Guidance from experts & survivors

You have questions…we have experts to help guide you through your cancer journey. We cover topics ranging from finances, treatments, planning ahead, alternative medicine, and the future. Our experts are here to help.

guidance from experts and survivors
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Dr Diane Reidy-Lagunes
(Y)our Stories
Tuning In to Hope

Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center combines her training as an oncologist and her passion for helping others by hosting the informative and inspirational “Cancer Straight Talk” podcast.

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Dr Faiz Bhora
(Y)our Stories
Inhaling Hazards

With flavors such as mango and crème brûlée, vaping among youth and teens was once seen as something enjoyable and trendy. Now, society is recognizing the more sinister side of the brands marketing these potentially harmful products. cW sits down with Dr. Faiz Bhora, chief of thoracic surgery at Hackensack Meridian Health, to discuss this pernicious threat.

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stephanie herron
(Y)our Stories
Stand Up & Support

Stand Up To Cancer’s new CDO, Stephanie Herron, inspires innovation to help break the model of fundraising for cancer research.

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Cancer Coach
Ask the Cancer Coach
What Comes Next: Spring 2023

cW’s resident cancer coach reminds supporters and caregivers about the importance of self-care when supporting someone else on a cancer journey.

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cW online
(Y)our Stories
cW Online

Our supporters are our biggest allies. Over on our Instagram @cancerwellmag, we asked questions about how to show support to yourself and your loved ones through a cancer diagnosis. Read on for some thoughts from our followers.

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TAKING ACTION
(Y)our Stories
Taking Action

Cancer Wellness spoke with the founders of six wildly different initiatives — from a nonprofit, to a mobile app, to a virtual happy hour — that were all inspired by their individual cancer journeys.

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yoga
Complementary Medicine
Stretch It Out

Yoga, a popular form of exercise focusing on breathwork through a series of postures or stretches, is gaining acceptance in western medicine as a way to relieve the mental, emotional and physical side effects of cancer treatment.

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LIVESTRONG YMCA
(Y)our Stories
Moving Beyond Cancer

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a free program, operating in 42 states, that helps cancer survivors find and maintain an active lifestyle.

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MICHELLE SEGAR
(Y)our Stories
cW Library: Winter 2023

Michelle Segar, a researcher and health coach, offers insight about sustainable behavior changes in her latest book, “The Joy Choice.”

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ERICA LANGLEY
(Y)our Stories
(Re)Building the Body

Erica Langley’s breast cancer diagnosis came just weeks before her first bodybuilding competition. With no family history of cancer and a sparkling record of clean living, she was blindsided by her diagnosis. But she would soon find her physical and mental strength — honed during rigorous training — would be an asset during treatment and help her come back stronger than ever.

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benefits of cbd
Complementary Medicine
Cannabis Comeback?

More athletes have been turning to cannabis to support their recovery efforts post-game or post-workout, but what purpose do CBD and THC serve in a sports and exercise setting?

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cW online
(Y)our Stories
cW Online

Over on our Instagram, @cancerwellmag, we asked cW readers a question: What is the first thing you did when you were declared cancer-free? Read on for their responses.

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Breast Cancer
Setting the Stage

After Virginia Carnesale’s breast cancer diagnosis, she was surprised by how little information was available for health and beauty products that could help warriors and thrivers through treatment. Resolving to do something about it, she founded Stage — an online platform celebrating its one-year anniversary this month.

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BIAN
(Y)our Stories
On the Way to Wellness

Robb Leone, president and cofounder of BIÂN, follows up with Cancer Wellness about his journey with leukemia and the many things for which he’s grateful.

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neuroplasticity
Complementary Medicine
Your Brain on Joy

Harnessing the “plastic” power of your brain can help cancer thrivers and survivors neutralize the feelings of depression and anxiety that may accompany a diagnosis — no products, programs or prescriptions required.

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Miranda Mckeon
(Y)our Stories
One in a Million

Actress Miranda McKeon uses her social media platform to encourage open and honest discussions about the mental and physical aspects of cancer, breaking stigmas about breast cancer and demystifying a diagnosis to her loyal followers, which number more than a million.

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FORCE
(Y)our Stories
The Brightened & Enlightened Series Presents: FORCE

Cancer Wellness is proud to present the first installment of our new series in partnership with Bright Pink. FORCE is the first (and largest) nonprofit focused on providing education and resources to the hereditary cancer community, while championing efforts to widen access to genetic testing, cancer screenings and lifesaving treatments and procedures — regardless of income or insurance status.

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working with cancer
Guidance From Experts & Survivors
To Work or Not to Work

Work may be the last thing on your mind in the midst of a cancer diagnosis, but familiarizing yourself with workplace policies will give you time to focus on your health — in and out of the office.

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MELISSA MULLAMPHY
(Y)our Stories
cW Library: Fall 2022

In her new memoir, “Not in Vain, A Promise Kept,” Melissa Mullamphy chronicles her experience as caregiver following her mother’s cancer diagnosis — a time marked by misdiagnosis, difficult treatments and inept doctors — and provides real-life details for how to advocate for yourself or your loved ones amidst a cancer diagnosis.

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JILL MEYER LIPPERT
Ask the Doctor
Best Tooth Forward

Through her company, Side Effect Support, Jill Meyer-Lippert, raises awareness about the importance of dental health while being treated for cancer, and offers resources to help manage short-term side effects and long-term oral health.

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sara machnik
(Y)our Stories
Line by Line

Sara Machnik was diagnosed with breast cancer in the middle of the pandemic — a cancer diagnosis is isolating enough, but COVID protocols made it difficult to connect with other warriors, friends and family. But then she started writing poetry, and Sara was able to face the darkness and turn her experience into something beautiful.

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JOHNNY BENCH
(Y)our Stories
Baseball and Basal Cells

Johnny Bench of the Cincinnati Reds is “on the ball” when it comes to skin cancer. Cancer Wellness talks with Bench about his skin cancer diagnosis and how “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

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DIANE HURA
(Y)our Stories
Prolonging Life With a Pill

A sudden diagnosis of stage IV lung cancer left Diane Hura uncertain about her future, but a drug for ALK-positive lung cancers inspired hope for a second chance.

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Abby Lee Miller
(Y)our Stories
Dancing Diva

Abby Lee Miller of the popular show “Dance Moms” hasn’t let a cancer diagnosis stop her from living life to the fullest.

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Bill Potts
(Y)our Stories
Up for the Fight

Bill C. Potts is a five-time cancer survivor. In our latest essay, Bill shares five invaluable lessons from his experiences with cancer.

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sleep tips
Complementary Medicine
A Good Night’s Rest

When going through cancer treatment, catching some Z’s is more important than ever—but it’s not always easy.

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ask the warriors
Guidance From Experts & Survivors
Ask the Warriors

On Instagram (@cancerwellmag), we asked, “What do you wish your doctors understood about the cancer journey?” Read on for answers from the cW community!

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getting hot
Coping Strategies & Techniques
It’s Getting Hot in Here

In August’s Everyday Runway column, Melissa Berry shares with readers her “Menopause Survival Kit” and the items she uses to beat the heat!

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whitney reynolds
(Y)our Stories
Stories of Hope

It’s 2022 and I am so excited to spread some of the hope we’ve found on “The Whitney Reynolds Show.” This spring, we’re sharing the story of BIÂN CEO and kidney cancer warrior Joseph Fisher. Because he listened to his body, early detection potentially saved his life.

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NURSING
Guidance From Experts & Survivors
Nursing Your Way to Better Health

Transitioning from health care provider to patient, nurses diagnosed with cancer are finding beneficial ways to nurse their way back to better health.

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David Cooke
Ask the Doctor
Ask the Doctor

Dr. David Tom Cooke, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a thoracic oncologist and surgeon who specializes in lung cancer, esophageal cancer and robotic surgery at UC Davis Medical Center.

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GYM
Anal Cancer
Let Go of Ego

How I found my own path to wellness after cancer and learned to stop judging myself at the gym.

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GRYT HEALTH
Complementary Medicine
Oncology’s Melting Pot

Gryt Health demystifies integrative oncology so warriors can reap the rewards of a mind-body approach toward cancer treatment.

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DISABLED CANCER CARE
Cancer & Environment
Catching Up

Due to inaccessible equipment and inadequate training, cancer screening and care can feel more like a barrier than a benefit for people with disabilities. 

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YOLI ORIGEL
(Y)our Stories
Cancer Connection

Breast cancer warrior Yoli Origel details founding Cancer Kinship, an organization connecting warriors and thrivers for empowerment through human connection.

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BREATHE NOW WELLNESS
(Y)our Stories
Healing Together

Through its Breathe Now Wellness Retreats, Dear Jack Foundation helps bring couples closer together after cancer treatment.

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LATINAS CONTRA CANCER
(Y)our Stories
Latinas Contra Cancer

While Latinx communities may not experience cancer as often as their non-Hispanic white counterparts, disparities still exist. California-based organization Latinas Contra Cancer is working to change that.

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RANA BITAR
(Y)our Stories
The Supporter: Rana Bitar

Oncologist Rana Bitar talks about her new book “The Long Tale of Tears and Smiles: An Oncologist’s Journey” highlighting why it is so important for medical professionals to listen to warriors.

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GILDAS CLUB MADISON
Coping Strategies & Techniques
Shedding Light

Gilda’s Club Madison offers a safe space to discuss death and dying in the cancer context.

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gen z and cancer
(Y)our Stories
Gen Z & the Big C

It can be difficult to be taken seriously as a young person. But as cancer rates continue growing in younger demographics, warriors like 21 year old Manar Kashk stress the importance of advocating for yourself and listening to your body when it comes to your health.

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CAREGIVER
(Y)our Stories
Take Care

As if a cancer diagnosis weren’t hard enough, caregiving can come at its own cost. Serena Hu shares her experience caregiving for her late father.

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black women rising
(Y)our Stories
Rising Up

Founder of Black Women Rising and breast cancer warrior Leanne Pero advocates for Black warriors and thrivers to receive the resources they need to beat cancer.

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Mothers cancer journey
Breast Cancer
A Delicate Dance

My mother’s cancer journey can teach others to trust Black women fighting for their health—and their lives.

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SPA DAY
Coping Strategies & Techniques
A Day at the Spa

Cancer warriors and thrivers were treated to a virtual spa day courtesy of Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan Center for Health and Wellness, featuring meditation, yoga, music and more.

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TALK ABOUT CANCER PODCAST
(Y)our Stories
Talk Off

Catharsis and community abound in “Talk About Cancer,” a weekly podcast featuring warriors, caregivers and more speaking candidly about their cancer experience.

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BIBLIOTHERAPY
Coping Strategies & Techniques
The Beauty of Bibliotherapy

When you’re a parent diagnosed with cancer, it can be hard to find the words when discussing it with your children. Luckily, there’s age-appropriate books that know all the right things to say.

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TRACEE COLE
(Y)our Stories
#FighterFriday: Tracee Cole

Breast cancer thriver Tracee Cole shares her experience of being diagnosed with stage II triple-positive breast cancer a mere month before COVID-19 shut the world down.

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DR LIPTAY
Ask the Doctor
The Fight for Breathing Rights

The landscape of lung cancer is changing, but there’s still work to be done. Dr. Michael Liptay is one health care professional spearheading the push for preventive action.

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MANAGE BREAST CANCER
Breast Cancer
10 Tips to Manage Your Breast Cancer Treatment Experience

Breast cancer treatment can be a difficult and confusing journey. While there are numerous support systems designed to assist you, knowing the options available allows you to advocate for the care that best meets your needs. Below are 10 ways you can ensure and advocate for the best care for you in your treatment journey.

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CANCER IN COURT
Guidance From Experts & Survivors
Cancer in Court

Cancer initiatives can sometimes seem left behind in legislation, but advocating for new policy is still one of the most promising practices in the worldwide fight against the disease. Here are four recent proposals to support that aim for real change at the U.S. legal level.

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FACES OF CANCER
Breast Cancer
Face First

In our latest portrait series, we spotlight the many faces of the New Cancer Community.

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DANIELLE DOBY
(Y)our Stories
Looking for the Light

Writer and artist Danielle Doby shares the lessons she’s learned about gratitude, grief and the infinite influence of cancer.

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RESILIENTSHIP
(Y)our Stories
A Perfect Match

Resilientship is redefining friendship for women warriors, pairing you with someone who understands exactly what you’re going through with its platonic matchmaking service.

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FIRST DESCENTS
Coping Strategies & Techniques
Out Living It

Every step you take is cause for celebration with First Descents, the nonprofit prescribing adventure for warriors.

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CANCER AND MASCULINITY
Complementary Medicine
Masculinity: Keeping It Real

In the face of rigid societal roles and expectations, like masculinity, your authentic self can become overshadowed and lost. But you owe it to yourself to stay true to your inner identity, cultivating it free of performative constraints.

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PERSONAL INK
Breast Cancer
Pretty in Ink

Personal Ink, a program created by nonprofit Fuck Cancer, empowers women to reclaim their bodies post-mastectomy.

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cancer coach
Ask the Cancer Coach
What Comes Next

Cancer coach Mirela Kopier emphasizes why it’s crucial for men to take charge of their health and how starting may be easier than you think.

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KIDNEY DONATION
Guidance From Experts & Survivors
A Donation of Destiny

If she hadn’t donated a kidney, Ashly Gardea may have learned too late about her cancer diagnosis.

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GEOFF AUGUSTINE
Coping Strategies & Techniques
A Laughing Matter

Generally portrayed as something serious, cancer and all its taboos are cast in a new light as cartoonist Geoff Augustine helps himself and others find the funny in a diagnosis.

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MELANOMA
Ask the Doctor
Ask the Doctor: Anisha Patel, MD

With summer in full swing, Anisha Patel, MD—a board-certified dermatologist at MD Anderson, a dermatopathologist at McGovern Medical School and a member of the American Academy—is here to answer all of your “burning” questions about melanoma risk in men.

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COLON CANCER
(Y)our Stories
Just Do It

Pre-vivor Paige Kornblue says observing her mother’s surprise battle with colon cancer inspired her to take her health seriously, even during a pandemic.

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COLORECTAL CANCER
Ask the Doctor
Ask the Doctor: Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is increasingly no longer a disease that affects only older adults. Dr. Zuri Murrell explains why younger people are experiencing higher rates and how to stay healthy.

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ASK THE CANCER COACH
Ask the Cancer Coach
What Comes Next – Spring 2021

In this issue’s column, cW’s resident cancer coach Mirela Kopier explores the importance of living well and being your own advocate beyond conventional means.

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LESLIE FERRIS YERGER
(Y)our Stories
Insist and Persist

After a stage IV breast cancer diagnosis, Leslie Ferris Yerger realized there was a lot she hadn’t known about the risk of cancer when it comes to dense breasts. With the formation of nonprofit My Density Matters, she’s urging other women to take action.

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CANCER WORKOUT
Coping Strategies & Techniques
Workin’ Up a Sweat

Getting up and moving might sound daunting while in treatment, but it can lead to a big difference in how you feel both mentally and physically.

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HOSPITAL BAG
Guidance From Experts & Survivors
Pack It Up

Stay prepared for your next visit with the doc with these 10 must-have hospital bag items that’ll keep you comfortably content.

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greek mesothelioma
Guidance From Experts & Survivors
A Hidden Burden

Mesothelioma lawyer Nicholas Vogelzang explores the ramifications the disease can have on unsuspecting populations around the globe.

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CANCER COACH
Ask the Cancer Coach
Ask the Cancer Coach

In this issue’s column, cW’s resident cancer coach Mirela Kopier explores the necessity of caring for yourself while caring for others.

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dr john marshall
Ask the Doctor
Ask the Doctor: John L. Marshall, M.D.

After the death of beloved actor and “Black Panther” hero Chadwick Boseman last summer, many wondered how a seemingly healthy young man could contract colon cancer. We talked to John L. Marshall, M.D., the director of The Ruesch Center for the Cure of GI Cancers and the chief of hematology and oncology at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University, to find answers.

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BRUSHES WITH CANCER
(Y)our Stories
The Bigger Picture

Art speaks louder than words in Twist Out Cancer’s Brushes with Cancer program that utilizes artists to paint a picture of the relationship individuals have with cancer.

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CANCER COACH
Ask the Cancer Coach
Ask the Cancer Coach

In this new column, our resident cancer coach will focus on a new holistic topic that readers can incorporate into their health and wellness journey.

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dr alexea gaffney
Ask the Doctor
Ask the Doctor: Dr. Alexea Gaffney

New York-based infectious disease doctor and breast cancer thriver Dr. Alexea Gaffney answers your questions about staying healthy during the cough, cold and flu season.

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ALEJANDRA CAMPOVERDI
Breast Cancer
Fighting Her ‘Inheritance’

By trusting her gut, Alejandra Campoverdi took genetic likelihood into her own hands and remained steadfast in her approach to breast cancer even when her support network didn’t fully understand. She hopes to inspire other women to do the same through her new PBS Documentary, “Inheritance.”

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DR JESSICA DONINGTON
Ask the Doctor
Buying Better Time

Dr. Jessica Donington, the chief of thoracic surgery at the University of Chicago, wants to keep mesothelioma patients living not just longer, but better, too.

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CANCER ART THERAPY
(Y)our Stories
No Words Needed

Knowing exactly what to say or how to say it when talking about your own diagnosis isn’t always possible. When you just can’t seem to find the words, art therapy gives you a canvas.

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IMERMAN ANGELS
Ask the Cancer Coach
What Comes Next?

After meticulous routines and strict schedules, the independence of survivorship may feel intimidating. Cancer coaches can help you tackle life’s new chapter in your own way.

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GOING VIRTUAL COVID
Guidance From Experts & Survivors
Going Virtual

COVID-19 may have put a damper on IRL gatherings, but some nonprofits are using the challenge as an opportunity to better serve communities without ever leaving home.

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MORHAF AL ACHKAR
Guidance From Experts & Survivors
cW Chat: Morhaf Al Achkar

In this new quarterly series, the cW team chats with a notable figure in the cancer community with something to share. For this issue, we talk to Morhaf Al Achkar about his new memoir about lung cancer, “Being Authentic.”

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DANIEL MULROONEY ST JUDES
Ask the Doctor
Ask the Doctor

Dr. Daniel Mulrooney of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee answers your questions about childhood cancer and survivorship.

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MESOTHELIOMA TURKEY
Ask the Doctor
Rare Cancers, Rarer Discoveries

Research in two small villages in the Cappadocia region of Turkey led to one of the most important discoveries in the fight against the rare cancer mesothelioma. Now, one of the lead researchers shares his story.

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LONELY HEARTS
Coping Strategies & Techniques
The Lonely Hearts Club

You probably won’t die from a broken heart, but a new study finds it could contribute to a future cancer diagnosis.

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JESSICA WALKER
Coping Strategies & Techniques
Advice for the Road Ahead

In her latest column, Jessica Walker offers five tips for the newly diagnosed who may feel completely overwhelmed about the journey before them.

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DR MUAIAD KITTANEH
Ask the Doctor
An Unhealthy Predisposition

Research and advancements in treatment for rare cancers like mesothelioma is slow-going, but Loyola Medicine’s Dr. Muaiad Kittaneh is doing the work few else will.

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DR JAMES VANDERWEELE
Ask the Doctor
Ask the Doctor

Chicago-based medical oncologist and cancer researcher Dr. David James VanderWeele answers your questions about BRCA gene mutations in men.

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Finance
Facing Cancer

It may be an uncomfortable task to tackle, but preparing your estate before passing can answer any lingering questions from grieving friends and family members as well as provide a smooth transition for those who might have to make difficult decisions.

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DR JASON LUKE
Ask the Doctor
Holding the Key to the Cure

Meet Dr. Jason Luke, immunotherapy’s “man of the moment” and our cover star. Luke believes immunotherapy is the future of cancer-care treatment. Is he right?

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