The Cancer Project

06/18/2026

Seven years ago, radiation oncologist Dr. Jim Gray found himself on the other side of cancer care when an elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test led to a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

In this clip, Dr. Gray shares what it was like to navigate treatment planning as a patient while facing multiple treatment options. Ultimately, he chose proton therapy and reflects on how experiencing cancer treatment firsthand has strengthened his understanding of the patient experience and deepened his relationships with those he treats.

In his full episode, Dr. Gray discusses his personal journey with prostate cancer, the advancements he has witnessed throughout his career in radiation oncology, the benefits and future of proton therapy, and what inspired him to pursue a career in cancer care.

Watch his full episode by visiting the link in our bio.

06/17/2026

Join The Cancer Project Podcast Host David Raubach in The Oklahoma Proton Center as he showcases and explains the technology behind a CT scan.

CT stands for computed tomography and utilizes multiple x-ray images to detect, locate, and determine size of tumors.

This scan is the first step in creating a cancer treatment plan. Once imaging is complete, the dosimetrists and doctors will begin using advanced medical software to contour both cancer cells and OARs (organs at risk). This process creates a custom treatment plan for each patient that allows proton therapy to target cancer while mitigating radiation and damage to healthy tissue.

06/16/2026

In this clip, Dr. Jim Gray reflects on the advancements in radiation oncology that have taken place throughout his career and shares what treatment planning looked like when he was a medical student.

He explains how treatment plans were once created by manually drawing and contouring tumors and surrounding organs by hand. Today, that process has evolved into sophisticated three-dimensional imaging and advanced computer-based planning systems that allow for greater precision than ever before.

In this week’s episode, Dr. Gray discusses the evolution of cancer treatment, the differences and advantages of proton therapy, and his personal experience being diagnosed with prostate cancer and undergoing treatment as a patient rather than a physician.

To watch his full episode, visit the link in our bio.

06/15/2026

Medical Director of Tennessee Oncology Proton Therapy Center, Dr. Jim Gray, has spent decades practicing radiation oncology. In this episode, he reflects on how far the field has come since his days in medical school, when treatment plans were contoured by hand.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Gray has witnessed some of the most significant advancements in cancer treatment firsthand. He shares the technological breakthroughs that have had the greatest impact on patient care, discusses the benefits of proton therapy, and explains what differentiates proton therapy from traditional photon radiation. He also offers his perspective on the future role of proton therapy in treating cancer.

As a radiation oncologist, Dr. Gray has long understood the importance of cancer screening and the increased risks associated with family history. After losing his father to prostate cancer and noticing a rise in his own PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels, he knew it was important to act quickly.

Not long afterward, Dr. Gray was diagnosed with prostate cancer—the same disease he treats every day. Suddenly finding himself on the patient side of cancer care, he gained a new perspective on treatment and survivorship. In this candid conversation, he shares what it was like to be on “the other end of the beam” and how receiving proton therapy has strengthened his empathy and deepened his relationships with patients.

Join us on this week’s episode of The Cancer Project Podcast as Dr. Jim Gray discusses the evolution of radiation oncology, the advantages of proton therapy, and his experience navigating prostate cancer not as a physician, but as a patient.

06/11/2026

The University of Pennsylvania recently released observational data that linked GLP-1 use to lower breast cancer incidence rates.

This large cohort study of more than 110,000 women between the ages of 45 and 80 found that those on GLP-1 medication were 30% less likely to develop breast cancer than those not using a GLP-1.

In this clip, The Cancer Project Host David Raubach explains the study, its parameters, and the importance of cohort pairing that assisted in these groundbreaking findings.

This Penn Medicine study now has sparked the development of a multi-site clinical trial to get definitive answers on if GLP-1’s do lower breast cancer development risk.

To read more about the Penn Medicine Study please visit: https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/glp-1-use-linked-to-lower-breast-cancer-incidence

06/10/2026

Had a great time stopping by The Spotlight KFOR last week to talk about a groundbreaking development in treating metastatic pancreatic cancer. Check out the segment below!

Sponsored Content: The Spotlight!

On today's Spotlight with Mecca and Owen, David Raubach of the Oklahoma Proton Center explained how a new drug is delivering remarkable clinical trial results and why researchers are calling it a game-changing development in the fight against cancer.

Check out the link below to learn more!

https://kfor.com/sponsored/the-spotlight/sponsored-content-the-spotlight-oklahoma-proton-center-5/

06/05/2026

�In just over a year, Morgan Aquino faced two separate cancer diagnoses.

After being diagnosed with kidney cancer, she underwent surgery and was declared cancer-free. But just ten months later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, beginning a second cancer journey only 13 months after the first.

In this clip, Morgan shares the advice she would give to anyone facing a cancer diagnosis:

"Find a support system. Whether it's your spouse, your best friends, or a pastor at your church."

Throughout both cancer journeys, Morgan leaned on her faith, family, and friends for strength and support. In her powerful episode, Two-Time Cancer Survivor Morgan Aquino's Journey of Perseverance and Faith, she courageously shares her story of resilience, hope, and the people who helped carry her through life's most challenging moments.

Watch her full episode by visiting the link in our bio.
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06/04/2026

This week, two-time cancer survivor Morgan Aquino joined us in the studio with one of her closest friends, Devin, by her side. As Morgan reflected on her cancer journey, Devin watched quietly from behind the scenes—a fitting reminder of the role she and so many others played throughout Morgan’s most difficult days.

As Morgan shares in this emotional conversation, it wasn’t just Devin who showed up for her. It was an entire circle of friends who walked alongside her through two cancer diagnoses in just over a year.

“They just showed up.”

Whether it was a text message, a meal, a ride to an appointment, or simply being present, Morgan’s friends found ways to lighten the burden she carried. Their support wasn’t always visible, but it was constant—offering encouragement, comfort, and strength when she needed it most.

This powerful moment serves as a reminder that cancer affects far more than the body. It touches every aspect of a person’s life, and the support of family and friends can make all the difference.

To hear Morgan’s inspiring story of perseverance, faith, and community, visit the link in our bio and watch her full episode of The Cancer Project Podcast.

06/03/2026

In this honest conversation, kidney and breast cancer survivor Morgan Aquino reflects on a moment no one can truly prepare for: hearing the words, “You have cancer.”

For Morgan, everything seemed to go quiet.

Many cancer patients and their loved ones describe a similar experience—a moment of shock where time seems to slow down and the weight of the diagnosis becomes difficult to fully process.

In her powerful episode, Two-Time Cancer Survivor Morgan Aquino’s Journey of Perseverance and Faith, Morgan shares the emotional reality of facing not one, but two cancer diagnoses. She also opens up about the faith, family, and friendships that carried her through some of the most challenging moments of her life.

To watch Morgan’s full story, visit the link in our bio.

06/03/2026

In life today, microplastics are everywhere.

Identified as plastic pieces 5 millimeters or smaller, they often can’t be seen by the human eye.

In this clip The Cancer Project Podcast Host David Raubach answers:

What are microplastics?

Where are microplastics found?

What do we know about the link between microplastics and cancer?

How can we avoid microplastics?

For more updates on cancer treatment, stories, and news, check out our socials listed in bio!