Cancer Out Loud: The CancerCare Podcast

We would love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts or episode ideas at ⁠⁠⁠⁠canceroutloud@cancercare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ or leave a comment on this episode!Please follow, rate and share Cancer Out Loud to help others find strength and support through our community.SummaryIn this episode of Cancer Out Loud, CancerCare social worker Christina Monaco and Alexa Dashko, an Oncology Dietitian, discuss the vital role of nutrition in cancer care. They explore the emotional aspects of dietary choices, common misconceptions about food and cancer, and the importance of setting boundaries during treatment. The conversation also addresses food access issues, cultural considerations in nutrition, and the significance of community support. Listeners are encouraged to seek help from dietitians and to prioritize their own needs during their cancer journey.TakeawaysNutrition impacts emotional and mental health during cancer treatment.Patients often feel overwhelmed by dietary advice and need clear guidance.Setting boundaries with family during meals is crucial for comfort.Common misconceptions about diet can lead to unnecessary stress for patients.Food access issues can significantly affect a patient's ability to maintain nutrition.Cultural preferences should be respected in dietary recommendations.Patients should feel empowered to advocate for their nutritional needs.Community support plays a vital role in a patient's journey.Dietitians are accessible resources for cancer patients.It's important to focus on what patients can eat rather than what they can't.

We would love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts or episode ideas at ⁠⁠canceroutloud@cancercare.org⁠⁠ or leave a comment on this episode!Please follow, rate and share Cancer Out Loud to help others find strength and support through our community.SummaryJoin CancerCare social worker Laurie Feingold and Tonya Potts, a certified fitter who runs the wig and prosthesis clinic for CancerCare’s New York and Long Island offices, as they explore the emotional journey of coping with hair loss and mastectomy and how you can rediscover the real you.Key TakeawaysTakeawaysWomen often fear hair loss more than the cancer itself.Emotional distress from hair loss can lead to social withdrawal.Finding a wig can restore confidence and dignity.Clients often seek wigs that resemble their natural hair.Support from professionals can ease the emotional burden.Wig clinics provide joy and a sense of normalcy during treatment.Prosthesis programs help women feel whole after mastectomy.Education on wig care is essential for comfort.Financial barriers can hinder access to wigs and prostheses.

Join us for the next episode of Cancer Out Loud, The CancerCare Podcast, as guest host and oncology social worker, Sara Grisales Jaramillo, speaks with Jon Fox, a cancer survivor and former elementary school teacher. Jon shares his journey from diagnosis to survivorship, discussing the emotional and psychological challenges he faced, the grief of losing aspects of his former life, and the importance of community and support in navigating the complexities of life after cancer. He emphasizes the need for self-advocacy and finding the right resources to aid in recovery, while also reflecting on the duality of emotions experienced throughout the journey. Thank you to Jon for shedding light on the unique challenges and triumphs of those affected by cancer.Follow Jon on social media:InstagramKey TakeawaysCancer can interrupt any career or life stage. Survivorship is its own chapter with unexpected challenges. Many people feel isolated once treatment ends and support tapers off. Grief shows up in everyday ways—sometimes even in how food tastes or brings joy. Community and connection are key to feeling seen and supported. Many effects are invisible to others (fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, pain). Self-advocacy matters in follow-up care and day-to-day life. It helps to hold space for both what’s been lost and what’s newly possible. Healing isn’t linear; patience, time, and support make a difference.

In honor of National Cancer Survivor Month, guest host Christina Monaco, LMSW, sits down with young adult survivor Neema Philippe for an unflinching conversation about being diagnosed with cancer at age 29—and what comes next. Neema revisits the shock of her diagnosis, the whirlwind of treatments, and the grief of watching life plans shift overnight. She shares how vulnerability became a healing tool, why self-advocacy matters at every stage, and the small rituals that help her reclaim joy. Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, or clinician, Neema’s reflections on self-care, community, and life “after” will leave you inspired—and better equipped to navigate your own path beyond cancer. Key takeaways: A cancer diagnosis at any age can be shocking and life-altering. The words “you have cancer” often bring intense emotional overwhelm. Life stage can deeply shape how someone experiences cancer, especially when it disrupts expectations or milestones. Medical decisions—like fertility preservation—carry emotional complexity and long-term considerations. Support systems play a vital role in coping with the isolation that can come with a cancer diagnosis. Embracing vulnerability can foster healing and a deeper connection. It’s common to grieve the loss of imagined futures while navigating illness. Fear of recurrence can linger long after treatment ends. Finding moments of joy and meaning can help support emotional well-being during and after cancer treatment. Self-advocacy is essential when navigating the healthcare system and making informed decisions.

In this episode of Cancer Out Loud, Briana shares her profound journey of grief with guest host and oncology social worker, Laurie Feingold, following the loss of her young adult brother to a rare terminal brain cancer. She reflects on the initial shock of his diagnosis, the emotional turmoil she faced during his illness, and the deep sense of loss after his passing. Briana speaks to the unique challenges families face when navigating adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer, and highlights the importance of seeking therapy, the healing power of journaling, and the small steps that helped her regain a sense of purpose. Through her content creation on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube (@siblinggriefjourney), she continues to raise awareness and support others coping with loss. Her story is a testament to resilience, healing, and the power of hope.Key takeaways: A cancer diagnosis—especially in an AYA—can leave families feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. Grief doesn’t look the same for everyone; it can affect us emotionally, mentally, and physically. Counseling can be a powerful source of support when navigating loss. Journaling can offer a safe space to process complex emotions and memories. Rebuilding a routine, even through small daily goals, can create a sense of stability during grief. Sharing one’s story—through writing, content creation, or conversation—can be a meaningful part of healing. Grief invites us to feel everything: the anger, the sadness, the confusion—and that’s okay. Self-compassion is vital; being gentle with yourself is part of the healing process. Advocating for others who are grieving can help foster a sense of community and connection.

In this episode of Cancer Out Loud, host Sarah Paul sits down with VanDawn Williams, a fashion industry professional and young adult who shares his inspiring journey through a rare metastatic cancer diagnosis. VanDawn opens up about his career in fashion, the vibrant lifestyle he enjoyed, and the life-altering shock of his diagnosis. He candidly discusses the mental and physical challenges he faced, including undergoing emergency surgery and the impact of losing his job. VanDawn emphasizes the crucial role of mental health support and the importance of finding a community of young adults with cancer. He shares his coping strategies, such as creating routines, pursuing creative endeavors, and practicing meditation. Throughout his journey, VanDawn expresses deep gratitude for the unwavering support of his partner, friends, and family. Join us as VanDawn recounts finding support and blessings in unexpected places, highlighting the significance of a strong support network, including organizations like CancerCare. He also sheds light on the silent struggles young adults with cancer face, such as mental health challenges and changes in intimacy. VanDawn encourages others not to let cancer define them and to continue pursuing their dreams. His perspective on life has shifted, and he now trusts his journey and embraces personal growth. Tune in to hear VanDawn’s powerful story of resilience, community, and personal transformation. Takeaways: Being diagnosed with cancer can completely disrupt one's life and career. Mental health support is crucial for individuals facing a cancer diagnosis. Creating routines, pursuing passions, and practicing meditation can help cope with the challenges of cancer. A strong support system, including a partner, friends, and family, is invaluable during the cancer journey. Silent struggles, such as mental health challenges and changes in intimacy, need to be openly discussed and addressed. Cancer should not define a person's identity or limit their dreams and aspirations. Trusting one's journey and embracing personal growth can lead to a positive perspective on life.

Meet Malissa Matthews, a mother, a wife, a woman of faith. Late in 2022, Malissa was diagnosed with a very rare type of endometrial cancer and has been fighting for her life ever since. Tune in as Julia Manna, an oncology social worker at CancerCare, as she explores the challenges Malissa faced in her career due to treatment and the importance of having a supportive network. Malissa emphasizes the significance of maintaining a positive attitude and finding empowerment in the face of a terminal diagnosis. She encourages individuals to trust their voice and seek second opinions when necessary. Malissa also highlights the importance of understanding different types of cancer and the need for counseling and support programs.

Cancer Out Loud returns this summer to share new stories of hope and resilience. In the first part of this heartfelt episode, oncology social worker, Lucia, brings together two former members of her Bereavement Support Group, Susan and Mary, to share their experiences navigating grief and loss after the death of their husbands. They touch on the universality of loss and yet the profoundly personal journey of bereavement. With Lucia guiding their conversation, they delve into the complexities of healing, the importance of support systems, and the strength they found in unexpected places. Tune in for this intimate exploration of grief that illuminates the tragedy of loss, the power of resilience, and where to find glimmers of hope.

Before her cancer diagnosis, Valarie worked in human resources. After being diagnosed with both multiple myeloma and breast cancer, Valarie’s life took a different path- one of advocacy and patient education.  As her goals shifted, she focused on educating others about the disease while shedding light on health inequities. In the penultimate episode of Season 6, Valarie shares how advocating for herself led to empowering others to find their voice.

Healing looks different for everyone. Often, the expressive arts can create an outlet to understand and process difficult emotional experiences- this includes creative writing, music, crafting, painting, etc.  This episode takes a deeper dive into the different tools that can be used to cope with a cancer diagnosis. Listen in as Chris speaks with her oncology social worker, Sara, about the challenges she has faced throughout her cancer experience. Chris is no stranger to gratitude and her story is one that many can relate to- in Chris’ words, “Just know you can ride these waves, but you will find your feet on the shore again- it’s always possible.”

Meet Kris, a stage III chondrosarcoma survivor, avid golfer and skier, father, and husband. In this episode, Kris speaks with his social worker Nikki about how he navigated his diagnosis and hemipelvectomy. This surgery resulted in removing his left pelvis, hip, and leg. Kris has experienced many ups, downs, and in-betweens. Throughout it all, he remains determined, focusing on living life moment by moment and filling his days with joy and love. Listen in as Kris finds light shining through in the darkest of places.

In the opening episode of Cancer Out Loud Season 6, we meet Kouichi. A passionate father, environmental activist, editor and a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor. Listen in as Kouichi speaks with his oncology social worker, Cassie, about navigating his cancer experience. Kouichi shares a passionate story of hope, survivorship and the power of fatherhood.