Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo

Cancer is one of the most frightening diagnoses any of us can face — and yet, it’s also an area of medicine where progress is happening at an extraordinary pace. In honour of World Cancer Day, this episode launches a new two-part series on cancer for Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo. Melissa sits down with two of Canada’s leading voices — a leading cancer scientist, Dr. Lillian Siu, and a powerful advocate and CEO, Dr. Miyo Yamashita, from Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the top five comprehensive cancer centres globally. Together, they break down what cancer actually is, why survival rates have improved so dramatically, where prevention and early detection truly save lives, and how cutting-edge research — from immunotherapy to liquid biopsies — is transforming outcomes for patients in Canada and around the world. This episode is science-forward, deeply human, and essential listening for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer — which, statistically, is all of us. In this episode, we discuss: What cancer is — and how it developsCancer staging and how classification has evolvedWhy there is no single “cure” for cancer — and why that’s often misunderstoodWhich cancers are now considered highly treatable or curableWhy cancer rates are rising as our population agesThe concerning rise of early-onset cancers in younger adultsLifestyle, environmental, and genetic cancer risksWhat prevention actually means — beyond headlines and fearScreening and early detection: where it saves lives and where gaps remainBreakthroughs in precision oncology, immunotherapy, and targeted treatmentsThe future of liquid biopsies and blood-based cancer detectionWhy philanthropy and research funding are essential to progressWhat gives cancer experts the most hope right no About The Guests: Dr. Lillian Siu Dr. Siu is a senior medical oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. She is the 2025–2026 President of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the world’s largest scientific organization dedicated to advancing cancer research. Her work focuses on translating scientific discoveries into personalized cancer therapies, including precision oncology and liquid biopsy technologies. She has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications and was awarded ASCO’s highest honour, the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award. In 2025, she was named one of the 100 most influential people in oncology worldwide. Dr. Miyo Yamashita Dr. Yamashita is President and CEO of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Canada’s largest cancer charity and the primary fundraising organization for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. She leads national and global efforts to fund breakthrough research in precision medicine, immunotherapy, genomics, and patient-centred innovation. Under her leadership, the Foundation has focused on accelerating the translation of discovery science into real-world clinical impact. She has been named one of the Top 100 Oncology CEOs globally — with Princess Margaret the only Canadian institution recognized. Resources & Learn More: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaretPrincess Margaret Cancer Foundation – https://thepmcf.caCancer screening & prevention in Canada – https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/cancer.htmlWorld Cancer Day – https://www.worldcancerday.org **Always speak with your health-care provider about screening, symptoms, or personal cancer risk.** Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner  Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo) For any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com