Frankly Speaking About Cancer with the Cancer Support Community: Recent Episodes
Cancer Support Community
Frankly Speaking about Cancer is a program that inspires, educates, and empowers patients, survivors, and caregivers living with cancer.
This episode focuses on making treatment decisions when you or your loved one has been diagnosed with an advanced cancer. There are a lot of issues that a person has to navigate - financial concerns, legal documents, communicating with the care team, and the emotions that come with caring for a loved one with an advanced cancer diagnosis. With us today is hospice and palliative medicine physician Dr. BJ Miller.
Over the last decade, the number of treatment options for patients with advanced cancers has greatly expanded. In this episode, we look at treatments currently available to patients diagnosed with advanced or metastatic bladder cancer and discuss ways to cope with this difficult diagnosis. Our guests are Dr. Daniel Geynisman and Monica Scanlan, BSN, RN, both of Fox Chase Cancer Center at Temple Health, and Rachel Saks, MSS, LSW, OSW-C, Senior Director, Education at the Cancer Support Community.
Grief can be complicated and confusing. Coping with the feelings that follow a loss can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be something from which we run away. In this episode, we sit down with Susan Ash Lee, Vice President, Clinical Services at CSC. Susan offers a compassionate exploration of this subject and insight into how we can help ourselves and our loved ones in the face of grief.
This episode is part of our special series “Young and Diagnosed” which focuses on the unique challenges and experiences of young adults facing a cancer diagnosis. Jacqueline Smith and Evan Ruggiero are living proof of just how quickly and randomly life can change. As they’ll tell you, their new paths are in many ways more rewarding than anything they could have imagined--or might have chosen--before their lives took an unthinkable detour. “Young and Diagnosed” is brought to you by Genentech.
“Cancer always catches people by surprise and will always be someone else’s problem...we are all terrified that one day, the someone else will be us.” Those are the words of oncologist and caregiver John Marshall in the new book Off Our Chests, a memoir he has co-authored with his wife Liza who was diagnosed with stage 3 triple negative breast cancer in 2006. Now 16 years past this life changing experience, Liza and John call their story “a candid tour through the world of cancer.” Honest and unafraid to be vulnerable, the Marshalls share in this episode what it’s like for a doctor to learn humility as a caregiver and a woman to face many levels of loss with courage and grace.
In this episode, we take a close look at advanced non-melanoma skin cancer. With advances in detection, diagnosis and treatments for both melanoma and non-melanoma, these cancers are being discovered at earlier stages and treated with a much more personalized approach. With us today to talk specifically about advanced non-melanoma skin care are two experts in the field: Dr. Gregory Biedermann and Dr. Christos Papageorgiou.
Have you ever wondered why you may have had to wait for your insurance to authorize your medicine or procedure or why you may have not be able to get the medication first recommended by your doctor? Chances are that you may never have heard the term utilization management practices (UM) before, but it can impact the recommendations made by your health care team and what your insurance plan will cover. In this episode, we take an in-depth look at how UM plays out in everyday life, how these practices can increase health disparities and how you can advocate for yourself and your loved ones. Our guest is Phylicia L. Woods, Executive Director of the Cancer Support Community’s Cancer Policy Institute.
Thanks to advances in research and several new treatments, people diagnosed with multiple myeloma are living better and longer than ever before. The disease is treatable and can be managed like any other chronic condition. Today, we’re going to talk about the knowledge and tools that can help manage the physical, emotional and practical impact of living with multiple myeloma. Our guests are Dr. Sikander Ailawadhi and Jan Miller, a licensed professional counselor.
Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, doctors and other healthcare providers were being tested by a number of stressors that impacted their emotional well-being and, by extension, patient care. Thankfully, with the help of our guests, Joseph Stern, MD and Dan Shapiro, PhD, the situation is changing. This episode focuses on the challenges faced by the doctors who care for us and new approaches and programs helping address the burnout that they experience.
Our special series “Young and Diagnosed” focuses on the unique challenges and experiences of young adults facing a cancer diagnosis. In this episode, we meet Suleika Jaouad and Jonathan Sommers. Suleika is the author of the NY Times bestseller Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted and Jonathan is a filmmaker who serves on SWOG Cancer Research Network’s Digital Engagement Committee. “Young and Diagnosed” is brought to you by Genentech.
For many Black men, barbershops are a safe place to engage with their community and have meaningful conversations about issues that affect their lives. In this episode, we talk to Dr. Joseph Ravenell and David Brown about their work to improve health outcomes for Black men by connecting with them at barbershops.
The events of 2020 and their aftermath will likely be studied for decades to come. The murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and the national outcry that followed, the Covid-related attacks and hate crimes directed at Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people of color… these overlapping and intersecting events have shed a blazing light on the inequities in our society, including those in our health care system, and caused us to look at health equity in a new way.
This episode focuses on disparities in our health care system in general and cancer care in particular. Our guests are Dr. Carol L. Brown of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Dr. Christopher King of Georgetown University.
There are many forms of skin cancer, some better known than others. In this episode of our special series Spotlight on Skin Cancer, we are going to take a look at two forms of advanced skin cancer: advanced basal and squamous cell skin cancers. Joining us for this conversation are Dr. Robert Ferris and Dr. Emily Smith.
The events of 2020 and their aftermath will likely be studied for decades to come. The murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and the national outcry that followed, the Covid-related attacks and hate crimes directed at Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people of color… these overlapping and intersecting events have shed a blazing light on the inequities in our society, including those in our health care system, and caused us to look at health equity in a new way.
This episode focuses on disparities in our health care system in general and cancer care in particular. Our guests are Dr. Carol L. Brown of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Dr. Christopher King of Georgetown University.
This episode of our special series Spotlight on Coronavirus takes a close look at the vaccines that will help combat the COVID-19 pandemic- how they work, the approval process with the FDA, and importantly, what it all means for cancer patients and their caregivers. Our guests are: Dr. Kathleen Dooling, a Chief Medical Officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Dr. Elizabeth Robilotti, the Associate Medical Epidemiologist at Memorial Hospital for Cancer and Allied Diseases and an Attending Physician with the Infectious Disease Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; and Dr. Michael Ybarra, a board-certified emergency physician and vice president of medical affairs and strategic alliances at PhRMA.
This episode takes a close look at the different aspects of treating and living with laryngeal cancer, or cancer of the larynx, which impacts the voice box. While it’s true that much will change, there is also a lot to be hopeful about. Our guests are Dr. Michael Moore, speech pathologist Kristen Beadle and cancer survivor Terry O’Brien.
Chances are that you may never had heard of Utilization Management unless you’re in the industry, but you have probably heard of or experienced “prior authorization” and maybe even “Fail First.” Guest Elizabeth Franklin helps us understand what Utilization Management is, what are some of its common practices and techniques, and how it’s been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We also look at the upcoming open enrollment period and the items that patients should look for when searching for a plan that is best for them.
While the word mesothelioma may be familiar from various advertisements, most people will likely have never met someone diagnosed with this rare cancer. In this episode, we will discuss symptoms, diagnosis and treatments, including new approaches. Our guest to help us better understand this cancer is Dr. Rupesh Kotecha from Miami Cancer Institute.
Remarkable progress has been made in the last few years improving treatment options and survival for women living with ovarian cancer. Joining us to get us up to speed on the most up to date information is Dr. Nita Lee.
This episode is part of our special series, Looking at Leukemias, and we will be taking a close look at Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). Improved treatment options for CML led to what is now one of the most controllable long-term cancers. While it requires daily medication and monitoring, with proper treatment, it can be managed. Join us as we take a close look at this leukemia and discuss how to live your best life with a chronic cancer. Our guests are Dr. Kendra Sweet from the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida and Diane Krupnick, who has been living with CML for over 5 years.
In this instalment of our special series Spotlight on Coronavirus, we focus on the emotions and feelings that cancer patients and caregivers might experience as they cope with the impact of the spread of coronavirus. Many cancer patients and caregivers are reporting feeling alone, anxious, and fearful of the future. Our guests help put context to our feelings and share strategies to help us cope. We are joined by Jamie Aten, a disaster expert who was faced with his own personal disaster when he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at the age of 35 and Susan Ash-Lee, Vice President of Clinical Services for the Cancer Support Community.
Up until recently, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) had essentially been treated the same way for decades but in the last few years new therapies and treatment approaches have been approved for use by the FDA and many promising therapies are being tested in clinical trials. In this episode, we take a look at this cancer and these recent developments with one of the nation’s foremost experts on blood cancers, and a returning guest to the show, Dr. Thomas LeBlanc.
Thanks to better and more targeted treatment options, women are living longer than ever with metastatic breast cancer. This episode features a wide-ranging conversation covering diagnosis, treatment options and shared decision making. Our guest is Dr. Lidia Schapira of the Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Comprehensive Cancer Institute.
In this installment of our special series Spotlight on Coronavirus, we’ll be addressing questions and concerns raised in the Cancer Support Community’s Research and Training Institute’s recently launched survey asking cancer patients and their caregivers to identify their concerns about the spread of coronavirus. Returning to the show is Dr. Merry Jennifer Markham and joining us for the first time is Dr. William Dahut.
The Cancer Support Community provides the content in this program for informational purposes only. The information does not constitute medical or legal advice and is not intended as a substitute for consultation with a licensed medical professional. Please follow the guidance and of state and federal health officials.
There is no doubt that we are traveling through unchartered territory. Calls for social distancing, travel restrictions and lockdowns, may separate us physically, but we can still connect and support each other. No one should feel alone. This episode features questions we received from cancer patients and caregivers about the spread of the virus in general and its impact on the lives of people living with cancer specifically. THIS SPECIAL EPISODE WILL RUN WITHOUT COMMERCIAL INTERRUPTIONS. TO HEAR THE PROGRAM IN ITS ENTIRETY, TUNE IN TO THE ON-DEMAND VERSION.
Over the past few years, a number of exciting scientific advances have been made in treating Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). This episode takes a close look at the new treatments and testing being used so that you have the most up to date information for making informed decisions. Our guest is Dr. Danielle Brander.
This episode in our special series Survivor-preneurs features two incredible women. Liz Fisher went through the experience of receiving a cancer diagnosis, undergoing treatment, and joining the community of survivors. Ali O’Grady was a caregiver to her father while he lived with a cancer diagnosis. Both combined their entrepreneurial spirit with insights and knowledge gleaned from their experience living with cancer to launch businesses.
This episode takes a frank look at Glioblastoma, an aggressive type of cancer that can occur in the brain or spinal cord. Chances are you have heard of it because of media coverage of Beau Biden (the son of Vice President Joe Biden) and Senator John McCain’s experiences facing this diagnosis. Our two guests will help us understand the many challenges and also shed light on new treatments and approaches that are being used to treat this complex disease. This episode features Dr. Patrick Wen of Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Jennifer Serventi of the University of Rochester Wilmot Cancer Institute.
Chances are that you’ve never heard Utilization Management unless you’re in the industry, but you have probably heard of or experienced “prior authorization” and maybe even “Fail First.” These are just two tools of Utilization Management. There are many more. In this episode, we take a close look at Utilization Management, some of its common practices and techniques, and how you can have a productive conversation with your doctor and other healthcare professionals so that the care you receive takes into consideration your needs and priorities. Our guest is Elizabeth Franklin, Executive Director of the Cancer Support Community’s Cancer Policy Institute.
In this installment of our special series “Spotlight on Precision Medicine,” we focus on targeted therapies, an exciting new approach to cancer treatment. Tune in as we make sense of difficult medical terms and complex concepts so that you can make the best, most informed decisions for you and your loved ones. Our guest Dr. Gerry Messerschmidt.
Efrat Roman's experience living with the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis lead her to business ideas that she has developed to make the world a better place for women facing the same diagnosis. Fueled by her own experience and inspired by the women she has met along her journey, Efrat is an unapologetic entrepreneur—survivorpreneur if you will. Her latest project is EZbra® , the first and only post-op disposable compression bra designed to improve the recovery experience from any breast surgery.
Jamie is a disaster expert who was faced with his own personal disaster when he was diagnosed with stage 4 Colorectal cancer at the age of 35. On today's episode, Jamie shares his cancer story incorporating insights from his personal survivor experience and what he has learned from studying disaster survivors from around the globe.
Precision Medicine is believed to have the potential to transform health care in the United States. In this edition of our special series Spotlight on Precision Medicine we take a close look at the biomarker tests that are being used to identify which people may benefit from these treatments. Our guests are oncologist Dr. Steven Isakoff and pathologist Dr. Lawrence Weiss.
For many patients, cancer treatment does not truly end when treatment is done because cancer survivors have special needs and concerns that should be incorporated into their post-treatment care. It is vitally important for a patient to work with their oncology team to develop a survivorship plan. This episode focuses on the long-term needs of cancer survivors, and planning for transitioning from active treatment to survivorship. Our guests are oncologist Dr. David Andorsky and oncology social worker Dr. Jill Mitchell, both from Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers- Boulder, Colorado.
Many families struggle with what to tell children when a parent or loved one is diagnosed with cancer, and instinctively try to protect them from the uncertainty, fear and feelings of powerlessness that often come with this life changing diagnosis. But the reality is that children, even very young children, can feel the impact of an illness on a family. In this episode, we talk about breaking the news of a cancer diagnosis to children, talking to them about the impact on their lives and helping them cope with all the changes through which they are living. Our guests are author, cancer survivor and mother Donia Youssef and Carissa Hodgson, Program Manager at Gilda’s Club Madison, Wisconsin.
In this episode, we meet Dr. Joseph D. Stern and learn about his remarkable journey from neurosurgeon to caregiver and back to neurosurgeon. He is the author of the powerfully raw, incredibly insightful, and tremendously moving New York Times essay “Grief as My Guide: How My Sister Made Me a Better Doctor” in which talks about his sister Victoria’s diagnosis of acute leukemia, her unsuccessful bone marrow transplant, and her death. Dr. Stern has since become an outspoken advocate for greater compassion and empathy in healthcare.
Whether you’re in treatment or out, it’s important to make sure you eat foods rich in beneficial nutrients. Yet, it’s not always easy to figure out what to eat and what to avoid, especially during challenging times. Our guest is oncology nutritionist Rachel Beller, who answers questions about cancer-related nutrition and gives tips on managing food and meals to help us eat well and feel well.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a life changing experience. For a child who is told they have cancer, the impact is even greater. Today's episode features two amazing and inspiring women who were both diagnosed with cancer as children. Both are now in their twenties, and they are using that experience to fuel their passion and purpose. Our guests are Mama Cax and Elona Karafin.
Lymphedema affects millions of people living with cancer and according to The National Cancer Institute, it’s “one of the most poorly understood, relatively underestimated, and least researched complications of cancer or its treatment.” Our guests shed light on this condition, helping us understand what it is, how it can impact your life, and what treatments can help. We are joined by Amy Eversman who is living with lymphedema, and Vanessa Gorelkin, a Certified Lymphedema Therapist working at the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
All medications that are now standard treatment options went through a series of clinical trials before becoming available to patients. In this edition of our special series “Spotlight on Metastatic Breast Cancer,” we have an in-depth talk about clinical trials, their role in advancing the development of new treatments, and patient concerns about participating in them. Our guest is clinician and researcher Dr. Vered Stearns.
CAR-T cell therapy is a revolutionary treatment approach that is bringing new hope to multiple myeloma patients. Results of an early phase study were described by Reuters as “unheard of” and an industry paper called them “jaw-dropping.” On the show to help us find out all about this exciting new approach are Cherie Rineker who has been living with multiple myeloma for over 5 years and is participating in a clinical trial exploring this new treatment, and Dr. Jesus Berdeja, lead investigator of that study.
In this episode, we take a look at the award winning documentary film Phil’s Camino. This highly acclaimed film tells us the powerful and inspiring story of Phil Volker who is living with stage 4 cancer and dreams of walking the Camino de Santiago-- a 500-mile pilgrimage across Spain. On the show are Phil Volker and the film’s director and producer Annie O’Neil.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia is an extremely difficult cancer to treat but recently a better understanding of this stubborn disease and advancements in treating it have brought more hope and a renewed feeling of optimism to the Acute Myeloid Leukemia community. Guest Dr. Jessica Altman brings us up to speed on the new treatments and new approaches to treating AML.
Spotlight on Metastatic Breast Cancer- The Benefits of Palliative Care Patients are living longer than ever with metastatic breast cancer. Integrating palliative care early as a proactive part of a patient’s metastatic breast cancer treatment plan can make a difference in improving the quality of life of both the patient and the caregiver but those services typically don’t start soon enough. Our guest for this important conversation is Lori Bishop, Vice President of Palliative & Advanced Care at the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization.
In this edition of our special series “Spotlight on Metastatic Breast Cancer,” you meet Lara MacGregor who is not just living well with metastatic breast cancer, but thriving. Lara generously shares her hope-filled approach to life with everyone she meets and provides joy and hope to those living with cancer through her non-profit organization, Hope Scarves. Nancy Lomibao, Program Director and Chief Clinical Officer at the Cancer Support Community in Redondo Beach also joins with advice and insights about living well with metastatic breast cancer.
CAR-T cell therapy is a revolutionary treatment approach that is bringing new hope to multiple myeloma patients. Results of an early phase study were described by Reuters as “unheard of” and an industry paper called them “jaw-dropping.” On the show to help us find out all about this exciting new approach are Cherie Rineker who has been living with multiple myeloma for over 5 years and is participating in a clinical trial exploring this new treatment, and Dr. Jesus Berdeja, lead investigator of that study.
In this edition of our special series “Spotlight on Metastatic Breast Cancer,” you meet Lara MacGregor who is not just living well with metastatic breast cancer, but thriving. Lara generously shares her hope-filled approach to life with everyone she meets and provides joy and hope to those living with cancer through her non-profit organization, Hope Scarves. Nancy Lomibao, Program Director and Chief Clinical Officer at the Cancer Support Community in Redondo Beach also joins with advice and insights about living well with metastatic breast cancer.
Without a doubt, the past few years have been an exciting time for lung cancer research with new drugs bringing hope to patients and their families. In today’s episode, we’re going to take a close look at how immunotherapy is being used to treat lung cancer and why the medical community is so optimistic about its potential. Our guest is Dr. David Carbone.
This episode features award winning author Nancy Sharp and her book BOTH SIDES NOW: A True Story of Love, Loss, and Bold Living. On the day that Nancy delivered premature twins, she learned that her husband's brain cancer had returned after eighteen months in remission. Less than three years later, at the age of 37, she became a widow. Seeking a fresh start, Nancy packed up her five year-old twins and left Manhattan for Denver, never imagining that she would find love in the pages of a magazine. The story of her unforgettable journey is a gift to those looking to lift themselves from the embers of loss and adversity through bold living.
This episode is part of our special series “Spotlight on Metastatic Breast Cancer” and tackles a subject that can be uncomfortable for a lot of people and often causes anxiety: advanced care planning and the hard conversations that it involves. When you’re diagnosed with a life threatening disease like metastatic breast cancer, it can feel like these issues are forced on you. But planning ahead and being prepared does a very important thing-- it allows you to focus on what’s really important: as emergency room doctor Dr. Jessica Zitter says, “living the way you want to be living all the way to the end.” That positive statement will be our north star throughout the episode. We are joined by Amy Berman who has been living with metastatic breast cancer for over 5 years, Lori Bishop, Vice President of Palliative & Advanced Care at the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization, and attorney Paul Pittman who specializes in estate planning and administration.
In today’s very special episode, we’re going to take you with us to the Biden Cancer Summit in Washington, DC, hosted by Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden. The goal of the Summit is to gather as many people as possible to work together to identify issues and solutions that can improve the cancer journey for patients, their families, and caregivers. And, perhaps more importantly, it’s to maintain the level urgency needed to accomplish this by reminding everyone of what’s at stake by telling stories throughout the day-- stories of hope, resilience, and wonder. I’m thrilled to share some of these stories with you. Recorded live at the Summit, our guests are: Bryce Olson, Cherie Rineker, Evan Ruggiero, and Jacqueline Smith.
Two time Super Bowl winning NFL Coach Tom Coughlin and author, beauty expert and cancer survivor Caitlin Kiernan discuss the lessons they learned from cancer and how they share them with others in the hope of making people’s lives better as they face the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Coach Tom Coughlin talks about the foundation he established, the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation. Caitlin Kiernan tells us about her book Pretty Sick- The Beauty Guide For Women with Cancer, How to look your best when you feel your worst.
This episode in our special series “Spotlight on Metastatic Breast Cancer” focuses on deciding on a course of treatment when you are first diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer or when it is time for a new or different treatment. Thanks to better and more targeted treatment options, women are living longer than ever with metastatic breast cancer. How do you decide which treatment plan is the best match for your priorities and your preferences? And how do you communicate your goals for treatment with your medical team? Our guests this week are Gaby Kusko, who has been living with metastatic breast cancer for over four years, and Lillie Shockney, the Administrative Director of the Johns Hopkins Breast Center.
Many people undergoing treatment for cancer face challenges with eating and nutrition, but people facing head and neck cancer and its related treatments face some of the most daunting ones because of the location of their cancer. According to a recent study, up to 80% of patients with head and neck cancers are malnourished, some prior to even starting treatment because their tumors cause eating problems. Our guests share their experiences, insights and knowledge so that you can make the best, most informed decisions for you and your loved ones. We are joined by Jean Johnson who was diagnosed with Stage 4 laryngeal cancer, Dr. Everett Vokes, an international authority on the treatment of head and neck cancer, and Jill Bice, a Registered Dietitian at the University of Chicago Medicine with specialty certifications in both Oncology Nutrition and Nutrition Support.
Two time Super Bowl winning NFL Coach Tom Coughlin and author, beauty expert and cancer survivor Caitlin Kiernan discuss the lessons they learned from cancer and how they share them with others in the hope of making people’s lives better as they face the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Coach Tom Coughlin talks about the foundation he established, the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation. Caitlin Kiernan tells us about her book Pretty Sick- The Beauty Guide For Women with Cancer, How to look your best when you feel your worst.
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are right around the corner and children of all ages are joyously making plans to show their parents their love, admiration and appreciation. But if your parent is living with cancer or has died from the disease, these holidays can be challenging, bringing with them feelings of sadness and loss. In this episode meet photographer Nancy Borowick whose parents were both diagnosed with stage 4 cancers and died of their diseases. Nancy documented their cancer journey in her book The Family Imprint- A Daughter’s Portrait of Love and Loss. Also joining is Sean Hebbel, Program Director for the Cancer Support Community Delaware.
Precision medicine is an exciting new approach to metastatic breast cancer using targeted therapies guided by specific biomarkers. Dr. James Ford of Stanford University Medical Center helps us understand how targeted therapies are used in metastatic breast cancer so that you can make the best, most informed decisions for you and your loved ones.
Whether you’re in treatment or out, it’s important to make sure you eat foods rich in beneficial nutrients. Yet, it’s not always easy to figure out what to eat and what to avoid, especially during challenging times. Our guest is oncology nutritionist Rachel Beller, who answers questions about cancer-related nutrition and gives tips on managing food and meals to help us eat well and feel well.
In many households, parents are deciding which camp to send their kids to over the summer. But what if you’re a household dealing with the upheaval of a parent’s cancer diagnosis? In this latest installment of our series “Taking a Break from Cancer,” we’re going to find out about Camp Kesem, a special camp designed especially for children who are dealing with a parent who has been diagnosed with cancer, is in remission or has died from the disease. With us today are Jane Saccaro, the CEO of Camp Kesem, and Theo Christopulos, a former camper and now Camp Kesem student volunteer and counselor.
Spotlight on Metastatic Breast Cancer- The Benefits of Palliative Care Patients are living longer than ever with metastatic breast cancer. Integrating palliative care early as a proactive part of a patient’s metastatic breast cancer treatment plan can make a difference in improving the quality of life of both the patient and the caregiver but those services typically don’t start soon enough. Our guest for this important conversation is Lori Bishop, Vice President of Palliative & Advanced Care at the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization.
When a person is diagnosed with a devastating disease like cancer, their first thoughts almost always focus on saving their life or extending it for as long as possible. It doesn’t take long though for the realities of paying for treatment, care and other related costs to come into play. Cancer survivors are nearly three times more likely to file for bankruptcy than people who have not been diagnosed with cancer. Our guests for this important conversation are cancer survivor Len Rodgers and Clorinda Walley, the Executive Director, and Randie Odebralski, the Chief Operating Officer, of Good Days, an organization that specializes in providing financial help to seriously ill people.
Dr. Thomas LeBlanc joins us for a comprehensive conversation about Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia- a cancer that poses unique challenges. Dr. LeBlanc is a medical oncologist, palliative care physician, and patient experience researcher at Duke University School of Medicine’s Duke Cancer Institute.
Neil Canavan joins guest host Linda House to talk about his new book “A Cure Within: Scientists Unleashing the Immune System to Kill Cancer” and shed some light on the history of immunotherapy and the scientists who have persisted in order to turn what was once a scientific hypothesis into reality. Based entirely on interviews with the investigators, this book is the story of the immuno-oncology pioneers. It's a story of failure, resurrection, and success. It's a story about science, it's a story about discovery, and intuition, and cunning. It's a peek into the lives and thoughts of some of the most gifted medical scientists on the planet.
Immunotherapy is one of the most exciting areas of new discoveries and treatments for different kinds of cancer. Understanding how the immune system works is opening the doors to developing new treatments that are changing the way we think about and treat cancer. On this episode, guest host Linda House is joined by Dr. Gerald Messerschmidt to talk about immunotherapy and its new advancements in recent years. Elizabeth Franklin also joins the program to discuss barriers and access to quality care for patients with cancer.
Your doctor tells you that your cancer treatment was successful and you are now cancer free. But, now what? As you complete your treatment, you may experience a range of emotions. You may be relieved that treatment is over but are worried about the future. In some ways, this transition is one of the least understood aspects of the cancer experience.
On this episode, guest host Linda House is joined by Carolyn Lammersfeld of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America and Claire Saxton to talked about the Cancer Transitions program and its components of moving beyond treatment, managing physical and emotional health, and empowering survivors to live their best life after cancer. Moving Beyond Treatment Cancer Transitions
70% of women feel they were not fully informed about their breast reconstruction options prior to their mastectomy. Two experts join us today for a substantive discussion about the incredibly personal choice between breast reconstruction surgery and going flat: Sara Bartosiewicz-Hamilton, cancer survivor and the co-founder of Flat and Fabulous and Dr. Cynara Coomer, the Chief of Breast Surgery and Director of the Florina Rusi-Marke Comprehensive Breast Center at Northwell Health-Staten Island University Hospital.
The National Cancer Institute finds that inherited genetic mutations play a major role in about 5 to 10 percent of all cancers. The advancement of genetic and genomic testing can predict whether a person is at risk for certain cancers or not and help doctors understand the molecular makeup of tumors so they can find better ways to treat the patient. Genetic testing has led to an uptick in early detection and expanded cancer prevention measures for people. On this episode, guest host Linda House talks to Dr. Holly Pederson, the Director of the Medical Breast Program at the Cleveland Clinic, and Christine Croissant, a patient of Dr. Pederson, about genetic and genomic testing and the importance of knowing your family history.
In the latest installment of our special series “Innovation Happens,” we take a look at CIMAvax, a promising lung cancer vaccine developed in Cuba that is getting a lot of attention here in the United States. It is being studied in an FDA approved clinical trial at Roswell Park Cancer Institute-- the first Cuban therapy to be tested in the US. Our guest is Dr. Mary Reid, the Director of Cancer Screening and Survivorship at Roswell Park and a key member of the team that is collaborating with Cuban scientists on CIMAvax. Dr. Reid shares with us the history of the vaccine and how it could spur a new age of American-Cuban medical collaboration.
This year, only about 14,500 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with a myeloproliferative neoplasm, MPN, a rare group of blood cancers. Living with a rare cancer, like an MPN, comes with a unique set of challenges. The diagnosis can be hard to understand, and treatment is often “watch-and-wait” or symptom management only. In honor of Blood Cancer Awareness Month in September and MPN Awareness Day on September 11, join us to shine a light on these rare cancers. Guest host Linda House welcomes back to the show Melissa Wright, LMSW, OSW-C, Program Director at Gilda’s Club Quad Cities to talk more about how to live well with a rare cancer.
As you or a loved one face complicated decisions about treatment and care, a proven strategy that helps is to be as prepared as possible. Doing your research and having a written list of questions can help you feel more organized and confident when you are working together with your health care team to find the treatment plan that is right for you. On this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux talks to Margaret Stauffer, LMFT, Chief Mission Officer of the Cancer Support Community of San Francisco about the topic of treatment decision making and CSC's free treatment decision counseling program Open To Options.
In 2010, the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act signed into law by President Barack Obama as part of the Affordable Care Act, aimed to promote the development of biological products and create competition, with the goals of increasing treatment options and reducing health care costs. On this episode, we are joined by Dr. Leah Christl who is the Associate Director for Therapeutic Biologics in the Office of New Drugs in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Today, we are starting to see the fruits of that labor, there are several biosimilars on the market and more are under review for approval. In 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first biosimilar product which happens to be a supportive treatment for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia.
When cancer strikes, it can impact every area of your life—your personal life, your family life and even your work life. Balancing your career with your cancer diagnosis can be one of the most complex challenges of the cancer journey, from deciding how to tell your coworkers, to taking time off and balancing the financial impact of cancer. Joining us to help us navigate these challenges are Rebecca Nellis, Vice President of Programs and Strategy for Cancer and Careers, and Monica Bryant, Chief Operating Officer of Triage Cancer.
Studies have shown that 60% of cancer survivors report sexual dysfunction after treatment and 50% did not bring up this issue to their health care team. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guest Dr. Leslie Schover, a clinical psychologist who Kim calls the Dr. Ruth of cancer, discuss specific ways to empower and educate patients about sexual wellness after cancer. Dr. Shover shares with us her new projects, Will2Love.com and the campaign “Bring It Up”, to frankly talk about fertility and parenthood after cancer, including new developments and overcoming financial barriers.
Beloved and highly admired ESPN reporter and cancer survivor, of a rare form of melanoma, Holly Rowe says sports saved her life. In this episode, Rowe shares why she decided to go public with her cancer experience and provides an update on how she is doing today. Catch Rowe in action reporting from the sidelines of your favorite games on ESPN!
People will delay talking about end-of-life care as long as possible even while acknowledging its importance. For the most part, none of us wants to deal with our mortality. Yet, this is a crucial topic for us to think through as individuals and to discuss with our families and medical team. Our guest and guide for this topic is Dr. Jessica Nutik Zitter, an expert on the medical experience of death and dying, and author of Extreme Measures- Finding a Better Path to End of Life.
Each year in the U.S., about 2,240 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in men, compared to about 232,000 cases in women. Because men only represent 1% of the breast cancer diagnosis, we don’t often hear about their cancer journey. With us today to inform and shed on light on male breast cancer are Dr. Oliver Bogler and Dr. Sharon Giordano. Dr. Bogler is Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Neurosurgery Research at MD Anderson. He also serves as its Vice President of the Global Academic Programs. Dr. Bogler was diagnosed with breast cancer in Sept. 2012. Dr. Sharon Giordano is a Board Certified Medical Oncologist. She is also a professor with tenure at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in the Department of Breast Medical Oncology and Chair of the Department of Health Services Research.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States, but men often don’t talk about it. Baseball legend Ken Griffey Sr. breaks the silence surrounding this “below the belt” cancer by talking about his own cancer journey. Along with Dr. William Oh, Ken will help us understand what is prostate cancer, how it is diagnosed and treated.
June is National Men’s Health Month, a time to raise awareness of health issues specific to men and encourage early detection and treatment of disease. In America, men’s health issues can often be overlooked or ignored. Men are statistically far less likely to go to a doctor than women, feel less comfortable reporting health problems and are more likely to face social stigma for reaching out for emotional support. On today's episode, guest host Linda House is joined by Brandon Leonard of the Men's Health Network to take a deeper look at health issues facing men today.
The impact of a cancer diagnosis is felt on every level—a physical level, financial level, and an emotional level. While the treatment we receive from our oncologist helps us to heal and treat our cancer at a physical level, there is also great importance in healing emotionally throughout the cancer journey. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guest Julia Wick are discussing how to create joy for yourself through meditation and mindfulness, and find joy despite facing the harsh realities of cancer.
For people facing a cancer diagnosis, the path to completing cancer treatment can be long and difficult. The goal—to eliminate the cancer and go back to “normal.” However, for patients with advanced or stage 4 cancer, this goal may no longer be feasible. Patients face many tough decisions throughout the course of treatment, but one of the toughest decisions is deciding when it’s time to stop treatment. In part one of this two part series on patient decision-making, host Kim Thiboldeaux and return guest Charli Prather are discussing making decisions about end-of-life care and the importance of patient-provider communication.
Hearing that you or someone you love has cancer can be overwhelming. Questions abound: Will I (or my loved one) survive? How will my family be affected? Will my insurance cover my care? Will I be able to work through treatment or will I need to take time off from work? Will my family be burdened with huge expenses? For some, the questions come all at once. For others, they arrive one by one. Having a plan to deal with these questions is vital. It can be hard to ask for and accept financial help—much less know where to find this much-needed support during this time. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, Kim Thiboldeaux and her guest, Amanda Holt take a deep dive into this topic to find answers to these questions and many more.
May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month. In the United States, there are nearly 700,000 people living with a primary brain or central nervous system tumor, and there will about 78,000 new primary brain tumor diagnoses made this year. To help us learn more about brain tumors and living well with this diagnosis, guest host Linda House is joined by Dr. Nicholas Blondin.
Although social service professionals are trained to help their clients cope with the grief that accompanies a loss, there is often little formal training on how these professionals should process their own grief when a client passes away. Social workers, nurses, physicians, clergy members, professional caregivers and others in similar occupations that experience death on a regular and continuous basis can experience “bereavement overload” that can lead to burnout and even post-traumatic stress reactions. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, Cancer Support Helpline counselor Justin Short, MPH, MSW, LCSW, explores the topic of professional grief and how professionals in high-loss environments can better understand it and develop skills to manage it.
In 2016, an estimated 53,000 people were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer—making it the 12th most common cancer in the United States. Unfortunately though, only about 7.7% of patients with pancreatic cancer survive with the disease beyond five years. This difficult-to-treat disease relies on new and innovative therapies to provide hope and support to patients and families impacted by this diagnosis. In this third installment of our series on cancer clinical trials, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guest Dr. Allyson Ocean will be talking about pancreatic cancer and the need for clinical trials to discover new treatments and hope.
Every day, patients meet with doctors to discuss their health and wellness. Yet, these meetings can be frustrating and unsatisfactory for both patient and doctor alike. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, Dr. Danielle Ofri brings special insight on this topic, having recently written the book “What Patients Say, What Doctors Hear.”
Clinical trials are an extremely important in finding new ways to treat cancer and help patients live well with their diagnosis. On this episode of Frankly Speaking Cancer, host Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by four guests with four different clinical trial experiences who will each share their stories of how participating in a clinical trial gave them each hope.
Cancer clinical trials provide patients with access to new therapies. When a patient participates in a clinical trial they are helping to move cancer treatment forward and provide hope for the future of cancer care. However, less than 1/3 of all cancer clinical trials meet their recruitment goals, and only 2-3% of adults participate in a clinical trial. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, host Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by two guests to discuss barriers to clinical trial enrollment and how we can overcome these barriers to create new cancer treatments.
This year, an estimated 136,830 people in the United States will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and on average, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 20. In February 2000, President Bill Clinton officially declared March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Since then it has become a rallying point for all impacted by this diagnosis to join together to spread awareness, community and hope. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer we are going to take an in-depth look at this diagnosis in recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this month.
Over the years on Frankly Speaking About Cancer, we’ve interviewed countless physicians, social workers, nurses, oncologists, surgeons, mental health professionals and scientists—to name a few. But, there is one person you encounter during the cancer experience who plays a vital role who we have not yet heard from. That’s the oncology pharmacist. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer we’re going to learn more about the role the pharmacist plays in the cancer experience.
Survivor’s guilt is accepted as a common reaction to surviving tragic and traumatic events like war, accidents and disasters. But what we are starting to learn is that survivor's guilt is also common in people with cancer during and after treatment and lung cancer patients in particular. Our guests are cancer survivor Michael Levin, Tara Perloff of the Lung Cancer Alliance and Dr. Megan Shen of Weill Cornell Medicine.
With his career on the rise, chef Hans Rueffert was a contestant on the 2005 Next Food Network Star, reaching the final three. Just 2 weeks after taping the finale for the show, the culinary sensation was diagnosed with stage-three stomach cancer and given a 2% chance of survival. His cancer journey has included eleven surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, a series of brain infections, the removal of his stomach and 95% of his esophagus. Known as the chef without a stomach, Hans is the author of the cookbook Eat Like There’s No Tomorrow, and the producer of several television cooking shows.
There are several cancer types that we hear about quite often, whether it’s on the news, through daily conversation or because of a devoted awareness month. But, there are many other cancer types affecting people all over the world that many of us have never even heard of. A lack of awareness is just one of the problems facing people who are living with a rare type of cancer. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer we will learn more about life with a rare type of cancer from two guests who are working tirelessly to raise awareness and provide resources to people with rare cancer types.
Cancer does not discriminate. It impacts all of us, in every corner of the world. In fact, more than 14 million new cancer cases are diagnosed each year with more than 8.2 million cancer-related deaths—more than AIDS, tuberculosis or malaria combined. About 70% of cancer deaths occur in low and middle income countries. Because of this, there is a significant need to raise awareness of the global fight against cancer, increase education about cancer and prevention and increase the amount of support networks in place. Joining host Kim Thiboldeaux is Carolyn Taylor, worldwide photographer and Founder and President of Global Focus on Cancer.
The 2017 open enrollment period for health insurance through your state’s Health Insurance Marketplace began on Tuesday, November 1 and will be coming to a close in just 2 weeks. For anyone who is at risk for cancer, living with cancer or is a cancer survivor, there are many health care needs that must be considered when looking for a new or different health insurance plan. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer we will discuss what you need to know to navigate your state’s Marketplace as well as tips and resources to help you select a health insurance plan that best meets your unique health needs.
Cancer clinical trials provide patients with access to new therapies. When a patient participates in a clinical trial they are helping to move cancer treatment forward and provide hope for the future of cancer care. However, less than 1/3 of all cancer clinical trials meet their recruitment goals, and only 2-3% of adults participate in a clinical trial. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, host Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by two guests to discuss barriers to clinical trial enrollment and how we can overcome these barriers to create new cancer treatments.
In the United States, families are often spread all over—sometimes on opposite coasts or in opposite climates. This can present challenges when someone in the family is diagnosed with cancer and everyone can’t be where they want to be at once. It’s important for these far-away loved ones to remember that they are not alone—In fact, it is estimated that 7 million people in the U.S. are long-distance caregivers. Many of these people are family members of someone with cancer—daughters and sons, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. On this show, guest host Linda House and Sara Goldberger, Senior Director of Programs at the Cancer Support Community, will talk about common challenges of being a long-distance caregiver, unique ways that a long-distance caregiver can be helpful and how to handle the emotional impacts of caregiving on families.
Summertime is a time when people take time off from work and children and young adults take time off from school to experience new challenges, embark on adventures and just have fun. But for people impacted by cancer taking time off from cancer may seem impossible and improbable. It could be that taking time off from cancer is just what is called for though. Perhaps it brings benefits you might not find otherwise. In Part 2 of our special series, Take a break from cancer, we talk about taking a break from cancer with Brad Ludden, Founder of First Descents.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States, but men often don’t talk about it. Baseball legend Ken Griffey Sr. breaks the silence surrounding this “below the belt” cancer by talking about his own cancer journey. Along with Dr. William Oh, Ken will help us understand what is prostate cancer, how it is diagnosed and treated.
Although the HPV vaccine is extremely effective in preventing cervical and other cancers caused by various strains of the HPV virus, it is incredibly underutilized. Here on this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer to shed light on this topic that is unsettling for many people, particularly parents, are oncologist Dr. Lois Ramondetta and pediatrician Dr. Stan Spinner.
Breast cancer impacts 1 in 8 women in the United States. Despite high levels of awareness thanks to Breast Cancer Awareness Month every October, there are still many myths surrounding this diagnosis, and treatment is always evolving. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, host Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Dr. John West and his son Dr. Justin West to discuss myths, facts and innovations surrounding breast cancer, from diagnosis to treatment, reconstruction and life after cancer.
Gastric cancers, meaning those that originate in the stomach, esophagus or the junctions of these two organs, account for 37,600 cancer diagnoses in the United States each year. Until the 1930s, this diagnosis was actually the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and today it is still estimated to be the 4th most common type of cancer worldwide. However, there is still much to be learned about stomach cancer and how it impacts patients, their caregivers and loved ones. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, host Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by three guests who will explain all stages of stomach cancer—from diagnosis, to treatment, survivorship, awareness and beyond.
“Day in and day out, selfless and loving Americans provide care and support to family members and friends in need. They are parents, spouses, children, siblings, relatives and neighbors who uphold their unwavering commitment to ensure the lives of their loved ones shine bright with health, safety and dignity.” -President Barack Obama. In honor of National Family Caregivers Awareness Month, this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer is all the vital role caregivers play in the cancer experience. If you've ever been a caregiver to a loved one with cancer, share your experience with the cancer experience registry at www.cancerexperienceregistry.org.
October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and on this show, guest host Linda House will be highlighting an important breast cancer topic that is often overlooked—breast reconstruction. Joining Linda is Dr. Jeff Ascherman, Site Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery and Professor of Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center, as well as Susan Scanlan, breast cancer survivor and women’s health and rights advocate, and Jenny Saldana, breast cancer survivor and patient navigator. This episode will explore breast reconstruction basics, first-hand patient experiences, and new advancements in this field.
Each year in the U.S., about 2,240 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in men, compared to about 232,000 cases in women. Because men only represent 1% of the breast cancer diagnosis, we don’t often hear about their cancer journey. With us today to inform and shed on light on male breast cancer are Dr. Oliver Bogler and Dr. Sharon Giordano. Dr. Bogler is Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Neurosurgery Research at MD Anderson. He also serves as its Vice President of the Global Academic Programs. Dr. Bogler was diagnosed with breast cancer in Sept. 2012. Dr. Sharon Giordano is a Board Certified Medical Oncologist. She is also a professor with tenure at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in the Department of Breast Medical Oncology and Chair of the Department of Health Services Research.
October, as most people know, is widely recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. People everywhere become extremely active in raising awareness of this disease, which affects about 1 in 8 U.S women and about 1 in 1000 U.S. men every year. However, what a lot of people don’t know is that October 13th is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. About 155,000 people are currently estimated to be living with this stage of breast cancer. On this episode we take a closer look at what metastatic breast cancer is, how you can feel empowered to live well with this disease and why raising awareness of it is important—not just on October 13th, but all year long.
Clinical trials are an extremely important in finding new ways to treat cancer and help patients live well with their diagnosis. On this episode of Frankly Speaking Cancer, host Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by four guests with four different clinical trial experiences who will each share their stories of how participating in a clinical trial gave them each hope.
Survivor’s guilt is accepted as a common reaction to surviving tragic and traumatic events like war, accidents and disasters. But what we are starting to learn is that survivor's guilt is also common in people with cancer during and after treatment and lung cancer patients in particular. Our guests are cancer survivor Michael Levin, Tara Perloff of the Lung Cancer Alliance and Dr. Megan Shen of Weill Cornell Medicine.
Myeloproliferative neoplasms, -MPNs- are a group of blood cancers that cause the body to overproduce blood cells in the bone marrow due to genetic mutations originating in stem cells. Last year, only about 14,500 people in the United States were diagnosed with an MPN. Many people are often unaware that this group of cancers exist.
Each year the Cancer Support Community strives to “shine the light on MPNs” and raise awareness of MPNs and the impact of living with a rare type of cancer. This year is no different. This Thursday, September 8, is MPN Awareness Day, and to commemorate the day, guest host Linda House offers tips for living well with an MPN.
Cancer: It’s just one simple word with 6 letters and 2 syllables. But hearing this short, simple word from your doctor can change everything in an instant. Time can feel like it’s suddenly standing still and swirling by all at once. If you’ve heard this word from your doctor, you’re beginning a new journey—one you may not feel prepared to take. Joining host Kim Thiboldeaux to talk about what to do after you're newly diagnosed is John Leifer, author of After You Hear It's Cancer: A Guide to Navigating the Difficult Journey Ahead.
In 2015, Vice President Joe Biden lost his son Beau to brain cancer. Like many of us who are impacted by cancer or who have lost someone so dear to us, Vice President Biden wanted to use his tragedy to create change, and help the lives of the millions of Americans who are impacted by cancer. That’s where today’s episode begins. During President Obama's final State of the Union Address he tasked Vice President Biden with leading a “moonshot” to help end cancer as we know it. A few weeks later, the first-ever White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force was formed. Their mission? Double the rate of progress in cancer research and treatment. Joining host Kim Thiboldeaux to discuss what the Cancer Moonshot means for patients are 3 guests who are proud to be part of this historic initiative.
How do you know if you're genetically predisposed to developing cancer? Oftentimes, cancer occurs sporadically—from gene mutations occurring over the course of a lifetime. However, about 10 percent of all incidences of cancer are caused by inherited gene mutations which increase the risk for developing certain types of cancer. When several people in your family have been diagnosed with cancer, many physicians may refer you to genetic testing. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, we're exploring one particular type of test, multi-gene panel testing.
We are constantly surrounded by words. Words bombard us through our screens and surround us from billboards, signs, and posters. We usually forget about their presence because words are so ubiquitous to our daily lives. However, words have the ability to influence us. They can inspire us. They can pave a way to knowledge and discovery. Words even have the power to heal. By writing and reading about cancer, those impacted by cancer can gain perspective through self-reflection and find a sense of community through shared experiences. Joining host Kim Thiboldeaux today to talk about the healing power of words is Susan Gubar, author of the book Reading & Writing Cancer: How Words Heal.
Where do scientists get the ideas that lead them down a path of inquiry and discovery? Like an old fashioned private eye, today’s guest Dr. James Welsh is following clues and chasing leads that he hopes hold the answers to mysterious events he has witnessed as a doctor-- and today we get to go on the ride with him. Dr. Welsh is the author of the recently released book “Sharks Get Cancer, Mole Rats Don't: How Animals Could Hold the Key to Unlocking Cancer Immunity in Humans.”
Hippocrates, the Greek physician who is revered as the father of medicine, said, “The art has three factors: the disease, the patient, the physician.” On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer guest host Linda House takes a look at the physician experience—the changing landscape in which they practice, the challenges they face as well as their hopes and aspirations for the future. Linda is joined by Dr. Mikkael Sekeres whose NY Times and Huffington Post blogs aim to shed light on just that.
Melanoma cases are on the rise, but innovative new treatments are increasing survival rates and giving patients new hope. Guest host Linda House is joined by Louise M. Perkins, Ph.D., of the Melanoma Research Alliance; April K.S. Salama, MD, of Duke University; and Donna Piunt, melanoma survivor and blogger at The Cancer Spot to discuss the melanoma experience, from prevention through survivorship.
A 2011 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute determined that the cost of all cancer care in the United States totaled 124.5 billion dollars in 2010. It was projected that by the year 2020, this would rise to a total of 157.7 billion dollars. Unfortunately, when families are dealing with these costs, real life for them does not stop. On top of treatment and medical care, there are still bills to pay and groceries to buy. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, we'll learn about tips and services to help you pay for real life when you're impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
The book Alice and Oliver is raw, jarring, intense, emotional, exhausting—everything that people experience when they receive a cancer diagnosis. Although this book is a work of fiction, it is based on the author’s real life experience. The book's author Charles Bock joins host Kim Thiboldeaux to talk about this extraordinary book on this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer.
In spite of the fact that up to 60% of patients undergoing treatment for cancer develop chemo brain to some degree, many patients and their loved ones are caught off guard when they experience difficulty concentrating, finding the right words, short term memory loss, and multitasking. Chemo brain can have a significant impact on quality of life. Joining host Kim Thiboldeaux to explain this phenomenon, how it can impact your life, how the brain works and what treatments can help are guests Sue Harden, cancer survivor and Dr. Fremonta Meyer, staff psychiatrist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
June is National Men’s Health Month, a time to raise awareness of health issues specific to men and encourage early detection and treatment of disease. In America, men’s health issues can often be overlooked or ignored. Men are statistically far less likely to go to a doctor than women, feel less comfortable reporting health problems and are more likely to face social stigma for reaching out for emotional support. On today's episode, guest host Linda House is joined by Brandon Leonard of the Men's Health Network to take a deeper look at health issues facing men today.
Where do scientists get the ideas that lead them down a path of inquiry and discovery? Like an old fashioned private eye, today’s guest Dr. James Welsh is following clues and chasing leads that he hopes hold the answers to mysterious events he has witnessed as a doctor-- and today we get to go on the ride with him. Dr. Welsh is the author of the recently released book “Sharks Get Cancer, Mole Rats Don't: How Animals Could Hold the Key to Unlocking Cancer Immunity in Humans.”
Broadway stars Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley talk about their family’s journey facing cancer, sharing with us their perspectives as patient and caregiver, husband and wife—in other words, as a family.
May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month. In the United States, there are nearly 700,000 people living with a primary brain or central nervous system tumor, and there will about 78,000 new primary brain tumor diagnoses made this year. To help us learn more about brain tumors and living well with this diagnosis, guest host Linda House is joined by Dr. Nicholas Blondin.
Hippocrates, the Greek physician who is revered as the father of medicine, said, “The art has three factors: the disease, the patient, the physician.” On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer guest host Linda House takes a look at the physician experience—the changing landscape in which they practice, the challenges they face as well as their hopes and aspirations for the future. Linda is joined by Dr. Mikkael Sekeres whose NY Times and Huffington Post blogs aim to shed light on just that.
Summertime is a time when people take time off from work and children and young adults take time off from school to experience new challenges, embark on adventures and just have fun. But for people impacted by cancer taking time off from cancer may seem impossible and improbable. It could be that taking time off from cancer is just what is called for though. Perhaps it brings benefits you might not find otherwise. In Part 2 of our special series, Take a break from cancer, we talk about taking a break from cancer with Brad Ludden, Founder of First Descents.
Be Here Now is a raw and intimate documentary film currently in production which chronicles the cancer journey of actor Andy Whitfield and his wife Vashti and inspires all of us to live life fearlessly. Andy became an international star in 2009 when he was cast in the lead role in the hit television show, “Spartacus: Blood and Sand.” While seemingly on top of the world, Andy was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma at the end of the first season and passed away in September 2011. But Be Here Now, is not a film just about cancer. Its message throughout is that life is to be lived without fear and that all people should go after their dreams, no matter what. Andy and Vashti both believe that every individual is capable of making extraordinary things happen. Join us for a conversation with Vashti Whitfield and Lilibet Foster, the film’s director and producer.
Although social service professionals are trained to help their clients cope with the grief that accompanies a loss, there is often little formal training on how these professionals should process their own grief when a client passes away. Social workers, nurses, physicians, clergy members, professional caregivers and others in similar occupations that experience death on a regular and continuous basis can experience “bereavement overload” that can lead to burnout and even post-traumatic stress reactions. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, Cancer Support Helpline counselor Justin Short, MPH, MSW, LCSW, explores the topic of professional grief and how professionals in high-loss environments can better understand it and develop skills to manage it.
This year, an estimated 136,830 people in the United States will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and on average, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 20. In February 2000, President Bill Clinton officially declared March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Since then it has become a rallying point for all impacted by this diagnosis to join together to spread awareness, community and hope. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer we are going to take an in-depth look at this diagnosis in recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this month.
Living with cancer can be a challenge for anyone—but what if you also have an intellectual or developmental disability? On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, we will explore the unique challenges people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, their caregivers and their health care teams face when it comes to cancer prevention, screening and treatment. Show host Linda House, RN, of the Cancer Support Community, will be joined by Robyn J. Blanchard, RN, of The Arc Gloucester; Leone Murphy, MSN, RN, of The Arc of New Jersey; and Karen Luken, MSRA, of the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health.
In spite of the fact that up to 60% of patients undergoing treatment for cancer develop chemo brain to some degree, many patients and their loved ones are caught off guard when they experience difficulty concentrating, finding the right words, short term memory loss, and multitasking. Chemo brain can have a significant impact on quality of life. Joining host Kim Thiboldeaux to explain this phenomenon, how it can impact your life, how the brain works and what treatments can help are guests Sue Harden, cancer survivor and Dr. Fremonta Meyer, staff psychiatrist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Are organic foods really better than non-organic foods in preventing cancer? Can exercising during cancer actually help you feel less fatigued? This episode explores these questions and more, featuring experts in nutrition and fitness who have dedicated their careers to educating and empowering the cancer community. Joining our host Kim Thiboldeaux on the show is Alice Bender, Associate Director at the American Institute of Cancer Research and Carol Michaels, founder of Recovery Fitness.
Gastric cancers, meaning those that originate in the stomach, esophagus or the junctions of these two organs, account for 37,600 cancer diagnoses in the United States each year. Until the 1930s, this diagnosis was actually the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and today it is still estimated to be the 4th most common type of cancer worldwide. However, there is still much to be learned about stomach cancer and how it impacts patients, their caregivers and loved ones. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, host Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by three guests who will explain all stages of stomach cancer—from diagnosis, to treatment, survivorship, awareness and beyond.
A cancer diagnosis—whether it’s your own or a loved one’s—always brings on questions, questions and more questions. From trying to find out more about a diagnosis, treatment options, information on the cost of care or where you can find support, the questions and concerns throughout the entire cancer journey can feel endless. Whether you’re living with cancer, caring for someone with cancer or are a long-time survivor, the Cancer Support Helpline is here to provide support and resources at 1-888-793-9355.On this episode, guest host Linda House takes a look inside the Helpline to learn more about the services provided, and the important work it does from someone who knows first-hand.
Tune in Tuesday, July 17th to hear how a person’s race could affect their chance of surviving breast cancer. As many know, a person’s experience with a breast cancer diagnosis, their treatment and their risk of dying is very different depending on the race of that patient. Dr. Steven Whitman, Director of the Sinai Health Institute and Marc Hurlbert, Executive Director of the Avon Foundation’s global breast cancer programs discuss their new study of this racial disparity across the U.S.’s 25 largest cities and the implications of their research.
This Saturday is Valentine’s Day—and if your Valentine is living with cancer this day can often have a deeper meaning. According to the National Cancer Institute, a caregiver often feels just as much distress as the patient, if not more. The demands of caregiving depend on several different variables, including the stage of disease, the type of symptoms experienced, functional ability, level of fatigue and treatment side effects. How a spouse responds to their partner’s cancer diagnosis and treatment can be just as important as how the patient responds. This episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer is all about caregivers—from what it means to be a spouse and caregiver to tips on providing care and love to your partner through Valentine's Day and every day.
Genetics vs. Genomics. While these two terms are certainly related to one another, they are also very different, especially when it comes to a cancer diagnosis. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, guest host Linda House explores the role genomics play in a cancer diagnosis, from how it impact your diagnosis, to the impact on decision-making and everything in between.
According to the National Cancer Institute, anywhere between 40% and 100% of patients with cancer experience some kind of sexual problem, depending on the cancer being treated. However, intimacy and sexuality after cancer is often overlooked by the medical community and is unspoken by patients and their caregivers. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, Dr. Michael Krychman, Executive Director of the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine joins host Kim Thiboldeaux for a frank and honest conversation on sex and intimacy after cancer treatment.
The alternative rock band N.E.D. - No Evidence of Disease was formed to break the silence about gynecological cancers by making some noise. But this is no ordinary rock band. N.E.D. is composed of 6 gynecologic oncology surgeons based in 5 different states across multiple time zones. The band is releasing its third album this fall and is featured in the award-winning documentary No Evidence of Disease. On the show are lead vocalist and Board Certified Gynecologic Oncologist Dr. Joanie Mayer Hope and the lead producer of documentary No Evidence of Disease, Karen Simon.
According to the Center for Disease Control, tobacco remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. Cigarette smoking alone kills more than 480,000 Americans each year. So it’s no shock anymore that there’s a link between smoking and cancer. However, for many people, cigarette smoking is still a part of their life, and a very hard habit to break. Many people also think that if they haven’t quit smoking by now, they won’t ever be able to—even if they one day are faced with a cancer diagnosis. Luckily, this is not the case. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, guest host Linda House is joined by Tobacco Treatment Specialist VJ Sleight, the Queen of Quitting.
Cancer awareness and support for patients has grown exponentially over the years, but there are still some cancers that people seem to avoid talking about, or even tend to stigmatize. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, host Kim Thiboldeaux is taking on the public perceptions of lung, skin and cervical cancer and the importance of not playing the blame game when it comes to these diagnoses.
It is critically important for all patients to raise their voices in order to ensure that the care and treatments they receive addresses their individual values, preferences and priorities. This episode, with guest host Linda House, President of the Cancer Support Community, features two incredible women who are inspiring all of us to raise our voices: veteran broadcaster Joan Lunden and Amy Berman, a senior program officer at the John A. Hartford Foundation.
Only about 14,500 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with an MPN this year, and the number for polycythemia vera, a type of MPN, is even less—about 22 cases per 100,000 people. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, we'll learn more about polycythemia vera, as well as tips for managing a rare cancer.
Estate planning, preparing a will, selecting a power of attorney and finalizing health care directives can be a daunting task for anyone. But for someone facing a cancer diagnosis these preparations can take on a totally new meaning and feel much more like a reality for all involved. On this episode guest host Linda House takes an in-depth look at each of these documents and how to prepare them with guests Clara Anderson Sainte, MSW, Program Director of Gilda’s Club Kansas City and Paul Pittman, an attorney who has experience in this area both professionally and personally.
Over the years there have been numerous studies on dogs' ability to detect cancer and how that ability might be applied in a clinical setting. This work is particularly important for cancers for which there are currently no effective means of detection or for which the testing process is extremely invasive. Today, in the latest installment of our series Innovation Happens, we’re going to take a look at electronic noses. Inspired by dogs’ natural smelling ability, scientists and engineers are working to develop machines that will allow doctors to quickly and effectively detect cancers.
It is critically important for all patients to raise their voices in order to ensure that the care and treatments they receive addresses their individual values, preferences and priorities. This episode, with guest host Linda House, President of the Cancer Support Community, features two incredible women who are inspiring all of us to raise our voices: veteran broadcaster Joan Lunden and Amy Berman, a senior program officer at the John A. Hartford Foundation.
“Day in and day out, selfless and loving Americans provide care and support to family members and friends in need. They are parents, spouses, children, siblings, relatives and neighbors who uphold their unwavering commitment to ensure the lives of their loved ones shine bright with health, safety and dignity.” -President Barack Obama. In honor of National Family Caregivers Awareness Month, this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer is all the vital role caregivers play in the cancer experience. If you've ever been a caregiver to a loved one with cancer, share your experience with the cancer experience registry at www.cancerexperienceregistry.org.
Being empowered is choosing to adopt actions, behaviors, and attitudes that can help you regain a sense of control over your treatment and life with cancer, excerpt from Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Lung Cancer. Part of being empowered means learning all you can about your specific type of cancer—what it is, how it affects your body, how it’s treated and what you can expect during diagnosis, treatment and beyond. On this episode, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, join guest host Linda House as we go inside a lung cancer diagnosis.
Cancer: It’s just one simple word with 6 letters and 2 syllables. But hearing this short, simple word from your doctor can change everything in an instant. Time can feel like it’s suddenly standing still and swirling by all at once. If you’ve heard this word from your doctor, you’re beginning a new journey—one you may not feel prepared to take. Joining host Kim Thiboldeaux to talk about what to do after you're newly diagnosed is John Leifer, author of After You Hear It's Cancer: A Guide to Navigating the Difficult Journey Ahead.
More than 200,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. In addition to navigating the maze of treatment options, women with breast cancer are also often faced with making a choice about breast reconstruction. Joining guest host Linda House on the show are three guests who will discuss the many reconstruction and non-reconstruction options available, what they entail, and how to live well with life after breast cancer. These guests are: Andrea Strauss, MD FACS, a plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction expert, and breast cancer survivors Jane O. Smith, of Still Sassy, LLC, and Desiree Walker. Join us to learn what you need to know about breast reconstruction.
Each year in the U.S., about 2,240 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in men, compared to about 232,000 cases in women. Because men only represent 1% of the breast cancer diagnosis, we don’t often hear about their cancer journey. With us today to inform and shed on light on male breast cancer are Dr. Oliver Bogler and Dr. Sharon Giordano. Dr. Bogler is Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Neurosurgery Research at MD Anderson. He also serves as its Vice President of the Global Academic Programs. Dr. Bogler was diagnosed with breast cancer in Sept. 2012. Dr. Sharon Giordano is a Board Certified Medical Oncologist. She is also a professor with tenure at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in the Department of Breast Medical Oncology and Chair of the Department of Health Services Research.
October, as most people know, is widely recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. People everywhere become extremely active in raising awareness of this disease, which affects about 1 in 8 U.S women and about 1 in 1000 U.S. men every year. However, what a lot of people don’t know is that October 13th is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. About 155,000 people are currently estimated to be living with this stage of breast cancer. On this episode we take a closer look at what metastatic breast cancer is, how you can feel empowered to live well with this disease and why raising awareness of it is important—not just on October 13th, but all year long.
We’ve all said it—“oh you must have bad luck,” or “don’t worry this could have happened to anyone.” And for some people diagnosed with cancer, this is the case. But in 10 percent of cancer incidences it’s no bad luck or coincidence—it’s genetics. Guest host Linda House is joined by Annie Parker and Lillie Shockney two extraordinary women with extraordinary stories who, in a time before the discovery of the BRCA1 gene, knew the cancer that was impacting their families, and later themselves, was no coincidence. Today they each are dedicating their lives to helping and educating others about hereditary breast cancer.
Making decisions that are best for you, advocating for timely treatment, finding affordable and high-quality care, sharing your story to help others—all of these are ways to be an empowered patient. Feeling empowered to take control of your own cancer experience can make a big difference in the cancer journey. In this first episode of our #CSCEmpower series, guest host Linda House tackles what it means to be an empowered patient with guest Julie Klein.
Estate planning, preparing a will, selecting a power of attorney and finalizing health care directives can be a daunting task for anyone. But for someone facing a cancer diagnosis these preparations can take on a totally new meaning and feel much more like a reality for all involved. On this episode guest host Linda House takes an in-depth look at each of these documents and how to prepare them with guests Clara Anderson Sainte, MSW, Program Director of Gilda’s Club Kansas City and Paul Pittman, an attorney who has experience in this area both professionally and personally.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. With one in seven men diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes, it is the second most common cancer affecting men in the U.S. This week’s radio show focuses on the unique emotional and social needs of men with prostate cancer, as well as challenges facing men who are seeking this support. Guest host Linda House welcomes Tom Kirk, CEO of Us TOO, a nonprofit focused on support for people impacted by prostate cancer.
This year, only about 14,500 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with a myeloproliferative neoplasm, MPN, a rare group of blood cancers. Living with a rare cancer, like an MPN, comes with a unique set of challenges. The diagnosis can be hard to understand, and treatment is often “watch-and-wait” or symptom management only. In honor of Blood Cancer Awareness Month in September and MPN Awareness Day on September 11, join us to shine a light on these rare cancers. Guest host Linda House welcomes back to the show Melissa Wright, LMSW, OSW-C, Program Director at Gilda’s Club Quad Cities to talk more about how to live well with a rare cancer.
About 10 percent of all incidences of cancer are caused by inherited gene mutations which increase the risk for developing certain types of cancer. People living with these inherited gene changes also have a 50 percent chance of passing the mutation down to their children. For people living with this high risk, it’s important to know the facts, how to manage this risk and what treatment options are available. Joining guest host Linda House to discuss living with the risk of developing hereditary cancer is Lisa Schlager, Vice President of Community Affairs for Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) and Karen Hurley, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in hereditary risk counseling.
The alternative rock band N.E.D. - No Evidence of Disease was formed to break the silence about gynecological cancers by making some noise. But this is no ordinary rock band. N.E.D. is composed of 6 gynecologic oncology surgeons based in 5 different states across multiple time zones. The band is releasing its third album this fall and is featured in the award-winning documentary No Evidence of Disease. On the show are lead vocalist and Board Certified Gynecologic Oncologist Dr. Joanie Mayer Hope and the lead producer of documentary No Evidence of Disease, Karen Simon.
When cancer strikes, it can impact every area of your life—your personal life, your family life and even your work life. Balancing your career with your cancer diagnosis can be one of the most complex challenges of the cancer journey, from deciding how to tell your coworkers, to taking time off and balancing the financial impact of cancer. Joining us to help us navigate these challenges are Rebecca Nellis, Vice President of Programs and Strategy for Cancer and Careers, and Monica Bryant, Chief Operating Officer of Triage Cancer.
Estate planning, preparing a will, selecting a power of attorney and finalizing health care directives can be a daunting task for anyone. But for someone facing a cancer diagnosis these preparations can take on a totally new meaning and feel much more like a reality for all involved. On this episode guest host Linda House takes an in-depth look at each of these documents and how to prepare them with guests Clara Anderson Sainte, MSW, Program Director of Gilda’s Club Kansas City and Paul Pittman, an attorney who has experience in this area both professionally and personally.
With summer quickly approaching, a question you hear time and time again is “What are your summer vacation plans?” Vacations offer a time for adventure and fun, as well as relaxation and rejuvenation. For families facing a cancer diagnosis, a vacation may be the furthest thing from their minds, but maybe it shouldn’t be. In this first part of a special two part series, our guest is Marci Schankweiler, the Founder and President of For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation.
Being a teen is hard. Being a teen when your parent has cancer is harder. Today's show features Marc and Maya Silver, a father and daughter duo that co-wrote the book, My Parent Has Cancer and It Really Sucks. In their book, Marc & Maya reflect on their own personal experiences to offer insights on the difficulties of being a teen whose parent is diagnosed with cancer.
June is National Men’s Health Month, a time to raise awareness of health issues specific to men and encourage early detection and treatment of disease. In America, men’s health issues can often be overlooked or ignored. Men are statistically far less likely to go to a doctor than women, feel less comfortable reporting health problems and are more likely to face social stigma for reaching out for emotional support. On today's episode, guest host Linda House is joined by Brandon Leonard of the Men's Health Network to take a deeper look at health issues facing men today.
In this third installment of the Innovation Happens series, host Kim Thiboldeaux takes a look at an unexpected route to innovation by talking to teen inventor Jack Andraka. Jack was just fifteen years old when he invented an inexpensive early detection test for pancreatic, ovarian and lung cancers. His groundbreaking work has earned him international recognition, most notably the 2012 Intel ISEF Gordon Moore Award and the 2012 Smithsonian American Ingenuity Youth Award. Jack was First Lady Michelle Obama’s personal guest at the 2013 State of the Union Address. Jack is now a seventeen year old high school senior and hasn’t slowed down a bit.
In spite of the fact that up to 60% of patients undergoing treatment for cancer develop chemo brain to some degree, many patients and their loved ones are caught off guard when they experience difficulty concentrating, finding the right words, short term memory loss, and multitasking. Chemo brain can have a significant impact on quality of life. Joining host Kim Thiboldeaux to explain this phenomenon, how it can impact your life, how the brain works and what treatments can help are guests Sue Harden, cancer survivor and Dr. Fremonta Meyer, staff psychiatrist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Just five months after her son Víctor was born in 2009, Leslie Rivera Quiroz was diagnosed with stage 4 of Burkitt’s lymphoma, the most aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After her aggressive treatment, Leslie found support at her local Cancer Support Community Affiliate in Dallas, and found strength, both physically and mentally, through an exercise program. She captured her battle against cancer in her inspirational memoir, Victorious: My Story as a Cancer Survivor. On today’s show, host Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Leslie and her friend and health coach, Gene Mosely.
Immunotherapy is one of the most exciting emerging areas of cancer treatment. Many experts now believe that it is well on its way to becoming a pillar of cancer treatment, along with surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The interest in immunotherapy isn't new. Researchers have been studying this for a long time, up until recently with disappointing results. Joining host Kim Thiboldeaux to discuss this exciting treatment option is Dr. Kim Lyerly, Heather DiFilippo and Patty Spears.
Summertime is a time when people take time off from work and children and young adults take time off from school to experience new challenges, embark on adventures and just have fun. But for people impacted by cancer taking time off from cancer may seem impossible and improbable. It could be that taking time off from cancer is just what is called for though. Perhaps it brings benefits you might not find otherwise. In Part 2 of our special series, Take a break from cancer, we talk about taking a break from cancer with Brad Ludden, Founder of First Descents.
With summer quickly approaching, a question you hear time and time again is “What are your summer vacation plans?” Vacations offer a time for adventure and fun, as well as relaxation and rejuvenation. For families facing a cancer diagnosis, a vacation may be the furthest thing from their minds, but maybe it shouldn’t be. In this first part of a special two part series, our guest is Marci Schankweiler, the Founder and President of For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation.
This year marks the 10th Anniversary of Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer initiative, which aims to spread awareness of the free resources available to people during each step of the cancer journey. In this episode, CSC sat down with Amgen’s Richard Paulson and actress Katherine Kelly Lang of The Bold and the Beautiful to talk about the strides made over the years and how the Breakaway from Cancer initiative continues to educate, support and give hope to people impacted by cancer.
We know dogs have an amazing sense of smell, but can they really detect cancer? And if in fact they can, how can we exploit that ability? Our guests Dr. Donald Bodenner and Dr. Arny Ferranda, researchers from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), are trying to answer just that question as it relates to thyroid cancer.
Melanoma cases are on the rise, but innovative new treatments are increasing survival rates and giving patients new hope. Guest host Linda House is joined by Louise M. Perkins, Ph.D., of the Melanoma Research Alliance; April K.S. Salama, MD, of Duke University; and Donna Piunt, melanoma survivor and blogger at The Cancer Spot to discuss the melanoma experience, from prevention through survivorship.
Who can forget the image of boxer Danny Jacobs standing in the ring, hands raised in victory, cheered on by thousands at the Barclays Center having just become the WBA middleweight champion? This alone is not what makes the moment notable. In 2011, Danny was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive bone cancer called osteosarcoma. It caused partial paralysis of his legs and damaged nerves in his spine. Doctors didn’t know if he would ever walk again. Danny is not just a WBA champion, he’s also the first cancer survivor to win a boxing championship.
According to the Center for Disease Control, tobacco remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. Cigarette smoking alone kills more than 480,000 Americans each year. So it’s no shock anymore that there’s a link between smoking and cancer. However, for many people, cigarette smoking is still a part of their life, and a very hard habit to break. Many people also think that if they haven’t quit smoking by now, they won’t ever be able to—even if they one day are faced with a cancer diagnosis. Luckily, this is not the case. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, guest host Linda House is joined by Tobacco Treatment Specialist VJ Sleight, the Queen of Quitting.
In this third installment of the Innovation Happens series, host Kim Thiboldeaux takes a look at an unexpected route to innovation by talking to teen inventor Jack Andraka. Jack was just fifteen years old when he invented an inexpensive early detection test for pancreatic, ovarian and lung cancers. His groundbreaking work has earned him international recognition, most notably the 2012 Intel ISEF Gordon Moore Award and the 2012 Smithsonian American Ingenuity Youth Award. Jack was First Lady Michelle Obama’s personal guest at the 2013 State of the Union Address. Jack is now a seventeen year old high school senior and hasn’t slowed down a bit.
PBS's new documentary Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies may be the most anticipated film ever about cancer. The three-part, six-hour documentary series is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee. This comprehensive story of cancer combines a historical narrative with intimate stories about current day patients, along with an investigation into the latest scientific breakthroughs. On the show are Executive Producer Ken Burns and Director Barak Goodman.
PBS's new documentary Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies may be the most anticipated film ever about cancer. The three-part, six-hour documentary series is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee. This comprehensive story of cancer combines a historical narrative with intimate stories about current day patients, along with an investigation into the latest scientific breakthroughs. On the show are Executive Producer Ken Burns and Director Barak Goodman.
Are organic foods really better than non-organic foods in preventing cancer? Can exercising during cancer actually help you feel less fatigued? This episode explores these questions and more, featuring experts in nutrition and fitness who have dedicated their careers to educating and empowering the cancer community. Joining our host Kim Thiboldeaux on the show is Alice Bender, Associate Director at the American Institute of Cancer Research and Carol Michaels, founder of Recovery Fitness.
Cancer awareness and support for patients has grown exponentially over the years, but there are still some cancers that people seem to avoid talking about, or even tend to stigmatize. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, host Kim Thiboldeaux is taking on the public perceptions of lung, skin and cervical cancer and the importance of not playing the blame game when it comes to these diagnoses.
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and third leading cause of cancer-related death. In 2014, about 136,830 were predicted to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the United States. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and to kick off the month, CSC has invited Michael Sapienza from the organization Chris4Life to help us learn more about colorectal cancer and why awareness is so important.
It’s no secret that most of us spend a lot of our time online, whether we’re using social media, shopping, or watching viral videos. But, the internet is also a great place to find support throughout the cancer journey. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer host Kim Thiboldeaux explores different ways to find cancer support online with guests Marcia Donziger, Founder of MyLifeLine.org, Dr. Jill Mitchell, PhD, an oncology social worker with Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers and Micheal States, an online support group facilitator for the Cancer Support Community.
A cancer diagnosis—whether it’s your own or a loved one’s—always brings on questions, questions and more questions. From trying to find out more about a diagnosis, treatment options, information on the cost of care or where you can find support, the questions and concerns throughout the entire cancer journey can feel endless. Whether you’re living with cancer, caring for someone with cancer or are a long-time survivor, the Cancer Support Helpline is here to provide support and resources at 1-888-793-9355.On this episode, guest host Linda House takes a look inside the Helpline to learn more about the services provided, and the important work it does from someone who knows first-hand.
This Saturday is Valentine’s Day—and if your Valentine is living with cancer this day can often have a deeper meaning. According to the National Cancer Institute, a caregiver often feels just as much distress as the patient, if not more. The demands of caregiving depend on several different variables, including the stage of disease, the type of symptoms experienced, functional ability, level of fatigue and treatment side effects. How a spouse responds to their partner’s cancer diagnosis and treatment can be just as important as how the patient responds. This episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer is all about caregivers—from what it means to be a spouse and caregiver to tips on providing care and love to your partner through Valentine's Day and every day.
On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, guest host Emily Martin, Communications Director for the Cancer Support Community is joined by four guests to explore a significant advancement in cancer treatment—namely the current problems with accessing this treatment. The treatment is oral chemotherapy, a drug you take by mouth to treat cancer, which for an untold numbers of patients is often too expensive to afford due to outdated health insurance benefit models. This episode will focus on how this impacts people currently living with cancer, the implications of the lack of affordability for patients, ways in which new laws will improve access and how everyone can become a part of a solution to this problem.
There are an estimated 14.5 million cancer survivors in the United States. By the year 2024, that number is expected to increase to about 19 million survivors, while the medical costs of cancer are projected to increase 39 percent by the year 2020. To help provide quality cancer care for these 19 million survivors, while also reining in the cost of care, the value of care patients receive must be considered. One of the main tools to help accomplish this is called a “clinical pathway.” On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, Dr. Jennifer Malin joins guest host Linda House to explain clinical pathways
Parenting with cancer can often be an overwhelming and challenging experience. Often, one of the most difficult parts is figuring out how to tell your kids about a diagnosis. Children of different ages have different reactions to this news, and may have trouble understanding what a cancer diagnosis means. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer we will explore this complicated conversation and offer tips for supporting your child through a cancer diagnosis and beyond.
According to the National Cancer Institute, anywhere between 40% and 100% of patients with cancer experience some kind of sexual problem, depending on the cancer being treated. However, intimacy and sexuality after cancer is often overlooked by the medical community and is unspoken by patients and their caregivers. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, Dr. Michael Krychman, Executive Director of the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine joins host Kim Thiboldeaux for a frank and honest conversation on sex and intimacy after cancer treatment.
Saturday, November 15 marked the first day of the 2015 open enrollment period for health insurance in your state’s Health Insurance Marketplace or Exchange. This period ends on February 15, 2015. For anyone who is at risk for cancer, living with cancer or is a cancer survivor, there are certain things to consider when looking for a new plan or looking to change plans. Joining guest host Linda House to discuss what you need to know to navigate this year's open enrollment plan are guests Monica Bryant of Triage Cancer and Elizabeth Hoffler of the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
Immunotherapy is one of the most exciting emerging areas of cancer treatment. Many experts now believe that it is well on its way to becoming a pillar of cancer treatment, along with surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The interest in immunotherapy isn't new. Researchers have been studying this for a long time, up until recently with disappointing results. Joining host Kim Thiboldeaux to discuss this exciting treatment option is Dr. Kim Lyerly, Heather DiFilippo and Patty Spears.
Being empowered is choosing to adopt actions, behaviors, and attitudes that can help you regain a sense of control over your treatment and life with cancer, excerpt from Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Lung Cancer. Part of being empowered means learning all you can about your specific type of cancer—what it is, how it affects your body, how it’s treated and what you can expect during diagnosis, treatment and beyond. On this episode, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, join guest host Linda House as we go inside a lung cancer diagnosis.
There is perhaps no subject more important to someone facing cancer than innovations in medicine. Digging even deeper than our first episode, we explore the environments that foster or hinder innovation, the regulatory requirements and what we individually can do to help. Joining guest host Linda House is Dr. Jonathan Sackner-Bernstein, an internationally recognized clinical researcher and expert in the development and regulation of medical products as well as a former senior FDA official.
More than 200,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. In addition to navigating the maze of treatment options, women with breast cancer are also often faced with making a choice about breast reconstruction. Joining guest host Linda House on the show are three guests who will discuss the many reconstruction and non-reconstruction options available, what they entail, and how to live well with life after breast cancer. These guests are: Andrea Strauss, MD FACS, a plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction expert, and breast cancer survivors Jane O. Smith, of Still Sassy, LLC, and Desiree Walker. Join us to learn what you need to know about breast reconstruction.
With the holiday season in full swing, on today's episode, the Cancer Support Community addresses the impact of the holidays on cancer patients and their families and addresses ways to cope during this time of year. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Erica Proctor, a brain cancer survivor, and Charli Prather-Levinson, a licensed clinical and oncology social worker and Program Director of Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis. Tune in to find out how to cope effectively with the holidays.
This year, an estimated 224,210 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States. 116,000 of these cases are estimated to be diagnosed in men, and 108,210 cases are estimated to affect women—making this the second most common cancer in both men and women and the leading cause of cancer-related death. In honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, today’s show with guest host Linda House will focus on learning more about this diagnosis, treatment options and supportive resources.
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month---a time for survivors, patients and organizations to speak out, raise awareness—and of course research funds—for this disease. On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, Linda House is joined by pancreatic cancer survivor Maija Eerkes and Vincent Picozzi, M.D., of Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, and Chair of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Scientific and Medical Advisory Board. Listen as host Linda House and guests talk about the pancreatic cancer experience and how you can find or provide support and help raise awareness.
We’ve all said it—“oh you must have bad luck,” or “don’t worry this could have happened to anyone.” And for some people diagnosed with cancer, this is the case. But in 10 percent of cancer incidences it’s no bad luck or coincidence—it’s genetics. Guest host Linda House is joined by Annie Parker and Lillie Shockney two extraordinary women with extraordinary stories who, in a time before the discovery of the BRCA1 gene, knew the cancer that was impacting their families, and later themselves, was no coincidence. Today they each are dedicating their lives to helping and educating others about hereditary breast cancer.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest 5-year survival rates of all cancers. Despite these facts and figures, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and other hard-to-beat cancers of the liver, esophagus, stomach and ovary have historically been given the lowest amount of government research funding. The Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act is working to change that. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Megan Gordon Don, Vice President of Government Affairs & Advocacy at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and Dr. Jim Dougherty, medical and scientific advisor for the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, to talk more about what this law means and why it was so necessary in the first place.
Finding the silver linings while living with cancer can be difficult, but having a positive attitude can make all the difference. On today’s show, Kim Thiboldeaux talks to Hollye Jacobs, breast cancer survivor and author of The Silver Pen blog and the book The Silver Lining: A Supportive and Insightful Guide to Breast Cancer. Hollye, a pediatric and adult palliative care nurse and social worker, brings a unique perspective to her blog, which intimately details her experience with breast cancer, as well as her life beyond breast cancer—from raising her family, to her favorite recipes, to her secrets to achieving impeccable style—all while stopping to point out every silver lining in her journey.
Even with all its rewards and wonderful moments, parenting is a tough job. Raising a family after losing a spouse can make things even more challenging. After coming up empty-handed in their search for resources for fathers who had recently lost their wives to cancer, a team at University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill began their own support group just for these men, called Single Fathers Due to Cancer. Since its inception in the fall of 2010, this program has helped a group of fathers through a challenging time in their lives and is teaching experts important things about the unique needs of these men. In this show, your host Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Dr. Justin Yopp, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UNC Chapel Hill, and Bruce Ham, a single father due to cancer who has just written a book about his experience, called Laughter, Tears and Braids: a father’s journey through losing his wife to cancer.
Who can forget the image of boxer Danny Jacobs standing in the ring, hands raised in victory, cheered on by thousands at the Barclays Center having just become the WBA middleweight champion? This alone is not what makes the moment notable. In 2011, Danny was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive bone cancer called osteosarcoma. It caused partial paralysis of his legs and damaged nerves in his spine. Doctors didn’t know if he would ever walk again. Danny is not just a WBA champion, he’s also the first cancer survivor to win a boxing championship.
October, as most people know, is widely recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. People everywhere become extremely active in raising awareness of this disease, which affects about 1 in 8 U.S women and about 1 in 1000 U.S. men every year. However, what a lot of people don’t know is that October 13th is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. About 155,000 people are currently estimated to be living with this stage of breast cancer. On this episode we take a closer look at what metastatic breast cancer is, how you can feel empowered to live well with this disease and why raising awareness of it is important—not just on October 13th, but all year long.
There are many reasons to be hopeful about future medical treatments for cancer. Joining us for a fascinating and inspiring talk about innovation in medicine are Harvard Freshman, cancer researcher and cancer survivor Elana Simon and former senior FDA official Dr. Jonathan Sackner- Bernstein. They are going to help us understand what it takes to go from an idea to reality.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. With one in seven men diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes, it is the second most common cancer affecting men in the U.S. This week’s radio show focuses on the unique emotional and social needs of men with prostate cancer, as well as challenges facing men who are seeking this support. Guest host Linda House welcomes Tom Kirk, CEO of Us TOO, a nonprofit focused on support for people impacted by prostate cancer.
When cancer strikes, it can impact every area of your life—your personal life, your family life and even your work life. Balancing your career with your cancer diagnosis can be one of the most complex challenges of the cancer journey, from deciding how to tell your coworkers, to taking time off and balancing the financial impact of cancer. Joining us to help us navigate these challenges are Rebecca Nellis, Vice President of Programs and Strategy for Cancer and Careers, and Monica Bryant, Chief Operating Officer of Triage Cancer.
This year, only about 14,500 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with a myeloproliferative neoplasm, MPN, a rare group of blood cancers. Living with a rare cancer, like an MPN, comes with a unique set of challenges. The diagnosis can be hard to understand, and treatment is often “watch-and-wait” or symptom management only. In honor of Blood Cancer Awareness Month in September and MPN Awareness Day on September 11, join us to shine a light on these rare cancers. Guest host Linda House welcomes back to the show Melissa Wright, LMSW, OSW-C, Program Director at Gilda’s Club Quad Cities to talk more about how to live well with a rare cancer.
About 10 percent of all incidences of cancer are caused by inherited gene mutations which increase the risk for developing certain types of cancer. People living with these inherited gene changes also have a 50 percent chance of passing the mutation down to their children. For people living with this high risk, it’s important to know the facts, how to manage this risk and what treatment options are available. Joining guest host Linda House to discuss living with the risk of developing hereditary cancer is Lisa Schlager, Vice President of Community Affairs for Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) and Karen Hurley, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in hereditary risk counseling.
Can you prepare yourself for cancer treatment? Julie Silver, MD, joins guest host Linda House on this episode to explore a new concept called cancer pre-habilitation. Dr. Silver is a founder of the STAR Program (Survivorship Training and Rehabilitation) and an associate professor at Harvard Medical School in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She is also a breast cancer survivor.
There is life after cancer. Learn about cancer rehab and how to live a healthy life after treatment is complete. What kind of rehabilitation may be helpful after having cancer? Is it possible to feel like your old self again after treatment? How can you get help for cognitive issues like “chemo brain”? Joining Kim Thiboldeaux to explore the answers to these questions is Jeanne Simard, a registered nurse with a clinical background in cancer rehabilitation and critical care. She is the corporate vice president of Oncology Rehab Partners, the developer of the STAR (Survivorship Training and Rehab) Program, a model of comprehensive cancer rehabilitation that is being implemented by hospitals, cancer centers and private rehabilitation practices in over 40 states.
For more information on the STAR Program, please visit www.OncologyRehabPartners.com
Painful experiences can be the impetus for meaningful change. On this show, hear from Regina Holliday, an activist, artist, speaker and author who began an advocacy movement called “The Walking Gallery” after her late husband’s struggle to get appropriate cancer care. You’ll also hear from Eunita Winkey, founder of ATWINDS Foundation, a public school teacher and a member of The Walking Gallery, who became an advocate after medical errors harmed her family.
Are organic foods really better than non-organic foods in preventing cancer? Can exercising during cancer actually help you feel less fatigued? This episode explores these questions and more, featuring experts in nutrition and fitness who have dedicated their careers to educating and empowering the cancer community. Joining our host Kim Thiboldeaux on the show is Alice Bender, Associate Director at the American Institute of Cancer Research and Carol Michaels, founder of Recovery Fitness.
There have been many amazing stories in the news about dogs that have alerted their owners to cancer. There’s Susan Castriota, who recounted how her dog was poking at her breast for months before she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. There’s Steve Warner, whose dog’s obsessive sniffing around his ears convinced him to get an MRI, which alerted him to his brain tumor. And those aren’t the other anecdotes out there. Scientists have begun to study this phenomena and the results are very interesting, in particular for cancers where there currently are no reliable screening methods. Joining our host Kim Thiboldeaux on the show is Alexander Burnett, MD, Professor of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Donna Waugh, President of the American Scent Dog Association.
The loss of a loved one is a difficult experience, and everyone handles it in their own unique way. Guest hosted by the Cancer Support Community’s Linda House, RN, BSN, MSN, this show explores the grief and bereavement process and how you can accept your feelings as much as possible, take care of yourself and find support when you need it.
Being a teen is hard. Being a teen when your parent has cancer is harder. Today's show features Marc and Maya Silver, a father and daughter duo that co-wrote the book, My Parent Has Cancer and It Really Sucks. In their book, Marc & Maya reflect on their own personal experiences to offer insights on the difficulties of being a teen whose parent is diagnosed with cancer.
Melanoma cases are on the rise, but innovative new treatments are increasing survival rates and giving patients new hope. Guest host Linda House is joined by Louise M. Perkins, Ph.D., of the Melanoma Research Alliance; April K.S. Salama, MD, of Duke University; and Donna Piunt, melanoma survivor and blogger at The Cancer Spot to discuss the melanoma experience, from prevention through survivorship.
As a healthy, happy thirty nine year old mother with no family history of breast cancer, being diagnosed with the disease rocked her world. Having worked as a nurse, social worker and child development specialist for fifteen years, she was trained to heal. But in her role as a patient, the healing process became personal. Today’s show welcomes back Hollye Jacobs, author of The Silver Lining: A Supportive and Insightful Guide to Breast Cancer, a New York Times Bestseller that combines her perspectives of being both a patient and a clinician.
Each year in the U.S., about 2,240 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in men, compared to about 232,000 cases in women. Because men only represent 1% of the breast cancer diagnosis, we don’t often hear about their cancer journey. With us today to inform and shed on light on male breast cancer are Dr. Oliver Bogler and Dr. Sharon Giordano. Dr. Bogler is Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Neurosurgery Research at MD Anderson. He also serves as its Vice President of the Global Academic Programs. Dr. Bogler was diagnosed with breast cancer in Sept. 2012. Dr. Sharon Giordano is a Board Certified Medical Oncologist. She is also a professor with tenure at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in the Department of Breast Medical Oncology and Chair of the Department of Health Services Research.
Between all the different lab tests, scans and reports, you acquire a lot of paperwork during the cancer experience. After being in waiting room after waiting room seeing everyone’s binders full of printed medical records, Maayan Cohen saw firsthand the role medical records play at oncology appointments and saw a need for a way to simplify this experience. Maayan is the CEO and founder of Hello Doctor, a mobile app that is revolutionizing the way patients and their health care teams are accessing, viewing and sharing their medical records. Learn more about this new technology on this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer.
In honor of National Cancer Survivors Day this week, today’s show focuses on two talented individuals who are giving back to others going through the cancer experience. Mark Bowling is a singer and song writer who was born the youngest of nine children in the small town of Spencer Indiana. Mark was raised on classic country and gospel music and draws his influence from greats like Lyle Lovett, Hal Ketchum and Don Williams. As an independently touring and recording singer-songwriter, Mark has shared the stage with Nashville stars such as Charlie Pride, Phil Vassar, Eric Church, Ty England and Collin Raye. Also on the show, Noreen Batt was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma after her very first mammogram at 40. In her one-woman act called “Thanks for the Mamories,” she pokes good-natured fun at her medical team & herself while sharing personal insights into her cancer journey. She is a happily married mother of two and currently lives in New Hampshire.
“I won’t let a brain tumor defeat me or the people I love. It’s a scary diagnosis but now I know the facts.” This is a quote from Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Brain Tumors. Currently there are more than 688,000 people living with a brain or central nervous system tumor in the United States, and this year alone an estimated 23,380 adults will be diagnosed with a primary, cancerous brain tumor according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology. To help us learn more about brain tumors this Brain Tumor Awareness Month, the show is joined by Deanna Glass Macenka, Program Coordinator the Neurosurgical Oncology Program at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Dr. Ashley Love Sumrall, Neuro-Oncologist at the Levine Cancer Institute.
What do we really know about cancer? Joining the show is author George Johnson, who has investigated the myths, misunderstandings, data and history of cancer in his book, The Cancer Chronicles-- Unlocking Medicine's Deepest Mystery. While a compelling biography of cancer, the book is also a moving personal account of George’s cancer journey, as he recounts his then wife’s cancer diagnosis with a “metastatic cancer with unknown primary” and subsequent treatment. George writes regularly about science for The New York Times. He has also written for National Geographic, Slate, Discover, Scientific American, Wired and The Atlantic
One person alone can’t beat cancer—it takes a team. This is the idea behind a unique initiative called Breakaway from Cancer, founded by Amgen in 2005 to raise awareness of the free resources available to people affected by cancer, from prevention through survivorship. Joining the show to talk more about Breakaway from Cancer is Richard Paulson of Amgen and Patrick Devinger, who came across Breakaway from Cancer when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2008.
Tune in Tuesday, July 17th to hear how a person’s race could affect their chance of surviving breast cancer. As many know, a person’s experience with a breast cancer diagnosis, their treatment and their risk of dying is very different depending on the race of that patient. Dr. Steven Whitman, Director of the Sinai Health Institute and Marc Hurlbert, Executive Director of the Avon Foundation’s global breast cancer programs discuss their new study of this racial disparity across the U.S.’s 25 largest cities and the implications of their research.
Whether it’s during treatment or years into survivorship, body image is an often overlooked issue for people on the cancer journey. On today’s show, we will be exploring body image and cancer—what kinds of challenges we are seeing, when to bring these issues up with your health care team and more. Joining your host, Kim Thiboldeaux, is Michelle Cororve Fingeret, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Behavioral Science with joint appointments in the Departments of Plastic Surgery and Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Also on the show is Jane O. Smith, breast cancer survivor and principal at Still Sassy, LLC.
Multi-division professional boxing champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero is used to putting up a fight, but no amount of training could have prepared him for the day when his wife, Casey, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2007. Upon hearing this news, Robert scaled back his training, turned down three major championships and eventually vacated his title, stepping away from boxing to take care of his wife and two young children. On today’s show, our host Kim and CSC’s Vicki Kennedy, LCSW, are joined by Robert to talk more about his journey as a cancer caregiver.
Living with cancer can be a challenge for anyone—but what if you also have an intellectual or developmental disability? On this episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, we will explore the unique challenges people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, their caregivers and their health care teams face when it comes to cancer prevention, screening and treatment. Show host Linda House, RN, of the Cancer Support Community, will be joined by Robyn J. Blanchard, RN, of The Arc Gloucester; Leone Murphy, MSN, RN, of The Arc of New Jersey; and Karen Luken, MSRA, of the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health.
A genetic mutation in the DNA of people with Lynch Syndrome gives them as much as an 80% chance of getting colon cancer, along with an increased risk of several other types of cancers. Learn more about this syndrome, the genetic testing that is done for it and tips for managing it.
In the United States, families are often spread all over—sometimes on opposite coasts or in opposite climates. This can present challenges when someone in the family is diagnosed with cancer and everyone can’t be where they want to be at once. It’s important for these far-away loved ones to remember that they are not alone—In fact, it is estimated that 7 million people in the U.S. are long-distance caregivers. Many of these people are family members of someone with cancer—daughters and sons, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. On this show, guest host Linda House and Sara Goldberger, Senior Director of Programs at the Cancer Support Community, will talk about common challenges of being a long-distance caregiver, unique ways that a long-distance caregiver can be helpful and how to handle the emotional impacts of caregiving on families.
Learning you have cancer can be shocking and traumatic. It also can cause insecurities about body image—one of which for women may be hair loss, a side effect of chemotherapy. Getting a nice wig can ease concerns, but for many it is too expensive, not covered by insurance and may not be frequently used. Today's guests sought to solve this problem by founding The Wig Exchange—an organization that provides high-quality wigs to women undergoing chemotherapy through donations from cancer survivors and their families looking to offer support to others.
The Broadway Lullaby Project is a collection of original lullabies and illustrations featuring music by some of Broadway's biggest stars and brightest composers with illustrations by acclaimed children's artists and Broadway set designers. All proceeds from this unique project raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Young Survival Coalition. Joining Kim Thiboldeaux to talk about the project are its co-creator and executive producer Jodi Gluckman and lyricist and composer Michael Friedman.
Coping with a cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment can be challenging for anyone. Facing unwanted and unexpected side effects of that treatment can cause even more disruption. Fortunately, there are ways to be prepared for and to manage both the physical and emotional effects of treatment. Today’s show will address treatment options, common side effects and how to cope with them. Tune in to learn strategies to improve both your emotional and physical well being.
Suleika Jaouad, Emmy-award winning New York Times columnist, and Seamus McKiernan, Deputy Blog Editor at The Huffington Post, join host Kim Thiboldeaux today to take a look at the power of writing and how the internet has created community where before there was isolation. This modern media power couple is having a real impact on the lives of young adults facing cancer and, increasingly, young people with a variety of chronic medical conditions who are able to relate to the cancer experience.
What is patient navigation? Cancer Support Community guest host Linda House discusses this topic with Lillie Shockney, a registered nurse and an expert on patient navigation during the cancer experience. Lillie has been the administrative director of the Johns Hopkins Breast Center since 1997. A two-time breast cancer survivor, published author and nationally recognized speaker on the subject of breast cancer, Lillie has worked tirelessly to improve the care of breast cancer patients around the world. On today’s show, Linda and Lillie will define patient navigation, explore case studies and show how this kind of patient-centered care is having an impact on patients and the health care community.
Mental wellness is defined as a state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities and meet the ordinary demands of everyday life. Unfortunately, caring for someone you love when they have cancer is no ordinary demand, but it can become a part of your everyday life. In honor of National Mental Wellness Month this January, we want to focus on improving the state of mental wellness in an often overlooked group of people who are part of the cancer journey—the caregiver. Joining guest host Linda House is Sara Goldberger, Senior Program Director at the Cancer Support Community to discuss some of the most common concerns among caregivers, and ways they can get help.
With the holiday season in full swing, on today's episode, the Cancer Support Community addresses the impact of the holidays on cancer patients and their families and addresses ways to cope during this time of year. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Erica Proctor, a brain cancer survivor, and Charli Prather-Levinson, a licensed clinical and oncology social worker and Program Director of Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis. Tune in to find out how to cope effectively with the holidays.
Few things are more frightening than hearing a doctor say, “You have cancer.” However fewer patients may begin hearing those three shocking words. On today’s show Dr. Otis Brawley, Chief Medical Officer of the American Cancer Society and professor of hematology, oncology, medicine and epidemiology at Emory University, will discuss a proposed change to the definition of cancer as we know it today. This change could eliminate the word “cancer” from several commonly diagnosed conditions.
With the opening of the health insurance marketplaces in October, the implementation of the Affordable Care Act is well underway. If you are living with cancer, what do these new insurance options mean for you? Join guest host Linda House, Executive Vice President of External Affairs at the Cancer Support Community, as she welcomes two experts who explain what you need to know about the ACA—Michelle Johnston-Fleece, Director of State Initiatives at the Cancer Support Community; and Matt Farber, Director, Provider Economics and Public Policy, Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC).
Finding the silver linings while living with cancer can be difficult, but having a positive attitude can make all the difference. On today’s show, Kim Thiboldeaux talks to Hollye Jacobs, breast cancer survivor and author of The Silver Pen blog and the book The Silver Lining: A Supportive and Insightful Guide to Breast Cancer. Hollye, a pediatric and adult palliative care nurse and social worker, brings a unique perspective to her blog, which intimately details her experience with breast cancer, as well as her life beyond breast cancer—from raising her family, to her favorite recipes, to her secrets to achieving impeccable style—all while stopping to point out every silver lining in her journey.
Cancer is tough. Basic comforts make a world of difference. On today’s show, guest host Linda House of the Cancer Support Community and special guest Carrie Varoquiers from the McKesson Foundation are talking about McKesson’s Giving Comfort program, a unique initiative that provides care packages to low-income cancer patients. These packages include high-quality comfort items that are most needed and requested by patients undergoing treatment: a soft blanket, warm socks, soothing tea, moisturizer, lip balm, a sleeping cap and much more. Learn more about Comfort Kits and how you can get involved on today’s show and by visiting www.GivingComfort.org
November is lung cancer awareness month. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., due in part to the fact that so few cases are diagnosed at an early stage when cancer is most curable. Today we’re hoping to shed light on a type of cancer that carries a stigma—even though 80% of people diagnosed with lung cancer are former or never-smokers. Joining us for the show is Amy Copeland, the Associate Director of Medical Outreach at Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA), and Jenny White, a lung cancer survivor who never smoked who is now the Director of LCA’s Tennessee Chapter.
What do video games have to do with helping children with cancer? HopeLab and Cigna Total Health are hoping that their video game, “Re-Mission 2,” will give kids with cancer a positive attitude about their treatment. On today’s show with guest host Linda House of the Cancer Support Community, we’ll hear more about this unique project with guests Dr. Scott Josephs of Cigna Total Health and Network and Richard Tate of HopeLab. We’ll find out if “Re-Mission 2” has succeeded in its own mission and what its creative team is learning along the way. “Re-Mission 2” was designed by HopeLab, a research and development nonprofit that designs tech products to support health and wellbeing. Cigna Total Health and Network began working with HopeLab in 2007 and is helping to promote Re-Mission 2 to ensure that the video game gets in the hands of every young person with cancer around the world.
We’re hearing the phrase “the cancer experience” more and more these days. This show is all about an increasingly popular concept in the cancer space that is all about improving the cancer experience—the concept of palliative care. Our host Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by some top experts who will explain what palliative care (also called supportive care) is and why it’s so important to incorporate in every step of your cancer journey. Kim is joined by Rebecca Kirch, Director, Quality of Life and Survivorship, Cancer Control, American Cancer Society; Tom Kean, President and CEO of C-Change; and Selma R. Schimmel, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Vital Options International.
Lilly Oncology's Patient Access to Cancer care Excellence (PACE) initiative represents a global, collaborative effort between Lilly Oncology, patients, advocates and thought leaders to encourage public policies and health care decisions that support the continuation of medical innovation and ensure patient access to the most effective cancer treatments. Learn more about this unique effort and what it means for people impacted by cancer.
Even with all its rewards and wonderful moments, parenting is a tough job. Raising a family after losing a spouse can make things even more challenging. After coming up empty-handed in their search for resources for fathers who had recently lost their wives to cancer, a team at University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill began their own support group just for these men, called Single Fathers Due to Cancer. Since its inception in the fall of 2010, this program has helped a group of fathers through a challenging time in their lives and is teaching experts important things about the unique needs of these men. In this show, your host Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Dr. Justin Yopp, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UNC Chapel Hill, and Bruce Ham, a single father due to cancer who has just written a book about his experience, called Laughter, Tears and Braids: a father’s journey through losing his wife to cancer.
Dan Duffy has been working in film, television, and radio for almost 20 years and has won numerous awards in his career. He is a Telly Award Winner, a seven-time Telly Award Finalist, and an AIR (Achievement in Radio) award winner, with two other nominations. In 2003, Dan was diagnosed with stage three testicular cancer and was declared cancer-free seven months later. After his own cancer experience left him with questions he was unable to answer, Dan wanted to change the way people looked at a cancer diagnosis. In 2010, he and his producing partner, Joe Farmer, founded The Half Fund, with the mission of “lifting the veil on cancer.” He is also the author of a blog about cancer that appears in The Huffington Post. On this show, hear Dan’s story and learn about the inspiring work of The Half Fund.
There have been many amazing stories in the news about dogs that have alerted their owners to cancer. There’s Susan Castriota, who recounted how her dog was poking at her breast for months before she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. There’s Steve Warner, whose dog’s obsessive sniffing around his ears convinced him to get an MRI, which alerted him to his brain tumor. And those aren’t the other anecdotes out there. Scientists have begun to study this phenomena and the results are very interesting, in particular for cancers where there currently are no reliable screening methods. Joining our host Kim Thiboldeaux on the show is Alexander Burnett, MD, Professor of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Donna Waugh, President of the American Scent Dog Association.
There is life after cancer. Learn about cancer rehab and how to live a healthy life after treatment is complete. What kind of rehabilitation may be helpful after having cancer? Is it possible to feel like your old self again after treatment? How can you get help for cognitive issues like “chemo brain”? Joining Kim Thiboldeaux to explore the answers to these questions is Jeanne Simard, a registered nurse with a clinical background in cancer rehabilitation and critical care. She is the corporate vice president of Oncology Rehab Partners, the developer of the STAR (Survivorship Training and Rehab) Program, a model of comprehensive cancer rehabilitation that is being implemented by hospitals, cancer centers and private rehabilitation practices in over 40 states.
For more information on the STAR Program, please visit www.OncologyRehabPartners.com
September 12 is MPN Awareness Day. Today’s show is all about this rare group of blood cancers—whose full name is Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. Being a rare cancer, understanding an MPN diagnosis and its treatment options can be confusing. Today we’ve invited on a couple of guests to help us better understand this condition and how to live well with it. Joining us today is Dr. John Mascarenhas, an assistant professor in Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, and an expert on MPN. Also here with us is Melissa Wright, the Program Director at one of the Cancer Support Community’s affiliates, Gilda’s Club Quad Cities, in Davenport, Iowa.
Newly diagnosed and in need of support? Long-time survivor and looking for resources? Just having a rough day and just want to talk to someone? If cancer is in your life, the toll-free Cancer Support Helpline is available to help, whether you have cancer or you are the loved one of someone who does. On this show, we’ll learn more about the services of the Cancer Support Helpline and why they are so important. Your host Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Charli Prather, a call counselor who talks to people impacted by cancer every day on the Cancer Support Helpline, and Vicki Kennedy, Vice President of Program Development and Delivery at the Cancer Support Community.
And if you ever need support, call the Cancer Support Helpline at 1-888-793-9355.
In partnership with the Research Advocacy Network, CSC presents a show on the role of tissue sampling in the cancer continuum. Did you know that tissue can be donated at any point in one’s life, as well as from those living with cancer, and their family members? Learn more with Dr. LaBaer, Director of the Virginia G. Piper Center for Personalized Diagnostics at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University and Kay Kays, a four-time pancreatic cancer survivor and patient advocate with Research Advocacy Network.
Tune in Tuesday, July 17th to hear how a person’s race could affect their chance of surviving breast cancer. As many know, a person’s experience with a breast cancer diagnosis, their treatment and their risk of dying is very different depending on the race of that patient. Dr. Steven Whitman, Director of the Sinai Health Institute and Marc Hurlbert, Executive Director of the Avon Foundation’s global breast cancer programs discuss their new study of this racial disparity across the U.S.’s 25 largest cities and the implications of their research.
Within the past year, the Cancer Support Community has been extremely fortunate to have created partnerships with three philanthropic and community-minded entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs have been generous enough to donate a portion of the proceeds from their products, some specifically designed with the Cancer Support Community in mind, to the programs and services offered by the Cancer Support Community. Join the Cancer Support Community’s Kim Thiboldeaux in learning more about the work of John Wind, founder of John Wind: Maximal Art Jewelry; Wendi Berger, president of Pour le Monde 100% Natural Perfumes; and Art Pellett, author of Sleeping in Snow with Bears.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest 5-year survival rates of all cancers. Despite these facts and figures, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and other hard-to-beat cancers of the liver, esophagus, stomach and ovary have historically been given the lowest amount of government research funding. A new piece of legislation called the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act, signed into law in January, is working to change that. On this episode, Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Megan Gordon Don, Vice President of Government Affairs & Advocacy at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and Dr. Jim Dougherty, medical and scientific advisor for the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, to talk more about what this new law means and why it was so necessary in the first place.
We know that often people undergoing cancer treatment have a very different experience than they originally anticipated. Today’s show brings on Jack Beckman, a professional drag racer in the National Hot Rod Association and cancer survivor as well as LauraJane Hyde, CEO of CSC’s affiliate, Gilda’s Club Chicago, to debunk common misconceptions associated with chemotherapy and work to encourage patients and caregivers to take charge of their cancer journey by speaking openly with their doctors.
People in treatment, post treatment, caregivers, family and friends—everyone wants to know what they should be eating that can make a difference. What can help them stay strong while facing the grueling challenges of a cancer treatment or supporting someone in treatment? Are there foods that really can help prevent certain kinds of cancer? What do they really need to know? On this show, Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Collette Heimowitz, Vice President of Nutrition & Education for Atkins Nutritionals, to explore a whole range of questions about food, cancer and wellness to help you make the best choices for yourself and your loved ones.
Tuesday’s show focuses on skin issues experienced by cancer patients both during and after treatment. CSC welcomes Dr. Mario E. Lacouture, a dermatologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, who focuses on the prevention and side effect management for those experiencing skin issues during and after cancer treatment. These include issues affecting the skin, hair, and nails of cancer patients and survivors. Join us for an hour that’s both informative and revealing---including the latest in dermatological treatments.
The Cancer Support Community’s Linda House is joined by Craig Cole, Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Anne Morris, Research Manager at the Cancer Support Community’s Research Institute. Tune in to find out about the Cancer Support Community’s Cancer Experience Registry, a platform for people to share their experiences with cancer so that the cancer community at large may better address their needs.
Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Mary Ryan, a woman living with melanoma, Dr. Elizabeth Callahan, one of the country’s premier specialists in cosmetic dermatology and Mohs skin cancer surgery, and Tim Ternham, the Executive Director of the Melanoma Research Foundation. Tune in to find out about the latest on treatment advances in melanoma, tips for prevention, and ways to live the best quality of life possible with this disease.
When you’re a young adult diagnosed with cancer, you’re faced with a unique set of challenges. Today’s show is about a documentary web series called Valleys that chronicles the journey of Amy Mcdougall-Aubin and her family and friends as she completes her cancer treatment and embarks on a trip to raft the Grand Canyon. Like white-water rafting itself, there are twists and turns in Amy’s journey as she and her caregivers confront the challenges of cancer. Joining us on the show are Amy, her best friend Annie Knowles, Valleys creator and cancer survivor Mike Lang and young adult cancer advocate Pat Taylor.
The Amgen Tour of California is just around the corner! Learn more about the race and what it has to do with Breakaway from Cancer, a partnership between Amgen and four nonprofits that aims to increase the awareness of the free resources available to people affected by cancer. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Bob Azelby from Amgen Oncology, Kristin Bachochin from AEG Sports and Laurie and Brian Frank from CSC San Francisco Bay Area.
Joining CSC for part 2 of our tissue collection and research radio show is Dr. Stephen Edge, the immediate past Chair of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and Dr. Carl Morrison, Executive Director of the Center for Personalized Medicine at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. This sequel will focus on tissue sampling, why it’s important and the advancement of research, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, both now and into the future. Join us for an in-depth look into tissue collection and a deeper look into the topic!
Today’s show will delve deep into this newly classified and rare type of cancer--- Myelofibrosis. This chronic form of leukemia affects 1.5 out of every 100,000 people in the United States every year and CSC is bringing on experts and patients to demystify this often unheard of and misunderstood disease. Kim is joined by Dr. Ross Levine of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Melissa Wright, the Program Director at CSC’s affiliate, Gilda’s Club Quad Cities and 12-year survivor and director with The Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Education Foundation of Myelofibrosis, Bob Swanson.
On today's episode, the Cancer Support Community addresses treating cancer during pregnancy. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Patty Murray, Co-founder and Chairwoman of Hope for Two...The Pregnant with Cancer Network, Dr. Elyce Cardonick, an active member of the organization’s Board of Advisors and Lisa Bender, who was diagnosed at age 32 with Stage 2 breast cancer while pregnant with her first child. Our guests will talk to us about the diagnosis experience, finding the proper emotional support and new research findings for women who require cancer treatment during pregnancy.
In partnership with the Research Advocacy Network, CSC presents a show on the role of tissue sampling in the cancer continuum. Did you know that tissue can be donated at any point in one’s life, as well as from those living with cancer, and their family members? Learn more with Dr. LaBaer, Director of the Virginia G. Piper Center for Personalized Diagnostics at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University and Kay Kays, a four-time pancreatic cancer survivor and patient advocate with Research Advocacy Network.
Writing has the power to elevate the spirit and the mind, to bring solace and understanding. Join us for a conversation with columnist Suleika Jaouad who writes a weekly column for the NY Times’ Well section called Life Interrupted which chronicles her journey as a young adult with cancer and Meredith Ruden, an Oncology Social Worker who implemented the Healing With Words workshop at Mt. Sinai Hospital.
On today's episode, the Cancer Support Community addresses what to do when your Valentine is diagnosed with cancer. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by husband and wife Ana and Victor and Suzanne Geffen Mintz, President/Co-founder of the National Family Caregivers Association who will talk about what it means to be a spouse and caregiver. Tune in to hear advice and guidance about how to deal with many of the challenges of acting as a caregiver for your Valentine.
We know that often people undergoing cancer treatment have a very different experience than they originally anticipated. Today’s show brings on Jack Beckman, a professional drag racer in the National Hot Rod Association and cancer survivor as well as LauraJane Hyde, CEO of CSC’s affiliate, Gilda’s Club Chicago, to debunk common misconceptions associated with chemotherapy and work to encourage patients and caregivers to take charge of their cancer journey by speaking openly with their doctors.
We know that a cancer diagnosis is life-changing—not only for the person with cancer, but also for the loved ones in that person’s life. Today’s show is all about caregivers and the FOCUS program, a unique collaboration between University of Michigan researchers and the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor. Host Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Dr. Laurel Northouse, nurse scientist and professor of nursing at the University of Michigan, and Bonnie Dockham, program director at CSC Ann Arbor, who have both returned to the show to discuss the findings of their research on caregivers.
Lung cancer is the topic of today’s show, as part of CSC’s launch of the newest edition to the Frankly Speaking About Cancer series. Joining the discussion is Dr. Nasser Hanna, a medical oncologist at Indiana University with a focus on lung cancer and Maureen Rigney, the Director of Community and Support Services at the Lung Cancer Alliance. Join us as we look into a variety of concerns cancer patients and their loved ones face following a diagnosis.
On today's episode, the Cancer Support Community addresses cancer care through the winter, cold and flu season. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Michelle Warren, the program director at our affiliate in Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit and Alice Beers, an Oncology nurse at the Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown University Hospital. Tune in to find out how to stay healthy and cope effectively with post-holiday fatigue.
Be Here Now is a raw and intimate documentary film currently in production which chronicles the cancer journey of actor Andy Whitfield and his wife Vashti and inspires all of us to live life fearlessly. Andy became an international star in 2009 when he was cast in the lead role in the hit television show, “Spartacus: Blood and Sand.” While seemingly on top of the world, Andy was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma at the end of the first season and passed away in September 2011. But Be Here Now, is not a film just about cancer. Its message throughout is that life is to be lived without fear and that all people should go after their dreams, no matter what. Andy and Vashti both believe that every individual is capable of making extraordinary things happen. Join us for a conversation with Vashti Whitfield and Lilibet Foster, the film’s director and producer.
Tuesday’s show focuses on skin issues experienced by cancer patients both during and after treatment. CSC welcomes Dr. Mario E. Lacouture, a dermatologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, who focuses on the prevention and side effect management for those experiencing skin issues during and after cancer treatment. These include issues affecting the skin, hair, and nails of cancer patients and survivors. Join us for an hour that’s both informative and revealing---including the latest in dermatological treatments.
A genetic mutation in the DNA of people with Lynch Syndrome gives them as much as an 80% chance of getting colon cancer, along with an increased risk of several other types of cancers. Learn more about this syndrome, the genetic testing that is done for it and tips for managing it. In this informative episode, Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Stephanie Cohen and Dawn McIlvried, two board-certified and licensed genetic counselors from St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis as well as Kate Murphy, Director of Research Communication at Fight Colorectal Cancer.
With over 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States, many children are being significantly impacted when a parent is diagnosed with cancer. This episode will feature The Children’s Treehouse Foundation, the nation’s only organization providing hospital-based, cancer-focused, psychosocial intervention training and programming to improve the emotional health of children whose parents have cancer. Guests will give specific advice about how to talk to kids and reveal common misconceptions children have about cancer. Guests will include Peter vander Noot, Executive Director of The Children’s Treehouse Foundation in Denver, CO and Heather Hogoboom, caregiver and parent participant at The Children’s Treehouse Foundation.
Approximately 70,000 adolescents and young adults from ages 15 to 39 are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. On today's episode, the Cancer Support Community addresses the topic of young adults with cancer. Tune in to listen to Kim Thiboldeaux as she’s joined by Dr. Leonard Sender – Founder and Medical Director of the Children’s Hospital Orange County Cancer Institute; and Matthew Zachery founder of the I’m Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation, and blogger on stupidcancer.org to talk about young adults with cancer.
Tune in June 5th for CSC’s newest radio show episode “The New Cancer Community”, joined by Heidi Adams, Senior Director of Engagement for LIVESTRONG and Karin Diamond, cancer survivor and blogger of EyesPeeledAlways. Joined by host Kim Thiboldeaux, the guests discuss the growing use of social media and new technologies to support people impacted by a cancer diagnosis – the many different ways that people can connect, the benefits and some of the drawbacks, too.
Join host Kim Thiboldeaux as she sits down to discuss the new book, Dr. Chopra Says, Medical Facts and Myths: What You Need To Know with authors Dr. Sanjiv Chopra, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Dr. Alan Lotvin, a cardiologist by practice and one the Board Members here at CSC Headquarters. Tune in to hear the authors provide medical advice about an array of controversial topics that have dominated medical argument in recent years.
On this second installment of our Living Healthy with Cancer series, learn about medical management during the cancer experience. Returning to the show is Dr. William Schaffner, Chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Vicki Kennedy, LCSW, Vice President of Program Development and Delivery at the Cancer Support Community. Our newest program, Living Healthy with Cancer aims to help patients learn about ways to stay healthy during active treatment and beyond. Tune in Tuesday, October 16th to learn about medical management and the tips and resources that can help you become an active participant in your cancer care.
The Breakaway from Cancer initiative is a unique partnership between Amgen and four cancer-related nonprofits that aims to increase awareness of the free resources available for people affected by cancer, from diagnosis through survivorship. Breakaway from Cancer plays a role in cycling races across the country, including the Amgen Tour of California, the biggest cycling event in America. On today’s show about this partnership, CSC President & CEO Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Bob Azelby, VP and General Manager of Oncology at Amgen, and Lee and Bonnie Hansen, two cycling fans who have been reached by Breakaway from Cancer.
Writing has the power to elevate the spirit and the mind, to bring solace and understanding. Join us for a conversation with columnist Suleika Jaouad who writes a weekly column for the NY Times’ Well section called Life Interrupted which chronicles her journey as a young adult with cancer and Meredith Ruden, an Oncology Social Worker who implemented the Healing With Words workshop at Mt. Sinai Hospital.
Today’s show will delve deep into this newly classified and rare type of cancer--- Myelofibrosis. This chronic form of leukemia affects 1.5 out of every 100,000 people in the United States every year and CSC is bringing on experts and patients to demystify this often unheard of and misunderstood disease. Kim is joined by Dr. Ross Levine of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Melissa Wright, the Program Director at CSC’s affiliate, Gilda’s Club Quad Cities and 12-year survivor and director with The Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Education Foundation of Myelofibrosis, Bob Swanson.
Join host Kim Thiboldeaux for an in-depth discussion on the potential link between chemicals and a cancer diagnosis. With the threat of toxic chemicals in many household and everyday products, this important discussion joins experts in the field to review current legislation, the cancer connection, risk factors and what we can be doing to combat this toxic connection. Joining Kim is Daryl Ditz, Director, Chemicals Program, Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), Gina Solomon, Senior Scientist, National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Marika Holmgren, a cancer survivor.
Tuesday’s radio show highlights our newest program, Living Healthy with Cancer, which aims to teach patients ways to stay healthy during active treatment. The show features Dr. William Schaffner, chair, Department of Preventive Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Jill Vanak, a nurse practitioner at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Susan Bratton, the Founder and CEO of Meals To Heal. Tune in Tuesday, September 11th to learn about exercise, nutrition, emotional health and medical management for cancer patients.
A genetic mutation in the DNA of people with Lynch Syndrome gives them as much as an 80% chance of getting colon cancer, along with an increased risk of several other types of cancers. Learn more about this syndrome, the genetic testing that is done for it and tips for managing it. In this informative episode, Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Stephanie Cohen and Dawn McIlvried, two board-certified and licensed genetic counselors from St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis as well as Kate Murphy, Director of Research Communication at Fight Colorectal Cancer.
Join us as we take an in-depth look at the Supreme Court’s ruling on President Obama’s Affordable Care Act and the impact it will have on your life. This is a complex and intimidating subject, but it is a vitally important one so we’re going to tackle this together, head on, taking it one step at a time, and by the end of the hour we’ll have a real grasp on the situation. Returning to the show to shed light on the ruling are Peter Thomas, a principal of Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville and Karen Davenport, Director of Health Policy at the National Women's Law Center.
With crucial life-saving cancer drugs in short supply, on today’s episode, the Cancer Support Community confronts the topic of drug shortages, an unfortunate reality facing many cancer patients and their families in the U.S. and across the globe. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Carey Fitzmaurice, an ovarian cancer survivor who has experienced challenges towards obtaining cancer treatment regularly, Lara Salahi, an award winning journalist and Digital Health Reporter for ABC News, and Cara Tenenbaum, Vice President of Policy and External Affairs for the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. Tune in to find out some of the latest information and updates on drug shortages and how to get support.
Tune in Tuesday, July 17th to hear how a person’s race could affect their chance of surviving breast cancer. As many know, a person’s experience with a breast cancer diagnosis, their treatment and their risk of dying is very different depending on the race of that patient. Dr. Steven Whitman, Director of the Sinai Health Institute and Marc Hurlbert, Executive Director of the Avon Foundation’s global breast cancer programs discuss their new study of this racial disparity across the U.S.’s 25 largest cities and the implications of their research.
February is National Cancer Prevention Month. On today's episode, the Cancer Support Community addresses some important steps we can take to try to prevent cancer as well as the importance of cancer screening and early detection. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Carolyn Aldigé, President and Founder of the Prevent Cancer Foundation and Dr. Dave Alberts, University of Arizona Cancer Center Director who will speak to the preventive measures you can take to minimize your cancer risk, emphasize the importance of screening, talk about available resources and give an update on recent developments in prevention research.
Making a decision about cancer treatment can be a daunting task. On this episode, learn about Open to Options, a new treatment decision counseling program from the Cancer Support Community. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Vicki Kennedy, VP of Program Development and Delivery at the Cancer Support Community, and Trish Horton, a multiple myeloma survivor who used Open to Options to reach a treatment decision during her cancer recurrence. Learn how this new program can better prepare patients for a doctor’s appointment and increase confidence with the treatment decision made.
Tune in June 5th for CSC’s newest radio show episode “The New Cancer Community”, joined by Heidi Adams, Senior Director of Engagement for LIVESTRONG and Karin Diamond, cancer survivor and blogger of EyesPeeledAlways. Joined by host Kim Thiboldeaux, the guests discuss the growing use of social media and new technologies to support people impacted by a cancer diagnosis – the many different ways that people can connect, the benefits and some of the drawbacks, too.
Approximately 70,000 adolescents and young adults from ages 15 to 39 are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. On today's episode, the Cancer Support Community addresses the topic of young adults with cancer. Tune in to listen to Kim Thiboldeaux as she’s joined by Dr. Leonard Sender – Founder and Medical Director of the Children’s Hospital Orange County Cancer Institute; and Matthew Zachery founder of the I’m Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation, and blogger on stupidcancer.org to talk about young adults with cancer.
March is colorectal cancer awareness month. On today’s Episode, the Cancer Support Community addresses some important issues around colorectal cancer. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Vanessa Kurtzer, a colorectal cancer caregiver, Jeanne Angalet, Stage 4 colorectal cancer survivor and Colon Cancer Alliance representative; Carlea Bauman, President, Fight Colorectal Cancer; and Dr. Janice Frederick Rafferty, Professor of Clinical Surgery at the University of Cincinnati's College of Medicine. This panel brings a wealth of knowledge experience to address colorectal cancer from every perspective. Be sure to listen in!
Join us for an in-depth look at President Obama’s Affordable Care Act and the legal challenges to it that will presented before the Supreme Court from March 26 to March 28. How did President Obama manage to get the bill passed? What are the challenges being presented? What might the Supreme Court decide and what does it all mean to you? Our guests Karen Davenport, a Research Project Director and lecturer at the Department of Health Policy at George Washington University and Peter Thomas, a principal of Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville a Washington DC firm that focuses on healthcare, education and the law of tax-exempt organizations will shed some light on what’s going on and what you need to know.
With over 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States, many children are being significantly impacted when a parent is diagnosed with cancer. This episode will feature The Children’s Treehouse Foundation, the nation’s only organization providing hospital-based, cancer-focused, psychosocial intervention training and programming to improve the emotional health of children whose parents have cancer. Guests will give specific advice about how to talk to kids and reveal common misconceptions children have about cancer. Guests will include Peter vander Noot, Executive Director of The Children’s Treehouse Foundation in Denver, CO and Heather Hogoboom, caregiver and parent participant at The Children’s Treehouse Foundation.
On today's episode, the Cancer Support Community addresses treating cancer during pregnancy. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Patty Murray, Co-founder and Chairwoman of Hope for Two...The Pregnant with Cancer Network, Dr. Elyce Cardonick, an active member of the organization’s Board of Advisors and Lisa Bender, who was diagnosed at age 32 with Stage 2 breast cancer while pregnant with her first child. Our guests will talk to us about the diagnosis experience, finding the proper emotional support and new research findings for women who require cancer treatment during pregnancy.
February is National Cancer Prevention Month. On today's episode, the Cancer Support Community addresses some important steps we can take to try to prevent cancer as well as the importance of cancer screening and early detection. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Carolyn Aldigé, President and Founder of the Prevent Cancer Foundation and Dr. Dave Alberts, University of Arizona Cancer Center Director who will speak to the preventive measures you can take to minimize your cancer risk, emphasize the importance of screening, talk about available resources and give an update on recent developments in prevention research.
It’s Valentine’s Day. On today's episode, the Cancer Support Community addresses what to do when your Valentine is diagnosed with cancer. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by husband and wife Ana and Victor and Suzanne Geffen Mintz, President/Co-founder of the National Family Caregivers Association who will talk about what it means to be a spouse and caregiver. Tune in to hear advice and guidance about how to deal with many of the challenges of acting as a caregiver for your Valentine.
Cancer can be a costly illness. On today's episode, the Cancer Support Community addresses understanding and managing the costs associated with cancer treatment and recovery. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Joanna Morales, Esq., Director of the Cancer Legal Resource Center, a joint program of the Disability Rights Legal Center and Loyola Law School; Dr. Tom Smith, Director of Palliative Care at Johns Hopkins Medicine and the Hopkins’ Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center and Nancy Boozer, a Cancer Support Community participant profiled in our upcoming Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Coping with the Cost of Care book. Tune in to hear advice and guidance about how to deal with the cost of cancer care and recovery.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, on today's episode, the Cancer Support Community focuses on Stage IV breast cancer, or what is commonly referred to as advanced breast cancer. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Ginny Knackmuhs, a patient living with and an advocate for advanced breast caner, and Dr. Lidia Schapira, a medical oncologist with a specialty in breast cancer from Gillette Center for Breast Cancer at Massachusetts General Hospital. Tune in to find out how to control advanced breast cancer while maintaining a healthy quality of life.
On today's episode, the Cancer Support Community addresses cancer care through the winter, cold and flu season. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Michelle Warren, the program director at our affiliate in Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit and Alice Beers, an Oncology nurse at the Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown University Hospital. Tune in to find out how to stay healthy and cope effectively with post-holiday fatigue.
Dr. Otis Brawley, the Chief Medical Officer and Executive VP of the American Cancer Society and Lynya Floyd, Senior Editor of Essence Magazine will be joining CSC’s radio show this week for an in depth discussion on Cancer in the African American Community. Kim Thiboldeaux will lead the discussion , looking at the prevalence cancer in the African American population, including a history of how cancer developed in this group, what people of color can do today to fight some of the scary statistics, prevention measures, screening options and risk factors to be aware of.
With crucial life-saving cancer drugs in short supply, on today’s episode, the Cancer Support Community confronts the topic of drug shortages, an unfortunate reality facing many cancer patients and their families in the U.S. and across the globe. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Carey Fitzmaurice, an ovarian cancer survivor who has experienced challenges towards obtaining cancer treatment regularly, Lara Salahi, an award winning journalist and Digital Health Reporter for ABC News, and Cara Tenenbaum, Vice President of Policy and External Affairs for the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. Tune in to find out some of the latest information and updates on drug shortages and how to get support.
With the holiday season in full swing, on today's episode, the Cancer Support Community addresses the impact of the holidays on cancer patients and their families and addresses ways to cope during this time of year. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Erica Proctor, a brain cancer survivor, and Charli Prather-Levinson, a licensed clinical and oncology social worker and Program Director of Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis. Tune in to find out how to cope effectively with the holidays.
Join host Kim Thiboldeaux for an in-depth discussion on the potential link between chemicals and a cancer diagnosis. With the threat of toxic chemicals in many household and everyday products, this important discussion joins experts in the field to review current legislation, the cancer connection, risk factors and what we can be doing to combat this toxic connection. Joining Kim is Daryl Ditz, Director, Chemicals Program, Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), Gina Solomon, Senior Scientist, National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Marika Holmgren, a cancer survivor.
Tune in for CSC’s newest Frankly Speaking About Cancer radio show episode, featuring Allison Gilbert, author of Parentless Parents. The episode discusses the growing trend of Americans who are raising their kids without their own parents and how hereditary cancer plays a role in the lives of many across the country. She highlights issues that many Parentless Parents face, including effects on marriages, relationships with in-laws and parenting styles. Listen in to learn more!
With crucial life-saving cancer drugs in short supply, on today’s episode, the Cancer Support Community confronts the topic of drug shortages, an unfortunate reality facing many cancer patients and their families in the U.S. and across the globe. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Carey Fitzmaurice, an ovarian cancer survivor who has experienced challenges towards obtaining cancer treatment regularly, Lara Salahi, an award winning journalist and Digital Health Reporter for ABC News, and Cara Tenenbaum, Vice President of Policy and External Affairs for the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. Tune in to find out some of the latest information and updates on drug shortages and how to get support.
Tune in Tuesday to learn about the challenges and resources available to Americans who are employed and living with cancer. The show's guests will discuss the many challenges, resources, legal rights and insurance options for those with cancer and a career. CSC President and CEO, Kim Thiboldeaux talks to Cancer and Careers Executive Director, Kate Sweeney; Joanna Morales, the Director of the Cancer Legal Resource Center and career coach and author Julie Jansen.
CSC welcomes the Showtime hit series “The Big C” creator and executive producer Darlene Hunt for a rare look into the real-life inspiration behind Showtime’s hit series. Airing Tuesday, August 16th, at 4 p.m. EST, the episode reveals Hunt’s motivation for creating a show that so boldly walks the line separating comedy from tragedy. Kim Thiboldeaux goes for a look behind the scenes, with Hunt for a discussion of the role the show plays in the broader cancer community and lessons we can all learn from the main character’s journey, as a person newly diagnosed with cancer.
Dr. Otis Brawley, the Chief Medical Officer and Executive VP of the American Cancer Society and Lynya Floyd, Senior Editor of Essence Magazine will be joining CSC’s radio show this week for an in depth discussion on Cancer in the African American Community. Kim Thiboldeaux will lead the discussion , looking at the prevalence cancer in the African American population, including a history of how cancer developed in this group, what people of color can do today to fight some of the scary statistics, prevention measures, screening options and risk factors to be aware of.
Tune in February 15 at 1pm PST/4pm EST for CSC’s newest Frankly Speaking About Cancer radio show episode, featuring Allison Gilbert, author of Parentless Parents. The episode discusses the growing trend of Americans who are raising their kids without their own parents and how hereditary cancer plays a role in the lives of many across the country. She highlights issues that many Parentless Parents face, including effects on marriages, relationships with in-laws and parenting styles. Listen in to learn more!
On this episode, the second installment of CSC’s “Hereditary Cancer and Genetics” radio series, Kim explores hereditary cancer and genetic testing, focusing specifically on Lynch Syndrome. Joined by Cindy Robinson, a colorectal cancer survivor who tested positive for Lynch Syndrome in 2007, and Jill Stopher, a certified genetic counselor at the Abramson Center at the University of Pennsylvania, Kim and her panelists explore the realities of Lynch Syndrome and the decision-making process involved with genetic testing.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, on today's episode, the Cancer Support Community focuses on Stage IV breast cancer, or what is commonly referred to as advanced breast cancer. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Ginny Knackmuhs, a patient living with and an advocate for advanced breast caner, and Dr. Lidia Schapira, a medical oncologist with a specialty in breast cancer from Gillette Center for Breast Cancer at Massachusetts General Hospital. Tune in to find out how to control advanced breast cancer while maintaining a healthy quality of life.
Tune in today as Jonathan Levine, Director of the movie, 50/50, joins host Kim Thiboldeaux on Frankly Speaking About Cancer’s newest episode discussing the new movie and what it means for young adults living with a cancer diagnosis. 50/50, in theaters September 30th, chronicles Adam, a 27-year-old who is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and follows him through his comical account and subsequent journey to beat the disease. Also joining the show is Jonny Imerman, a young adult cancer survivor and founder of the non-profit organization, Imerman Angels and Vicki Kennedy, CSC’s Vice President of Program Development and Delivery to talk about the impact of the movie on the greater cancer community.
Join host Kim Thiboldeaux and two expert panelists for a discussion on medical and scientific innovations in cancer treatment. Recent discoveries have made it possible to develop and test new methods of treatment which appear to be non-toxic and non-invasive. Drs. Jonathan Sackner-Bernstein and Steven A. Curley explain how cancer researchers have used existing technologies in innovative ways to develop new therapies that, once approved, will drastically impact the medical community’s ability to effectively treat cancer. Learn how new therapies may make it possible to eradicate cancer without the use of harsh chemotherapy or painful surgery. You won’t want to miss this fascinating discussion!
Join host Kim Thiboldeaux as she sits down to discuss the new book, Dr. Chopra Says, Medical Facts and Myths: What You Need To Know with authors Dr. Sanjiv Chopra, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Dr. Alan Lotvin, a cardiologist by practice and one the Board Members here at CSC Headquarters. Tune in to hear the authors provide medical advice about an array of controversial topics that have dominated medical argument in recent years.
Tune in Tuesday as Kim discusses the impact of childhood cancer on siblings and what we can as a community do to support these brothers and sisters. Joined by SuperSibs! founder Melanie Goldish; Senior Social Worker at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Deborah Berk and Michelle Oddi, a nurse who lost her brother at a young age to cancer. Tune in to learn more about the life-long affect childhood cancer has on siblings and resources available to help them through this journey.
On this episode, the Cancer Support Community explores the impact of a cancer diagnosis on the sexual health and well-being of young adults. As part of the Cancer Support Community’s second installment of its Cancer and Sexuality radio series, Kim Thiboldeaux, President and CEO of the Cancer Support Community is joined by Jonny Imerman, testicular cancer survivor and Founder of Imerman Angels, Tamika Felder, cervical cancer survivor and Founder of Tamika and Friends, and Dr. Sage Bolte, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, Oncology Counselor at Life with Cancer. Tune in to find out the many ways in which young adults cope with a cancer diagnosis so that they may lead the best quality of life possible.
Join Frankly Speaking About Cancer for a special episode on Lee National Denim Day, a nationwide fundraiser benefiting breast cancer research and support programs. Host, Kim Thiboldeaux, is joined by Dr. Michael Gillette, Nancy White of Lee Jeans and Peggy Rowe, campaign spokesperson and mother to Mike Rowe, host of Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs and 2011 Denim Day CelebrityAmbassador. Together, our panelists will explain how Denim Day has been able to raise more than $83 million in 15 years and how those funds benefit people facing a breast cancer diagnosis. Tune in and learn how you can join the fight against breast cancer simply by wearing your favorite pair of jeans on Friday, October 7th and donating the money that you spent on them at www.denimday.com.
CSC welcomes the Showtime hit series “The Big C” creator and executive producer Darlene Hunt for a rare look into the real-life inspiration behind Showtime’s hit series. Airing Tuesday, August 16th, at 4 p.m. EST, the episode reveals Hunt’s motivation for creating a show that so boldly walks the line separating comedy from tragedy. Kim Thiboldeaux goes for a look behind the scenes, with Hunt for a discussion of the role the show plays in the broader cancer community and lessons we can all learn from the main character’s journey, as a person newly diagnosed with cancer.
Kathleen Spears, ED of CSC Central Indiana, and Sarah Griffith, CEO of Gilda’s Club South Jersey, join former affiliate ED, Jay Lockaby, now CSC’s Sr. VP of Affiliate Relations and Strategic Growth, for a discussion about the many and varied programs and services offered by affiliates of the Cancer Support Community, including The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club. Our panelists cover it all, from the basics of psychosocial support to CSC affiliates’ gold-standard education workshops and health and wellness programs.
Join host Kim Thiboldeaux and 3 expert panelists for a discussion on the importance of healthy eating through cancer. Cancer and its treatment can sometimes have negative health effects that make it hard to eat well. Fortunately, nutrition therapy is available to help patients get the nutrients they need to maintain their body weight and strength, keep body tissue healthy and fight infection. Healthy eating habits and good nutrition combat the effects of cancer and its treatment, leading to a better chance for recovery and increased quality of life. Be sure to tune in to this compelling episode, to learn more about nutrition through cancer for all people impacted by the disease.
CSC President and CEO Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by three expert panelists for a discussion about the challenges faced by Latino families when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. Gloria Elliott of Nueva Vida, Inc., Migdalia Torres of Gilda’s Club NYC, and Jeanette Albarran of Gilda’s Club Chicago provide commentary on resources available for this demographic nationwide, including a new book from the Cancer Support Community and Nueva Vida, Inc., Frankly Speaking About Cancer: De Cuidador a Cuidador (From Caregiver to Caregiver).
On this episode, the second installment of CSC’s “Hereditary Cancer and Genetics” radio series, Kim explores hereditary cancer and genetic testing, focusing specifically on Lynch Syndrome. Joined by Cindy Robinson, a colorectal cancer survivor who tested positive for Lynch Syndrome in 2007, and Jill Stopher, a certified genetic counselor at the Abramson Center at the University of Pennsylvania, Kim and her panelists explore the realities of Lynch Syndrome and the decision-making process involved with genetic testing.
The Cancer Support Community is honored to dedicate this episode to the powerful and inspiring story of Nick Charles, CNN’s first sportscaster and legendary boxing commentator. The episode will feature Nick’ best friend and fellow co-worker, Steve Farhood to tell the incredibly moving legacy of Nick Charles, who passed away from metastatic bladder cancer on June 25th, 2011 as well as the Co-founder and President of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN), Diane Zipursky Quale who gives listeners insightful knowledge into the disease and Rick Bernstein, the Senior Vice President/Executive Producer of HBO Sports to tell listeners about Nick’s final fight.
Description: In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by two expert to review the importance of counseling and educating cancer patients, in order to give them the tools to work with their healthcare team and play an active role in treatment decisions. Guests include, Jeff Belkora, PhD, Director of Decision Services at the University of California San Francisco Breast Cancer Care Center; and Kathleen Coyne, MSS, LCSW, Program Director at The Wellness Community of Philadelphia.
On today's episode, the Cancer Support Community honors Men's Health Awareness Month by exploring men's relationship to their personal health, particularly as it relates to prostate cancer. Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Theresa Morrow, Co-Founder of Women Against Prostate Cancer, Fred Gersh, a 22-year prostate cancer patient and long-standing advocate, and Betty Gallo, Founder of the Dean and Betty Gallo Prostate Cancer Center at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Tune in to find out how men can become effective advocates in their personal health care.
Tune in for CSC’s Frankly Speaking About Cancer radio show, featuring Allison Gilbert, author of Parentless Parents. The episode discusses the growing trend of Americans who are raising their kids without their own parents and how hereditary cancer plays a role in the lives of many across the country. She highlights issues that many Parentless Parents face, including effects on marriages, relationships with in-laws and parenting styles. Listen in to learn more!
Tune in Tuesday to learn about the challenges and resources available to Americans who are employed and living with cancer. The show's guests will discuss the many challenges, resources, legal rights and insurance options for those with cancer and a career. CSC President and CEO, Kim Thiboldeaux talks to Cancer and Careers Executive Director, Kate Sweeney; Joanna Morales, the Director of the Cancer Legal Resource Center and career coach and author Julie Jansen.
Kim Thiboldeaux, President and CEO of the Cancer Support Community is joined by Dr. Leslie Schover, clinical psychologist with a special focus on cancer and sexual problems, Tamika Felder, cervical cancer survivor and Founder and President of Tamika and Friends, and Jennifer Sinclair, Program Director of Cancer Support Community Greater Lehigh Valley, to discuss the impact of cancer on one's sexuality and quality of life. Kim and her panelists will bring varied perspectives on the importance of addressing sexual issues that may arise as a result of a cancer diagnosis and related treatments.
On today’s show, we’ll be talking about Online Support Groups, a service that the Cancer Support Community is proud to offer, free of charge, through our Online Community. Our Online Support Groups mirror the face-to-face support groups in our local affiliate locations. You’ll hear from an online support group leader and from 2 people who have benefitted greatly from participation in CSC’s online support groups. They’re here today to share their personal stories and explain how participation in online support groups has helped them through their experiences with cancer.
On this episode, the Cancer Support Community explores the impact of a cancer diagnosis on the sexual health and well-being of young adults. As part of the Cancer Support Community’s second installment of its Cancer and Sexuality radio series, Kim Thiboldeaux, President and CEO of the Cancer Support Community is joined by Jonny Imerman, testicular cancer survivor and Founder of Imerman Angels, Tamika Felder, cervical cancer survivor and Founder of Tamika and Friends, and Dr. Sage Bolte, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, Oncology Counselor at Life with Cancer. Tune in to find out the many ways in which young adults cope with a cancer diagnosis so that they may lead the best quality of life possible.
In this episode, guest host Ashley Varner discusses breast reconstruction and specifically the physical and emotional issues women who are diagnosed with breast cancer face during their treatment decision making process, that often affects the rest of their lives. Ashley hosts the discussion with plastic surgeon Dr. Susan Downey, who specializes in breast reconstruction, Marty Nason who is the Vice President of Programs for our CSC affiliate, The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura and Liz Stuntz, who is the chair of the program committee at our Gilda’s Club Westchester affiliate and 8 year breast cancer Survivor.
On today's show, CSC President & CEO Kim Thiboldeaux and guests Stuart Arbuckle, Andy Leven and Dotty Leven discuss the important work of Breakaway from Cancer, an initiative spreading the word about valuable support, education and advocacy resources available to people affected by cancer. Breakaway from Cancer partners represent the continuum of cancer care from prevention through survivorship, including Prevent Cancer Foundation, Cancer Support Community, Patient Advocate Foundation and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. Tune in on Tuesday at 4:00 PM EST to hear more about this important initiative and it’s role in the upcoming Amgen Tour of California, taking place May 15-22!
Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by Mary Ryan, a woman living with melanoma, Dr. Elizabeth Callahan, one of the country’s premier specialists in cosmetic dermatology and Mohs skin cancer surgery, and Tim Ternham, the Executive Director of the Melanoma Research Foundation. Tune in to find out about the latest on treatment advances in melanoma, tips for prevention, and ways to live the best quality of life possible with this disease.
Tune in Tuesday as Kim discusses the impact of childhood cancer on siblings and what we can as a community do to support these brothers and sisters. Joined by SuperSibs! founder Melanie Goldish; Senior Social Worker at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Deborah Berk and Michelle Oddi, a nurse who lost her brother at a young age to cancer. Tune in to learn more about the life-long affect childhood cancer has on siblings and resources available to help them through this journey.
In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will discuss what is commonly referred to as “chemo brain,” the mental cloudiness cancer patients often notice before, during, and after chemotherapy. While the exact cause remains unknown, Kim will be joined by two experts to discuss what you or your loved one can do to cope with this side effect. Guests include Dan Silverman, MD, PhD; and award-winning journalist Idelle Davidson, co-authors of Your Brain After Chemo: A Practical Guide to Lifting the Fog and Getting Back Your Focus.
CSC President and CEO Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by three expert panelists for a discussion about the challenges faced by Latino families when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. Gloria Elliott of Nueva Vida, Inc., Migdalia Torres of Gilda’s Club NYC, and Jeanette Albarran of Gilda’s Club Chicago provide commentary on resources available for this demographic nationwide, including a new book from the Cancer Support Community and Nueva Vida, Inc., Frankly Speaking About Cancer: De Cuidador a Cuidador (From Caregiver to Caregiver). The book, developed with generous support from The Breast Cancer Fund of National Philanthropic Trust, is a Spanish-language publication written for caregivers of women with breast cancer. Tune-in for additional details!
In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will go over tips on how to talk to children about cancer in a kid-friendly, but meaningful way. Guests include Beverlye Hyman Fead, cancer patient and co-author of the children’s book, Nana, What’s Cancer?; and Anita Shaft, LMSW, Program Manager of Gilda’s Club Quad Cities.
Pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers. Host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will discuss risk factors, detection and treatment options and also offer tips on how to cope if you or a loved one has been affected by pancreatic cancer. Guests include Jeff Ross, a 6+ year pancreatic cancer survivor and volunteer for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network; and Anitra Engebretson, Director of Patient and Liaison Services at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
During today’s show guest host Ashley Varner talks about lessons that dying from cancer can teach us about living. Our two guests include Dr. Norman Fried, the author of Angel Letters and Terri Magro, Co-Founder of the Michael Magro Foundation. These two individuals have both experienced tremendous loss from cancer yet from different angles and will be sharing their insights in the hopes of inspiring and informing others.
Kim Thiboldeaux is joined today by colorectal cancer leaders and advocates to raise awareness about the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. Panelists include Cindy Robinson, a colorectal cancer survivor and advocate, Carolyn Grande, an oncology nurse, and Ellen Levine, Program Director of the Wellness Community of Central New Jersey.
A recent study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals that up to 20% of women diagnosed with breast cancer don’t need aggressive surgery to remove lymph nodes following a cancer diagnosis. This practice-changing discovery alters the standard of care for treatment of early-stage breast cancer and could affect up to 40,000 women a year, in the U.S. alone.
Guest host, Ashley Varner, CSC’s Senior Director of Program, is joined by Dr. George Sledge, ASCO President and renowned breast oncologist from the University of Indiana, to clarify the results of this groundbreaking discovery and what it means for women facing a breast cancer diagnosis. Sharishta Shourie, a 27 year old breast cancer survivor and member of CSC’s affiliate in Santa Monica, CA, joins the discussion to voice questions and opinions from a patient perspective.
Be sure to tune in for this enlightening conversation!
Kim Thiboldeaux, President and CEO of the Cancer Support Community is joined by Dr. Leslie Schover, clinical psychologist with a special focus on cancer and sexual problems, Tamika Felder, cervical cancer survivor and Founder and President of Tamika and Friends, and Jennifer Sinclair, Program Director of Cancer Support Community Greater Lehigh Valley, to discuss the impact of cancer on one's sexuality and quality of life. Kim and her panelists will bring varied perspectives on the importance of addressing sexual issues that may arise as a result of a cancer diagnosis and related treatments.
Kathleen Spears, ED of CSC Central Indiana, and Sarah Griffith, CEO of Gilda’s Club South Jersey, join former affiliate ED, Jay Lockaby, now CSC’s Sr. VP of Affiliate Relations and Strategic Growth, for a discussion about the many and varied programs and services offered by affiliates of the Cancer Support Community, including The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club. Our panelists cover it all, from the basics of psychosocial support to CSC affiliates’ gold-standard education workshops and health and wellness programs.
Tune in February 15 at 1pm PST/4pm EST for CSC’s newest Frankly Speaking About Cancer radio show episode, featuring Allison Gilbert, author of Parentless Parents. The episode discusses the growing trend of Americans who are raising their kids without their own parents and how hereditary cancer plays a role in the lives of many across the country. She highlights issues that many Parentless Parents face, including effects on marriages, relationships with in-laws and parenting styles. Listen in to learn more!
September is Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness month, and in this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux introduces a new educational program from the Cancer Support Community designed to enhance lymphoma patient and physician communication. Kim will be joined by guests Jane Fretz, cancer survivor and Board Member at the Cancer Support Community of Greater Lehigh Valley, and Dr. David Henry, Hematologist/Oncologist and Clinical Professor of Medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital.
In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will go over tips on how to talk to children about cancer in a kid-friendly, but meaningful way. Guests include Beverlye Hyman Fead, cancer patient and co-author of the children’s book, Nana, What’s Cancer?; and Anita Shaft, LMSW, Program Manager of Gilda’s Club Quad Cities.
In this episode, guest host Ashley Varner discusses breast reconstruction and specifically the physical and emotional issues women who are diagnosed with breast cancer face during their treatment decision making process, that often affects the rest of their lives. Ashley hosts the discussion with plastic surgeon Dr. Susan Downey, who specializes in breast reconstruction, Marty Nason who is the Vice President of Programs for our CSC affiliate, The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura and Liz Stuntz, who is the chair of the program committee at our Gilda’s Club Westchester affiliate and 8 year breast cancer Survivor.
Description: In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by two expert to review the importance of counseling and educating cancer patients, in order to give them the tools to work with their healthcare team and play an active role in treatment decisions. Guests include, Jeff Belkora, PhD, Director of Decision Services at the University of California San Francisco Breast Cancer Care Center; and Kathleen Coyne, MSS, LCSW, Program Director at The Wellness Community of Philadelphia.
In this episode, Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by 2 guests for a discussion on hereditary cancer, focusing specifically on breast and ovarian, and genetic testing. Guests include Kate Stern Gonzalez, a person who is living with a BRCA1 gene mutation, and Dr. Karen Hurley, a clinical psychologist who supports people at risk of hereditary cancer. Specific discussion topics include: understanding risk for developing hereditary cancer, decision-making surrounding genetic testing, and finding social and emotional support when confronted with the possibility of carrying a genetic mutation.
In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will discuss what is commonly referred to as “chemo brain,” the mental cloudiness cancer patients often notice before, during, and after chemotherapy. While the exact cause remains unknown, Kim will be joined by two experts to discuss what you or your loved one can do to cope with this side effect. Guests include Dan Silverman, MD, PhD; and award-winning journalist Idelle Davidson, co-authors of Your Brain After Chemo: A Practical Guide to Lifting the Fog and Getting Back Your Focus.
In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux will be speaking with a guest who wanted to get into the 1% club, meaning she wanted to be part of the 1% of people who would survive a challenging stage IV lung cancer diagnosis. The cards were completely stacked against her, but she never gave up hope and joined her medical team in the fight of her life. Guests include Diana Lindsay, cancer survivor; and Mitch Golant, PhD, Senior Vice President of Research at the Cancer Support Community.
CSC President and CEO Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by three expert panelists for a discussion about the challenges faced by Latino families when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. Gloria Elliott of Nueva Vida, Inc., Migdalia Torres of Gilda’s Club NYC, and Jeanette Albarran of Gilda’s Club Chicago provide commentary on resources available for this demographic nationwide, including a new book from the Cancer Support Community and Nueva Vida, Inc., Frankly Speaking About Cancer: De Cuidador a Cuidador (From Caregiver to Caregiver). The book, developed with generous support from The Breast Cancer Fund of National Philanthropic Trust, is a Spanish-language publication written for caregivers of women with breast cancer. Tune-in for additional details!
The Cancer Support Community (CSC) is proud to offer support and education for all people affected by cancer, including patients, their family, and friends. This episode of Frankly Speaking About Cancer, hosted by CSC President and CEO, Kim Thiboldeaux, focuses on the important role that caregivers play when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Laurel Northouse, a nurse scientist and expert in the field of cancer research, is joined by Bonnie Dockham, Program Director at the Cancer Support Community affiliate in Southeast Michigan, and Donna Fischer, a caregiver for her adult daughter. Together, the group discusses the role of caregivers in the cancer experience, the many challenges they face, and the resources and support available to them.
In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will discuss one of the most common side-effects from cancer treatment - chemo-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). But through methods of prevention and careful planning with a health care team, there are things you can do to cope with and avoid CINV. Guests include, Bruce Lantry, a cancer survivor with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and a participant in the Cancer Support Community and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Online Support Group; and Linda Miller, RN, MSN, OCN, Oncology Clinical Educator at Georgetown University Hospital.
November is Lung Cancer National Awareness Month, and in this episode, Kim Thiboldeaux, President and CEO of the Cancer Support Community, interviews Lois-Shohen Brown, lung cancer survivor and advocate, and Dr. Janine Cataldo, lung cancer stigma expert. Lois will discuss her lung cancer experience, and specifically, her involvement with the Gilda’s Club affiliate of South Jersey and Every Breath Counts Foundation. Dr. Cataldo will shed light on lung cancer stigma and why addressing this issue is so important to the quality of life for lung cancer patients.
In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will go over tips on how to talk to children about cancer in a kid-friendly, but meaningful way. Guests include Beverlye Hyman Fead, cancer patient and co-author of the children’s book, Nana, What’s Cancer?; and Anita Shaft, LMSW, Program Manager of Gilda’s Club Quad Cities.
September is Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness month, and in this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux introduces a new educational program from the Cancer Support Community designed to enhance lymphoma patient and physician communication. Kim will be joined by guests Jane Fretz, cancer survivor and Board Member at the Cancer Support Community of Greater Lehigh Valley, and Dr. David Henry, Hematologist/Oncologist and Clinical Professor of Medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital.
In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux is on the road at the 2010 Amgen Tour of California, where she is joined by 3 special guests who will talk about the special charity component of the Tour, Breakaway from Cancer. Guests include, Stuart Arbuckle, Vice President and General Manager at Amgen Oncology; Andrew Messick, President of AEG Sports; and Patrick Devinger, a cancer survivor and participant at The Wellness Community San Francisco Bay Area.
Description: In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux is joined by two expert to review the importance of counseling and educating cancer patients, in order to give them the tools to work with their healthcare team and play an active role in treatment decisions. Guests include, Jeff Belkora, PhD, Director of Decision Services at the University of California San Francisco Breast Cancer Care Center; and Kathleen Coyne, MSS, LCSW, Program Director at The Wellness Community of Philadelphia.
In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux will be speaking with a guest who wanted to get into the 1% club, meaning she wanted to be part of the 1% of people who would survive a challenging stage IV lung cancer diagnosis. The cards were completely stacked against her, but she never gave up hope and joined her medical team in the fight of her life. Guests include Diana Lindsay, cancer survivor; and Mitch Golant, PhD, Senior Vice President of Research at the Cancer Support Community.
In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will discuss what is commonly referred to as “chemo brain,” the mental cloudiness cancer patients often notice before, during, and after chemotherapy. While the exact cause remains unknown, Kim will be joined by two experts to discuss what you or your loved one can do to cope with this side effect. Guests include Dan Silverman, MD, PhD; and award-winning journalist Idelle Davidson, co-authors of Your Brain After Chemo: A Practical Guide to Lifting the Fog and Getting Back Your Focus.
In recognition of March being National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will discuss the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, excluding skin cancers, and offer tips on how to cope with the colorectal cancer. This episode will also provide information on how you can become your own advocate for improved early detection methods, colorectal cancer screenings and treatment options. Guests include Suzanne Lindley, a 10 year stage 4 colorectal cancer survivor, advocate and spokesperson for the Colorectal Cancer Coalition; and Carlea Bauman, President of the Colorectal Cancer Coalition.
In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will discuss one of the most common side-effects from cancer treatment - chemo-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). But through methods of prevention and careful planning with a health care team, there are things you can do to cope with and avoid CINV. Guests include, Bruce Lantry, a cancer survivor with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and a participant in the Cancer Support Community and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Online Support Group; and Linda Miller, RN, MSN, OCN, Oncology Clinical Educator at Georgetown University Hospital.
In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux will be joined by R&B Artist, Charlie Wilson, prostate cancer survivor and spokesperson for the Prostate Cancer Foundation; Dan Zenka, APR, Vice President of Communications at the Prostate Cancer Foundation; and Dr. Stanley Frencher, Jr., surgeon and urologist, all of whom will discuss the significant impact of prostate cancer on African-American males. Listeners will hear Charlie’s personal cancer story, and receive information about screening, treatment options and healthy lifestyle tips.
In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will go over tips on how to talk to children about cancer in a kid-friendly, but meaningful way. Guests include Beverlye Hyman Fead, cancer patient and co-author of the children’s book, Nana, What’s Cancer?; and Anita Shaft, LMSW, Program Manager of Gilda’s Club Quad Cities.
November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and in this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will discuss a cancer that will claim the lives of more people than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. Guests include Mike Stevens, a stage 4 lung cancer survivor and Co-Chair of Lung Cancer Alliance in California; and Kay Cofrancesco, Director of External Relations at the Lung Cancer Alliance headquarters office in Washington, DC.
In this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux and two very special guests will cover the topic of grieving and provide tips on how to cope if you’ve lost a loved one to cancer or another serious illness. Kim will be joined by actress Alysia Reiner, who lost her father to prostate cancer and recently produced and starred in a short film called, Speed Grieving; and Vicki Kennedy, LCSW, who is Vice President of Programs and Quality Assurance at The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in this episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will discuss the important needs of the estimated 155,000 women living with metastatic breast cancer in the United States. Guests include Ellen Moskowitz, who is currently living with advanced breast cancer and is co-founder of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network; and Suzanne Hebert, who is also living with metastatic disease and is the Vice President at the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network.
Pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers. Host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will discuss risk factors, detection and treatment options and also offer tips on how to cope if you or a loved one has been affected by pancreatic cancer. Guests include Jeff Ross, a 6+ year pancreatic cancer survivor and volunteer for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network; and Anitra Engebretson, Director of Patient and Liaison Services at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
In this episode host Kim Thiboldeaux will be joined by special guest Antonio Chavira, actor on Desperate Housewives, and celebrity spokesperson for the C.A.R.E. Campaign; and Ashley Varner, MSW, MBA, Senior Director of Caregiving at The Wellness Community. Guests will discuss the C.A.R.E. (Cancer Advocate Resources and Education) Campaign for breast cancer caregivers, which provides free resources, tips and support for those caring for a loved one with breast cancer.
With the recent passing of Senator Edward Kennedy, a new light has been shed on brain cancer, which will affect nearly 200,000 more Americans this year. Host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will take a take a closer look at this disease, clarify misconceptions and offer tips on what you or a loved one can do if you’ve been affected. Guests include Harriet Patterson, MPH, Director of Patient Services, National Brain Tumor Society; and Mary Lovely, PhD, RN, Medical Information Specialist, Associate Director of Research for the National Brain Tumor Society.
This episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will discuss the difficult, but important topic of dying and offer information on ways to cope with end-of-life issues, as well as how to enrich a person’s life up until the very end. Guests include Guy Papenhausen, former caregiver and participant at The Wellness Community of East Tennessee; and Sara Goldberger, LCSW-R, Senior Director of Programs at The Wellness Community.
This episode is the third episode of our special 3-part series called “Navigating the Health Care System When You or A Loved Has Cancer.” Host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will take an in-depth look at Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security Disability Insurance and help listeners understand how to work through these complicated programs. Guests include Joanna L. Morales, Esq., Director at the Cancer Legal Resource Center; Michelle Shanks, Program Director at the Patient Advocate Foundation; and Nancy Boozer, patient and participant at The Wellness Community-Atlanta.
This episode is the second of our special 3-part series called “Navigating the Health Care System When You or A Loved Has Cancer.” Host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will focus on the important issue of Health Insurance and discuss ways you can make this very complex system work for you if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer. Guests include David Landay, Esq., Founding Executive Director of Survivorship A to Z; and Elise Ziv, former Benefits Administrator and Human Resources Manager, as well as cancer caregiver.
This episode is the first of a special 3-part series calling “Navigating the Health Care System When You or A Loved Has Cancer.” Host Kim Thiboldeaux will speak with guests who will provide practical tips on what you can do if you are coping with the cost of cancer care. Guests include Beverly Armstrong, patient and participant of TWC-Greater Cincinnati/No. Kentucky; Erin Moaratty, Chief Special Projects Officer at the Patient Advocate Foundation; and Ashley Varner, MSW, MBA, Senior Director of Caregiving at The Wellness Community.
In this episode we’ll focus on the very important and very personal issue of infertility risks and options that people affected by cancer need to consider. Host Kim Thiboldeaux will speak with Pamela MacPhee, Author of Delivering Hope:The Extraordinary Journey of a Surrogate Mom, as well as Joanne Buzaglo, PhD, Senior Director of Research at The Wellness Community.
May is National Melanoma Awareness month and in this episode we will focus on a cancer that is actually growing amongst younger population. Host, host Kim Thiboldeaux, will speak with Catherine Poole, survivor, President & Founder of the Melanoma International Foundation; Time Turnham, Executive Director of the Melanoma Research Foundation; and Suzanne McGettigan, MSN CRNP AOCN, Oncology Nurse Practitioner at the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania.
In this special episode, host Kim Thiboldeaux, will speak with Brian and Gerri Monaghan, husband and wife and co-authors of the new book, The Power of Two: Surviving Serious Illness with an Attitude & and Advocate. It is the first book to speak to both patient and advocate, providing a road map for everyone facing a tough medical challenge, and for the people who love them. It details Brian’s battle to fight his cancer, while struggling with contradictory medical advice from some of the finest doctors in the country.
Fatigue is the most common side effect cancer patients face during and after treatment. April is National Cancer Fatigue Awareness month, and in this episode we will explore what you or a loved one can do to combat this frequent symptom. We’ll also discuss how to manage other common side effects, such as loss or hair and nausea, and provide helpful tips on how you can cope. Guests include Astrid Nicastri, 2-time cancer survivor and participant at The Wellness Community-Greater Miami; and Ruth Gholz, RN, MS, AOCN, who works for the Veterans Affairs and also sits on the Board of the Oncology Nursing Society.
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and in this episode we’ll discuss what you can do as an empowered cancer patient or loved one to join the fight against colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Guests include Congresswoman Kay Granger from Texas; Carlea Bauman, President of the Colorectal Cancer Coalition; and Gordon Cole, colorectal cancer patient and advocate.
With over 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States, many children are being significantly impacted when a parent is diagnosed with cancer. This episode will feature The Children’s Treehouse Foundation, the nation’s only organization providing hospital-based, cancer-focused, psychosocial intervention training and programming to improve the emotional health of children whose parents have cancer. Guests will give specific advice about how to talk to kids and reveal common misconceptions children have about cancer. Guests will include Peter vander Noot, Executive Director of The Children’s Treehouse Foundation in Denver, CO and Heather Hogoboom, caregiver and parent participant at The Children’s Treehouse Foundation.
For some people who are faced with a life threatening event or illness, they confront their situations with strength and determination. In this episode, we’ll discuss how you too can be courageous in the face of adversity, specifically if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer. We’ll be joined by special guest, Colonel Jack Jacobs, a Vietnam War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient and Director of the Medal of Honor Foundation. He is also a military analyst for NBC and MSNBC and recently came out with a new book, If Not Now, When? Duty and Sacrifice in America’s Time of Need. We’ll also be joined by Dr. Mitch Golant, a PhD psychologist and Senior Vice President of Research & Training at The Wellness Community.
We’ve all heard of ways to support non-profits through charity marathon programs, run/walk races, and many other sports-related events. For several years now, Amgen, a biotech company, has been the title sponsor of the Amgen Tour of California, the largest cycling event in America. In this episode, we’ll talk about the Tour as well as the Tour’s complementary charity component, Breakaway from Cancer. Guests include Kathryn West, RN, MSN,OCN, Advocacy Director from Amgen; Nick Baker, Director of Global Partnerships at AEG; and Andy Leven, cancer survivor and participant at The Wellness Community-San Francisco/East Bay.
With over 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States, many children are being significantly impacted when a parent is diagnosed with cancer. This episode will feature The Children’s Treehouse Foundation, one of the nation’s premiere organizations providing hospital-based, cancer-focused, psychosocial intervention training and programming to improve the emotional health of children whose parents have cancer. Guests will give specific advice about how to talk to kids, as well as common misconceptions children have about cancer. Guests will include Peter vander Noot, Executive Director of The Children’s Treehouse Foundation in Denver, CO and Heather Hogoboom, caregiver and parent participant at The Children’s Treehouse Foundation.
Having cancer is not easy and comes with a lot of baggage. While you battle the disease, your body begins to change and what was once familiar may become foreign. Often times, side effects from cancer treatments can lead to sexuality and intimacy issues with a partner or loved one. In this episode, we’ll explore what some of the most common problems are, why they occur and how they can be treated. We’ll also talk about fertility treatments and the cost of wanting a family after cancer. Guests include Leslie Schover, PhD, Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; and Pamela Lewis, MA, Clinical Sociology, Cancer Survivor, and Senior Behavioral Research Coordinator also at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
With over 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States today, quality cancer care is more important than ever before. But just how is cancer care in the United States assessed and what gaps still remain in providing both the medical and emotional support services necessary to treat the whole patient? On today’s show, we’ll examine these issues and get back to basics by providing helpful tips and advice on what you can do if you are coping with a cancer diagnosis. Guests include Mitch Golant, PhD, Senior Vice President of Research & Training at The Wellness Community; and Joanne Buzaglo, PhD, Senior Director of Research at The Wellness Community.
Have you ever wondered how prescription drugs make it from the manufacturer to the marketplace? On today’s show, we’re going to take detailed look at the drug review and approval process in the United States and compare our system with other countries’. We’ll also reveal what’s coming down the pipeline in terms of new innovations in cancer treatment. Guests include Kenneth Miller, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Yale School of Medicine in the Section of Medical Oncology, and Director of the Connecticut Challenge Survivorship Clinic and the Supportive Care Program at Yale Cancer Center; and Garo Armen, PhD, Chairman and CEO of Antigenics, Inc.
In 2008, 1.4 million people were diagnosed with cancer, and today, there are 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States today. When you see these statistics, it becomes clear that everyone has somehow been affected by this disease. On this episode we’re going to talk about the important role of the cancer caregiver, but we’re going to focus issues specific to long-distance caregivers. There are approximately 7 million long-distance caregivers in the United States, and as cancer continues to become more of a chronic illness, the number of long-distance caregivers caring for and about someone with cancer will continue to increase. Guests include Virginia Green, PhD, caregiver and former participant at TWC-Redondo Beach; and Christine Winkler, PhD, MFT, facilitator of the Family Support group at TWC-Redondo Beach.
Over the last 60 years, death rates from cervical cancer have declined steadily, due much to the increased use of the Pap test. While diagnoses of cervical cancer death remain small compared to breast cancer and ovarian cancer, cervical cancer remains an incredibly serious illness to those it affects. January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and in this episode, we’re going take a closer look at this disease and discuss the important medical, social and emotional issues associated with cervical cancer. Guests include Marilyn Uccardi, cervical cancer patient and participant at TWC-Central New Jersey; Patty Kingsley, cervical cancer patient and participant at TWC-Southwest Florida; and Sheryl Redlin-Frazier, RN, OCN, Clinical Learning Consultant, Nursing Education & Development, Vanderbilt Medical Center.
The premier episode will explore The Wellness Community’s founding principle of the Patient Active™ Concept, which is explained in the book, The Total Cancer Wellness Guide: Reclaiming Your Life After Diagnosis (BenBella Books, 2007), a book co-authored by Kim Thiboldeaux and Mitch Golant, PhD. Guests will discuss the benefits of patients taking an active role in managing their cancer care during treatment and beyond. They include Matthew Loscalzo, MSW, Administrative Director for the Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center; Lidia Schapira, MD, Oncologist at the Gillette Center for Breast Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School; and Douglas Wilkey, Jr., non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor and participant at The Wellness Community-Arizona.
As if a cancer diagnosis wasn’t overwhelming enough, many people also have to worry about keeping their jobs while undergoing treatment. Learn about some of the many issues of cancer in the workplace by joining host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests as they discuss rights to medical leave, job security, information about employment discrimination and much more. Guests include Gary B. Ross and Andrew D. Morrison, both Founders and Managing Partners of Ross & Morrison, a law firm which specializes in the representation of employees diagnosed with cancer.
Not feeling so jolly about this holiday season because you or a loved one is battling cancer? Learn ways to shake off the holiday blues by joining host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests as they discuss ways to cope with cancer during what should be a very happy time of year. Listen to common concerns shared by cancer patients and their loved ones, and pick up some tips on how to balance family, work and health to create just the right holiday observances from Thanksgiving into the New Year. Guests include Connie Wells, cancer patient and participant at TWC-Central Indiana, Andy Smith, caregiver and participant at TWC-Central Indiana and Laura Weiger, MSW, LSW, Program Director of TWC-Central Indiana.
Smokers or not, in every ethnic group in America, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Is the stigma surrounding lung cancer justified? Join host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests as they explore widely-held assumptions about lung cancer and discuss ways to take action against the disease. They’ll also offer resources for people who have recently been diagnosed with lung cancer, and their loved ones. Guests include Lynne Mayo, cancer survivor and participant at TWC-Greater Cincinnati/No. Kentucky and Kay Cofrancesco, Director of External Relations at the Lung Cancer Alliance.
If you’re battling cancer, you’re probably not feeling great. You’re spending time at doctor visits and going to treatments, and between them, you’re tired. Perhaps you’re a private person and never thought about sharing your experience with strangers before. Why is it important to address your emotional needs? Host Kim Thiboldeaux and guests will discuss the rewards of being a participant at The Wellness Community, a unique group that knows first-hand what a cancer survivor or caregiver is going through and why it can be so helpful to the survivors’ overall health and sense of well-being. They’ll also provide tips on what you can do to regain control of your life. Guests include Debra Ellis, cancer survivor, participant at TWC-Greater Washington, DC, and Sean Hebbel, LCSW, Program Director of TWC-Delaware.
This episode will feature two cancer survivors from East Tennessee, who will speak about their experience volunteering at The Wellness Community teaching yoga and nutrition classes and helping other men and women affected by cancer learn how to live well through proper diet and exercise. The importance of diet and exercise will be discussed, as well as finding the right balance of being active both during and after treatment. Guests include Beth Booker MS, MPH, RD, Cancer Survivor and Nutrition Instructor at TWC-East Tennessee and Pamela Bradshaw, Cancer Survivor and Yoga Instructor at TWC-East Tennessee.
The eighth and final episode of October will highlight the compelling stories of three breast cancer survivors from around the country. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, guests will discuss the important medical, social and emotional issues the estimated 2.5 million breast cancers survivors living in the United States face everyday. Guests include Mel Majoros, cancer survivor, TWC Online Support Group participant and Producer of the Vic McCarty Show, which is aired Petoskey, MI; Maria Padilla, cancer survivor and TWC-San Francisco/East Bay participant from Concord, CA; and Tonia Hines, cancer survivor and TWC-Greater Boston participant from Malden, MA.
There are many ways to cope with a cancer diagnosis. This episode will feature Bret Martin, a father and husband who battled cancer as his wife was pregnant with their son. Bret eventually turned to music to express what he was experiencing and help lift the spirits of other cancer patients. The show will discuss the social and emotional issues cancer patients face, and how song, music, and other creative outlets can improve quality of life. The episode will also highlight the importance of a positive patient-doctor relationship. Guests include Bret Martin, cancer survivor, singer and songwriter, Sebastopol, CA and Marek J. Bozdech, MD, Redwood Regional Oncology Center, Santa Rosa, CA.
Today, there are over 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States, which means more and more people are beating cancer than ever before. This episode will feature Sean Swarner, the only person in the world ever recorded to have been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma and Askin's sarcoma. However, the story is not about his illness, but how he overcame it to climb the seven tallest peaks in the world, founding the CancerClimber Association. Guests will discuss advice for those who feel physical limitations after cancer treatment and whether every cancer patient should attempt a physical goal as well as the kind of support cancer patients need to cope. They include Sean Swarner, Hodgkin's lymphoma and Askin's sarcoma survivor and Founder of the CancerClimber Association and Peter D. Eisenberg, MD of California Cancer Care.
With over 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States, many children are being significantly impacted when a parent is diagnosed with cancer. This episode will feature The Children’s Treehouse Foundation, the nation’s only organization providing hospital-based, cancer-focused, psychosocial intervention training and programming to improve the emotional health of children whose parents have cancer. Guests will give specific advice about how to talk to kids and reveal common misconceptions children have about cancer. Guests will include Peter vander Noot, Executive Director of The Children’s Treehouse Foundation in Denver, CO and Heather Hogoboom, caregiver and parent participant at The Children’s Treehouse Foundation.
Over the past 25 years, diagnoses of Leukemia and Lymphoma have increased by 88% and 87% respectively. Learn more about the current options available to treat these types of cancers, and hear a first-hand account of a patient’s incredible story of survival following an experimental form of treatment. Guests will include Lee M. Nadler, MD, Senior Vice President of Experimental Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), and Director, DFCI Center for Clinical and Translational Research; Charles R. Scheper, non-Hogdkin’s Lymphoma survivor, COO, Great American Financial Resources, Inc., and Chair, The Wellness Community National Board; and Julie Geisen Scheper, retired counselor, caregiver, community volunteer, and coach/advocate for cancer patients and their families.
The definition of cancer survivorship, the fear of recurrence, developing a survivor care plan – these are just a few of the issues that many individuals face after treatment is over. Kim Thiboldeaux will discuss the very real psychological and social challenges with guests including Julia Rowland, PhD, Director of the Office of Cancer Survivorship, National Cancer Institute; Gwen Darien, non-Hogdkin’s Lymphoma survivor, Editor-in-Chief of CR magazine and Director of the AACR’s Survivor and Patient Advocacy Program; and Richard Mikesh, non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor and participant at The Wellness Community-Southwest Florida.
A May 2007 survey conducted by The Wellness Community (TWC) and KRC Research revealed that 80% of loved ones and friends who support those in cancer treatment reported experiencing regular stress and anxiety and 29% reported being treated for depression during their caregiving experience. What can be done to ease the burden and support the emotional needs of these key providers? Guests on this topic will include Eileen Heisman, President & CEO of National Philanthropic Trust; and Andrea Roschke, caregiver and participant at The Wellness Community-Valley/Ventura.
The premier episode will explore The Wellness Community’s founding principle of the Patient Active™ Concept, which is explained in the book, The Total Cancer Wellness Guide: Reclaiming Your Life After Diagnosis (BenBella Books, 2007), a book co-authored by Kim Thiboldeaux and Mitch Golant, PhD. Guests will discuss the benefits of patients taking an active role in managing their cancer care during treatment and beyond. They include Matthew Loscalzo, MSW, Administrative Director for the Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center; Lidia Schapira, MD, Oncologist at the Gillette Center for Breast Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School; and Douglas Wilkey, Jr., non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor and participant at The Wellness Community-Arizona.