The Other Shoe: Cancer Risk & CF

People with CF are used to waiting for the other shoe to drop—but a cancer diagnosis? That one still lands with a thud. In this episode, Ahmet Uluer, DO, MPH, Lauren Harvey, and Andrea Gavin Becker, sit down with Steve Freedman. MD, PhD, and Chelsea Lau, MD to talk about something that’s been in medical literature for decades, but is still rarely discussed: cancer risk in CF.

As more people with CF live longer—many well into adulthood and post-transplant—questions about increased cancer risk are becoming more urgent. Steve and Chelsea walk us through the science behind CFTR as a tumor suppressor gene, how chronic inflammation and disrupted gut environments may set the stage for certain cancers, and why the modulator era, while revolutionary for lungs, might not offer the same protection in the GI tract.

We talk screening, colonoscopies, and what we do (and don’t) know about breast, pancreatic, and post-transplant lymphoma risks. Andrea asks about cancer diets specific to CF, and Steve tries not to geek out about mice and microbiota.

Also: organic produce, telomeres, and a musical finale you might want to skip—but shouldn’t.

Resources:

NACFC 2025 presentation by Dr. Ahmet Uluer and Dr. Karen von Berg: “A Breath of Fresh Age: Redefining Growing Older With Cystic Fibrosis”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHg8Pr0J8_o

The content presented in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.