CURE Talks Cancer

Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma (MM4MM) is a collaboration to raise awareness

and funds for myeloma research where patients, caregivers, doctors, nurses and loved ones

take on challenging mountain climbs throughout the year. On this year’s domestic hike, a team of 20 explored the Havasu Falls region of the Grand Canyon.

In this week’s episode, we spoke with two climbers: Jamie Tinschert, who received a multiple myeloma diagnosis in June 2012, and Chris Seal, a marketing director for an oncology brand at Amgen – who also sponsored the Havasu Falls climb – about their experience and why the MM4MM treks are key to raising awareness for multiple myeloma.

While many are aware of the way immunotherapy has revolutionized how we treat cancer today, most don’t know about the trials and tribulations faced by the pioneers behind this new way of thinking.

So, veteran journalist Neil Canavan set out to tell the story of 25 investigators – which included their failures, “dark night” and “aha” moments and their ultimate success – through his book A Cure Within: Scientists Unleashing the Immune System to Kill Cancer.

This week, we spoke with Canavan about the inspiration for the book, why immunotherapy may be the new “darling of oncology” and why individuals with cancer should give it a read.

To learn more, visit: http://www.curetoday.com/link/108

Anyone who has been through cancer knows what a vital role the oncology nurse plays in the delivery of care. For this week's podcast, we sat down with Christine Stone, M.S.N., RN, OCN, the 2018 winner of CURE's Extraordinary Healer award, which honors oncology nurses across the nation. 

To read more about Christine and our Extraordinary Healer program, visit http://www.curetoday.com/link/107

While never easy, opening the line of communication with children about a parent or caregiver’s cancer diagnosis can help children understand the process, and instill trust and empowerment throughout this journey.

In this episode of CURE Talks Cancer, we spoke with colorectal cancer survivor Danielle Ripley-Burgess and childhood development specialist Leslie Welch about how parents or caregivers facing a cancer diagnosis can have these tough conversations with children of any age – starting with a communication plan that entails the who, what, where, when, why and how.

To read more, visit CURE Today.

In this week’s episode of CURE Talks Cancer, we spoke with lung cancer survivor Taylor Bell Duck about her cancer journey and celebrating survivorship.

At the age of 21, Taylor, who was a never-smoker and a division I soccer player, was diagnosed with lung cancer, and has since fought to stomp the stigmas surrounding the disease with Your Cancer Game Plan. Today, as she recently celebrated her 10-year anniversary, Taylor talks about how she embraces her new life, and how others can relish in the big victories of ever day life, big and small.

“Celebrate big and do the things that you love,” she said. “It is important to have a day to celebrate your life, and the journey patients go through is so important…so go eat cupcakes and have champagne!”

To read more about Talyor’s cancer journey, visit: http://www.curetoday.com/link/105

In this week's episode of CURE Talks Cancer, we spoke with blogger, advocate and CURE contributor, Justin Birckbichler. Justin has managed to mostly steer clear of doctors' offices until a few years ago when he found a lump on his testicle, and heard the words, "you have testicular cancer." 

Shocked to receive a cancer diagnosis in his mid-20s, Justin, a schoolteacher, turned to writing as an outlet to document his journey, as well as advocate for men's health. Now, he is conducting a study to see how frequently testicular health is discussed at medical appointments.

This week, CURE Talks Cancer spoke with “Good Morning America” and soon-to-be “20/20” news anchor and breast cancer survivor Amy Robach about her journey, from learning about her diagnosis following a mammogram on live television, to survivorship and living each day to its fullest.

Robach learned of her disease after having a mammogram on live television in Times Square with millions of people watching — something the then 40-year-old was initially reluctant to do because she had no history of the disease in her family and felt she was too young to possibly be affected. But she now credits this to saving her life.

In this episode, Robach shares her experience with having breast cancer, how she has changed her lifestyle since, and her advice for others going through their own cancer journey.

In this week’s episode of CURE Talks Cancer, we spoke with Matt Lashey, creator and CEO of the chemoWave app, which is designed to manage cancer symptoms and conditions by keeping track of a patient’s overall well-being to understand how their experiences may be related to feeling better or worse during treatment.

Matt explains why this app is helpful for patients and their caregivers, and, that at the end of the day, you do have control of your cancer treatment.

Read more at: https://www.curetoday.com/articles/chemowave-propels-patients-to-take-back-control-in-cancer-treatment

While at-home genetic testing becomes more popular, given its convenience and low cost, people should still access proper resources and talk to genetic counselors who can offer clear advice on the results and what you need to know about these tests.

In this week’s episode of CURE Talks Cancer, we spoke with Whitney Ducaine, who is the director of cancer genetics services at InformedDNA, to help explain exactly what you need to know about the FDA-approved 23AndMe test and why you should consult a genetic counselor about concerns and how to digest genetic testing results.

Read more at: http://www.curetoday.com/link/102

For this week's episode of CURE Talks Cancer, we spoke with MLB Hall of Famer and former Phillies player, Mike Schmidt. 

Schmidt was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma, which eventually metastasized, but he held his head high throughout his cancer journey. Listen in to see how he stayed positive, as well as what he's now doing to promote sun safety for sports fans in Philadelphia.