Empower Your Health: Dr. Susanna F. Greer Advice on Cancer Prevention and Thriving After 50

Cancer is a word no one wants to hear, yet it has touched almost every family. The good news? You can take proactive steps to protect your health and inspire those around you to do the same. In this week’s podcast episode, Christina Daves hosts Dr. Susanna F. Greer from the V Foundation,a powerhouse in cancer research to discuss cancer prevention, healthy living, and the incredible work being done to support women in science. Their conversation is packed with practical tips to help you live healthier and encourage your loved ones to do the same.

Why Talk About Screenings Saves Lives

Christina and Dr. Greer highlighted how essential it is to normalize conversations about health screenings. Mammograms, colonoscopies, and lung cancer screenings (for smokers) are the big three for women over 50. They emphasized that talking openly with friends about these checkups could literally save lives.

“The best thing is getting old together,” said Dr. Greer. Encouraging your friends to schedule these appointments can make a world of difference. And yes, colonoscopies might not be a glamorous topic at girls’ night, but as Dr. Greer quipped, “It was the best nap I had in 2020!”

She also pointed out that many women fell behind on their screenings during COVID. Now’s the time to catch up. Delays in screenings can lead to missed opportunities for early detection, which can make treatment more challenging. So, start the conversation today—it’s not just about you; it’s about the people who love and rely on you.

Screenings Every Woman Over 50 Should Know About

Dr. Greer provided a checklist for women over 50 to stay on top of their health:

Mammograms – Essential for detecting breast cancer early. Studies have shown that regular mammograms can reduce breast cancer mortality by up to 30%.
Colonoscopy – Vital for preventing or detecting colon cancer. Polyps caught during a colonoscopy can often be removed before they become cancerous.
Lung Cancer Screening – For current or past smokers, this is a must. Low-dose CT scans can reduce lung cancer deaths by detecting the disease at an earlier stage.
HPV Vaccine – If you didn’t get vaccinated earlier, there’s now a catch-up option for older adults. HPV is linked to cervical and other cancers, making vaccination a powerful preventive measure.
Dental Screenings – Dentists can spot early signs of thyroid cancer during routine checkups. They’re also a first line of defense against oral cancers.
Eye Exams – Important for identifying rare retinal cancers, which are often caught during routine vision screenings.

Christina shared her experience of being told she’d had her final Pap smear. Dr. Greer explained that if you’ve had consistently clean results, the likelihood of cervical cancer drops significantly after 60. However, she encouraged women to advocate for themselves if they’d feel more comfortable continuing with routine tests. The key takeaway? Be your own health advocate—never hesitate to ask questions or seek second opinions.

The Role of Inflammation in Cancer

Dr. Greer’s expertise as an immunologist shone through as she discussed the connection between inflammation and cancer. “Inflammation is a driver of cell division, and that’s how cancer grows,” she explained. While not all inflammation leads to cancer, chronic inflammation caused by obesity, stress, or unhealthy habits increases the risk.

The good news? There are plenty of ways to reduce inflammation:

Maintain a healthy weight. Studies link obesity to at least 13 types of cancer.
Exercise regularly. Even 30 minutes a day of moderate activity can significantly lower your risk.
Meditate or practice yoga to reduce stress. Chronic stress has been shown to weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off diseases.
Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can help keep inflammation in check.

As Dr. Greer put it, “All things in moderation.” It’s about finding a balance that works for you while being mindful of how your lifestyle impacts your long-term health. She also stressed that small changes can make a big difference over time, so start with what feels manageable and build from there.

Stress: The Silent Health Saboteur

Even positive stress, like excitement about work, can harm your health if it’s unbalanced. Christina admitted she’s learning this firsthand, and Dr. Greer shared her own struggles as a self-proclaimed workaholic.

“Your body needs restoration,” Dr. Greer said. Sleep, social connections, and hobbies are crucial for reducing stress and nurturing your overall well-being. She emphasized the importance of seeking joy and growth outside of work, whether through faith practices, community involvement, or creative pursuits.

Chronic stress doesn’t just impact your mental health, it can lead to physical changes in your body, like increased blood pressure and inflammation. Dr. Greer shared actionable tips for managing stress:

Create boundaries between work and personal time.
Practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or guided meditation.
Make time for activities that bring you joy, whether it’s gardening, painting, or spending time with loved ones.

A Spotlight on the V Foundation’s Impact

Dr. Greer’s pride in her work with the V Foundation was palpable. Founded by ESPN, the organization ensures 100% of every donation goes directly to cancer research. They focus on high-risk, high-reward projects that aim to revolutionize cancer treatment.

One initiative particularly close to Dr. Greer’s heart is the Women Scientist Innovation Award, which supports female researchers who often face funding and recognition disparities. Since its launch in 2023, the V Foundation has invested $18.6 million in grants led by women. These women are tackling some of the most challenging questions in oncology, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cancer treatment and prevention.

Dr. Greer also highlighted other groundbreaking projects, such as immunotherapy research, which aims to harness the body’s own immune system to fight cancer more effectively and with fewer side effects than traditional treatments.

“If we’re going to cure cancer, we need everyone at the table,” Dr. Greer stressed. Diversity in research is essential to solving a problem as complex as cancer. She encouraged listeners to support organizations like the V Foundation, which prioritize equity and innovation in their funding.

A Personal Connection

The episode wrapped up with Christina sharing a moving story about her 18-year-old niece, who’s pursuing neuroscience after losing her father to glioblastoma. “I’m convinced that young woman is going to cure brain cancer,” Christina said with pride.

Dr. Greer agreed that empowering young scientists from all backgrounds is key to making breakthroughs. She hopes for a future where families no longer have to endure the pain of losing loved ones to cancer.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Greer also shared her personal milestones, including sending her son off to college with a full scholarship. “When the most important person in your life believes in you, you’re good,” she said. Her journey is a testament to balancing a fulfilling career with a rich personal life.

In 10 years, Dr. Greer hopes to continue making a meaningful impact at the V Foundation, helping more families and researchers overcome the challenges cancer presents.

How You Can Help

If you’ve been touched by cancer or want to support cutting-edge research, consider donating to the V Foundation at V.org. Every dollar helps fund lifesaving breakthroughs.

And don’t forget: share this blog with your friends and family. Conversations about cancer prevention can save lives. Together, we can make a difference; one screening, one donation, and one inspiring story at a time.

By taking action today, you’re not just improving your own health, you’re contributing to a global effort to end cancer once and for all. Let’s move forward together with hope, determination, and a commitment to living our healthiest lives.

Watch her full episode here: