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.

sunset over the ocean
Read September 8, 2020

The Strength of Surrender

It would be great if we had some kind of roadmap for these unprecedented times, but this is a once-in-a-century event according to some estimates. No, the pandemic playbook is being written in real time, and, much as the world would like to move on, we are nowhere near done grappling with COVID and its life and death consequences.
bird singing in a tree
Read August 31, 2020

Hope – Pay Attention to the Small, Still Voice Inside

Merriam-Webster defines hope as follows: 1) to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true. This feels right to me. For those whose lives have been touched by cancer, hope is longing and acceptance and cautious optimism. Hope is central to resilience because it’s impossible to move past adversity without feeling positive about the future. A resilient mindset requires a hopeful mindset.
Doctor and patient having a conversation
Read August 27, 2020

Exam Room Conversations – Finding Your Voice

My uncle, a former Massachusetts physical education teacher and football coach, had a tough exterior and an authoritative air – personality features that served him...
Smiling family
Read August 19, 2020

2019 Annual Report

At the Cancer Support Community, we strive to provide the gold standard in patient care, and that priority comes with a commitment to innovation. As...
Downey family smiling
Read August 17, 2020

Advocate Spotlight: Kara Downey, MSW

Each month, the Cancer Policy Institute profiles advocates who have been engaged in health advocacy. Read on to learn more about Kara Downey, CSC’s new Program Manager, and her passion for addressing health disparities. If you are interested in learning more about policy, advocacy, and ways to get involved, sign up to be a part of the Grassroots Network.
I voted stickers
Read August 14, 2020

Everything You Need to Know About Voting this November

The 2020 election is quickly approaching. Due the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, voting in your state may look a little different this election. In this blog, you will find information to help you prepare for the November 3rd general election.
Mom and daughter hugging and smiling
Read August 13, 2020

Anxiety in the Cancer Experience

In some ways, anxiety is a crucial part of life. In my mom’s case, listening to the warning signals in her head pushed her to ask for multiple opinions, which eventually led to her cancer diagnosis. Anxiety can inspire us to seek out help and information. However, it is important to recognize when anxiety becomes unproductive or even harmful.
black woman in yellow typing on her computer
Read July 30, 2020

Power to the Patient Voice

You hear the words, “You have cancer,” and suddenly, the world around you stops. You can see the doctor’s lips moving to form words that...
Kim Praitano
Read July 13, 2020

Advocate Spotlight: Kim Praitano

Each month, the Cancer Policy Institute profiles advocates who have been engaged in cancer advocacy. Read on to learn more about Kim Praitano, President & CEO of Gilda’s Club South Florida, and her passion for psychosocial support in cancer care. If you are interested in learning more about policy, advocacy, and ways to get involved, sign up to be a part of the Grassroots Network !