Survivorship

After being diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the esophagus in 2017, Stephen C. Aldrich realized his treatment options were limited to improving his quality of life but not extending his life. Determined to find a better option, he embarked on a mission to get his data to help design a new vaccine that resulted in his cancer remission. Read his story to find out why all patients with cancer should gain direct control over their data to identify the best treatment options for them.

Patient complaints are often seen as inappropriate or pointless, since no one will pay attention. So, you may be surprised to learn that patients today are being encouraged to voice their complaints, to help providers improve their care and their patients’ satisfaction. Patients’ concerns are becoming providers’ concerns.

Melody recounts her story of being a 34-year-old new mother diagnosed with breast cancer.

Nate Loch’s attitude and demeanor shaped his approach to a life-threatening brain tumor, subsequent complications, and the prospects of a long recovery while serving as a reminder about the fragility of life.

Lisa Lurie went from “bald, breastless, and bewildered” to all-glammed-up as a cancer survivor and founder of Cancer Be Glammed, a nonprofit organization that empowers women to recover with dignity and positive self-esteem. Last fall, Lisa was a finalist for CONQUER’s Hero of Hope Patient Award, and although she didn’t win, this experience was a milestone in her cancer story.

Obesity is associated with about 40% of cancers in the United States. This link is strongest in several types of cancer, including kidney, gastric, pancreatic, endometrial, and esophageal cancer. Significant weight reduction may help to reduce the risk for cancer.

Spring is a great time to get involved and participate in cancer fundraising activities. Here are several cancer walks you may want to join this season!

“I think most entrepreneurs believe they are superhuman,” says Jonathan Passley, a business owner, husband, and new father, whose world was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with cancer at age 29.

Cancer survivor Dan Dean weighs the many factors involved when deciding what to tell, or not tell, an employer about a cancer diagnosis and the job-related potential implications.

In this poignant article, cancer survivor Maya Harsaniova contemplates what it means to live in the moment, and how being a patient with cancer changed her perspective on many aspects of her life.

Patients with cancer are too often made to feel they need permission to experience the emotions that accompany a cancer diagnosis. Barbara Ritsema draws on her years of experience as a nurse to explain the stages of grief and offers tips for how to talk about cancer and how to help people diagnosed with cancer through the grieving process.