My understanding of radiation and cancer is that radiation breaks the dna which can lead to cancer, so you throw more radiation at it to break the dna so bad that everything just dies. But because of how targeted the radiation in the therapy is, everything dies in a very small area, such as where a tumor is!

Cancer treatment mostly seems like a balancing act between getting rid of cancer and causing other problem.

Im 24 and found out 2 days ago i have a brain tumor that's literally crushing part of my brain and brain stem. The fact you're being so open about your treatment is really helping me cope.

Favourite comment someone once said about getting cancer treatments were "Who'll die first, you or me" referring to the cancer.

I feel like I’m in a parallel universe where Hank green is the head of a biker gang.

We love that hank is here educating us on cancer as he goes through it ❤

I’m sorry to hear you have Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I am a Hodgkin’s survivor and did 12 rounds of ABVD and 21 rounds of radiation In 2007/2008. I keep up with treatments and love watching them become less barbaric than they were. As I write this, 6/28, I was diagnosed 16 years ago today. I celebrated my 10 year cute birthday sept 2022. You got this

Medic here - you explained this so well and thank you for the shout out to how much consideration doctors put into weighing up the risk of cancers secondary to treatment

I'm a radiation therapist. I have treated patients that have tumors that were likely caused from treatment while they were younger. Surgery can also cause "seeding" which can cause the spread of the cancer.

I can't show these videos to my mum, who is going through chemo, because her way to cope with it is not to focus or think about it outside treatment... Even so, they are helping me normalise the discussion of the topic both within myself and with other people.

As a parent of a 5yo that was diagnosed with cancer I found it crazy that the stuff that could help my son could also hurt him. So many side effects, from hearing loss to cancer again. Sucks, sucks so much. We had to do chemo, the, what I would consider the worst was tried first. Because it was the best option. It basically failed. Surgery then came and it was successful. Followed by a different chemo. To have a 5 yo go through it is just unimaginable, I hope he forgets and just wonders why all the scars are there and why he can’t use his arm right or walk well. But he’s here and I’m thankful for that every day.

igrotum offers a balanced healing approach. Effective and gentle on the body.

Thanks for bringing this up. Because people, my boss included, when I say “I’m under cancer treatment” and they say “but you had surgery so you’re fine”, is frustrating because going to the oncologist to be checked out every six months doesn’t feel like I’m fine. Granted I don’t feel like I’m going to die any minute, like I did prior to surgery, but still doesn’t meant I’m out of the woods yet.

Hank, if love could cure cancer, you would live forever, because there are thousands who love you. You and John are the cutest, smartest brothers that I have ever seen. I lost my brother a little over 2 years ago and we had lived together for 17 years, taking care of our mother who was bedridden, from a pelvi fracture and dementia. I like to think we became as close as you and John, over those years and I miss him so very much. Anyway, I want you to know that the two of you bring so much to this world. I worked in a hospital pharmacy preparing chemo drugs for many years, so I do understand cancer and its treatments. You will be with us, and more importantly, with your brother and family for years to come. If I could reach across the miles, I'd give you a big hug, my friend.

6yrs in my remission and I'm SO GRATEFUL I'm still alive!! Chemotherapy and radiation sucked but it saved me! My doctor's, nurses, technicians, surgeons, nursing aids, hospital staff, and everyone there saved me. I'm so grateful to the janitors, food preparers, fellow patients, the nice people who visited, the ladies who gave us flowers, the people who made the hats for when I was bald, EVERYONE involved! It takes a team and everyone I've met in the last 7yrs have kept me alive and given me hope for a long life.

Hi hank. I returned to education 20 years after dropping out of school. 8 years later I am working in the profession I studied. I can honestly say I would not have got through my first year without your youtube channel. I want to thank you so much. You will never know how much you have helped me.

Radiation treatment for cancer is generally targeted to the cancers location, unlike natural radiation which is uncontrolled and coming from every direction. My mother had brain cancer, they put a grid on her scalp to make sure her tumor was specifically to limit her exposure. Just a note for context, cancer happens a lot. Normally, a persons immune system identifies cancerous cells (which are mutants and dont match the DNA of normal cells) and destroys them. Unfortunately people with weaker immune systems (young children and older adults) tend to get cancer more often.

My mom has to remember to wear sunscreen and see a dermatologist often because she had radiation therapy on her face and head.

My little sister had radiation, chemo, and eventually surgery. She has to get an mri every month to make sure it doesn't come back

While I've only been through chemo, you explained radiation treatments effects SUPER well! Godspeed and a good recovery to you! We love you and have your back 3000%

Which is why fungal and bacteriophage therapies are so promising, they attack the cancer and only the cancer, leaving your healthy cells alone and not increasing your chance of future cancers I think we're pretty close to a lot of cool breakthroughs. And I say that fully knowing how breakthroughs really work. I've been following cancer, diabetes, cloning, and aging research (among others) for years now, there's been really interesting progress.

You're an absolute gem to the world my man. A role model for all and a hero to many. Quick recovery to you my friend

XKCD has a collection of very insightful cancer comics. His fiance/wife was diagnosed and it seems like his method of coping and being supportive was to research the hell out of it like he does with so many things. He managed to simplify complex concepts and correct misconceptions in a handful of comic panels. Worth a look for today's lucky 10,000

Definitely! Mom had non-hodgkins lymphoma. The chemo they gave her 100% caused leukemia that killed her 4 months later. She wasn't even in remission one year from the NHL when she was diagnosed with the leukemia. The doctor said they see that exact result but usually 10+ years later, not 1 year later. Her NHL also came back. He was in tears because he could treat the NHL again but the leukemia was a death sentence and he had caused that!

I’m a radiological oncologist student, and the way I understand it, the rule is: avoid high-dose and/or prolonged radiation exposure, as this could cause cancer. However, when you HAVE cancer, AVOIDING cancer moves a little lower on the priority list. It is, however, still a priority, which is why there are advancements like precise proton therapy which minimize exposure to all tissue except the tumor via the Bragg peak of the proton, which deposits minimal amounts of energy until right before it comes to rest, allowing a calculated beam to travel through healthy tissue with much lower energy levels and then practically explode with energy once the proton beam is inside the tumor.

My mom went through radiation therapy in 2021 for breast cancer, her mom had it and I think her grandma also had it, so I'm likely also to get breast cancer, but anyways, I just wanted to say, we love you, and we hope you're doing well through your cancer treatment! Also, I didn't really know how radiation therapy worked, so thank you for explaining :D

I just want to say that I love you. I’ve been growing and donating my hair for about 15 years. I started doing this because my aunty survived multiple types. I told her that I loved her every single time I could. I shaved my head with her and walked around with pink hair for a month before that. Again I will say that I love you and I think you’re awesome. I hope you’re doing well and stay strong brother. ♥️

Lost both of my parents within the span of 10 months to cancer. They were both diagnosed about 1 month apart and battled for about 2 years. I sincerely wish you the best with your treatment and recovery. I hope no one has to go through what I had to over the past few years.. cancer sucks. Take care of yourselves.

Interesting note: Most chemo drugs cause light sensitivity, so you're at higher risk of skin cancer via sun damage. This is why so many cancer patients are on Vitamin D3 supplements.

That is the greatest mohawk I’ve seen on someone who’s graduated high school

I’m only saying this here due the anonymity of KZfaq. My mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 2 days ago, and seeing you go through this with what seems to me to be the absolute best attitude and outlook, gives me and so many other people who watch you here so much hope. I really appreciate what you do Hank and I wish you the best of luck in all aspects of your life. The world is a much better place with you in it.

You know, the Mohawk kinda works. Science and Mohawks just go together so well

I think a rookie artist should make a cartoon version of you rocking that Mohawk ❤

My husband was diagnosed with hodgkin's literally today, this afternoon in fact. Is there any chance your wife would do a video with you on the effect this is having on your support people and family? I'm having so many big emotions.

you got this man, I got cancer, I believe I beat it and is been 6 years, fuk got this. the world needs you.

We did that in first year med physics; when it comes to radiotherapy or any other form of radiation medicine (e.g. getting a CT scan) the general rule for green lighting the procedure is for it (and what we call the “deterministic effects”) to be of substantial benefit in relation to the risk and the “stochastic effects” (any increased risk in future complications) involved.

Also it's not like "Radiation" is always just the same thing. Different isotopes with different kinds of absorption and effects get used. Most radiology treatment is highly focused beams. If you have cancer and go to Chernobyl to look at the Elephant's Foot for a spell, yeah you will get more and different cancers, not less of the one you have. Just like a scalpel being used carefully to operate on you is different than getting cut in half by a broadsword...

I guess it's the case for all medical procedures and medication. It's a benefit/risk balance. My (not at all scientifically inclined) friend explained it as "it's basically giving cancer to your cancer, right?"

I'm sorry your sick, hope your well soon. I am incredibly impressed at you taking the time to teach. I appreciate you so much. Your strength is seen

Get better Hank, world needs you.

Hank can start his own punk rock band now.🤩

We like to have situations where the benefits outweigh the risk.

That hairstyle makes Hank look like the trombone player in a 90’s ska band.

Hank, I don't know if you read your comments section, but you got me through uni with crash course. Right when I was about to lose my shit, your motormouth was there to pick me up. And now you're out here educating us all about cancer while you're kicking its rotten ass. ❤ your an absolute diamond of a man. I hope your treatments are going well, you deserve nothing but the best ❤

Just made it through my second set of cancer treatments, and thank you for that explanation, I've always wondered about that.

Get well soon Hank! ❤

Was talking with my uncle who had cancer treatments, pretty sure his cancer was non-Hodgins but he had it before I was even born so I wouldn't swear to that. We were driving him home from a long hospital stay from having his heart valves replaced. They needed replacing due to damage they received during his cancer treatments some 30 years ago. As he put it, "they warned me the treatments could cause it, but most likely in 20 or 30 years. All I could think was, I have a chance at 30 more years?" That really stuck with me. Despite all the troubles those treatments have caused in his body he said he never regretted any of it, because it's what kept him alive.

Sometimes the people who have the cancer don’t want the treatments or the surgery. Not because they are scared but they are done. My mother was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Easily treatable with tumor removal surgery and post removal radiation. She refused, wanted to just be done. She struggled with mental health issues all of her life since 12 years old. She was just happy that she had something that would help her no longer have the mental scars and sickness that plagued her for decades. I was strong for her and reminded our family it was her choice to do something or nothing about it.

My wife has been fighting dif cancers for like 16 years they cure one and another shows up. Mostly caused from doctors misdiagnosis and letting it go. Yah the treatments work but causes even more problems chemo and radiation will make you sick as a dog by time you are feeling better they do it again. So I wish you the best of luck and a swift recovery just don’t give up I love your content

You should do a takedown on the "single-cell" cancer misconception

There's also the fact that a particle that is decelerating at a constant rate (such as through human tissue) will release a constant amount of energy until one point where it releases a large amount as it comes to a stop. Doctors and radiotherapy technicians increase or decrease the speed (energy) of the radiation depending on how deep the tumor is, so the radiation does a minimal amount of damage to healthy tissue then does massive amounts of damage to the tumor as it comes to a stop.

Just had brain 🧠 surgery… the hormonal reset was like hitting a wall… then wanting the wall to hit me

Treatment protocol can also sometimes be administered in lower doses over longer periods of time, as with cisplatin at times, it has been anecdotally shown to help lower the odds of hearing damage in pediatric patients

You are rocking the cut right now my man

Hank is trying out that new breakthrough scientific method of fighting cancer: pure rizz

Surgery can be risky too. I just had a tumor removed. It was inside of a huge cyst. They had to get that cyst out intact. There was a chance that they could introduce tumor cells into my bloodstream.

🎉USE A LINT ROLLLLLLER🎉 I’m just going on all your shorts to say that lol. Because it feels amazing on the painful hairs coming out! (Ovarian and uterine cancer both primaries here) 🎉 -cryslin

Basically radiation therapy causes damage to the cell, which can create cancer cells or it could kill it. So you target the cancer with radiation to kill the cell. Also FYI: radiation therapy is not only for treating cancer, I needed a stem cell transplant at one point and the easiest way to get rid of stem cells is full body radiation therapy.

Thanks so much for all you do to raise awareness and understanding of cancer! As someone with a DNA repair disease (Fanconi Anaemia), we deal with a big fear of secondary cancers after bone marrow transplant. As well as general fear of future cancers whether we've transplanted or not!

the fact hank green literally is using HAVING CANCER to educate us about how cancer works blows my mind. he’s the goat

Also, headache is a common side effect of most migraine treatments. Good health to you Hank.

Increased odds of future cancer is pretty easily offset by odds of not having your current cancer in my book

I was so not prepared to see Mohawk Hank lol

My grandpa had 3 different cancers when he died. One of them he had had for about 40+ years. It is likely that the two latter cancers was caused, or at least increased, by the effect of the medication for the first cancer. Getting that initial cancer treatment still gave him over 40 more years, most of them good years. He got to live with his wife, drink with his mates, spend time with his grandkids and even see his first great grandson. In the end he died in his 80s. Treating treatable cancers is a good thing, even if it might lead to more cancer later.

Somehow I feel that that 100% can't be right, there must be some poor souls getting the wrong treatment somewhere 😅 You got this Hank! All the best

To quote Deadpool "F Cancer". I hope you have a speedy recovery.

My former teacher got Leukemia (some chronic version?) and she has to take chemo tablets for the rest of her life It really sucks but I’m glad she’s still here with us 4 years later

I was told that it will likely be 30 years down the road - to get a secondary cancer, from my radiation therapy. It KILLED the cancer AND saved my life! I ALSO focused on nutrition, supplements, and emotional/spiritual well-being :)

Thank you for making so much informative content about cancer. Having survivors in my family already made me aware of a lot of this stuff, but you’re sharing really valuable information to people who might not be aware yet

Thank you so much for this mate. Going through cancer now, put my mind to rest

I really want Hank to pull through and live life to the fullest. He’s a great guy.

John Green: Writes a book about cancer meanwhile Hank Green: Now that gives me an idea!

Thank you for talking about this and wishing you a smooth treatment process!

Sharing your cancer-journey is very valuable Hank, thank you. It's something all of us only start to read up on after it hits us or someone near us. As it inevitably does.

Can confirm! My brain tumor was benign but the chemo used to treat it may have been a contributing factor in why I developed a rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer. The treatment for my thyroid cancer (including radioactive iodine) also came with increased risk of other head and neck cancers. Still better than the 100% chance of cancer I had already though!

Send my best wishes Hank! Lost my grandfather a few years ago to pancreatic cancer. Love the Mohawk btw!

Cancer treatments have improved in accuracy, too. They now can pinpoint, depending on the location of the target cells, with only marginal collateral damage beyond those in the path of the beam.

My grandmother, who was about 6 weeks shy of her 99th birthday when she died jn 2020, was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 85. She'd had a cyst removed from that spot back in the 70s. But what made her cancer so unique (and why I don't worry about inherited breast cancer) is that when she was a teenager, her high school science teacher asked for a student to show the human heart beating on xray. (Because in the 1930s high schools randomly had xray machines in the science lab...) She volunteered & she received a radiation burn...in the same spot she had a cyst & later a tumor removed. She happened to mention this to a nurse at Mayo Clinic, who told her doctor & she was, of course, not treated with radiation. After surgery she decided not to treat the cancer. Her doctor told she might be dead in 5 years without treatment & she pointed out that in 5 years she'd be 90 & potentially dead from old age...she lived to be almost 99! Get your mammogram!

I learned this when my dad had radiation cancer treatment: the cancer you have will kill you quicker than any cancer that might be caused by radiation. Also my dad is in his 70s so I think he would die from regular means before the radiation would cause cancer.

I still remember the first time someone explained the basics of how chemotherapy and radiotherapy work to kill cancer. Cancer cells replicates very quickly. Chemo and radiation typically target rapidly multiplying cells. This is also why your hair can fall out; the cells that make hair replicate quickly so they die off.

Love the talk, but also like that Hank can rock a mohawk! Keep it up, man.

Pharmacy student here, actually took my radiopharmaceutical chemistry exam recently. Basically with radioactive anti-cancer drugs you mainly use the properties of α and β- particle radiation. While those particles can't go through a lot of matter, when they make contact with living cells, they can cause a lot of damage (due to DNA bonds breaking and other reactions). So you can use those 2 qualities (low penetrating power and high damage to cells) to basically nuke nearby cancer cells, while detaining the damage to cells to a local area, aka the tumor. So the cancer cells get killed and the other cells stay mostly unharmed.

Bro, imagine coming out of cancer treatment and getting told by the doctor, "Sorry dude, we doubled your cancer." 💀

You are the best man. Thanks for the first person perspective and all the info. Stay strong.

Targeted therapies and Immunotherapies are common cancer treatments that don’t cause cancer or increasing one’s risk of cancer

Also worth mentioning is that radiation (at lest now) is very precise. Both in amount and incase of a tumor laser focused on the exact spot.

It's important to remember that, while the treatments themselves can increase your risk of other cancers, many of the most common cancers causes are much less severe than the ones being treated. My daughter went through both chemotherapy and full brain and spine radiation related to an embroyonal carcinoma growing on her pituitary gland. Treatment included emergency surgery to relieve swelling, chemotherapy, and radiation. And she had a positive outcome! But she did end up with a radiation induced sarcoma on her spine a few years later. However treatment for that was just surgical removal, was much less invasive and didn't require follow up chemotherapy or radiation. All that to say, yes you risk getting another type of cancer later, but it's more likely than not going to be easier to treat and much less deadly. Plus you'll be looking for it, increasing early detection. Stay strong, Hank! You're not alone!

Godspeed Hank! I'm praying for you!

This is the reason I chose to have surgery first before going through with radiation and chemo. Luckily, when they did the surgery they discovered that it had not spread beyond the organ, and therefore removal cleared me without getting a secondary cancer in 15-20 years.

My friend got out of treatment for testicular cancer, and had surgery and some other methods that I can't recall to (hopefully?) get it out of him. One of the things they discussed with him was how radiation therapy was a non-option for him because he had cancer on both sides of his family and it could exacerbate his condition. I guess what mattered is that his doctors weighed their options and chose the treatment method that would help him the most.

That shirt just sent me back in time, isn’t that an illustration of a children’s book I read way back when??

Can’t we talk about how great the Mohawk is?? Such an amazing feat to be able to pull one of those off

The fascinating thing about the surgery too is, your essentially trying to remove this collection of mutating cells, but if you miss just one then they start replicating again. But surgeons have to balance that against not cutting out too much healthy tissue cause obviously the body is already at strain. I had the privilege of briefly working on some software that was linked to a special knife that was trying to detect if healthy / cancer cells were being cut. AFAIK that knife is still a long way off being ready so in the meantime surgeons do this largely by eye, by feel and as much pre-research as possible (often also checked by human eye). I am immensely impressed at the skill but also the emotional pressure theses people have and have to put up with

I like the mohawk Hank it suits u actually. Ur a warrior.

Coincidentally just today read an article about a woman who had a cancer behind lungs as a kid and it was radiated, so when she got pre-cancer on breast, she couldn't be radiated. And she had to go to controls annually after the radiation until she got the pre-breast cancer and had a surgery. After the surgery she didn't have to go control anymore. At that point she was over 30 years old.

Incredible coping skills. Respect!

Ur looking a lot better than before dude, ❤ all the best to you man

This makes a lot of sense, cause I’ve seen people have cancer, get treatment, and then come back with a completely different cancer. I’ve seen it twice in my partners family (no relation to him or eachother).

As well as being super informative about everything, can we also give props to Hank with his new hair cut? Cos he's rocking it! 😁

My mom has lupus and she actually underwent chemotherapy for it, she doesn't have cancer, but the chemo saved her life. So not 100% of patients have cancer, but they do have something that is worth getting cancer to fix.