Have you ever wondered why it's so hard for people to quit using tobacco products? Then this episode is for you! Dr. Kawkab Shishani* gives listeners a brief overview of her research projects, how the nicotine dependence/addiction cycle works in the body, essential behavior change techniques to use when trying to quit, how to best support a family member/friend trying to quit, and how quitting is a learning process that takes time, education, diligence, and additional support. She also gives parents a few tips for talking to their kids about e-cigarettes and vaping. If you enjoyed tuning in or learned something new, please share the episode with a friend!

(*Edit from introduction: Dr. Shishani works at WSU College of Nursing. She is affiliated with the TARC as a researcher - not employed by them).

Additional Resources:

• Cancer Pathways
  • Episode #18: 'The dangers of e-cigarettes, vaping, and flavors with Dr. Crystal Shen'
  • Episode #44: 'We know tobacco products are harmful…so why do people still use them?'
  • Quit Tobacco Workshops (adults)
  • Quit the Nic Workshops (teens)
  • Resource Hub
• Washington Breathes
  • Cessation/Quitting Support Services
• WA State Tobacco Quitline
• American Lung Association
  • For Parents: The Vape Talk

Happy New Year and 2024! Each year, we start January off by recognizing Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. In this episode, Lauren walks listeners through what the biggest cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms are, screening tests and recommendations, and questions to ask your healthcare provider about cancer screening. She also includes some information about other gynecological cancers and then highlights the importance of starting the HPV immunization at age 9. If you learned something new or noteworthy, please share this episode with a friend or family member!

Additional Resources:

• American Cancer Society
  • Questions to Ask About Cervical Cancer
  • ACS Updates HPV Vaccination Recommendations to Start at Age 9
• ASCO, Cancer.Net
  • Cervical Cancer Guide
• HPV Vaccination Roundtable
  • Start at Age 9 Toolkit
  • Why Age 9 Fact Sheet
• Cancer Pathways
  • HPV eLearning module

Have you heard the news? We have a new CEO - Michelle Millman! Lauren starts our final episode of the year by highlighting 10 of our biggest accomplishments as an organization in 2023. You'll then hear from Michelle Millman as she chats about what inspired her to make this career transition, what she envisions for Cancer Pathways moving forward, and what life lessons she's learned as a two-time cancer survivor. You'll even find out who Michelle would invite to a party at Cancer Pathways…her answer might surprise you!

Additional Resources:

• Meet the Team at Cancer Pathways
• Our Programs

Have you ever heard of naturopathic medicine? In this episode, Lauren has the opportunity to chat with Dr. Suzanne McMurry, ND, FABNO, who is a Naturopathic Doctor and Integrative Oncology Specialist based in Washington State (www.naturopathiccancertreatment.com). She shares a bit about the history of naturopathy, what inspired her to specialize in this line of work, and how naturopathic medicine can be integrated into a treatment plan. Dr. McMurry then breaks down (and debunks) some commonly held nutrition misconceptions and fads, foods/chemicals to avoid, how to create a nutritionally balanced meal, daily recommended amounts for each macronutrient and the importance of low glycemic foods for balancing energy levels. There are so many great pieces of information throughout the episode - enjoy!

Additional Resources:

• Naturopathic Cancer Treatment (www.naturopathiccancertreatment.com)
• Glycemic Load Table (PDF)
• U.S. FDA Interactive Nutrition Label - Fiber
• Environmental Working Group
  • Dirty Dozen
  • Clean 15
• Recipes
  • Fred Hutch's Cook For Your Life
  • PCC Recipe Database
  • Diet Doctor

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month! Lauren starts off the episode by talking about lung cancer rates, the leading risk factor (we're looking at you, tobacco products…), the importance of screening, and how to find out if you're eligible for a low-dose CT scan. Lauren is then joined by Cancer Pathways' intern and UW public health student, Laura, to chat about why people use these products. They talk about how nicotine is highly addictive –impacting the brain and body, the long-term health effects of tobacco use, what makes e-cigarettes and vaping harmful, the toxic marketing practices of Big Tobacco, why it's so hard to quit, and how we use models and frameworks to understand different health behaviors - like tobacco use.

Additional Resources:

• Cancer Pathways
  • Quit Tobacco Workshops
  • E-cigarettes and Vaping eLearning module
• American Lung Association
  • Saved by the Scan
  • State of Lung Cancer Report
  • NOTforMe.org (free online quit/cessation program for teens)
• Washington Breathes (statewide coalition working to eliminate the harms of commercial tobacco use in Washington state)

It's officially the opening day for our 17th annual Cancer Unwrapped teen essay writing contest! In this episode, Lauren chats with one of last year's winners, Nadia. She shares how she learned about the contest, what it felt like when she learned she was a winner, and the impact losing her dad has had on her over the years. Nadia then reads her beautiful, impactful, and emotional essay for listeners to hear. If you know a teen who has been impacted by cancer, share this episode with them and encourage them to submit an essay to this year's contest!

Additional Resources:

• Cancer Unwrapped teen essay writing contest
  • Sign-up for Writer's Workshops
  • Read prior Winning Essays
• Sign-up for Book Club

We recently hosted our 26th annual Surviving with Style Fashion Show and Gala and it was a huge success! In this episode, Lauren chats with Cancer Pathways' communication specialist, Shayla Ring, who works alongside the models and captures the practice sessions and how they transform when they step onto the stage. She then takes us behind the scenes to hear from three of this year's models (Katie Joy, Bob, and Amy). Last but not least, we hear from our outstanding co-host and auctioneer, Matt Lorch, and our board member/runway choreographer, Anthony Tippins, who share what this event has meant for them throughout the years. To close out the episode, Lauren shares a few ideas for how you can honor a cancer survivor in your life.

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about Surviving with Style
• Beads of Courage

Open enrollment (for many) is upon us! In this episode, Lauren chats with Monica Bryant, Esq. from Triage Cancer about health insurance and shopping for a plan that's best for you. Monica shares the calculations to make when comparing plans, tips for using your plan to its maximum benefit, how to use a drug discount card and pharmaceutical assistance programs, what to do if you're denied coverage, and so much more! Prior to talking to Monica, Lauren shares important health insurance terms to know and a resource for practicing mindfulness in observance of World Mental Health Day.

Additional Resources:

• Triage Cancer Resources
  • Health Insurance Basics and Webinars
  • Plan Comparison Worksheet
  • Prescription Drugs Discount Card
  • Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
• National Breast Cancer Foundation's '10 Prompts to Mindfulness eBook'

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Lauren starts the episode by outlining a few key breakthroughs in breast cancer research that have happened over the past 30 years. She's then joined by Amy Wooten, Cancer Pathways Program Director, who shares about her unique experience attending the National Breast Cancer Coalition's Project LEAD Institute. Lauren and Amy dive into topics on the critical role patient advocates play in cancer research, what a clinical trial is, why they're so important, and how to find one.

Additional Resources:

• National Institutes of Health: What are clinical trials?
• Finding a Clinical Trial: Clinicaltrials.gov
• Breast Cancer Research Foundation: 'The Ground We've Gained'
• National Breast Cancer Coalition: Project LEAD Institute
• Cancer Pathways Surviving with Style Fashion Show & Gala

September is back-to-school season and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! Jana Mastrogiovanni (Cancer Happens program manager) joins the podcast (minute 1:28) to share information about our new online platform designed to make cancer risk reduction education and resources even more accessible for teachers and students. Hanna Safley (Student Ambassador coordinator) then joins (minute 17:03) to share her perspective on how teachers, schools, and other students can best support a student who is diagnosed with cancer. Hanna also talks about why it's important for all teens to learn about cancer and the benefits to having a counselor or social worker as part of your support network.

Additional Resources:

• Cancer Happens Online