Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States and the fourth most common cancer affecting women. One of its most important warning signs – abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting – is something many women experience and may dismiss. While survival rates exceed 95%, both overall incidence and mortality rates are rising. In this episode, we speak with Ursula A. Matulonis, MD, chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, about the symptoms of endometrial cancer, the role family history plays in risk, and the lifestyle habits that may help lower your chances of developing the disease.

Credits 
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Ursula A. Matulonis, MD

<a href="https://www.webmd.com/uterine-cancer/understanding-endometrial-cancer-basics">Endometrial cancer</a> is the most common <a href="https://www.webmd.com/uterine-cancer/gynecological-cancers">gynecologic cancer</a> in the United States and the fourth most common cancer affecting women. One of its most important warning signs &ndash; abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting &ndash; is something many women experience and may dismiss. While survival rates exceed 95%, both overall incidence and mortality rates are rising. In this episode, we speak with <a href="https://www.dana-farber.org/find-a-doctor/ursula-a-matulonis">Ursula A. Matulonis, MD</a>, chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, about the symptoms of endometrial cancer, the role family history plays in risk, and the <a href="https://www.webmd.com/cancer/features/8-ways-to-lower-cancer-risk">lifestyle habits</a> that may help lower your chances of developing the disease.
Credits&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Ursula A. Matulonis, MD</li>
</ul>

WebMD Chief Physician Editor Neha Pathak, MD, and Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, explore fascinating stories to find the unexpected things that help us understand our health.

Health Discovered

Endometrial Cancer: Recognizing the Risks and Warning Signs

For millions of people, walking into a doctor's office can be incredibly difficult. If you've experienced physical abuse, sexual assault, or medical trauma, the exam room may feel like one of the most vulnerable and triggering places to be. The fear of being harmed, dismissed, misunderstood, or not believed can be powerful enough to keep you from seeking care. But avoiding appointments can lead to missed screenings, undiagnosed conditions, and health problems that worsen over time. We spoke with Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, MS, nationally recognized health advocate and founder of Clinicians Who Care, about practical, empowering ways to advocate for yourself during medical visits. Learn why you're always allowed to ask questions before an exam, request that your provider explain each step, pause or stop an exam at any time, and seek a second opinion. Plus, discover how preparing a few notes before your appointment can help you become an active partner in your care.

This episode includes discussion of medical trauma and sexual assault. Some listeners may find this content difficult or triggering. Please take care while listening, and consider reaching out for support if needed.

Credits 
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, MS

For millions of people, walking into a doctor's office can be incredibly difficult. If you've experienced physical abuse, <a href="https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/sexual-abuse-and-assault">sexual assault</a>, or medical trauma, the exam room may feel like one of the most vulnerable and triggering places to be. The fear of being harmed, dismissed, misunderstood, or not believed can be powerful enough to keep you from seeking care. But avoiding appointments can lead to missed screenings, undiagnosed conditions, and health problems that worsen over time. We spoke with <a href="https://doctorbayo.com/">Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, MS</a>, nationally recognized health advocate and founder of <a href="https://doctorbayo.com/clinicians-who-care/">Clinicians Who Care</a>, about practical, empowering ways to advocate for yourself during medical visits. Learn why you're always allowed to ask questions before an exam, request that your provider explain each step, pause or stop an exam at any time, and seek a second opinion. Plus, discover how preparing a few notes before your appointment can help you become an active partner in your care. This episode includes discussion of medical trauma and sexual assault. Some listeners may find this content difficult or triggering. Please take care while listening, and consider reaching out for support if needed.
Credits&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, MS</li>
</ul>

Advocating for Yourself During Medical Exams and Accessing Trauma Informed Care

While we often hear about triggers in everyday conversation, what does it really mean to be "triggered"? Why do certain people or situations spark such intense emotional reactions? And what's actually happening in your brain and body in those moments? We sat down again with Lia Love Avellino, LCSW, modern love therapist and community organizer, to unpack what triggers are, why they happen, and how to reframe them with curiosity instead of judgment. She shares practical techniques to regulate your nervous system, shift from asking "What's wrong with me?" to "What's happening for me right now?," and strengthen your relationships through deeper self-awareness and genuine human connection. Learn how to respond with intention – even when every instinct tells you to react.

Credits 
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Lia Love Avellino, LCSW

While we often hear about <a href="https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-are-ptsd-triggers" data-testid="linkable-text">triggers</a> in everyday conversation, what does it really mean to be "triggered"? Why do certain people or situations spark such intense emotional reactions? And what's actually happening in your brain and body in those moments? We sat down again with <a href="https://www.lialoveavellino.com/" data-testid="linkable-text">Lia Love Avellino, LCSW</a>, modern love therapist and community organizer, to unpack what triggers are, why they happen, and how to reframe them with curiosity instead of judgment. She shares practical techniques to <a href="https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-how-to-quiet-mind" data-testid="linkable-text">regulate your nervous system</a>, shift from asking "What's wrong with me?" to "What's happening for me right now?," and strengthen your relationships through deeper self-awareness and genuine human connection. Learn how to respond with intention &ndash; even when every instinct tells you to react.
Credits&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Lia Love Avellino, LCSW</li>
</ul>

Triggered? Understanding Your Brain, Body, and Emotional Reactions

Indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) is a rare form of systemic mastocytosis (SM) caused by an abnormal buildup of mast cells throughout the body. What causes ISM, and how is it diagnosed? In this episode, we speak with Aaron Gerds, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine in Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute, about the signs and symptoms of ISM, the diagnostic process, and how ISM differs from other forms of systemic mastocytosis. We also hear from Candice Pauley, an ISM patient and co-host of the Mast Cast Pod, who shares her journey to diagnosis, her experience living with the disease, and the challenges of navigating a rare condition.

Credits 
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Matt Stillo
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guests: Aaron Gerds, MD; Candice Pauley

Indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) is a rare form of <a href="https://www.webmd.com/allergies/systemic-mastocytosis">systemic mastocytosis (SM)</a> caused by an abnormal buildup of mast cells throughout the body. What causes ISM, and how is it diagnosed? In this episode, we speak with <a href="https://providers.clevelandclinic.org/provider/aaron-gerds/4269596">Aaron Gerds, MD</a>, Associate Professor of Medicine in Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute, about the signs and symptoms of ISM, the diagnostic process, and how ISM differs from other forms of systemic mastocytosis. We also hear from Candice Pauley, an ISM patient and co-host of the<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mastcastpod"> Mast Cast Pod</a>, who shares her journey to diagnosis, her experience living with the disease, and the challenges of navigating a rare condition.
Credits&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Matt Stillo</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guests: Aaron Gerds, MD; Candice Pauley</li>
</ul>

Endometrial Cancer: Recognizing the Risks and Warning Signs

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