Contributors



Nicole LeBrasseur, PhD

Latest:

Positively Speaking

Fears can be magnified when a cancer diagnosis involves many unknowns, as is the case for triple-negative breast cancer.


Kelly Kenzik, MS, PhD

Latest:

Kelly Kenzik Talks Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Survivorship

Kelly Kenzik, epidemiologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, discusses racial disparities between African American and white women with breast cancer.



Elizabeth Whittington

Latest:

The Skinny on Soy

Moderate consumption of soy-based foods may lower the risk of breast cancer or recurrence.


Ronald Crossno, MD, CMD

Latest:

Do’s and Don’ts

Advance directives spare loved ones from difficult decisions.


Maria Prato

Latest:

A Touch of Healing: Massage Can Alleviate Symptoms of Cancer, Treatments

Oncology massage can help alleviate many symptoms of cancer and its treatments, as long as practitioners have the right qualifications.


Dr. Sham Mailankody

Latest:

The Importance of Clinical Trials in Multiple Myeloma

As patients progress through therapy, it is important that oncologists not disregard the novel agents that are currently being investigated in clinical trials, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Dr. Sham Mailankody.


Dr. Irum Khan

Latest:

Attending Education Events is Beneficial to Patients and Clinicians

MPN Hero Dr. Irum Khan discusses how education events for patients with cancer are helpful to both the patient and the clinician.


Caroline Reber

Latest:

Cultivating Symbiosis

During her cancer journey, an author and her physicist friend traded insights.


Dr. Parameswaran Hari

Latest:

Minimal Residual Disease is A Vital Marker for Patients with Multiple Myeloma, Says Expert

Dr. Parameswaran Hari discusses the importance of understanding a patient’s MRD if they are receiving the maintenance therapy Sarclisa for multiple myeloma.


Melanie Padgett Powers

Latest:

A New Era of Hope in Lung Cancer

As immunotherapy revolutionizes lung cancer treatment, scientists are considering how to make it work for more of those affected by the disease.


Felicia Mitchell

Latest:

How Mammogram Reminders Can Be More Thoughtful Following Breast Cancer

I reflect on how a generic mammogram reminder overlooked my experience as a breast cancer survivor and how thoughtful messaging could make a difference.


Lindsay Querin

Latest:

A Mother's Lifeline: An Amazing Oncology Nurse

An Extraordinary Healer essay honoring Tabatha Doyle, RN [ St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee ]


Free To Breathe

Latest:

Survivor Spotlight: Nancy Carpenter

Nancy Carpenter was FreeToBreathe's featured survivor of the month for April.


Scott Hamilton

Latest:

Make It Count: Scott Hamilton Discusses His Cancer Journey

A world champion figure skater offers his spin on the blessings behind survivorship.


Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation

Latest:

The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation Honors Oncologist for Groundbreaking Targeted Therapy Research

Vassiliki A. Papadimitrakopoulou, M.D., honored at the 19th Annual International Lung Cancer Congress.


Timothy Turnham, Ph.D.

Latest:

Covering All the Bases: FDA Must Focus on Cancer Prevention

To best help the melanoma community, the FDA must not only approve medications, but also focus on cancer prevention.


Brittany Lovely

Latest:

Tagrisso Plus Platinum Therapy and Pemetrexed Improve Outcomes in Lung Cancer Subset

The three-drug combination of Tagrisso plus platinum-based chemotherapy and pemetrexed boosted outcomes for patients with EGFR-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer.


Fred R. Hirsch, MD

Latest:

Heroically Committed to Patients With Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma

"Dr. Rosenzweig’s commitment to helping patients with lung cancer and mesothelioma is truly heroic," several colleagues write.


Nancy Cohen

Latest:

Being Open About Mental Health Care During Cancer Treatment

To combat the stigma around mental health care for patients with lung cancer, survivor Nancy Cohen shares her own treatment story and why she feels it's important to include mental health care during cancer treatment.


Mike Verano

Latest:

Honoring the Memory of Surviving After Cancer

Fifteen years after my own cancer journey, I find myself balancing hope and grief as I support a colleague newly diagnosed with cancer.


Ricardo J. Bello

Latest:

The Importance of Patient Education in Breast Reconstruction

Ricardo J. Bello, postdoctoral research fellow at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, discusses the importance of patient education to drive the decision-making process in breast reconstruction and surgery. With more knowledge, they can ask higher level questions and help the field thrive.


Rick Bulifant

Latest:

Patient Blog: Sharing My Story of Bladder Cancer to Help Others

Rick Bulifant shares his bladder cancer story.


Roxane Vermeland

Latest:

'Not Our Daughters,' Vows a Survivor of Lymphoma Caused by Breast Implants

One survivor describes her journey with breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and how she advocates for more awareness to protect future patients.


Jessica D’Amico

Latest:

Ending a Dry Spell of Years Without Treatment for Ovarian Cancer

After eight years with no new treatments for ovarian cancer, PARP inhibitors and anti-angiogenics are benefiting patients.


Aggie Higginbotham

Latest:

More Than Just a Cancer Nurse: Mel's Angel on Earth

An Extraordinary Healer essay honoring Nicole Guttierrez, RN, CCRC [ East Jefferson General Hospital Cancer Center in Metaire, Louisiana ]


Janett Smith

Latest:

A Parent's Journey With an Extraordinary Pediatric Oncology Nurse

An Extraordinary Healers essay honoring Diane Moore, RN [Children's Medical Center in Dallas, Texas]


Sam Smith

Latest:

Sam Smith Explains Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Patients With Breast Cancer

Sam Smith, University of Leeds, explains cognitive behavioral therapy for patients with breast cancer.


Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation

Latest:

AAMDSIF Presents First Lifetime Achievement in Science Award to Dr. Mary Horowitz

The Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation presented its first Lifetime Achievement in Science Award to Mary Horowitz, MD, MS at the Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Luncheon and Awards Program on May 18, 2019. Dr. Horowitz was honored for the significant impact her work has had on stem cell transplant and hematologic malignancy practice worldwide.