Video

Statistics Do Not Predict Patients' Fate

Author(s):

Tom Stockwell

Now that we're in an era of personalized medicine, patients should not look at statistics and immediately think that they will determine their fate, says Tom Stockwell, patient navigator at the Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation.

Now that we're in an era of personalized medicine, patients should not look at statistics and immediately think that they will determine their fate, says Tom Stockwell, patient navigator at the Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation.

Stockwell's late son, Robert, was diagnosed with fibrolamellar cancer in 2013 at the age of 18. Even with published data and research on his cancer type, the family was still finding that it was difficult to get any true answers for his specific situation.

Now, Stockwell urges other patients not to just simply accept statistics and standards of care, and to advocate for themselves as an individual.

Newsletter

Stay up to date on cancer updates, research and education

Subscribe Now!
Related Videos
Image of woman with text.
Unlike most GI cancers, GIST starts in supportive stromal tissue, not surface cells, and is classified as a sarcoma, says Dr. Weijing Sun.
Six-time cancer survivor Staci Kirk urges patients to trust their bodies and speak up to ensure their needs are understood and addressed throughout cancer care.
Certain treatments may accelerate aging in survivors, but tailored care and healthy habits can help reduce long-term risks, researchers said.
Image of man with text.
Image of woman with text.
Image of man with text.
Image of Staci.
Image of woman, with text.
Image of woman with text.
Related Content
Dr. Suresh S. Ramalingam explains that patients with stage 3 lung cancer who undergo chemotherapy and radiation may develop radiation pneumonitis.
August 1st 2025

Managing Lung Inflammation After Chemoradiation and Tagrisso

Dr. Suresh S. Ramalingam
Dr. Suresh S. Ramalingam explains that patients with stage 3 lung cancer who undergo chemotherapy and radiation may develop radiation pneumonitis.
CURE spoke with Dr. Michael K. Wong and Dr. Diwakar Davar about the use of ctDNA for patients with melanoma, and where the field may be headed.
August 1st 2025

What Role May ctDNA Have in Melanoma Management?

Dr. Michael K. Wong
CURE spoke with Dr. Michael K. Wong and Dr. Diwakar Davar about the use of ctDNA for patients with melanoma, and where the field may be headed.
image of dr. Lillian Siu.
August 1st 2025

Breaking Down Early Signs and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer

Dr Lillian Siu
April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, and it is important to be aware of early signs and symptoms of the disease, as well as when to seek care.
Artificial Intelligence Enhances Polyp Detection in Colorectal Cancer
August 1st 2025

Artificial Intelligence Enhances Polyp Detection in Colorectal Cancer

Ryan Scott
Artificial intelligence aids in polyp detection, enhancing colonoscopy effectiveness and reducing the risk of colorectal cancer progression in patients.
Image of Dr. Fakih.
August 1st 2025

ctDNA Alone ‘Not Sufficient’ When Monitoring Patients With Colorectal Cancer

Dr. Marwan Fakih
The addition of ctDNA testing to radiographic surveillance resulted in curative surgical intervention for 1.6% of patients with colorectal cancer.
Image of doctor with brown hair.
August 1st 2025

Some KRAS Mutations Associated With Worse Outcomes in Pancreatic Cancer

Dr. Vaia Florou
In patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, KRAS G12D and G12V mutations hare associated with worse patient outcomes, researchers have found.