For our 2nd encore episode in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're re-airing an episode that was released early 2023. Lauren shared an inspiring conversation with Lisa Thompson, who is a Seattle-based mountaineer, author, and breast cancer survivor. In this episode, she talks about what first inspired her to get into mountaineering, how climbing gave her the motivation she needed to get through her breast cancer diagnosis, how the mountains have shaped her as a woman, overcoming the limiting beliefs we put on ourselves, women in the wilderness and so much more! Additional Resources: Learn more about Lisa Thompson Cancer Pathways Support Groups National Breast Cancer Foundation Breastcancer.org Team Survivor Northwest
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - making this conversation especially timely! Terri had the opportunity to chat with Leslie Woodfill (Executive Director) and Denise Moss (Patient Services Manager) about the impactful work they do at the Childhood Cancer Coalition. Based in Spokane, the Coalition provides holistic community support, including financial assistance, support groups, grief support, and resources to help navigate a cancer diagnosis. Learn more about the Childhood Cancer Coalition.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month! Lauren is joined by Ted Healy, who is a stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer survivor. They talk about his diagnosis, screening and treatment options, signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, the genetic component to the disease, Ted's advocacy work in the space, and the benefits to joining a support group. Additional Resources: Cancer Pathways Support Groups Zero - The End of Prostate Cancer Financial Resources Understanding Your Prostate Pathology Report (American Cancer Society) Gleason Score and Grade Grouping (Prostate Cancer Foundation)
In this episode, Lauren is joined by Brianna Mercker and Natalie Phelps to talk all about their upcoming Seattle Walk to End Colon Cancer. They each share their personal experiences being diagnosed with young-onset colorectal cancer, initial signs and symptoms to look out for, why raising awareness is so critical, the importance of colorectal cancer screening, and how the community can participate in the upcoming walk. With what they have planned, it's clear they've set out to make this Walk an empowering, accessible, meaningful, and fun experience for the entire community! Additional Resources: Colorectal Cancer Alliance Seattle Walk to End Colon Cancer Mariners Event: Strike Out Colorectal Cancer Day Related Encompassing Cancer podcast episodes: Raising awareness about early-onset colorectal cancer and screening with Anita Mitchell Isler (3/4/24) Parenting and communicating with children through a colorectal cancer diagnosis with Esther Hyun (3/11/24) Tips for preparing for a colonoscopy with Michael Schofield (3/18/24) Colorectal cancer screening (FIT Kits, colonoscopy, Cologuard) and reducing health disparities with Dr. Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS (3/25/24)
It's our first encore episode! For back-to-school season, we're re-airing an episode from last year where Jana Mastrogiovanni (Student Education program manager) joins the podcast to share more about our online educational platform. This platform is full of resources, lesson plans, and eLearning modules for teachers, students, and the general community. Lauren also talks with Hanna Safley, who shares 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 of having a counselor or social worker as part of your support team. Additional Resources: Online Platform Student Education (Cancer Happens® curriculum)
Are you ready for a sweet, heartwarming episode? Lauren takes you along to get a glimpse into what a week at our summer day-camp is like. Campers and counselors share how Camp Sparkle has been helpful for them, what their favorite activities are, and what we did throughout the week. Don't miss one camper's very important polling question for the group, too! Additional Resources: Related Encompassing Cancer episodes: Hear about the magic of Camp Sparkle (5/23/22) Tips for talking to children about cancer with Michelle Massey, LICSW (5/15/23) Campers share their shine at Seattle Camp Sparkle this summer (8/21/23)
Have you heard of cord blood before? In this episode, Emily Pajcic and Chelsea Price join Lauren to share more about the Cord Blood Donation Program at Bloodworks NW. They talk about how cord blood donation works, what to know prior to donating, how expectant mothers can prepare to donate, the many diseases and conditions that cord blood can help treat, common misconceptions people have about the process, and powerful anecdotes from the community. Additional Resources: Bloodworks NW Cord Blood Program Related Encompassing Cancer podcast episodes: Save a life by swabbing your cheek (6/3/24) Giving blood is giving life: Become a blood donor and learn how you're helping cancer patients (1/23/23)
July is Sarcoma Awareness Month! In this episode, Lauren walks listeners through what sarcoma is and the different types, symptoms, risk factors, and resources for how you can get more involved. We encourage you to check out our upcoming golf tournament and sign-up to get a free swab kit from NMDP to enter into the bone marrow registry. Additional Resources: Cancer Pathways 17th Annual Bryce Fisher Golf Tournament Northwest Sarcoma Foundation Sarcoma Alliance Join the NMDP.org registry Get a test kit through the Cancer Pathways campaign! Visit my.bethematch.org or text CancerPathways (all one word, capital 'C' and capital 'P') to 61474.
For National Cancer Survivors Month, we're spotlighting another amazing survivorship program - the LIVESTRONG® program at the YMCA. Mary Jo Kester, with the YMCA of the Inland Northwest, shares what inspired her to first get involved with the program, how groups at the Y gave her strength to get through her own breast cancer diagnosis, how to join, the power of community in healing, and stories of individuals who have gone through the program. If you don't live in the Inland Northwest/Spokane, check out your local YMCA to see if they offer the LIVESTRONG® program! Additional Resources: Cancer Pathways 17th Annual Bryce Fisher Golf Tournament YMCA of the Inland Northwest - LIVESTRONG® program Join the NMDP.org registry Get a test kit through the Cancer Pathways campaign! Visit my.bethematch.org or text CancerPathways (all one word, capital 'C' and capital 'P') to 61474.
We're kicking off National Cancer Survivors Month with an impactful episode and a great way for YOU to get involved! Lauren is joined by Tami Nesting who is an acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivor, and Sara Rose Hansen who is the NMDP (formerly Be the Match) member recruitment coordinator for the northwest U.S. Tami shares what her experience was like getting a bone marrow transplant and how truly life-saving these donations are. Sara Rose shares more about NMDP, what the donation process is like, how to submit a sample, and what to expect if you receive that life-changing call that you're a match! She also dispels some common myths about the process. Interested in getting involved? Sign-up to join the registry and receive your free swab kit by texting CancerPathways to 61474. Additional Resources: Learn more at NMDP.org Get a test kit through the Cancer Pathways campaign! Visit my.bethematch.org or text CancerPathways (all one word, capital 'C' and capital 'P') to 61474. Learn more about Tami Nesting
This is a special episode that originally aired on Fred Hutch's Cancer Health Equity NOW podcast! Lauren had the opportunity to be a guest on their show and chat with Kayla Kenyon, Deeya Chandran, and Jessica Lopez-Ramirez about Cancer Pathways' programs/services and upcoming SunSET (Sun Safety Education and Training) project. Together, they dive into what the project will consist of, the importance of sun safety, practical tips for sun protection, culturally inclusive approaches to skin cancer prevention, and how we plan to use a train-the-trainer approach. Additional Resources: Cancer Pathways podcast episodes Episode #4: 'Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Protect the skin you're in' Episode #29: 'Melanoma and skin cancer awareness: Let's prioritize protecting (and checking!) our skin' Episode #57: 'Spotlighting sun safety and monitoring for melanoma with Jon Ziska' Fred Hutch's Cancer Health Equity NOW podcast Skin Cancer Foundation Resources Skin Cancer in People of Color Skin Cancer Pictures Rare Skin Cancers
For our annual skin cancer awareness month episode this May, Lauren is joined by Jon Ziska, who is a two-time melanoma survivor. Jon shares how he was first diagnosed, what the signs of potential melanoma are, how he protects his skin from the sun, the dangers of tanning and tanning beds, and what he hopes to accomplish through his advocacy work. This is a must-listen episode, with many tangible tips for protecting your skin! Additional Resources: Cancer Pathways podcast episodes Episode #4: 'Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Protect the skin you're in' Episode #29: 'Melanoma and skin cancer awareness: Let's prioritize protecting (and checking!) our skin' Skin Cancer Foundation Sun Protection Self Exams Tanning
We are covering the many nuances to caregiving - particularly within the context of a partnership or marriage. In this episode, Lauren is joined by Sabrina Ortolano, who has been a caregiver to her wife, Cyndi for the past 10 years. Cyndi was diagnosed with a rare form of Medulloblastoma in 2014, completely shifting their world and altering their relationship. Sabrina shares how she navigated this change while taking on caregiving responsibilities, how to still connect and bond with your partner amidst treatment difficulties, tangible tips for restorative self-care as a caregiver, advice for other caregivers who are navigating the emotional, physical, and mental ups and downs, and the importance of accepting help from your community. Additional Resources: Family Caregiver Alliance Caregiver Resource Guide (American Cancer Society) Caregivers (Cancer Support Community) IPSB.com
April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month! In this episode, Lauren is joined by Connor O'Leary, Chief Mission Officer at the Testicular Cancer Foundation. Connor shares his personal experience going from a professional cyclist racing in Europe to being faced with a testicular cancer diagnosis. Connor and Lauren talk about the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer, body image and misconceptions associated with the disease, tips for how parents can talk to their young ones about self-exams, and the initiatives and programs at the Testicular Cancer Foundation. To help increase awareness, please share this episode with your family members and friends!
For the fourth and final episode of our Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month series, Lauren is joined by Dr. Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS, who is a Gastroenterologist and Associate Professor at Fred Hutch and the University of Washington (UW). She is the Director of the Fred Hutch/UW Medicine Population Health Colorectal Cancer Screening Program. Dr. Issaka talks about the different types of colon cancer screening tests, common barriers people experience when it comes to screening, disparities that exist, and how public health organizations, individuals, and providers can work together to decrease disparities and improve colon cancer screening rates! Please help us reach more people by sharing this episode with your family members and friends! Additional Resources: Colorectal Cancer Screening and Early Detection (Fred Hutch Cancer Center) Association Between Improved Colorectal Screening and Racial Disparities (NEJM)
For the third episode of our Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month series, Cancer Pathways' program director, Amy, is joined by Michael Schofield (@mischof), who is a stage 1 colon cancer survivor. Michael shares tips for preparing for colonoscopies, what to expect before, during and after the procedure, why they're so important, what polyps are, and misconceptions people tend to have when it comes to colorectal cancer. Please help us reach more people by sharing this episode with your family members and friends! Additional Resources Cancer Pathways' event: From Diagnosis to Survivorship (March 21): Learn more/Register Here Anal Cancer Awareness Day (March 21): Video and Infographic
In the second episode of our Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month series, Lauren is joined by Esther Hyun (@parentingwithcancer), who is a young mom of two and was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in early 2023 at the age of 36. Esther shares with listeners what her initial symptoms were, the long process of getting her diagnosis, the importance of advocating for yourself to get the answers you need, how she communicated with her children about cancer, and the legacy she wants to leave for her kids. Please help us reach more people by sharing the episode with your family members and friends! Additional Resources Cancer Pathways' event: From Diagnosis to Survivorship on March 21 - Learn more/Register Here Esther's Instagram: @parentingwithcancer
In partnership with Colon Cancer Stars and the Washington State Department of Health, we are bringing you a 4-part series for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March. In this first episode of the series, Lauren is joined by Anita Mitchell Isler, who is a stage 4 colorectal cancer survivor and advocate. They talk about common symptoms and signs of colorectal cancer, the rise in early-onset cases, why colorectal cancer screening is so critical, and the importance of collecting and understanding your family cancer history. This episode has so much great information, so please help us reach even more people by sharing with your family members and friends. Additional Resources: Colon Cancer Stars From Diagnosis to Survivorship event on March 21, 2024: Learn more/Register Here
Cancer Pathways' program director, Amy Wooten, is taking over the mic for our 50th episode! In part 2 of our series for National Cancer Prevention Month, you'll hear from Lauren and Amy as they share a total of 25 cancer risk reduction tips that range from physical activity and nutrition to HPV and tobacco/lung health. We're also celebrating TWO years of the Encompassing Cancer podcast! To celebrate along with us, please rate and review the show and share it with a family member or friend. Additional Resources: Cancer Pathways: Resource Hub Wellness + Community (Gentle Yoga, Mindfulness & Journaling, Art Therapy, and Book Club) February 'Pinky Brindle Matching Tribute' Encompassing Cancer episodes to check out: Ep. 15: 'Feel for lumps, save your bumps: Breast self-awareness with Dr. Sara Javid' Ep. 16: 'Navigating new motherhood, a breast cancer diagnosis, and survivorship with Liz Ryan' Ep. 24: 'Previvorship and colon cancer screening with Anders Graham' Ep. 45: 'Using naturopathic medicine to help fight fatigue and increase energy levels with Dr. Suzanne McMurry' Firefly Kitchens
February is National Cancer Prevention Month! Through this two-part series, we're bringing you 50 tips to reduce your cancer risk. In part 1, you'll hear from Cancer Pathways program managers, Lauren, Jana, Morgan, Paige, and Terri as they tell you more about their programs, exciting updates to look out for, and their tips for cancer risk reduction. They share a total of 25 tips that range from physical activity and nutrition to sun safety and environmental exposures. We can all take an active role in reducing our risk, so this episode is great for inspiring new ideas. Stay tuned for our next episode with the remaining 25 tips! Additional Resources February 'Pinky Brindle Matching Tribute' Cancer Pathways Tobacco Support Resources Encompassing Cancer Program Manager Favorite Episodes: Ep. 6: 'National Cancer Survivors Day 2022: Celebrating survivorship and providing hope' Ep. 7: 'Cancer Unwrapped 2022: A teen winner shares her story' Ep. 27: 'The mountains are calling: Self-discovery through climbing and cancer with Lisa Thompson' Ep. 30: 'Tips for talking to children about cancer with Michelle Massey, LICSW' Ep. 32: 'Inspiration and insights from cancer survivors and our first LIVE episode!' Ep. 37: 'Campers share their shine at Seattle Camp Sparkle this summer'