How Can We Stand Up to Cancer as Patients?

After surviving prostate cancer, Andy Winnegar received a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in 2021. Catch up on Andy's blogs here!

Standing up to cancer as a patient can feel overwhelming, but I’ve found a few things that help. Maybe they’ll help you, too. For context, I am a cancer survivor and have had both prostate cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. I'm still standing.

Do your research.

You don’t need to be a scientist or a doctor to understand your condition or treatment. Patient-friendly versions of clinical trials, treatment guidelines, and scientific studies are available online. Dig into your family history to see if cancer has affected others; it may reveal patterns or genetic risks that can inform your care or benefit loved ones.

Cancer research has come a long way in detection, treatment, and prevention. If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor because, overall, this is your life. You have every single right to know whether a proposed treatment has strong clinical evidence behind it or if it is still considered experimental.

Do what you love.

If working brings you purpose, keep working. If you’ve been planning a trip, take it. Don’t wait. Visit friends and family. Spend time doing the things that bring you joy.

And don’t be afraid to talk about your cancer. Sharing your story helps. Some of the best support I’ve found comes from others who are going through it, too. If you can’t find a local support group, look for one online. Ask your oncologist or care team to help connect you.

I’ve also found creative expression (whether it be through writing, painting, or music) to be incredibly healing. There are many ways to share what you’re feeling. Let it out. It helps.

Don’t give up.

Even with a tough prognosis, keep fighting—but on your terms. That doesn’t mean blindly continuing treatment if it’s no longer working or if the side effects are taking too much from your quality of life.

Talk openly with your doctor and your loved ones. Make your wishes known. Understanding your goals (whether it’s more time, better comfort, or leaving a legacy) will guide your decisions.

Stay active and live healthfully.

A healthy diet, regular exercise, and staying socially connected can make a big difference — not just in prevention, but in helping you stay strong during treatment. There is strong evidence that lifestyle choices impact disease outcomes and overall quality of life.

Start with the activities you enjoy most: yoga, stretching, walking, bike riding, resistance training, running, or hiking, to name a few. Focus on consistency and listening to your body. Keeping a schedule and log may keep you motivated.

Donate wisely.

Supporting cancer research is more important than ever, especially with declining federal funding. But before donating, take a few minutes to check where your money is going. Not all charities are created equal.

Here are some trusted resources to evaluate organizations:

• Charity Navigator: Rates charities on financial health and transparency.
• CharityWatch: Offers in-depth reports on how donations are used.
• ProPublica and Candid: Provide access to nonprofit tax returns and detailed financials.
• Candid’s Foundation Directory: Helps you identify major donors and grant makers.
• BBB Wise Giving Alliance (give.org): Evaluates charities against 20 standards of accountability.

Fighting cancer takes strength, but it also takes community. Whether you’re in treatment, in remission, or supporting someone else, know that you’re not alone. These strategies have helped me, and I really hope they help you, too.