Jennifer Watkins serves as the Chronic Disease Coordinator for the Oklahoma State Department of Health. She works with the Oklahoma Comprehensive Cancer Network to improve prevention, screening, survivorship, and access to care across the state. The discussion dives into the realities many families face, including financial toxicity during treatment, the emotional toll on patients and caregivers, suicide prevention, rural healthcare access, and the importance of survivorship support long after treatment ends.Jennifer also discusses Beyond the Diagnosis: A Cancer Survivorship Series: a virtual education series designed to help patients and caregivers navigate financial concerns, emotional well-being, intimacy after cancer, nutrition, and long-term health.Oklahoma State Department of Health:https://oklahoma.gov/health.htmlTo connect with the Oklahoma Comprehensive Cancer Network:https://oklahoma.gov/occn.htmlOr Email:[email protected]

David Raubach sits down with Jillian Plochocki, Executive Director of the Proton Collaborative Group. Jillian explains how the world’s largest proton therapy registry was built and why real-world data from more than 40,000 patients is critical to improving cancer treatment outcomes.The conversation explores the difference between registries and clinical trials, how proton centers across the United States collaborate on research, and why long-term follow-up matters when evaluating radiation therapy.

The discussion covers the history of the Oklahoma Proton Center from opening in 2009 as one of the first proton centers in the country, to treating more than 6,000 patients from all 50 states and multiple countries. You will learn what proton therapy is, how it works, and why its ability to stop radiation directly inside the tumor allows doctors to reduce exposure to healthy tissue and critical organs. The conversation also covers what patients can expect when contacting the Oklahoma Proton Center, from consultation through treatment planning, timelines, insurance considerations, and long-term follow-up. Real-world examples are used to explain how proton therapy can reduce side effects and help preserve quality of life during and after treatment.

David Raubach and Birtney Haynes break down how cancer screening really works and the real world consequences of delaying treatment. The conversation explores the risks and benefits of different screening tools, including PET CT, MRI, and blood-based biomarkers. Explaining why no single test can detect every cancer. Using well-known cases like Steve Jobs, Joe Biden, Ron Rivera, and Princess Kate, the episode highlights how timing, evidence-based care, and informed decisions can dramatically impact outcomes.The discussion examines why Steve Jobs delayed surgery for pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer and how that decision changed the course of his disease. It also explains Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis and how stopping routine screening allowed the cancer to progress before detection. The episode clarifies why proton therapy can reduce radiation exposure, especially for pediatric and head and neck patients, and why treatment decisions often feel overwhelming when patients are faced with many options.

This episode of The Cancer Project features a detailed conversation with Dr. John Chang and David Raubach on newly published clinical trial data comparing proton therapy and traditional photon radiation for head and neck cancers. The discussion breaks down what head and neck and oropharyngeal cancers are, why treatment in this area is especially complex and how different radiation technologies affect both outcomes and quality of life.The article referenced in this podcast:Proton versus photon radiotherapy for patients with oropharyngeal cancer in the USA: a multicentre, randomised, open-label, non-inferiority phase 3 trialFrank, Steven JBates, James et al.The Lancet, Volume 0, Issue 0https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)01962-2/abstract

In this episode of The Cancer Project podcast, host David Raubach talks with Mike Beckham, co-founder and CEO of Simple Modern. Mike shares his journey from ministry to entrepreneurship, how he built one of the fastest-growing drink-ware brands in the country, and why generosity is the centerpiece of both his life and business. Hear the story behind Simple Modern’s giveaway of 50,000 mugs to cancer patients, how Mike plans to give away most of his net worth, and what it takes to protect company culture while scaling. This conversation will inspire leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who believes business can be a force for good.

In this episode of The Cancer Project, host David Raubach sits down with Stacy and Earle Haggard to discuss their family’s incredible journey. Stacy’s book, ‘French Kissing Cancer,’ shares the heartbreaking story of losing her sister to cancer, the emotional aftermath, and the faith that sustained them. Together, they reveal how tragedy transformed into triumph through love, faith, and family. Subscribe to hear more inspiring stories of hope and healing.

In this episode of The Cancer Project, host David Raubach sits down with Stephen Towe, CEO and Co-Founder of LEO Cancer Care, to discuss how upright patient positioning is reshaping the future of radiation and proton therapy. Stephen shares his journey from medical physicist to entrepreneur, the challenges of bringing innovation to market, and how compassion drives true progress in healthcare.Watch to learn how LEO Cancer Care’s groundbreaking approach could make proton therapy more accessible worldwide and more humane for every patient.Learn more about LEO Cancer Care: https://www.leocancercare.com

Join host David Raubach and Mevion CEO Tina Yu as they discuss leadership, innovation, and the global future of proton therapy. Learn how Mevion’s FIT system makes advanced cancer care more accessible. Tune in to The Cancer Project Podcast for insight into the science, technology, and humanity behind cancer treatment breakthroughs.

Jennifer explains the mission of the National Association for Proton Therapy to ensure that every patient has informed access to proton therapy through advocacy, education, and research. The conversation covers insurance barriers, cost-effectiveness, workforce realities, research priorities and the shift from skepticism to pride among policymakers and communities.

The National Association for Proton Therapy

https://proton-therapy.org