Early Detection and Prevention

In the latest episode of All Things Cancer, Dr. Azra Raza, renowned oncologist and author of The First Cell, sits down with NFCR’s Dr. Sujuan Ba to discuss a bold new approach—shifting the focus from killing the last cancer cell to detecting the very first. Dr. Raza shares her groundbreaking research, the urgent need for a paradigm shift in cancer treatment, and how we can move toward real change. “For decades, we’ve been chasing the last cancer cell with toxic treatments—chemotherapy, radiation, surgery—while ignoring the first cell that starts the disease,” says Dr. Raza. “We must shift our focus to detecting cancer at its inception, before it becomes a death sentence.” The episode also delves into Dr. Raza’s personal experiences as a physician and cancer widow, highlighting the emotional and human side of the disease. Her urgent call to action aims to inspire researchers, policymakers, and the public to rethink how we tackle cancer moving forward. Don’t miss out—listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and be part of the movement transforming cancer research. About All Things Cancer Each episode of All Things Cancer will spotlight the most pressing topics in oncology, from cutting-edge treatments and emerging research to personal stories of resilience and hope. More than just a podcast, it’s a platform for raising awareness, advancing cancer education, and fostering a global community of support and collaboration. Hosted by NFCR CEO, Sujuan Ba, Ph.D., this compelling series will bring together the entire ecosystem of cancer research—including leading scientists, oncologists, doctors, patient advocates, caregivers, biotech innovators, and survivors—for powerful discussions on the breakthroughs shaping the future of cancer research, treatment, and care. All Things Cancer is now available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with new episodes released biweekly. Subscribe now to stay up to date on the latest episodes and join the conversation that’s shaping the future of cancer research. Cancer impacts everyone—whether you're a patient, caregiver, advocate, or researcher, this podcast delivers invaluable insights from those on the frontlines of the fight against it. Sign-up to Stay Informed About Cancer Research Breakthroughs with NFCR!

Mocktails are on the rise! These cocktail alternatives have become increasingly popular as more people decide to cut alcohol out of their diets. Whether you are participating in Dry January, pregnant, or looking to decrease your alcohol intake, mock-cocktails provide healthy alternatives to popular beverages. Why Should You Decrease Your Alcohol Intake? Aside from quitting smoking, a healthy diet is the most effective way to reduce one’s risk of cancer. Worldwide research studies over many years indicate roughly 30-40% of cancer diagnoses could be prevented by modest diet and lifestyle changes. Per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States. Unfortunately, less than half of Americans realize the risk. In early 2025, the U.S. Surgeon General recommended alcoholic beverages come with cancer risk warnings similar to tobacco products. Prevention remains our best weapon against cancer. Swap Cocktails for Mocktails An accessible way to reduce one’s alcohol intake is to swap cocktails for healthy and delicious mocktails. For an additional health bonus, consider using ingredients featured in NFCR’s Cancer-Fighting Food archive to boost your overall well-being and reduce your risk of cancer. Below is a selection of Winter Mocktails for you to try. Mulled Apple Cider Hot drinks, like Mulled Apple Cider, are a go-to winter option for those who want to stay warm and cozy. Apples boast a high amount of dietary fiber and polyphenol compounds, which partner with gut microbes to create an environment that may reduce one’s risk of cancer. With just 5 ingredients, you can make a delicious mulled apple cider in a crockpot or on the stovetop. Try this Mulled Apple Cider recipe from The Kitchn. You’ll need apple cider, an orange, fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. Galentine’s or Valentine’s Mocktail: Make a mocktail for someone you love! Whether it’s family, friends, or significant other, swapping a tasty mocktail with anticancer ingredients shows your love in more ways than one. To make a striking red drink, consider trying a Blood Orange Mocktail, like the recipe provided by Dash of Jazz. To make this drink, you will need blood oranges, sea salt, mint leaves, sparkling water, and a syrup sweetener of your choice. Using citrus fruit as a base for this mocktail means adding health benefits such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, cardiovascular, and neuroprotective properties not often found in your standard cocktail.  Super Bowl Mocktail: In the U.S., a list of staple events in winter usually includes the Super Bowl. Like many celebrations, this event can involve excessive drinking. For a no-alcohol drink option, try our Kickoff Mocktail! NFCR’s Kickoff Mocktail is a twist on a traditional Shandy, which typically combines beer and lemonade. To prepare the mocktail, combine a 12oz Non-Alcoholic Beer of your choosing with 1.5oz of orange juice (freshly squeezed for a healthier approach), 1.5oz of ginger beer, and a dash of pickle juice. Garnish with fruits or pickles to consume afterward. The orange in this recipe provides a vitamin C and folate boost that benefits X. The ginger in the ginger beer helps aid digestion and has [...]

The National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) proudly shares new findings from Yale Cancer  , highlighting the potential of YIV-906, an experimental botanical drug developed by Dr. Yung-Chi Cheng, a longtime NFCR-Supported Scientist. A study published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology demonstrates that YIV-906 significantly reduces gastrointestinal side effects in rectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.   Study Findings The study followed 24 patients treated with YIV-906 alongside standard chemo-radiation prior to surgery. Results showed that YIV-906 greatly minimized severe side effects such as diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea. The five-year overall survival rate for these patients reached 82%, with no grade-four toxicities and only two grade-three cases of diarrhea. This reduction in toxicity allowed patients to complete their treatment regimens, improving both the treatment's effectiveness and quality of life. “This is the first demonstration of YIV-906’s effectiveness in reducing GI toxicity caused by chemo-radiation,” said Dr. Cheng. “It shows the medicine’s potential to enhance patient quality of life while boosting treatment outcomes.” Addressing an Unmet Need for Cancer Patients YIV-906 is based on traditional Chinese medicine and has been shown to act as an immunomodulator, enhancing the immune system’s response to tumors, while also protecting the digestive system. These new results add to previous evidence of YIV-906’s ability to improve the safety and efficacy of various cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Researchers, including senior author Dr. Susan Higgins of Yale School of Medicine, are hopeful that YIV-906 will be further evaluated in randomized clinical trials for other gastrointestinal and pelvic cancers. NFCR, which has provided over $2.5 million in funding since 1991, is proud to continue supporting Dr. Cheng’s groundbreaking work. With global partnerships like AstraZeneca China, YIV-906 represents a promising fusion of Western and Eastern medicine to address cancer on a global scale.