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Empowering Minority Women Through Genetic Testing: Bridging Gaps in Awareness and Access

Kimberly VanYsseldyk, MN, FNP-BC, AOCNP, ACGN, CGRA — a highly respected Nurse Practitioner —works diligently with the National Consortium of Breast Centers to improve information about Cancer Genetic Risk Assessments.

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Cancer Survivor Awareness Month: Honoring Survivors, Highlighting Challenges, and Spreading Hope

Every June, Cancer Survivor Awareness Month—often referred to as National Cancer Survivors Month—recognizes and celebrates the millions of individuals in the United States and around the world who have survived cancer. More than just a celebration of survivorship, this observance is also a time to raise awareness of the physical, emotional, and financial challenges cancer survivors face long after treatment ends.

As cancer survival rates improve due to advances in early detection, treatment, and supportive care, it's more important than ever to understand what survivorship truly means—and why this awareness month matters.


Who Is a Cancer Survivor?

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) defines a cancer survivor as anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the time of diagnosis through the rest of their life—regardless of whether the cancer is in remission, chronic, or cured (NCI, 2023). This broad definition includes people actively undergoing treatment as well as those who have completed it, along with their caregivers, family members, and close supporters.

As of 2024, there are over 18 million cancer survivors in the United States, a number projected to grow to 22.5 million by 2032 (American Cancer Society, 2024).

Why Cancer Survivor Awareness Month Is Important

1. Celebrating Survivorship

The primary goal of this month is to honor and uplift those who have endured the challenges of cancer. Survivors’ stories are powerful testimonies of strength, perseverance, and hope, and they offer encouragement to individuals currently undergoing treatment.

Many organizations, such as the American Cancer Society and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, host events, survivor gatherings, webinars, and campaigns to highlight these experiences and offer platforms for connection and reflection.

2. Addressing Long-Term Challenges

While surviving cancer is an enormous achievement, the journey doesn’t end with the last treatment session. Survivors often face ongoing and significant challenges, including:

  • Physical side effects, such as fatigue, lymphedema, neuropathy, and infertility
  • Psychosocial impacts, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and fear of recurrence
  • Financial toxicity, resulting from high out-of-pocket treatment costs, lost income, and lack of insurance coverage
  • Employment and social reintegration difficulties, especially for young and working-age survivors

According to a 2022 report by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), more than 60% of survivors experience at least one long-term physical or emotional effect from their treatment (ASCO, 2022).

3. Promoting Equitable Access to Survivorship Care

Cancer disparities continue to affect underserved communities. Survivors from minority, low-income, and rural backgrounds are more likely to experience barriers to follow-up care and worse outcomes. Survivor awareness efforts help promote equity by calling for expanded access to survivorship care plans, mental health services, and culturally competent care (CDC, 2023).

4. Supporting Research and Advocacy

National Cancer Survivors Month provides a platform for advocacy—calling attention to the need for:

  • Continued federal funding for cancer research
  • Development of survivorship care guidelines
  • Legislation to support insurance protections, medical leave, and employment rights for survivors

The voices of survivors are powerful tools in shaping policies and funding priorities.

How to Support Cancer Survivors

  • Listen to survivor stories and share them to amplify awareness.
  • Encourage regular cancer screenings and educate others about early detection.
  • Donate to cancer research or survivor support groups.
  • Advocate for survivorship care plans and equitable access to healthcare.
  • Support mental health resources for those affected by cancer.

Cancer Survivor Awareness Month is more than a tribute—it's a movement. It acknowledges the complex, ongoing journey that survivors face and reminds us that surviving cancer is not the end of the story, but the beginning of a new chapter. By raising awareness, fostering community, and supporting continued research and care, we honor those who have fought cancer and champion a future where no survivor walks alone.

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Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month: Understanding, Preventing, and Supporting Recovery

March is recognized as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public knowledge about TBIs, their impact, and the importance of prevention and treatment. Traumatic brain injuries affect millions of people each year, often leading to long-term disabilities and requiring extensive rehabilitation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). By dedicating a month to TBI awareness, we collectively work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society for those affected by brain injuries, while also striving to prevent future incidents through education and advocacy.

The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI is a disruption in normal brain function caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head. The severity of TBI can range from mild concussions to severe injuries resulting in cognitive and physical impairments. According to the CDC, approximately 1.5 million Americans sustain a TBI annually, and nearly 230,000 are hospitalized due to these injuries (CDC, 2023). Common causes include falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, and combat-related trauma among military personnel.

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World Autism Day- Light it Up Blue

Every year on April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is observed to raise awareness and foster acceptance for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Established by the United Nations in 2007, this day highlights the importance of early diagnosis, inclusive education, and policies that promote the well-being of autistic individuals worldwide (United Nations, 2007). Autism touches the lives of everyone in ways that are both profound and personal. Whether you’re a parent, sibling, teacher, friend, or simply part of a community, autism has a ripple effect that goes far beyond the individual diagnosed with it. It is not just about the challenges—it’s about the beauty of seeing the world through a different lens and learning to embrace diversity in its truest form.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication, behavior, and sensory processing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD (CDC, 2023). The spectrum nature of autism means that its manifestations vary widely, making tailored support and understanding essential for each individual.

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The Truth About Measles

Morbillivirus measles infection.jpg - Wikipedia

The Truth About Measles

Measles might sound like a disease of the past, but it’s making a comeback in certain areas. Recently, a contagious person, who was not vaccinated, went to an NHL game, exposing everyone attending at the Bell Center in Montreal. There is a cluster of people with the measles in Texas. 2025 already has more cases of the measles than all of 2024. With more cases appearing worldwide, it’s important to understand what causes measles, its symptoms, and why getting vaccinated is the best way to stay protected.

What Causes Measles?

Measles is caused by the measles virus (MeV), a highly contagious airborne virus. It spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks, releasing virus particles into the air【1】. What makes measles especially dangerous is its ability to linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours【2】. That means you can catch it just by being in the same room as an infected person—even if they’ve already left.

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Is Your High-Protein Diet Messing with Your Gut? Here’s What You Need to Know
Photo by LyfeFuel on Unsplash

Is Your High-Protein Diet Messing with Your Gut? Here’s What You Need to Know

High-protein diets are all the rage these days, with people swearing by them for weight loss, muscle building, and overall health. But did you know that eating too much protein might actually shake things up in your gut? Scientists are finding that excessive protein intake can alter your gut microbiome, which could have some surprising effects on digestion and well-being. Let’s dive into how this happens and what you can do to keep your gut happy.

What Happens to Your Gut Bacteria When You Eat More Protein?

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that help digest food, support immunity, and even affect your mood. When you load up on protein, your gut bacteria shift to accommodate the change. This often means more protein-fermenting bacteria and fewer fiber-loving microbes (Beaumont et al., 2017). While this might sound fine, it can lead to the production of potentially harmful byproducts like ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) (Davila et al., 2013).

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Pat Bailey, the Caregiver Coach, Shares Five Essential Tips for Caregivers

Pat Bailey, founder of Finding New Tomorrows, is inspiring caregivers nationwide by sharing her personal testimony and providing them with essential resources.

Pat Bailey, the Caregiver Coach, Shares Five Essential Tips for Caregivers

February, the month of love, also serves as a time to recognize the millions of family members across America who provide emotional and physical care to their loved ones daily.

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, a caregiver is an unpaid individual—such as a spouse, family member, friend, or neighbor—who assists others with daily living activities and medical tasks.

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