Essays

Neelam Shinde, a 2-time breast cancer survivor, reflects on the power of positive thinking and remembering that setbacks are integral parts of life. Read More ›

A chest x-ray and a CT scan revealed a diagnosis of stage IV (advanced) non–small-cell lung cancer after John Doll was experiencing shortness of breath and a lingering cold. Read More ›

Jacky Costello details how her cancer journey has scarred her but ultimately made her stronger, which taught her valuable lessons about seeking support from others and finding strength through change. Read More ›

Frank Sierawski had never smoked and had no family or personal history of lung problems, but what started out as a distressing cough ended up being lung cancer. Read More ›

A.J. Patel, who ran around 20 miles a week as a semi-professional soccer referee, was shocked to get a lung cancer diagnosis and dismayed when his relationships strained. Then, an estranged uncle came to his aid. Read More ›

Anna Winters found a lump on her breast right before a Gun N’ Roses concert, and now deals with thoughts of breast cancer recurrence and how remission doesn’t mean that cancer is over. Read More ›

Michele Longabaugh, who passed after this article was written, addresses the stigma associated with anal cancer and her battle with this tricky disease, which she turned into a blog, a book, and advocacy efforts to help others. Read More ›

Chris Andersen learned the value of trusting one’s instincts and asking for a second opinion after receiving a misdiagnosis of breast cancer that was later diagnosed as metastatic skin cancer and she was told she had 1 to 2 years to live. Thanks to a new treatment for skin cancer, she now has no signs of cancer. Read More ›

As a part-time personal trainer and a veteran strength athlete with 16 years of competition, Patrick McNamee was shocked to hear that he had stage III rectal cancer, and joked with his oncologist that he was the healthiest guy with cancer around. Read More ›

At age 24, Nalie Agustin was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. After about 3 years of remission and gaining a large online following through her inspirational writing, videos, and podcasts, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. She explains to doctors that their words are as powerful as the treatments they prescribe. Read More ›