the mark of his disfiguring approach. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cancerculture.substack.com
Episode 1: Who is Bernie Fisher?
Our story begins exactly fifty years ago. On a fall weekend in late September 1974, a former dancer from Michigan and a young surgeon from Pittsburgh met just outside Washington, DC. The treatment of breast cancer would never be the same. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cancerculture.substack.com
Introducing: Less Radical (coming September 25th)
Introducing Less Radical, the true story of Dr. Bernie Fisher, the surgeon-scientist who revolutionized the way we treat breast cancer. After generations of surgeons subjecting women to brutal, disfiguring surgeries, Bernie found a better way. And the thanks he got? A performative, misguided Congressional hearing that destroyed his reputation and haunted him until his death.Over six episodes, radi
