Let's talk F*ng Cancer

In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie McNeil, Early Childhood Teacher, devoted mom, and author of the children’s book Where Is Ellie’s Hair? We talk about how a single phone call to a friend in crisis became something so much bigger than anyone expected.When Stephanie's close friend Aimee’s four-year-old daughter Ellie was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in May 2024, the world their family knew changed overnight. As Ellie began chemotherapy and her hair started to rapidly fall out, Aimee faced a question so many parents of young cancer patients face: how do I even begin to explain this to my child?Stephanie searched for a book that could help, something uplifting, age-appropriate, and honest and came up empty. So she wrote one herself.What started as a personal gift of love for one little girl quickly grew into a resource for families everywhere navigating the emotional weight of childhood cancer treatment. Where Is Ellie’s Hair? is more than a book , it’s a way to put the power of the conversation back in the hands of children and the families who love them.All proceeds from the book go directly to Ellie and her family, as well as childhood cancer charities.In this episode, Steph anie shares: ∙ The moment she knew she had to write this book ∙ How she approached hair loss with honesty and hope for a four-year- old audience ∙ What she wants families facing cancer to know ∙ How For Ellie has grown into a movement of support and awarenessThis one will stick with you. Purchase Where Is Ellie’s Hair? and support Ellie’s family and childhood cancer research:forellie.com.auFollow Ellie’s journey: @young.wild.and.strongFollow For Ellie: @forellie.aus

In this episode, we're diving into Skin Cancer Awareness Month with a focus on melanoma and the science moving faster than ever. Colette brings an update on a treatment she covered in Episode 74, plus two more breakthroughs in melanoma care.Leah returns to a conversation we started last year with Dr. Michael Caney of CarThera, with new developments on their SonoCloud® technology. Leah discusses the advancments of the Sonocloud into its phse 3 trial.Julia covers the latest in bladder cancer research, including a brand-new drug developed right here in California.Elevate Society ReviewResources & Clinical Trials• Melanoma Research Foundation Trial Finder: melanoma.org/clinical-trial-finder• ClinicalTrials.gov — search 'melanoma' or 'bladder cancer' for currently enrolling studies• UC Davis Bladder Cancer Trial: bcan.org/clinicaltrials/plz4-coated-paclitaxel-loaded-micelles-for-the-treatment-of-patients-with-recurrent-or-refractory-non-muscle-invasive-bladder-cancer• CarThera SONOBIRD Trial: sonobird.eu |NCT05902169SourcesColette's Segments — Melanoma• American Cancer Society Cancer Statistics Report, Jan 2025: https://www.cancer.org• Cancer Health — mRNA Vaccine 5-Year Follow-Up, Jan 2026: https://www.cancerhealth.com• ASCO 2025 Annual Meeting Abstracts: https://www.asco.org/meetings/2025• Melanoma Research Foundation 2025 ASCO Recap: https://melanoma.org• FDA Accelerated Approval — Lifileucel (Amtagvi), Feb 16, 2024: https://www.fda.gov• Let's Talk F*ng Cancer — Ep. 74 (Lifileucel original coverage, May 2025): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-f-ng-cancer/id1697931310?i=1000708495074Leah's Segment — CarThera• CarThera Research & Development Pipeline: https://carthera.eu/research-development/• SONOBIRD Phase 3 Trial — ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05902169: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05902169• SONOKID Pediatric Trial — ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05293197: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05293197• SONIMEL Melanoma Brain Metastases Trial — ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04021420: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04021420Julia's Segment — Bladder Cancer• Cleveland Clinic — Bladder Cancer Overview: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14326-bladder-cancer• Memorial Sloan Kettering — Bladder Cancer Treatments: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/bladder#what-are-the-treatments-for-bladder-cancer-• UC Davis Health — New Drug Offers Hope to Bladder Cancer Patients, Nov 2025: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/new-drug-developed-at-uc-davis-offers-hope-to-bladder-cancer-patients/2025/11• Michigan Institute of Urology — Bladder Cancer Without Bladder Removal: 2026 Options: https://www.michiganurology.com/bladder-cancer-without-bladder-removal-your-2026-options-blog/⚠️ Medical DisclaimerThe information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical conditions, diagnoses, or treatment options.

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