Mass General
Mass General
Treating Cancer in the Era of the Opioid Epidemic with Dr. Helen Shih
Treating Cancer in the Era of the Opioid Epidemic with Dr. Helen Shih
Treating Cancer in the Era of the Opioid Epidemic with Dr. Helen Shih
Wednesday 5th February 2020
Dr. Helen Shih shares her experience treating cancer patients with substance use disorders during the opioid crisis on 'Charged'.
31 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Compassionate
Empowering
Hopeful
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Get the buttons here!Dr. Helen Shih: Navigating Cancer Treatment Amid the Opioid Crisis
I wanted to start out by having you talk a little bit about how you got interested in addiction and learning more about it. And with these two young men that came along, they were in a subset of patients who had rare tumors that were very aggressive but actually highly curative if treated, and neither one of them wanted to receive the treatment I recommended and that was highly abnormal to me.
What happens when the opioid epidemic collides with a cancer diagnosis? Dr. Helen Shih, a radiation oncologist with a focus on brain tumors, found herself grappling with this very question. In this episode of 'Charged: Stories from the Women Leading Health Care', Dr. Shih opens up about her experiences treating cancer patients who are also battling substance use disorders. These dual diagnoses present unique challenges, pushing Dr. Shih to rethink her approach to patient care. Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr.
Shih shares how two young patients with brain tumors and opioid addictions reshaped her perspective. She dives into the complexities of providing specialized care for this vulnerable population, highlighting the crucial role of social workers in supporting these patients. Her stories are a testament to the resilience and altruism of cancer patients, even in the face of daunting odds. But it's not all about the struggles. Dr.
Shih also talks about innovations in radiation therapy and the importance of collaboration between physicians and physicists. Her passion for improving patient care shines through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of cancer treatment and addiction. Whether you're navigating your own health journey or supporting someone who is, Dr. Shih's insights offer a compassionate and hopeful perspective on tackling these intertwined health crises.