In this episode of The Cancering Show, Dr. JYP welcomes certified oncology yoga instructor Michelle Ryan-Day to discuss the transformative impact of yoga for cancer patients and survivors. Michelle shares her journey into oncology yoga, emphasizing its evidence-based benefits, including reducing recurrence risk, managing treatment side effects such as fatigue and neuropathy, and supporting emotional health. The conversation highlights the accessibility of chair-based yoga tailored for all fitness levels, the power of the breath, and the importance of self-compassion in healing. Listeners also get a bonus: a 60-second guided breath exercise to try out yoga’s self-care benefits.

Check out yoga4cancer.com for more yoga info!

3 Key Listener Takeaways



1. Yoga is accessible and beneficial for cancer patients and survivors

Michelle Ryan-Day emphasizes that yoga — especially oncology-specific, chair-based yoga — is accessible for everyone, regardless of physical limitations or where they are in their cancer journey. Oncology yoga classes are designed to be safe and effective, taking into account common cancer treatment side effects such as fatigue, lymphedema, neuropathy, and low bone density. The focus is not on advanced poses, but on gentle movement, community, and adapting practices to individual needs so that anyone can participate and experience the benefits.

2. Evidence supports yoga's role in recovery and survivorship

Dr. JYP notes that yoga is a well-studied intervention, supported by hundreds of studies and recommended by reputable organizations such as the American Cancer Society. Practicing yoga regularly can help treat symptoms including fatigue, emotional distress, and physical limitations. It may also reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and enhance long-term health and survivorship, making it a valuable, low-cost addition to cancer care.

3. Mindfulness and breathwork play a vital role in healing

They discuss the transformative power of awareness, especially through breathwork and mindfulness. Learning to control and be mindful of one's breath can regulate the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and promote feelings of well-being and self-compassion. Michelle walks listeners through a simple breathing exercise, demonstrating how breath can be an immediate tool for physical and emotional balance. This focus on mindfulness promotes not only physical recovery but also the emotional healing and self-acceptance crucial to cancer survivorship.

Show Overview


02:05 Meet Michelle Ryan-Day

03:28 “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”

05:30 A different kind of yoga

09:30 Who can benefit from oncology yoga?

13:30 Special considerations for cancer patients and survivors

15:08 Learn to love yourself and your body

19:50 60-second breath exercise for listeners

23:00 What cancer patients say about oncology yoga

In this episode, Dr. JYP talks with Dr. Natalie Bath, M.D., a USA Health surgical oncologist, about a new groundbreaking cancer treatment for liver tumors called histotripsy. Histotripsy is a non-invasive technology that uses high-intensity sound waves to break up liver tumors without surgery, incisions or long recovery times. Patients go under general anesthesia, and the machine delivers sound waves to the cancer cells while the physician uses imaging to monitor the treatment. Most people go home the same day and recover quickly, needing only over-the-counter pain medication. This treatment works for different types of liver tumors, including those that have spread from other cancers, and it doesn’t require people to stop blood thinners. Histotripsy is FDA-approved for liver tumors and offers hope for patients who might not have other options. This episode encourages patients to ask their doctors about all possible treatments and to keep learning more about their choices.

3 Key Listener Takeaways

Groundbreaking, Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Treatment

The episode introduces histotripsy, an exciting new technology that uses focused ultrasound waves from outside the body to destroy liver tumors in a non-invasive manner. This innovative approach preserves surrounding liver tissue and offers an option for patients who might not be candidates for surgery.

Eligibility and Patient Benefits

Histotripsy can be used to treat both primary liver cancer and metastatic cancers from other sites. It's especially promising for patients who are not surgical candidates or who are on medications like blood thinners that would otherwise complicate surgery. With minimal recovery — often just a same-day or next-day discharge — patients experience less downtime and can continue other therapies, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, without interruption.

Expansion of Treatment Options and Ongoing Research

The episode highlights how histotripsy adds to the arsenal of cancer care, offering hope and additional options, especially for those who previously had few. It is FDA-approved for liver tumors, with ongoing research exploring its use for kidney, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. Patients are encouraged to advocate for themselves, ask about new technologies, and seek out multimodal therapies that combine traditional and emerging treatments for the best possible outcomes.

Show Overview

00:45 Introduction to histotripsy, a groundbreaking, non-invasive treatment for liver tumors

01:26 Meet Dr. Natalie Bath

02:20 First adopter in Alabama

03:15 What patients can expect

04:55 Who is a candidate?

07:49 Benefits of non-invasive treatment

10:45 FDA approved for liver tumors

15:05 Potential uses for histotripsy

16:45 Where to learn more

In this episode, Dr. JYP welcomes back Dr. Thomas Butler, a seasoned oncologist who specializes in supportive oncology. Dr. Butler shares his journey from humble beginnings and a fascination with science to a career in cancer care, emphasizing the importance of addressing both the physical and emotional needs of patients. He discusses the distinction between palliative and supportive care, advocating for an approach that supports patients throughout their cancer journey — not just at the end of life. Dr. Butler also offers personal insights from his own cancer diagnosis, reflecting on what he has learned regarding trust, honesty, spirituality, and quality of life. Listeners will hear practical advice for navigating cancer care and the value of a compassionate, team-based approach.

3 Key Listener Takeaways


1. Supportive care in oncology is essential and distinct from palliative care


Dr. Butler emphasizes the importance of supportive care, which focuses on alleviating the complications and side effects of cancer and its treatments. Unlike palliative care, which is often associated with end-of-life scenarios, supportive care is meant for patients at any stage of their cancer journey. Its goal is to address not just physical symptoms like pain and fatigue, but also emotional needs, ensuring patients don't have to suffer unnecessarily while undergoing treatment.

2. The value of listening and building trust between doctor and patient


A recurring theme throughout the conversation is the critical role trust and honest communication play in cancer care. Dr. Butler encourages patients to be open about their symptoms and concerns, highlighting that withholding information for fear of losing treatment options can hinder proper care. The relationship between oncologists and patients should be built on mutual respect and understanding, with doctors aiming to know the person and not just the disease.


3. Personal experience deepens provider empathy and influences care


Dr. Butler shares his journey from being an oncologist to becoming a cancer patient, which has profoundly impacted his outlook and practice. Experiencing cancer firsthand gave him a new perspective on the reality of side effects, the emotional burden of a diagnosis, and the importance of quality of life. This dual perspective has made him even more empathetic toward his patients and has reinforced his commitment to providing compassionate, holistic care where comfort and patient wishes are the top priorities.