innovations & research

Every day, innovations in treatment are giving cancer patients and their families hope for a cure. We proudly support multiple foundations and organizations that are dedicated to research and finding a better path forward in cancer treatment.

innovations and research
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cancer & environment

complementary medicine

financial concerns

changing the world
sterigenics cancer willowbrook illinois
Breast Cancer
In Plain Sight

In a midwestern town, thousands of people who lived and worked near the medical medical device sterilization company Sterigenics experienced daily exposure to cancer-causing rates of ethylene oxide. Years later, the community is finally seeking justice.

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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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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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Roots and Wings Foundation
(Y)our Stories
The Light Ahead

Roots & Wings Foundation raises awareness about metastatic breast cancer (MBC), connecting those diagnosed with integrative therapies to help them live longer, healthier lives.

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Kathy Hren
(Y)our Stories
The Gift of Time

Kathy Hren has been a stage IV, ALK-positive lung cancer warrior for almost 12 years. Through life-prolonging medicine and art therapy in the form of quilting, she has been able to live a life she is grateful for.

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microplastics
Cancer & Environment
Tiny Particles, Huge Problems

All plastic products shed “microplastics” — minute particles that are infiltrating the water we drink, the air we breathe and even our own bodies. Research into the effects of microplastics is still young, but signs point to potentially devastating long-term impacts on the environment and human health.

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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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CALUMET RIVER pollution
Cancer & Environment
Cleaning Up the Calumet

For decades, industrial and manufacturing waste was dumped into the Grand Calumet River, turning the natural wilderness of the Calumet region into a polluted wasteland. But recent cleanup efforts aim to restore the river and surrounding region to a place of beauty once again.

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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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PSYCHEDELIC SERIES
(Y)our Stories
The Psychedelic Series

Part one of cW’s Psychedelic Series examines the history of research into psychedelic drugs in the United States and considers why psychedelic therapy may be an ideal option to help relieve some cancer patients’ end-of-life depression and anxiety.

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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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Innovations & Research
An Artificial Intelligence Assembly

The advancement of artificial intelligence in hospitals and other care settings has allowed for growth and improvement in both the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Here are some of the cutting-edge technologies that we think you should know about.

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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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dostarlimab
Colorectal Cancer
Wonder Drug?

A recent clinical trial using an immunotherapeutic “checkpoint inhibitor” completely eradicated colorectal cancer in all 18 participants.

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radiation exposure
(Y)our Stories
Downwinders

Communities downwind of nuclear testing sites bear the brunt of negative health outcomes from radiation exposure.

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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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rick bartlett
(Y)our Stories
A Rewritten Route

Rick Bartlett, prostate cancer thriver, hopes revolutionary advancements in cancer care will encourage more men to take their health seriously.

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On the lookout
Complementary Medicine
On the Lookout

Side effects aren’t always minor. Familiarizing yourself with your medications and symptoms can be a lifesaver in serious situations.

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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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ION TECHNOLOGY
Innovations & Research
Guiding the Way

Ion technology is guiding doctors in more precise and efficient surgical procedures, meaning easier and faster recoveries for lung cancer warriors.

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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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LOW COST CANCER TESTING
Innovations & Research
Put to the Test

The COVID-19 pandemic is shaping the way we approach cancer screenings. Low-cost, less invasive and more convenient testing options are on the horizon.

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CANCER AI
Innovations & Research
A Second Set of Eyes

People aren’t perfect, and artificial intelligence may be the answer to bridging the gaps in pathology left by human error.

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SHEPARD THERAPEUTICS
Complementary Medicine
No Warrior Left Behind

For Shepherd Therapeutics founder David Hysong, “rare isn’t rare” is more than just a slogan when it comes to oncology. It is a battle cry rooted in his personal fight against cancer.

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ZANTAC CANCER
Cancer & Environment
The Danger Unseen

A common medication used to treat acid reflux was taken off the market two years ago, but its health hazards—including cancer risk—are ongoing.

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MR-LINAC
Complementary Medicine
An Alternate Route

After seeing the effects that invasive treatment had on warriors close to him, Michael Justiz knew there had to be another way when faced with his own prostate cancer diagnosis. He took a gamble on a new technology—and it paid off.

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WOMEN CANCER RESEARCHERS
(Y)our Stories
Breaking Barriers

Women researchers are important to cancer science, yet the oncology field often fails at properly recognizing it. Organizations like Women Who Conquer Cancer and ResearcHERS are working to shatter the glass ceiling.

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CANCER IN INDIA
Cancer & Environment
No Ordinary House

India is a country of high cancer mortality rates and limited accessible resources, where many travel miles and miles to expensive cities for late-stage treatment, becoming houseless in the process. Wanting to help, one government official offered up his state house. Now, it’s a beacon of hope for cancer patients.

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PSYCHEDELICS CANCER
Complementary Medicine
Under the Influence

Psychedelics are entering the mainstream with potent potential to ease cancer side effects of the existential variety.

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CANCER ENVIRONMENT
Cancer & Environment
A Dirty Secret

The US is the top oil producer in the world, but emerging research is finding that a push for profit may come at the expense of citizens’ health.

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SAUNDRA PELLETIER
Breast Cancer
Claiming Control

While pushing for the option of women taking matters into their own hands when it comes to birth control, Saundra Pelletier was doing the same with her breast cancer diagnosis.

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mRNA
Innovations & Research
Forging a Future

The research behind the mRNA-based vaccines used to minimize severe COVID-19 cases has another potential use—fighting cancer.

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DR SMEKENS
Complementary Medicine
Finding A New Approach

As integrative medicine becomes increasingly popular, practitioners like Dr. Shelly Smekens at Raden Wellness are ensuring patients encounter safe and smart whole-person healing.

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CANCER 3D PRINTING
Innovations & Research
Layer by Layer

To give a more personal touch to cancer care, the medical industry is harnessing the power of 3D printing.

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IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY
Innovations & Research
Making It Personal

While an incredible advancement, immunotherapy doesn’t work for every warrior—especially young women. By aiming to tailor treatment and customize care, precision medicine is ushering in a new era of improving immuno-oncology.

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ARC
Clean Beauty
Cool, Calm & Collected

Thergy, a “cancer care solutions” brand, has revolutionized radiation and chemotherapy treatment with the introduction of ARC, their skin-saving solution.

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NITA LEE
Innovations & Research
Me, Myself and Medicine

Dr. Nita Lee, an OB-GYN at the University of Chicago, says the COVID-19 pandemic allowed her team to embrace a more patient-forward approach to tackling cancer.

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FUNDING
Finance
The Future of Funding

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many things, including funding for cancer research. Now, nonprofits are adapting to a changing financial landscape with novel approaches to fundraising.

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HPV
Childhood Cancers
Closing the Gap

HPV-related cancer types could be eradicated in the near future if all children receive a vaccine. So why are many young boys not getting the shot?

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BLOOD SAMPLE
Innovations & Research
A Single Sample

The future of detection for 50 types of cancer may be found in a just few drops of blood.

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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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COVID LUNG CANCER
Innovations & Research
Breathing Uneasy

Cancer warriors and thrivers may be more susceptible to contracting the novel coronavirus and developing severe complications, especially if there is a history of lung-specific illnesses like mesothelioma.

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LABORATORY SAMPLE
Innovations & Research
Finding the Right Words

To optimize cancer management, professionals say medical teams should use consistent testing terminology, improve communication, and encourage shared decision making between patients and medical personnel.

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WFH COVID
Cancer & Environment
A Job Well Done

The fast-paced shift to WFH due to the pandemic can be especially difficult for cancer warriors and thrivers for a myriad of reasons. But it also opens a new door to employers meeting your needs.

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CHEMOTHERAPY
Colorectal Cancer
Treating the Untreatable

After years of use, chemotherapy is finally becoming more personalized thanks to ongoing research in precision medicine at the Nagourney Cancer Institute.

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ALCOHOL AND CANCER
Innovations & Research
Bottom’s Down

Despite being a risk factor for cancer, alcohol consumption remains high among cancer fighters and survivors according to a new study, worrying many in the medical field.

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telehealth
Complementary Medicine
Five Things You Need to Know About Telehealth

Since the 1960s, telehealth has been an essential component of military and space technology development. Over time, the technology became more accessible to health care professionals as a useful tool to provide patient care globally.

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CHILDHOOD CANCER
Childhood Cancers
Treating with Kid Gloves

Childhood cancer research lags far behind research into adult treatments, but the risk of negative health effects later in life demands these cancers get the same support—and federal dollars.

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CANCER AND ACCUPUNCTURE
Complementary Medicine
Stick it to Cancer

Although acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat a number of medical ailments, it has only recently crossed over to the Western medical world, including for cancer patients.

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ALTERNATIVE CANCER TREATMENT
(Y)our Stories
Desperately Seeking Treatment

Alternative treatment centers in Tijuana, Mexico, claim miracle cures for cancer, but therapies on offer—ranging from zany to dangerous—often do more harm than good.

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WINE PESTICIDES
Innovations & Research
For the Good of the Grape

You try to do the right thing and buy organic fruits and vegetables, but there might be one place pesticides hide in secret: your wine rack.

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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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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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JEWISH CANCER DIAGNOSIS
Breast Cancer
A Chain of Support

Sharsheret understands the wholly specific religious, cultural, and genetic implications of people of all Jewish backgrounds receiving a cancer diagnosis.

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MONSANTO
Cancer & Environment
One Bad Apple

For years, agrochemical company Monsanto has been hiding the truth about the cancer-causing herbicide glyphosate, but recent lawsuits have brought the truth to light.

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PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY
Complementary Medicine
Let There Be Light

Photodynamic therapy, previously only used for esophogeal and lung cancer, offers new treatment options for aggressive cancers in new trials.

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EPIGENETICS
Clean Beauty
Skintight Genes

Want clear skin? Epigenetics—the study of controlling gene expression—is no longer just for the cancer research world.

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MICROHEARTS
Innovations & Research
Microhearts, Huge Impact

Better cancer treatment options mean higher survival rates, but long-term survivors risk cardiovascular disease later in life. At InvivoSciences, Ayla Annac is growing microhearts to help better understand the cardiovascular risks of cancer treatment.

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VR CHEMO
Innovations & Research
A Break from Reality

Thanks to virtual-reality technology, many chemotherapy patients are escaping the dreary confines of the hospital for a restorative afternoon at the beach.

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HAWAII SUNSCREEN BAN
Cancer & Environment
Something Fishy

Hawaii’s controversial sunscreen ban means a healthier ocean for both human and marine life, but some doctors worry new restrictions could lead to higher incidences of skin cancer.

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DRS CHOI
Complementary Medicine
A Family Affair

Drs. Jennifer and Jaehyuk Choi together run a first-of-its-kind oncodermatology department and lab, revolutionizing the fast-developing field, while still making time to raise their three daughters in Chicago’s North Shore.

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Innovations & Research
Breathe Easy

Dr. Jeffrey A. Borgia is ready to move his test for early-stage lung cancer detection to clinical trials—is this the first step to a pan-cancer blood test?

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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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IMMUNOTHERAPY
Complementary Medicine
A Little Immuno History

Immunotherapy didn’t develop overnight. The treatment, which capitalizes on the body’s natural defenses on a cellular level, has been in use or development since the late-19th century.

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