Let's talk F*ng Cancer

This March, in recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we’re breaking down three important topics in colorectal cancer research, treatment, and prevention.Topics Covered:The BREAKWATER TrialWe discuss the BREAKWATER clinical trial — a landmark study exploring frontline treatment for BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer. We cover what the trial is testing, who it’s designed for, and why its early findings have the oncology world paying attention.NEJM.orghttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12197837/Memorial Sloan Kettering & KRAS ResearchMSK has been at the forefront of targeting the KRAS mutation — long considered “undruggable.” We break down what KRAS is, why it plays a significant role in colorectal cancer, and what MSK’s latest research means for patients and the future of treatment.https://www.mskcc.org/news/new-colorectal-cancer-treatments-at-msk-aim-to-reduce-deaths-in-2026-and-beyondGut Health, Fiber & Colorectal Cancer PreventionWe explore the connection between gut health and colorectal cancer risk, including the important differences between soluble and insoluble fiber. We cover what each type of fiber does in the body, the best food sources for each, and why insoluble fiber in particular is a key player in colorectal cancer prevention.https://health.clevelandclinic.org/whats-the-difference-between-soluble-and-insoluble-fiberhttps://www.gastroclinic.com/diets/high-fiber-diet/Why It Matters:Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. — but it is also one of the most preventable and treatable when caught early. Knowledge is your first line of defense.Nothing in this episode constitutes medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider with any personal health concerns.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and today’s episode is about what we can do now and what’s finally changing for the better.In this conversation, we break down:What cervical cancer is and how it developsWhy screening and HPV vaccination save livesCommon myths that still prevent people from getting protectedAnd a practice-changing clinical trial that’s redefining treatment for people with high-risk cervical cancerWe also dive into newly released data from a major international phase 3 trial showing that adding immunotherapy to standard chemoradiation helps people with high-risk, locally advanced cervical cancer live longer and lowers the risk of recurrence—a breakthrough that’s been decades in the making.This episode is about access, prevention, informed choice, and real hope, without fear-based messaging or medical jargon.🎗️ Cervical Cancer BasicsHow cervical cancer formsWho is at higher riskWhy early detection makes such a differenceLearn more:Cleveland Clinic – Cervical Cancer Overviewhttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12216-cervical-cancer🩺 Screening Guidelines: What You Actually Need to KnowUpdated cervical cancer screening recommendationsPap tests vs HPV testingWhy screening intervals have changed—and why that’s a good thingSource:American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)Updated Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelineshttps://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2021/04/updated-cervical-cancer-screening-guidelines💉 HPV Vaccine: Separating Facts from FearWhat HPV is and how it relates to cervical cancerWhy the HPV vaccine is about cancer prevention, not behaviorAddressing common myths with science, not shameSources:Society of Behavioral Medicine – 7 HPV Vaccine Mythshttps://www.sbm.org/healthy-living/7-hpv-vaccine-mythsCDC – HPV Vaccine Safetyhttps://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/hpv.html🔬 New Research That’s Changing TreatmentWe break down results from a major phase 3 international study (KEYNOTE-A18 / ENGOT-cx11 / GOG-3047) that found:Adding pembrolizumab (Keytruda) to standard chemoradiationImproved overall survival and progression-free survivalFor people with high-risk, locally advanced cervical cancerWith a manageable and well-understood safety profileThis research is now being recognized as practice-changing and is expected to redefine the standard of care.💙 Why This MattersCervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet people still fall through the cracks due to:MisinformationBarriers to screeningLimited access to careThis episode centers education, compassion, and autonomy—because knowledge should empower, not scare.📚 Additional ResourcesAmerican Association for Cancer Research – Cervical Cancer Awareness Monthhttps://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/cervical-cancer-awareness-month/

Happy New Year!!!! To kick off 2026 the ladies bring back some amazing friends Abby — Episodes 22 & 52, Stacey — Episodes 24 & 64, Molly — Episode 36, Alison — Episodes 38 & 39, Cara — Episode 85 for a community discussion.This episode held space for both the heavy and the hopeful.Together, we dove into the awkward, often painful moments of communication that cancer patients experience, even when the intentions behind the words are good.Through honest conversation, shared laughter, and real vulnerability, we unpacked phrases that stuck with us for all the wrong reasons, explored how they made us feel, and offered guidance on how supporters can communicate with more care, awareness, and empathy.This was a learning experience for us all. We shared our hurts openly, but just as importantly, we talked through how those same sentiments could have been expressed differently, giving our listeners practical, compassionate tools to better communicate.What made this conversation especially powerful was how often our experiences overlapped. Many of us had heard the same phrases, felt the same reactions, and carried similar emotional weight, proof that these moments are common, and that small changes in language can make a meaningful difference.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Fng Cancer Spotlight episode, we sit down with Dee Dee West, a colon cancer survivor whose journey reshaped not only her life, but her purpose.Dee Dee takes us back to life before cancer. The routines, the assumptions, and the moments she now looks at differently. She shares how she discovered her cancer, what the diagnostic and treatment process really looked like, and the physical and emotional toll that came with it. We talk candidly about mental health during and after cancer, the realities of survivorship, and how relationships can shift when illness enters the picture.Beyond survival, Dee Dee has become a powerful voice in colon cancer advocacy, using her platform to educate, raise awareness, and encourage others to listen to their bodies and advocate for their health. Through her advocacy work, she is helping change the narrative around colon cancer .We also explore how creativity became part of Dee Dee’s healing. She shares how launching her jewelry business allowed her to reconnect with herself, channel meaning into creation, and turn survival into something tangible and beautiful.This episode is honest, grounding, and deeply human — a reminder that survivorship is not an endpoint, but an ongoing journey of rebuilding, redefining, and reclaiming your life.Follow Dee Dee’s advocacy journey on Instagram: @colonfluencerDee Dee's Etsy Shop:Sea West Studio

In this month’s “What’s New” episode, we kick things off with some joy — catching up on life, sharing big updates, and celebrating JULIA AND MATT GETTING MARRIED! 🥂✨ From there, we dive into the latest breakthroughs happening across the cancer research world. Each of us covers a different area of emerging science, treatment advancement, or clinical insight — and as always, we break it down in a way that’s real, relatable, and rooted in hope. 🧬 Julia: Understanding Carcinoid Tumors, 💨 Leah: How Far Lung Cancer Treatment Has Come — Especially in the Last 2 Years, 🔬 Colette: Pancreatic Cancer Breakthrough — Cryptic Peptides Reveal New TargetsSources Below:Mayo Clinic Carcinoid TumorsCleveland Clinic Neuroendocrine TumorsAACR Old New Borrowed and Blue, approaches for non small cell carcinomaThe Lancet - Lung cancer treatment: 20 years of progressPancreatic Cancer BreathroughThe full research paper is titled:“Pancreatic cancer–restricted cryptic antigens are targets for T cell immunotherapy.” Published in Science. DOI: 10.1126/science.adk3487 Lead authors: Zackery Ely and Zachary Kulstad Senior authors: Tyler Jacks and William Freed-PastorThis was summarized in the MIT News article:“Biologists identify targets for new pancreatic cancer treatments” Written by Anne Trafton Published May 8, 2025

When bestselling author Cara Lockwood was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in 2023, she didn’t look for inspiration in solemn pamphlets or dusty medical books. She looked for laughter, swearing, and straight talk — the kind of encouragement you get from your funniest, most unfiltered friend. In "There’s No Good Book for This but I Wrote One Anyway: The Irreverent Guide to Crushing Breast Cancer" (Oct. 1, 2025), Cara shares the gritty, absurd, and often hilarious truth about treatment, recovery, and life after a double mastectomy, chemo, and reconstruction.Part Memoir. Part Pep Talk. Part Screaming Into the Void.For Patients, Survivors, and the People Who Love ThemLaugh, Cry, and Then Laugh AgainFighting for a Cure — One Book at a TimeGet your copy Below:https://caratanamachi.com/no-good-book-for-thishttps://caratheauthor.com/Find Cara on Social Mediahttps://www.instagram.com/cara.the.author/https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCaraLockwood/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-lockwood-563b5040/https://www.tiktok.com/@caratanamachi

🌟 September is HUGE for cancer awareness 🌟This month shines the spotlight on: 🩸 Blood cancers 🎗️ Childhood cancer 🌸 Gynecologic & ovarian cancers 👨 Prostate cancer 🦋 Thyroid cancerIn my latest What’s New solo episode, I’m diving into: ✅ Breakthrough drugs giving blood cancer patients longer remissions ✅ A 12-year-old’s inspiring story of targeted therapy success ✅ CAR-T therapies expanding into ovarian cancer ✅ New prostate cancer screening guidelines ✅ The rise of precision medicine & theranostics ✅ Futuristic innovations like synthetic drug factories inside the body 🤯💪 Research is moving fast, and awareness saves lives. Tune in to learn, get inspired, and spread the hope.#LetsTalkFnCancer #CancerAwarenessMonth #CancerResearch #Podcast #CancerBreakthroughssources:Highlights in this episode:Blood cancers: Eli Lilly’s Jaypirca helps CLL/SLL patients live longer without progression; CAR-T therapy delivers remission for aggressive lymphoma 【web†source】.Childhood cancer: A 12-year-old’s brain tumor stabilized after a targeted melanoma drug via the ZERO program in Sydney 【web†source】.Gynecologic & ovarian cancers: CAR-T therapy expands into solid tumors; Eli-002 cancer vaccine shows strong KRAS-targeted immune responses 【web†source】.Prostate cancer: Proposed guidelines could lower PSA screening age to 40, paired with MRI for more precise detection 【web†source】.Thyroid cancer: Theranostics—blending diagnostics and therapy—emerges as a precision medicine frontier 【web†source】.Broader innovations: New immunotherapies, remote clinical trials, synthetic drug factories, and research to prevent recurrence in breast cancer 【web†source】.Sources:Reuters — Lilly’s blood cancer drug meets main goal in late-stage studyDaily Telegraph — 12-year-old Sydney boy’s inspiring brain tumour journeyFraunhofer — CAR-T cells fight solid tumorsNew York Post — Cancer vaccine may prevent recurrence of pancreatic/colorectal tumorsThe Australian — Prostate cancer guideline updateWikipedia — Theranostics overviewReuters — BioNTech/Bristol Myers immunotherapy trialCure Today — New clinical trials launch as cancer studies advanceThe Times — Remote-controlled synthetic cells for cancer treatmentPenn Medicine — Pioneering strategy to prevent breast cancer recurrence

🌟 Spotlight Episode: Anne’s Story 🌟This week on Let’s Talk Fng Cancer*, we spotlight Anne — a triple positive breast cancer survivor with an incredible story of strength and healing.Anne began her treatment right at the start of COVID, enduring her diagnosis during one of the most isolating times imaginable. After completing treatment, she faced another life-altering challenge: a divorce.Through it all, Anne found her path forward. She embraced therapy, focused on her health, and — during recovery — discovered the sport of curling, which gave her both joy and community. Today, she’s standing stronger than ever, with a powerful message about resilience and rebuilding life after cancer.Her journey shows us that survivorship is about more than getting through treatment — it’s about finding new strength, purpose, and connection. 💪✨Kaiser, Dr Bodai- Cancer Recovery and Survivorship

In this powerful episode of Let’s Talk Fng Cancer*, Colette and Julia sit down with Karen, who was diagnosed in April 2024 with lymphoma of the brain. What followed was months of intensive chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant at Stanford, and the battle of a lifetime.Karen courageously shares her journey — from the frightening first symptoms to the shock of diagnosis, the grueling treatment process, and ultimately celebrating her one-year remission anniversary. She opens up about:How her diagnosis was discovered after unusual tremors led to an MRIThe impact of treatment on her independence, daily life, and familyHer visualization techniques during chemo that gave her strength and hopeThe importance of her medical team, her grandchildren, and her work “babies” in keeping her fighting spirit aliveThe emotional shift of going from “cancer patient” to reclaiming her life after treatmentKaren’s story is one of resilience, gratitude, and the power of never giving up.🎧 Tune in for this inspiring conversation — and a reminder to celebrate every milestone, no matter how small.Resources for Listeners:Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Lymphoma of the BrainAmerican Cancer Society – Understanding Brain LymphomaCancerCare – Support Services for Lymphoma PatientsStanford Health Care – Stem Cell Transplant Information

💪 Six years cancer-free… but the fight never really ends. This week on Let’s Talk Fng Cancer*, we sit down with Tammy — a Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer survivor — who opens up about the real life of survivorship.She shares the raw truth most people don’t talk about: ⚡ Neuropathy that doesn’t go away 🌫 Brain fog that lingers 💔 Loss of strength, independence, and at times, autonomyTammy’s story is one of resilience, honesty, and shining light on the side of cancer that continues long after the last treatment.🎧 Listen now and join the conversation that survivors everywhere need you to hear. [Link in bio]#TripleNegativeBreastCancer #CancerSurvivor #LetsTalkFngCancer #WAYSstrongerTogether #CancerAwareness #Survivorship

In this deeply honest August Spotlight conversation, Tammy shares:The ongoing challenges of neuropathy, brain fog, and physical weaknessThe emotional toll of losing independence at timesHow survivorship is not a finish line, but a lifelong journeyWhat she wishes more people understood about “life after cancer”Tammy’s story is a powerful reminder that while the diagnosis may be in the past, the impact lasts forever — and survivors deserve support every step of the way.🎧 Tune in to hear a survivor’s truth and why we must keep talking about what comes after treatment.

This week’s Professionals episode is a powerful and emotional collaboration with the remarkable Charlotte Bayala creator and host of The Cancer Caregiver Podcast.Together, we’re giving voice to the truths caregivers often carry but rarely say out loud — the fear, the grief, the quiet resilience, and the love that stretches through even the hardest days.This episode is raw, reflective, and full of insight for anyone in the cancer space — whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or both.Charlotte Bayala is a cancer caregiver advocate, breathwork coach, and the creator of the award nominated The Cancer Caregiver Podcast, a show dedicated to supporting the emotional and mental health of caregivers navigating a loved one’s cancer diagnosis. Drawing from over a decade of personal caregiving experience and more than 12 years as a yoga and meditation teacher, Charlotte helps caregivers prioritize their well-being with practical, compassionate tools they can actually use, especially on the hardest days.Whether through her guided breathing meditations, workshops, or powerful storytelling, Charlotte brings a calm, grounded voice to caregiving conversations that are often overlooked. She’s on a mission to change how we support the people who are holding everything, and everyone, together.Links: www.cancercaregiverpodcast.comOffers:The Scanxiety Toolkitwww.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/toolInstagramThe Cancer Caregiver

🎙️ Episode 77 – Let’s Talk F*ng Cancer with Christine KalafusAuthor. Advocate. Cancer survivor. Truth-teller.In this powerful episode, Christine Kalafus—writer of the forthcoming memoir FLOOD—shares her journey from delivering twins and a tumor, to navigating the silence and medical dismissal that followed.She pulls back the curtain on what so many women face: being told "it’s nothing" when it’s absolutely something.🗣️ Christine’s story is about resilience, reclaiming your voice, and refusing to be dismissed.📚 Tune in for a conversation that challenges, empowers, and stays with you.🎧 Available now wherever you get your podcasts. #LTFC #LetsTalkFngCancer #ChristineKalafus #FLOODMemoir #CancerAdvocate #MedicalBias #WomenInMedicine #PodcastDropChristine KalafusBuy FLOOD Today!

Today on the Let’s Talk F*ng Cancer podcast– Professionals episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Chami Saks, the heart and soul behind Serenity Wig Salon in Pittsburgh, PA!Chami Saks:-Started Serenity in her basement for Orthodox Jewish women—and it grew into a top-tier salon serving cancer patients, those with alopecia, transgender clients, and more -Today, about 90% of her clients are facing hair loss due to chemo, alopecia, trans journeys, and medical hair loss—not just religious reasons -Creator of the bespoke “Lola” line, named for her Holocaust-survivor grandmother, made with ethically-sourced, full human‑hair and totally customizable We dig into-Her inspiring journey from basement hair sessions to an inclusive salon on Murray Ave.-The real talk on identity, empowerment, and how a good hair day can mean everything.-Warm, fun, deeply human conversations—and yes, we’ll laugh too.Chami’s been spotlighted in major media like People Magazine and E! News—we’ll unpack what makes her story resonate on a national stage! Find Serenity Wig Salon and read about Chami's journey belowSerenity Wig SalonInstagram: Serenity Wig Salon Canvas Rebel: Meet Chami Saks

This week on the Let’s Talk Fng Cancer* "Spotlight" episode, we’re honored to share the incredible story of Lauren — a 15-year cancer thriver who went from Stage 2 to Stage 4 and never let it break her spirit. 💪💖Lauren’s journey is one of grit, grace, and radical honesty. She opens up about the highs, the heartbreaks, and what it really means to keep choosing life — again and again — even when the odds are stacked against you.Her voice is raw. Her truth is powerful. And her story is one you don’t want to miss.🎧 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform. #LetsTalkFingCancer #CancerThriver #Stage4DoesntDefineMe #RealTalkRealStories #CancerCommunity #PodcastSpotlight #BreastCancerCancer.OrgW.A.Y.S. We Are Your Support Inc.National Cancer institute

This week on the Let’s Talk F*ng Cancer podcast, we’re diving headfirst into the future of brain cancer treatment with none other than Dr. Michael Canney, Chief Scientific Officer at Carthera — the minds behind the groundbreaking SonoCloud-9®. 🧠⚡Carthera is revolutionizing how we fight glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive brain cancers out there. With their implantable ultrasound device that opens the blood-brain barrier, they’re giving chemo a chance to actually work — and giving patients a fighting shot. 🙌💊This isn’t just innovation. It’s a f*ng game-changer.👂 Tune in to hear how Dr. Canney and the Carthera team are pushing science forward and giving new hope to those battling GBM.🎧 Available now wherever you get your podcasts!#LetsTalkFuckingCancer #Glioblastoma #BrainCancer #Carthera #SonoCloud9 #DrMichaelCanney #CancerPodcast #GBM #BreakthroughScience #MedicalInnovation #FuckCancerSonobird Clinical TrialCarthera Advanced Brain TherapyNeuroNews: Carthera 2023NeuroNews: Carthera 2024Biospace: Milestone in SONOBIRD pivotal trial April 2025Medical Design and Development: Trial begins April 2025

Join Colette, Leah, and Julia for May's "What's New" as they explore the latest developments in cancer news and research. In today’s episode, the trio delves into some groundbreaking treatments currently in stage 3 trials for advanced melanoma. Julia also shares valuable insights on bladder cancer, highlighting some hopeful new therapies on the horizon. Be sure to check the links in the show notes for all sources and more information!Lifileucel Advancement in Melanomahttps://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2024/fda-amtagvi-til-therapy-melanomahttps://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-grants-accelerated-approval-lifileucel-unresectable-or-metastatic-melanomahttps://www.targetedonc.com/view/lifileucel-shows-long-term-efficacy-in-melanomaTargeted Oncoloy in Advanced MelanomaTaregted Oncology IGNYTE trialBladder Cancerhttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14326-bladder-cancerhttps://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/2024/12/new-hope-in-bladder-cancer-treatment

WERE BACK!!! Join the ladies for this weeks all new Spotlight/Professionals episode with Anne Front, LMFT. Anne is a pallative family therapist, advanced pallative hospice social worker and certified grief recovery therapist, cancer survivor and spouse of a cancer thriver. Find Anne at the links belowTik Tok @annefrontlmftSubstack @annefrontlmft

In this week’s "Spotlight" episode we have the pleasure of introducing Michelle, a remarkable survivor of stage 3b triple-negative breast cancer. At 41, she balances her roles as a talented writer, devoted mother, and loving wife, while also navigating her personal healing journey. Join us as we delve into Michelle's inspiring story.

It's that time of the month for "What's New" in cancer news and research. This month the ladies discuss a new center focused on young onset colorectal and gastric cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering and a new medication combonation for metatatic colon cancer as a second line treatment, showing hope in progression free survival. See resource links belowMemorial Sloan Kettering: Young onset colorectal cancer and gastic cancer centerRueters: FDA approves Amgens colorectal cancer therapyCancer.gov: clinical trials