Blog
Our blog covers a wide range of topics to help support, inspire, and inform members of our community, including those who have been personally impacted by cancer. Use the search filters below to find blog posts on topics that are important to you, from wellness tips, advocacy & policy news, and cancer research findings to stories and insights shared by patients, survivors, and caregivers.

A Cancer Advocate Speaks Out About Bladder Cancer and Survivorship
Liz Hiles spent months trying to get answers from medical providers about her unexplained urinary pain. When she was finally diagnosed with bladder cancer, surgery results revealed she had stage 3B cancer. Read on to learn more about Liz’s survivorship story and her work to dispel stereotypes around bladder cancer.
August Advocate Spotlight: Rob Tufel
Each month, the Cancer Policy Institute profiles advocates who have been engaged in cancer advocacy. This month we spotlight Rob Tufel, MSW, MPH. Rob is CEO at the Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area and has worked in cancer advocacy for more than 25 years. Read on to learn more about Rob and his advocacy work.

Strength in Survivorship: Cancer Survivor Evelina Shares Her Story
Our survivorship series continues with a Q&A with Evelina, a breast cancer survivor who has been sharing her experience — both the gifts and the challenges — with others. “One of the toughest challenges I faced throughout my journey was losing my father right in the midst of treatment,” she says. Read on to learn more about Evelina’s story.

July Advocate Spotlight: Dr. Stephen B. Edge
Each month, the Cancer Policy Institute profiles advocates who have been engaged in cancer advocacy. Read on to learn more about Dr. Stephen B. Edge's work as a surgical oncologist and his passion for assuring that every person with cancer gets quality care.

The Role of Telehealth and Tele-Mental Health Services in Advancing Health Equity
As the use of telehealth and tele-mental health services continued to grow during the COVID-19 pandemic, disparities in access and usage also were exposed. Read on to learn more about the role of telehealth in supporting health equity.

Bone Cancer Awareness Month
Daniel Jacobs is a 2-time middleweight world champion. This boxing pro is also a cancer survivor. July is Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month, so recognizing Daniel’s story now seems fitting. It’s also an opportune time to talk about bone cancer, risk factors, and treatment options. Read on for more details.

Living on Purpose: Cancer Survivor Amber Havekost Shares Her Journey
“As deep as my pain goes, so does my gratitude," reflects Amber, a breast cancer survivor. Gain insight and inspiration from Amber's story.

Giving Back & Moving Forward: Meet Cancer Survivor Marcia Donziger
In our special blog series on cancer survivorship, we get to know Marcia Donziger, whose journey as a stage 3 ovarian cancer survivor inspired her to create an online community for others impacted by cancer. "Don’t do cancer alone," she says. "Advocating for others — and just being there as a friend who listens — are my ways of coping and moving forward." Keep reading to learn more about Marcia's story.

Marking Pride Month: Meet Patient Advocate Tony Burns
To mark Pride Month, we talk with cancer survivor and patient advocate Tony Burns. In this Q&A, we learn about the native Washingtonian’s personal experience with cancer. Tony also talks with us about health inequities in the LGBTQ community and shares ways we can work to overcome them.

Barriers and Opportunities: Health Equity in the COVID-19 Response
Over one year since COVID-19 was first declared a public health emergency, the pandemic continues to pose increased risks and burdens on cancer patients and survivors and has illuminated the longstanding disparities in our health care system. Read on to learn more about what can be done to improve health equity in the COVID-19 response.