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.

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.

3 New Resources Focus on Diversity in Clinical Trials
The Cancer Support Community has added 3 new educational resources to the Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Clinical Trials library. The materials highlight the importance of diversity in clinical trials and provide information for patients to determine if a clinical trial is right for them.

June Advocate Spotlight: Maria Brown
Each month, the Cancer Policy Institute profiles advocates who have been engaged in cancer advocacy. Read on to learn more about Maria and her passion for ensuring that everyone impacted by cancer has access to affordable treatment.

Cancer Survivor Judy Pearson Chronicles the Survivorship Movement
As part of our special blog series on cancer survivorship, we are featuring this Q&A with cancer survivor, author, and survivorship advocate Judith L. Pearson. Read on to learn more about Judy’s story, her new book, and a grassroots movement that continues to improve life for countless cancer survivors today.

New Guidelines Recommend Colorectal Cancer Screening Start at Age 45
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently expanded recommendations for colorectal cancer screening. The task force now recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer begin screening at 45 years old—5 years earlier than previously recommended. Read part 3 in our 3-part blog series focused on colorectal cancer.

May Advocate Spotlight: Lisa Simms Booth
Each month, the Cancer Policy Institute profiles advocates who have been engaged in health advocacy. Read on to learn more about Lisa, Executive Director of Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, and her work in cancer advocacy.

The COVID-19 and Cancer Coalition Tackles Vaccines
Access to COVID-19 vaccines is top of mind for many people, especially those impacted by cancer. Read on to learn more about the status of these vaccines and important findings regarding COVID-19's impact on people with cancer.