Cancer Wellness Magazine: The COVID Issue by cancerwellness

SUMMER 2020

THE INVISIBLE MAN BREAKING THE SILENCE ON MEN & CANCER

TREATING THE UNTREATABLE MAKING CANCER

TREATMENT LESS TOXIC

THE COVID ISSUE HOW THIS

UNPRECEDENTED PANDEMIC AFFECTS CANCER

#NOFILTER

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LETTER from the Editor

Photo courtsey of Caylei Vogelzang

he dramatic arrival and proliferation of COVID19 has been deeply educational. Acting as the key to Pandora’s Box, the novel coronavirus has exposed a host of systemic gaps and shortcomings in our healthcare system toward race, gender, age, socioeconomic status and accessibility. The pandemic has monopolized many healthcare resources, which has come at a significant cost to those affected by cancer. From early cancer screenings to post-treatment support, all aspects of the cancer journey are impacted. Labs once teeming with cancer researchers have been repurposed to study the coronavirus. Elective surgeries have been paused, and even as restrictions and guidelines are being lifted, the waitlists can be staggering. Faced with severe funding gaps, many cancer charities are being forced to undergo significant restructuring. With general social unrest and economic fortitude being questioned, it is easy to see why people are not parting with their money these days and there are far fewer occasions to do so. While many organizations and talented individuals have put enormous energy toward creating meaningful virtual events, it is certainly a tall order to fill the charity coffers without the live fundraisers and galas. We investigate these dramatic shifts in the pages of this new issue. Our cover story, “The Invisible Man,” offers a relevant perspective on how our society has viewed men with cancer in general (Hint: it hasn’t). Relative to women, men with cancer are statistically underdiagnosed and undertreated, and they are far likelier to die of the disease. Transparency and true, unyielding dedication to change is the only path forward. We are living in a data-driven world. Let’s put all of the numbers on the table and use them to proactively address human ills now. This is an opportunity to empathize with segments of our population that are often underserved—the elderly, the voiceless, the systematically oppressed. Between the pandemic and its ongoing aftermath, we have the ammunition to create change and

foster meaningful relationships between men who are going through a cancer journey, have supported someone else’s, or are working through the travails of survivorship. I am delighted to share with you a spectacular range of inspired content from thought leaders and proactive voices in the cancer space who, both directly and indirectly, are forging new paths and solving novel and constantly evolving problems. In this sensitive time, let’s come together in solidarity and pave our paths with health and wellness.

@cayleiCW

Cancer Wellness

SUMMER 2020 AROUND TOWN 50

GOING VIRTUAL In the nonprofit world, IRL programs and events now have a new home online.

ENTERTAINMENT 60

GETTING INTO ‘GOOD TROUBLE’ Director Dawn Porter shares insights on her new film about congressman John Lewis.

INNOVATIONS & RESEARCH 74

A SINGLE SAMPLE Eventually a few drops of blood might yield the detection of numerous cancer types.

AROUND THE WORLD 86

TAKIN’ IT EASY Getting a little R & R has never been easier with these spas that keep men in mind.

INVISIBLE MAN

NUTRITION

GROOMING

RESOURCES

MIND & BODY

COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

CANCER & THE ENVIRONMENT

WELL AND NOT SO GOOD Vitamins and supplements are all the rage but still no substitute for a healthy diet.

FINDING PEACE IN A PANDEMIC Cancer warriors are well-equipped in resilience during the uncertainty of a global health crisis.

LOOKING GOOD, FEELING GREAT Men in treatment deserve some pampering too – your skin will thank you after trying these easy essentials.

WHAT COMES NEXT? The freedom of survivorship can feel burdensome, but that’s where cancer coaches step in.

BREATHING UNEASY Here’s what you should know about being high risk for the novel coronavirus.

A TOXIC LEGACY For many, the health effects of 9/11 are being felt years beyond that fateful day. Cancer Wellness

CAYLEI VOGELZANG Editor-in-Chief BRITT JULIOUS Editorial Director

NATALIA ESPINOSA Creative Director FEATURES Senior Editor TAYLOR NOVAK Editor-at-Large MIRELA KOPIER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ALYSSE DALESSANDRO SANTIAGO, MONYA DE, CATHERINE EVES, ANA FERNATT, MAURA KELLER, SUSAN LORIMOR, PACYINZ LYFOUNG, SHERYL NANCE-NASH, MARIA TRIPODIS, ELIZABETH TUCKWELL, ERIKA R. WHITEHEAD

PHOTOGRAPHERS JOHN KHUU, OJ SLAUGHTER, KATRINA WITTKAMP

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD NATALIE CRAIG, DENA DODD PERRY, SHIKHA JAIN, GAIL PRINS, GLEN STEVENS, MARIA TRIPODIS

OPERATIONS JACK SAXE-STARAL

ACCOUNT MANAGER ALLISON STERN

SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST KALLIE APPLEGATE

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS MELANIJA ERGARAC, ISABEL GARCIA

DISTRIBUTION

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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN CANCER WELLNESS ARE THOSE OF THE RESPECTIVE CONTRIBUTORS AND ARE NOT NECESSARILY SHARED BY CANCER WELLNESS AND ITS STAFF.

Cancer Wellness

CONTRIB UTORS

OJ SLAUGHTER

ERIKA R. WHITEHEAD

OJ Slaughter is a Boston-based creative consultant and photographer who uses images, videos and curation to redefine modern black and brown history. Equipped with a digital camera, social media skills, empathy and resilience, they create work that is cohesive and ahead of trends, while still representing an artist or brand’s direction. OJ has organized and curated spectacular events for Boston Center for the Arts and The Institute of Contemporary Art. They have also worked for WBUR as the art director for the “Sound On” series and as the photographer for The ARTery 25, and their work has been featured on PhotoVogue.

Erika is the marketing coordinator at Vogelzang Law. She is one of the newest additions to the firm, and she enjoys being a part of the team. Erika’s an active member of her community and an advocate for service. Her passion for writing and helping others inspired her to create a blog that focuses on helping small business owners develop effective communication strategies. When she isn’t working or writing, she’s probably reading or hitting the gym. Erika graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Howard University and a Master of Arts in communications from Western Michigan University.

KALLIE APPLEGATE

TAYLOR NOVAK

Kallie is a social media strategist at Cancer Wellness. She has had the opportunity to tell powerful stories and build unique connections with many communities through digital avenues. She is passionate about finding ways to help others and engaging with diverse ideas.

Taylor Novak is the senior editor at Cancer Wellness. A passionate writer and reader since childhood, they enjoy seeking out narratives of perseverance and empowerment to bring to paper in an engaging, thoughtful manner. Taylor is especially interested in writing about physical and mental well-being, the environment, social identity and pop culture.

PHOTOGRAPHER

SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST

MARKETING COORDINATOR

SENIOR EDITOR

Cancer Wellness

EMPOWERMENT SUPPORT ALL AGES. ALL STAGES. ALL CANCERS.

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THROUGH SHARING OUR STORIES, WE BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER. I THINK THAT’S HOW WE START TO REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE.” - MATT ISEMAN

Photo by Oriana Koren

@mattiseman Issue 4 cover star

#cW MANTRA

the warrior

STEVE THOMPSON AS TOLD TO BRITT JULIOUS

I was diagnosed in April of last year with stage IV colon cancer.

A nd since that time, I’ve had five surgeries and 20 weeks of chemo, radiation, and [both] a colostomy and a colostomy reversed. It’s been quite a journey. But so far, everything’s gone well. They took cancer from my liver and my lung and my colon. I had friends who’ve had cancer. My father passed away from cancer. I thought those situations were very upsetting to me. When it was me, I just felt like it was an out-of-body experience and I was more concerned with how other people would feel about it, like my children. I’m a really active person. I’m a hockey player. I just decided at the beginning that I was going to keep living my life. At the beginning, I told my oncologist, “You know, why don’t you worry about saving my life and I’ll worry about living it?” So I just kept pushing forward and trying to keep my activities as normal as I could, which was not always easy. I figure if this is the end for me— because stage IV is not a good situation—I want it to be fun too. I don’t want to just curl up into a ball and be sad about this. Let’s try and have some fun. I’m realistic about it. I don’t know what the future holds, but this is about as good an

To hear more from Steve, visit cancerwellness.com

Now, I’m in the happy part of the journey where you are scanning and monitoring. I’m realistic about it. I don’t know what the future holds, but this is about as good an outcome as one can hope. But right now, there’s nothing on the horizon. I think we’re at the point where we’re in a wait and see situation. And hopefully there’s nothing to see. We all have things that are weighing on our minds and I learned to think about other people and what they need and how I can help them. I think that gave me a lot of strength. And I also learned that it’s important to be grateful. I had a really good life. And if this was going to be the end of it, it’s been terrific. So rather than be morose about that, I just kind of learned to accept that and be grateful for all that I’ve had. If unfortunately you find yourself in this situation, keep going. Keep living your life and keep being active. Because I think it helps physically and I think it helps mentally to just keep pushing forward.

Photo by Katrina Wittkamp

outcome as one can hope.

cW Chat

In this new quarterly series, the cW team chats with a notable figure in the cancer community with something to share. BY TAYLOR NOVAK

Photo by Zeng Junyi

orhaf Al Achkar, M.D., Ph.D., is an expert at wearing many hats. The 37-year-old family physician based in Seattle, Washington finds meaning through his wide array of identities: Syrian immigrant, qualitative researcher, author, and lung cancer warrior. But the most important identifier for Achkar? Personhood. “I am a person, first and foremost,” Achkar says. “I have rich stories of immigration. I’m a professor, I’m a physician, I’m a human being with aspirations. Cancer doesn’t define me. I choose to define myself.” This philosophy pushed Achkar to release his second book, a memoir titled “Being Authentic,” in May. Generally healthy at age 33, his lung cancer diagnosis came as a shock. After completing medical school in Syria and immigrating to the U.S. in 2006, Achkar accepted a contract at University of Washington Medicine as a family physician in 2016. No stranger to hospitals, it was around this time that the physician became the patient as he began undergoing x-rays and scans of his lungs due to worsening shortness of breath. Fluid was discovered around his lungs and Achkar was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. Achkar’s lung cancer is caused by a mutation of his ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) gene, meaning he’s eligible for targeted therapy in the form of pills. The therapy has been successful at keeping the cancer at bay, providing Achkar an extension on life that he does not take for granted. This is evident in the pages of “Being Authentic,” which focuses on his early life in Syria, his cancer diagnosis and what the future holds. “I am grateful and privileged to have the time, space, and energy to do this work. My weekends and nights were filled with writing and I’m appreciative of being able to do that,” says Achkar. After his diagnosis, Achkar became even more aware of the importance of patient advocacy. He initially had a moment of realization that he had “become the number.” It was disturbing, but it also served as the beginning of his call to others in the cancer community to share their own stories about resilience in their lives. “It became important to challenge the framework of a patient reduced to a number or their symptoms,” Achkar says. “[Writing this memoir], I wanted to invite everyone to look inwardly [...] There is a lot of richness that will be added to those around you. By sharing our stories, we are leaving meaningful parts of us behind.” Writing a memoir is not simple. While it may seem easy because you are writing about yourself, it can also be difficult for that very reason. Writers face difficult memories or emotions from the past, but that may be

therapeutic in its own right. Achkar encourages everyone to “write for yourself, first and foremost.” For cancer warriors interested in sharing their own stories, Achkar offers unabridged enthusiasm and support. “I think you should do it,” he says. “There is merit in telling stories of someone who is in the midst of struggles, and that is the authentic self. Claim your voice. Your story is worth being told.” As Achkar continues practicing medicine at UW, he plans to conduct research for the follow-up of his first book, “Roads to Meaning and Resilience with Cancer,” as well as research the disparities marginalized communities are facing in the time of the COVID-19 virus. His memoir “Being Authentic” is available digitally and in paperback on Amazon and at select Barnes & Nobles.

Cancer Wellness

#NoFilter Social media has provided a platform for cancer warriors and thrivers to unapologetically share their journey while offering support and resources. Here’s six of our fave follow-worthy influencers doing just that. BY ALYSSE DALESSANDRO SANTIAGO

hether it’s laughing at memes or gathering petition signatures, social media can be an important tool for distraction, education, connection, discourse and, most importantly, enacting social change in one’s daily life. And while social media can serve as a platform for individuals to share their perfectly curated images, it can also provide a space for cancer warriors and thrivers to express their vulnerability with no filter. A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just impact the physical body but can also weigh heavily on one’s mental health. Sharing one’s story can be a cathartic release. The impact amplifies when the audience is able to connect with the story.

A simple Instagram caption can be the message someone needs to feel less alone in their own journey. It can also help others to understand an experience they haven’t endured, including what it’s like to live with cancer. Whether you are just starting your cancer journey or entering into recovery, you don’t have to heal alone. Social media can connect you to individuals who know what you’re going through because they are brave enough to say, “I”ve been there, too.” Cancer Wellness has rounded up six of our favorite influencers who use their platforms to build connections, foster understanding and create valuable visibility to inspire people living with cancer to thrive.

Allyn Rose @allynrose

With a warm smile and a monthly #SelfExamGram reminder, Allyn Rose describes herself as your “Breast Friend.” Rose is the kind of friend who uses her own experience to help educate others. After losing her mother, grandmother and great aunt to breast cancer by the age of 16, Rose wanted to know as much as she could about breast cancer and prevention. Her decision to have a double mastectomy in her 20s gained her international media attention. Frustrated with the lack of information available about making this complex decision, Rose set out to create the resources she wished she had. Her nonprofit, The Previvor, was born. On both her personal social media and The Previvor’s page, Rose provides information to help women make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Cancer Wellness

Leanne Pero @leanneperoofficial

leanneperoofficial Oxo Tower Wharf

Leanne Pero was given an all-clear after a stage III breast cancer battle in the summer of 2017. Two years later, Pero founded her own cancer charity, The Leanne Pero Foundation, which she used to create Black Women Rising – The Untold Cancer Stories. This U.K.-based exhibit shared the stories and portraits of black women in the cancer community. The project continues online with a podcast, as well as through support groups for both black men and black women with cancer. Pero uses her personal Instagram platform to share her own experience of perseverance. She also partners with brands such as Estée Lauder, Stella McCartney and Nike to create visibility for black cancer survivors on an even larger platform.

Ericka Hart @ihartericka

316 likes leanneperoofficial One week to go ..... new portraits,

When Erika Hart asked her plastic surgeon for an image of what her post-mastectomy scars would look like as a black person, it took the surgeon two weeks to provide an image. This experience moved Hart to advocate from her chest. Since she first went topless at Afropunk in 2016, Hart’s iconic imagery has put a much needed face to black queer cancer survivors. As an educator by trade, Hart rejects the term influencer. She uses her social media platform to help people learn more about social justice, race and sex while also gracing runways, magazine covers and festival stages.

daynadono Love

new testimonials and an exclusive

Stephanie Seban - @stephanie_seban & Nalie Agustin - @nalieagustin Stephanie Seban and Nalie Agustin both use their personal platforms to share what it’s like to be a young adult with cancer, and together they join forces to inspire their communities to thrive. Through their book, “The Thrivers’ Guide,” and their podcast, “Thriver Talks,” this duo shares resources for healing as well as inspires their audience to see that there is life beyond cancer. From scanxiety to sex, Seban and Agustin aren’t afraid to tackle difficult topics.

Dana Donofree @daynadono

382 likes daynadono I was so excited when I opened my beautiful package from @titty_pix

On Dana Donofree’s Instagram, she has a story highlight looking back on a decade’s worth of insights from her cancer journey. In this highlight, she shares the highs and lows of her cancer journey as well as the business venture her journey inspired, the women’s intimates brand Ana Ono. During her recovery, Donofree found herself looking for intimates that were sexy and comfortable for people who had breast reconstruction, breast surgery or a mastectomy. Her Instagram provides a personal look back on her journey, snaps from Ana Ono’s NYFW show (covered by Cancer Wellness’ own Instagram), and her badass mastectomy tattoos. Cancer Wellness

nutrition 16 A PANTRY PICK-ME-UP 21 WELL AND NOT SO GOOD 24 HOP TO IT

A Pantry Pick-Me-Up BY MARIA TRIPODIS

In the midst of these trying times, many people may rely on their pantries for emotional support. Using what we have on hand is the most ideal, but our local farmers depend on consumers now more than ever to keep our local food communities alive. Many local farms offer drive-through and delivery services to get their delicious, flavorful and nutrient-dense produce out to their communities. See how your city is currently connecting with their local farms, butchers and fish markets to show your love! And once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done that, head to the kitchen to try these new pantry-based recipes good for the whole family!

DARK CHOCOLATE DIPPED APPLE SLICES Yield: 4 servings

GLUTEN-FREE GINGER CARROT CAKE AND FLAX MUFFINS Yield: 6 servings 1 ½ cups old fashioned oats 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 teaspoons ground ginger, fresh or dried (if fresh, add with wet ingredients) 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/2 cup light brown sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups shredded carrots, loosely packed 1/2 cup golden raisins 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped Pumpkin seeds to top (optional)

Photos by Maria Tripodis

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line muffin tin with olive oil or parchment paper. 2. In a food processor, blend oats to a flour-like consistency. 3. In a large bowl, whisk together oat flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using dried) and ground flaxseeds. 4. In another bowl, whisk together coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract and shredded carrots. 5. Add wet ingredients to the large mixing bowl. Whisking until combined. Mix in golden raisins and walnuts. 6. Pour batter into the muffin tins. Top each muffin with pumpkin seeds (if desired) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

BAKED YELLOW FALAFEL Yield: 4 servings 1 cup dried chickpeas Olive oil 1 small or ¼ large yellow onion, roughly chopped 3 garlic cloves 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon curry powder 1 ½ teaspoons salt 2 tablespoons brown rice flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Lemon wedge or greek yogurt

PREPARATION:

1. Soak chickpeas in water 6-12 hours before preparing recipe. Note: If using canned chickpeas, drain chickpeas and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake at 200 F for 30-45 minutes. 2. Preheat oven to 425 F. Brush a baking sheet with olive oil. 3. Drain chickpeas and add to a food processor. Add onion and spices. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl. 4. Add brown rice flour and baking soda to the food processor. Mix until combined. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 5. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the mixture onto the baking sheet. Lightly press down forming a 2-inch patty. Repeat with the remaining mixture. 6. Drizzle each patty with olive oil and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway. 7. Top with lemon juice or greek yogurt to serve.

1/2 cup pistachios, shelled 1/2 cup shredded coconut flakes (sweetened or unsweetened) 1 tablespoon chia seeds 1 teaspoon cinnamon 3 medium or large apples 2 dark chocolate bars or 1 cup dark chocolate chips (over 55% dark) 1 tablespoon coconut oil

PREPARATION:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Add shelled pistachios, coconut flakes, chia seeds and cinnamon to a food processor and blend until roughly chopped. Pour onto a plate to form an even layer. 3. Slice each apple into 8 wedges, discarding the seeds and core. 4. Heat a small saucepan over low. Add dark chocolate and coconut oil. 5. Once chocolate has melted completely, remove from heat. 6. Hold the apple slice vertically and tilt the saucepan. Dip the bottom half of the slice into the chocolate. Roll it immediately in the pistachio mixture until chocolate is fully covered. Lay on the lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining apple slices. 7. Refrigerate baking sheet for 20 minutes before serving. (Note: Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freezer for up to 2 months.)

HUEVOS RANCHEROS WITH QUICK PICKLED ONIONS Yield: 2 servings 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (add more to taste) One 15.5-ounce can pinto beans 2 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup white onion, chopped 1/2 bell pepper, chopped 1 clove garlic, whole 1 teaspoon lime juice 1 egg Salsa 1/4 avocado, skin and pit removed, thinly sliced 1 sprig of cilantro, chopped (optional)

PREPARATION:

To quick pickle the onions 1. Thinly slice ½ a red onion 2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt and 1 cup of water until granules fully dissolve. 3. Place onions in a jar or plastic tupperware container. Pour liquid mixture over onions and cover. Let sit for 1 hour at room temperature before serving. (Note: Cover and store extras in the refrigerator. Use them to top your favorite dishes!) To make the refried beans 1. Open and drain can of pinto beans. Set aside. 2. Heat a medium nonstick sauté pan over medium and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add white onions, bell pepper, garlic and a pinch of salt. Sauté until onions and peppers begin to brown. Remove from heat. 3. In a food processor, combine pinto beans, sauteed onions, peppers and garlic. Salt to taste. 4. Heat the sauté pan to low and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add bean mixture and lime juice. Salt to taste. Heat without mixing for 2-4 minutes, or until the bottom slightly browns. Stir for another 2-4 minutes and pour mixture into a bowl.

To assemble 1. Add tortilla to the pan to lightly warm for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway. Lay tortilla on a large plate. 2. Add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to the pan and heat to medium. Crack egg into pan and cook until yolk reaches desired consistency—over easy or sunny side up is recommended. 3. Spread bean mixture over the tortilla, leaving about 1 inch of space around the perimeter. Gently slide the egg over the bean mixture. Top with salsa, avocado and pickled onions. Serve with lime wedges.

GREEN LENTIL BOLOGNESE Yield: 4 servings Any pasta 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped 2 cloves garlic 1 stalk celery, cut in half, with leaves removed 1 small carrot 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon oregano 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (and more for serving) 1 teaspoon salt One 14.5-ounce can roasted diced tomatoes 1/3 cup tomato paste 1 cup green lentils 1/2 cup dry white wine 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (and more for serving)

PREPARATION:

1. Add lentils to bowl. Wash with running water. Stir lentils with your fingers and drain. Repeat until the drained water is clear. Soak in more water and set aside. 2. Boil pasta and set aside. 3. In a food processor, blend onion, garlic, celery and carrot until finely chopped. 4. Heat a large pot over high heat and add olive oil. 5. Add onion mixture, oregano, red pepper flakes and Â˝ teaspoon salt. Stir every few minutes until mixture starts to stick to the pan, about 6-8 minutes. 6. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, drained lentils, 2 cups water and the other Â˝ teaspoon salt. Mix until tomato paste is evenly distributed, then cover and let simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender and liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally. 7. Add white wine. Cover and simmer until wine is reduced, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add parmesan cheese and mix until combined. 8. Add cooked pasta. Top with grated parmesan and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.

WELL AND NOT SO GOOD While vitamin and supplement use has become trendier than ever, research shows nutrients in capsule or powdered form are still no match for a healthy diet— and may even cause more harm than good for people with cancer. BY MAURA KELLER

ccording to the American Cancer Society, studies show that, in addition to medical intervention, people who eat more vegetables and fruits may be at lower risk for some types of cancer. And because some cancer survivors may be at risk for second cancers that are new and different cancers, they should eat a diet consisting of antioxidant-rich foods, including fruits and vegetables. Additionally, research by the American Institute of Cancer Research has found that in laboratory studies, many of the minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals in fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes demonstrate anti-cancer effects. But what about vitamins and other mineral supplements? It depends on whom you ask, but experts agree that patients need to work with their physicians individually to determine what is appropriate. Vitamin and supplement use has become more popular than ever, says Dr. Arielle Levitan, an internal medicine physician at NorthShore Medical Group and co-author of the book “The Vitamin Solution: Two Doctors Clear the Confusion About Vitamins and Your Health.” Cancer Wellness

“On one hand, this is because of increasing awareness or to maximize their intake of certain nutrients that are about health and wellness. But on the other hand, it is also thought to play a role in cancer prevention and cancer-free reflective of people following influencers of all sorts, many survivorship,” Milliron says. of whom are not valid sources for medical information,” In a recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Levitan says. researchers examined dietary supplement use among adult Vitamins and mineral supplements can be useful tools cancer survivors in the United States participating in the for cancer patients. “Addressing your individual nutritional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. More needs can not only help support your overall health and than 70 percent of cancer survivors used dietary supplements ability to recover from taxing treatments, but taking the compared to 51.2 percent of people without cancer. This right vitamins can also help you improve your health going included multivitamin and multimineral supplements, indiforward after treatment and to help restore energy, address vidual vitamin and mineral supplements, as well as other hair regrowth, neuropathy symptoms, and help with bone types of supplements. health and overall immunity,” Levitan says. “We have valid “Many cancer survivors reported taking these supplemedical data to support the use of certain supplements—in ments in amounts that exceed the tolerable upper intake differing doses depending on the individual’s needs.” level and nearly half of the cancer survivor respondents used That said, other studies suggest taking some vitamins dietary supplements on their own, without consulting with via supplements may increase rates of cancer—including health care providers, including a registered dietitian nutrivitamin A and excessive doses of vitamin E and folic acid. The tionist,” Milliron says. “Despite this increase in dietary supUniversity of Colorado Cancer Center investigator Tim Byers, plement interest and usage, the evidence-based recommendaM.D., MPH, conducted 12 research trials involving more than tions from organizations such as the American Cancer Society, 300,000 people, showing that over-the-counter supplements American Institute of Cancer Research and the National may actually increase cancer risk if taken in excess of the Cancer Institute has remained consistent—during cancer recommended daily amount. One research treatment, people should not take vitamin trial exploring the effects of beta carotene and mineral supplements, unless under the “The synergistic supplements showed that taking more than guidance of their oncology dietitian.” benefits of consuming According to the American Institute the recommended dosage increased the risk for developing both lung cancer and for Cancer Research, “supplements do not a diet containing a heart disease by 20 percent. Another study offer cancer protections or provide benefits to variety of plant and survivors who are worried about recurrence.” conducted by Byers and his team found that folic acid, which was thought to help reduce unprocessed foods has “Despite the cure-all claims made by the number of polyps in a colon, actually many supplement manufacturers, research been studied to be the shows that consuming nutrients through supincreased the number. And another trial showed men who took vitamin E had an eleplements does not lead to the same benefits as most beneficial.” vated risk for prostate cancer. eating nutrients through foods,” Milliron says. Exceeding the toxic levels of individual nutrients and Guterman points to studies that show getting a wide interactions with chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatvariety of phytonutrients is very important when it comes ments are additional concerns to consider regarding vitato a cancer patient’s diet. Also known as antioxidants, phymins and supplements. For example, as registered dietitian tonutrients consist of a variety of compounds produced by nutritionist Rebecca Guterman, MS, RD, CDN explains, plants and are found in fruits, vegetables, grains, beans and while getting antioxidants in your diet from eating blueother plants. By consuming different types of fruits and berries or citrus fruits is beneficial, taking a mega dose vegetables, individuals can provide their bodies with many (1000 mg) of vitamin C is not recommended as vitamin C different beneficial compounds, including phytonutrients. supplements have been shown to reduce the effectiveness “However, the body does not process and absorb of certain chemotherapy drugs. “The active components in these vitamins, minerals and antioxidants the same way other vitamins and supplements could increase or lessen when taken in a capsule or powdered form,” Guterman the effects of other medications,” Guterman says. says. “The synergistic benefits of consuming a diet con Brandy-Joe Milliron, Ph.D., associate professor of taining a variety of plant and unprocessed foods has been nutrition sciences at Drexel University, has been researchstudied to be the most beneficial.” ing nutrition-related beliefs and behaviors, as well as If you are concerned that you are vitamin deficient or healthy eating for people with cancer. not meeting the recommended daily intake of vitamins and “The evidence to date confirms the importance for minerals, check with your physician. Milliron recommends people to avoid vitamin and mineral supplement use when that instead of reaching for the supplements, try something they are going through cancer treatment,” Milliron says. new. What are you missing? Sometimes trying a new recipe “For cancer prevention, and to prevent cancer recurrence or new food is just the shift a person needs. Or simply add in survivors, we encourage people to meet dietary and more fruit to your diet. Many fruits are high in vitamins nutrient recommendations through consuming foods, and lower in calories. They don’t require cooking and can and not through supplement use.” more easily be added to your diet if time is a constraint. Dietary vitamin and mineral supplement use in the “A small changes approach can help you maintain new United States has grown comparatively to the public’s behaviors because you won’t feel overwhelmed and these awareness of the relationship between food, nutrition and small changes add up over time,” Milliron says. “If you cancer survivorship. “This may be to ensure that they’re have completed treatment, it’s still critically important to meeting nutrient recommendations due to poor intake, discuss dietary supplement use with your treatment team.” 22

Cancer Wellness

Hop To It IPAs or lagers, stouts or saisonsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all your favorite beers lend their distinct flavors to the hop plant, but new research from Oregon State University suggests hops can play an important role in fighting cancer. BY CATHERINE EVES

Cancer Wellness

igh in sugar and carbs, alcohol and its consumpand TXN — compounds found to induce apoptosis in tion is best avoided for those in treatment for some cancers, functioning similarly to XN. “Our findings cancer. Not only is sugar cancer’s preferred fuel, suggest that DXN and TXN could show promise as therhelping cancerous cells to multiply, but drinkapeutic agents against colorectal and liver cancer in preing alcohol raises the risk of getting cancers of clinical studies without the drawback of metabolism into the mouth, throat, liver, colon and rectum, breast, and a phytoestrogen,” the study states. others, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Phytoestrogens can be dangerous because they can This is because alcohol causes damage to body tissues, increase a person’s risk for developing hormone-depenacting as an irritant and causing inflammation. Alcohol dent cancers. “In the host, 8-PN acts as a strong agonist for can also lead to weight gain and affect how the body estrogen receptors located in cells throughout the body,” absorbs nutrients — two factors that are directly linked to the study states. Hormone-dependent cancers include cancer. ACS recommends people who drink limit thembreast and colorectal cancers, among others. But as DXN selves to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day and TXN do not metabolize into 8-PN, they do not carry for women in order to offset this increased risk of cancer. the same potential for harm presenting exciting opportu But there is some good news — a recent study from nities for future studies. Oregon State University has shown that hops, the main According to the World Health Organization, liver and ingredient in beer creating the distinct flavor and color colorectal cancers are both on the list for top-five cancers to your favorite lager, may have opened a new avenue in causing death — in 2018, colorectal cancer accounted for cancer research. 862,000 deaths and liver cancer accounted for 782,000 A March 2019 study from Oregon State University deaths. This is why breakthroughs in treatment for these published in the International Journal of Molecular increasingly prevalent cancers is so important. Sciences found that certain com The cancer-fighting compounds pounds produced by hops inhibit aren’t the only benefit found in these A March 2019 study from cancer cell growth. But this isn’t the hardy little buds. While the phyOregon State University first time hops have been studied for toestrogens found in hops may be use in cancer treatment. According published in the International cause for concern for some cancer to the study, hops have been a player these very compounds can Journal of Molecular Sciences fighters, in cancer research for more than 20 help treat disorders that affect a major years due to the compound xanthohu- found that certain compounds percentage of the population. A 2006 mol, or XN. Known as a “prenylated study from the journal Phytomedicine produced by hops inhibit flavonoid,” XN occurs naturally in notes that hops have a well-estabcancer cell growth. hops. Prenylated flavonoids are comlished record in treating anxiety and pounds found in plants with antibacinsomnia. And these healthful effects terial, anti-inflammatory and antioxiare further supported by a rich history dant effects on the body, according to a May 2014 study in of cultivation for medicinal and not-so medicinal use. The the journal Pharmaceutical Biology. Phytomedicine study notes that hops are at a “higher state Dr. Sashini Seeni, a general practitioner of mediof evolution compared with many other botanicals.” Why? cine at DoctorOnCall, explains XN’s anti-cancer effects Because if there is one thing humankind has longed to by email: “[XN is] cytotoxic or an apoptosis (cell death) perfect, it’s a delicious glass of beer. trigger. The cytotoxic trait means it directly poisons and Due to recent successes in studying the cancer-fightkills these cancer cells and maybe other normal cells ing compounds in hops, the likelihood of additional around it.” Seeni says apoptosis is programmed cell death. research is promising. Hops have been cultivated for thou“In normal cells, when the cells have abnormalities, they sands of years. They have been used to brew beer since will undergo apoptosis to avoid dysfunction” says Seeni. at least the ninth century, and their medicinal properCancerous cells have become so because they’ve lost ties have emerged over time. It is because the hop is so the ability to undergo apoptosis, either through genetic integral to our everyday life — beer drinker or not — that abnormalities, inflammation or any other factor that leads we already know so much about this humble little plant. to defective functioning of the cell cycle. XN can possibly “Given the history of long-term and present use in humans fix the cell dysfunction that causes cancer and the metaswith no significant adverse effects, an initial hypothesis tasis of tumors. However, Seeni notes, “[we’re] still in the is that hops are safe,” says the Phytomedicine study. Safe experimental stage to figure out the exact mechanism of for the health-conscious, the esteemed brewer, and, hopehow xanthohumol can induce this property back into the fully soon enough, the cancer fighter. cells.” While XN may have been found to inhibit cancer cell growth, it also metabolizes into “8-PN” — what the Oregon State study called “the most potent phytoestrogen currently known.” Phytoestrogens are similar to female sex horomones and help some tumors grow — the opposite of XN’s desirable effects. However, XN derivatives dihydroxanthohumol (DXN) and tetrahydroxanthohumol (TXN) do not metabolize into 8-PN. This is why the Oregon State study focused on XN-derivatives DXN Cancer Wellness

mind

body

28 RIPPLE EFFECT 30 ASK THE DOCTOR 31 FINDING PEACE IN A PANDEMIC

RIPPLE EFFECT Grief, illness and purpose led to two-time cancer warrior Dean Hall diving into the swim of a lifetime. He ended up making history.

Photo courtesy of Dean Hall

BY TAYLOR NOVAK

n 2014 when Dean Hall informed his oncologist of and ability in overcoming great obstacles, to explain his goal to be the first active cancer patient to swim his growing obsession with the English Channel swim. all 187 miles of the Willamette River in Oregon, he “[Frankl’s] theory was that if you have a passionate purpose was met with an incredulous “Hell no!” But Hall that you can hold tightly to, that gives you your best chance wasn’t willing to accept that answer. to not only survive but thrive,” Hall says. “I thought, ‘Well, I’m gonna die anyway. What am I Hall ultimately decided the English Channel was gonna die doing? Watching ‘Wheel of Fortune?’” Hall not personal enough. After some contemplation, he exclaims, laughing. “I wasn’t gonna go out like that.” The looked into the Willamette River in Oregon, an immense 59-year-old two-time cancer warrior had dealt with the stretch of water flowing between the Oregon Coast and sudden loss of his first wife, Mary, from an inoperable brain the Cascades, beginning in the mountains and twisting tumor nearly four years prior and was determined to leave throughout the state while bypassing the major cities of behind a legacy of courage for their daughter. So he swam. Portland, Salem and Eugene. Hall grew up four blocks Hall attributes his unconventional approach to his from the river and knew it as “Mama River.” When he dissecond leukemia diagnosis to his childhood roots. A native covered that nobody had ever swum the entire length, his Oregonian, Hall is the second son of two mountain climbers decision was made. who he describes as outdoorsy go-getters. He fondly recalls In 2014, despite his doctors’ skepticism, Hall began climbing Mount Hood for the first time at age nine. He and training. The first time he entered a pool and kicked off his father were ascending the 11,000 foot tall giant when his the wall, he immediately felt at peace. “I felt like myself father asked, “Are you tired?” Nine-year-old Hall admitted since everything started,” says Hall. “I promised myself he was, and his father said, “Good! That’ll teach you!” His I’d do 10 laps, and it took me 70 minutes to do 11 laps. But parents’ outlook was useful for Hall even so, I felt alive. I felt like me.” when faced with his cancer diagnoses Hall partnered with the Leukemia later in life. “I learned very early on how “I thought, ‘Well, I’m gonna and Lymphoma Society, planning to dig down deep by doing something to end his swim around late June die anyway. What am I physically strenuous,” says Hall. “It’s of 2014 when its annual fundraising kind of my heritage through environ- gonna die doing? Watching gala would take place. With a sponsor ment and genetics.” secured and his own father, who was ‘Wheel of Fortune?’ I wasn’t 79 Fittingly, Hall was an active years old and facing his own cancer soccer player in his adolescence and diagnosis, serving as the designated gonna go out like that.” secured a scholarship for university kayaker, Hall swam 187 miles in 22 in Kansas. While Hall initially felt as days in 40-degree water. “Being in the though he’d been dropped on a different planet coming cold water for so long for so many days helped me enter from the rolling hills of Oregon to the vast flat fields of a meditative state where I opened up and felt what I had Kansas, he met his first wife and put himself “in exile for been scared to feel,” says Hall. “I worked through a lot of love.” He stayed in the Sunflower state for 33 years, opertrauma.” ating as a therapist under his own thriving private prac After Hall finished his swim of Willamette, he tice while dealing with his first leukemia diagnosis. After received a blood test. Doctors couldn’t find any trace of Mary’s death in 2010, Hall received his second leukemia his chronic lymphocytic leukemia. They had never seen diagnosis a year later and alongside it came lymphoma. anything like it and told Hall if they hadn’t diagnosed Between the immense grief of losing his wife and his him firsthand, they would have believed he had been worsening health, Hall gave up his private practice and misdiagnosed. relocated to a small duplex in the Portland suburbs. “I was just following a dream,” says Hall. “But by The move was difficult. Gone for more than three following that dream—and I believe this isn’t unique to decades, Hall quickly realized he was unable to pick up me—we do what we are supposed to do, meet who we are where he left off in his past Oregonian life. His health was supposed to meet and be where we are supposed to be. If also deteriorating—at over 6 feet tall, Hall weighed less I can do it, anyone can. What’s extraordinary about my than 160 pounds and his lymph nodes around his neck story is that I’m ordinary.” and jawline were completely swollen. He didn’t look like These days, Hall has resumed practicing as a family himself, he didn’t feel like himself and he struggled to find and marriage therapist and offers “comeback coaching” any sense of purpose in life. with his second wife, a personal trainer. The coaching One day shortly after his move, Hall came across a helps people who have encountered trauma, tragedy or a journal he kept at 12 years old. “On the first page, I had life-changing event through “doing and discipline” based written, ‘When I become an adult, I’m gonna climb Mount on Hall’s firsthand experience of strength and resiliency Everest and swim the English Channel,’” Hall recalls. within the human spirit. Hall turns 60 this year, but with Realistically, Hall could not afford to climb Mount Everest an enthusiastic “age is just a number” mindset, he isn’t (a summit that costs anywhere from $28,000 to $85,000 stepping away from big swims any time soon. Recently, he and poses a high health risk for even well-seasoned climbwas the first person to complete a River Shannon swim ers). The English Channel, however, felt attainable. Hall in Ireland in 2017 and he has two more swims currently latched on to the possibility. “Every time I’d think about in the planning stages. “I’ve gone from cancer patient to it, my heart would just leap,” says Hall. cancer survivor to cancer thriver to what I call a ‘cancer A substantial reader, he cites Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s adventurer,’” says Hall. “My plan is to keep swimming Search for Meaning,” a book exploring human resiliency until I can’t swim anymore.”

ASK THE DOCTOR

Dr. Jonathan Banks, a New York based boardcertified plastic surgeon and member of AiRS Foundation’s Medical Advisory Board, answers your questions about the effects of COVID-19 and cancer surgery.

HOW LONG DO YOU THINK THESE POSTPONEMENTS CAN TAKE PLACE? That’s the trillion dollar question. No one really knows how long this pause is going to be in place. I would say that it really depends on the stage of the disease. But I would say for the early-stage cancers, waiting something like a three-month period from diagnosis is something we’re going to have to accept. I can’t say if it’s safe or not, but that’s what I feel is going to take place. Hopefully at that point, we’ll be beyond the anticipated peak of the 30

Cancer Wellness

wave of COVID patients and after that, the hospitals will be more available to take care of urgent cases, followed by elective cases. Active cancer, I’d say the best bet is to consult with the oncologist or the breast surgeon if it’s a breast cancer case and see what other options are available while we’re in this pause. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy– they’re all options for patients. There are actually studies that completely choose the non-surgical approach for certain circumstances and that can be very valid in many cases. I would say for the majority of cases, surgery is still going to be what is preferred to do and the first line of treatment. But given the whole situation that’s going on around the world, we don’t have that privilege of going with our first choice and we have to go for second-best at this point, which might be patient dependent, disease dependent. And then later, complete the treatment with surgery. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO ASSUAGE PATIENT FEARS ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR TIME OF PANDEMIC? There’s really no choice other than to look at this as the hospital trying to protect you. We’re trying to protect you. We’re not putting you in surgery. We know that it is reasonable to postpone surgery for a certain amount of time. We’ve never really studied how long it is safe to wait, but we definitely know it’s okay to wait. I’d say cancer for the most part doesn’t get out of control within a matter of days or weeks. When we go past the three-month mark, we start to get concerns. But I do think that the hospitals are very much aware of that. Once these few weeks go by, we’ll be able to make resources available and prioritize patients that are known cancer patients to be the first ones on the docket to have surgery. I know I, for one, and probably the rest of my team are going to work days, nights, and weekends and holidays to take care of as many people as we can, as soon as we can. And I feel many people around the country are going to do the same. We just have to make it safe for people first.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Jonathan Banks

I HAD SURGERY SCHEDULED TO REMOVE A TUMOR BUT IT WAS RECENTLY CANCELED DUE TO THE RISE OF COVID-19 CASES IN MY STATE. WHY DID THIS HAPPEN? D epending on the specific condition and location in the country, if [medical professionals] feel that it is unsafe to bring patients into the hospital for things that are not emergent, they’ll postpone [surgery] as to not expose them to the risk of contracting COVID-19 and to minimize the exposure of the staff to new patients. [It also] reduces their risk of exposure and unburdens the system from dealing with cases that could be postponed when currently most of the resources at many hospitals across the country are being devoted to care for the surge of coronavirus patients. People that have cancer at various stages are currently being postponed [from surgery] in order to provide care for people that really have imminent threats to their lives. Now with cancer patients, while we consider it an urgent surgery, it is frequently not emergent, meaning it’s not going to threaten one’s livelihood within a matter of hours or days, which is the timeframe for COVID-19 patients. So patients that have stage 0 or a low stage of cancer may be able to have surgery postponed. Patients that have slightly more advanced disease, particularly surrounding diagnosis around the breast, may be amenable to having chemotherapy or hormonal therapy and postpone their oncological surgery until it’s safe to do so. On rare occasions, cancer surgery is performed. This is what’s going on in my neck of the woods with very few exceptions.

FINDING PEACE IN A PANDEMIC

With the arrival of COVID-19 comes bouts of uncertainty, but a lot can be learned from warriorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experiences with cancer and channeling resilience. BY SUSAN LORIMOR

iving with the incurable blood cancer multiple myeloma for the past 10 years has taught Brandon Plewe of Mill Creek, Utah, how to face life’s uncertainties. The experience has equipped him with the resiliency to cope with the novel coronavirus, as have the cancer battles of others, too. “I don’t think we are nearly as shell-shocked as the normal person,” says Plewe. Plewe, who is married with three small children, says it’s something he and his wife Katie have begun to talk about. In fact, when he was at his annual checkup at the Huntsman Cancer Center in Salt Lake City in April, his doctor said something that surprised him. “He said, ‘I keep telling my staff [now] we know what our patients have always been going through,’” Plewe says. The uncertainty of not knowing whether one will catch the potentially deadly virus that causes COVID-19 has filled many with anxiety. As of June 23, 2.3 million Americans have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 123,000 died from it, according to Johns Hopkins University. As states relax social distancing guidelines, the death toll is expected to rise to nearly 147,000 by August, says the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington. Scientists and health officials do not know much about the new virus and there is no vaccine. Yet, Plewe is able to calmly coexist with the news surrounding the pandemic. He and other cancer fighters have developed what senior oncology support counselor Michael Williams, Ph.D., of Wellness House in Hinsdale, Illinois, would call a “toolbox” for facing uncertainties. “That skill set brings an attitude of calming, a sense of control. Sometimes, a sense of pride [that one can handle what is in their path],” says Williams, who has a doctorate in psychology. A ROADMAP TO RESILIENCE As her children’s summer activities began to get cancelled in March, Los Angeles-area resident and breast cancer survivor Courtney Mizel started to get depressed. Life kept getting cancelled, she says, and she was upset for her two teenage daughters who would miss out on things they enjoyed. Then, she began to feel tightness in her chest, was achy and had a fever. Her doctor ordered a COVID-19 test, and as she waited days for her results, she grew anxious. She was worried about the people she may have spread the virus to on her travels and at a conference, including those who were immunocompromised. Mizel tested positive. “All of a sudden, because I had something that was physical and medical […] I thought, ‘I know how to do this,’” she says. She remembered her fight with cancer and how the belief that God would only give her what she could handle got her through it. A switch to the familiar went off in her head. “Had I not had breast cancer, that switch wouldn’t have gone off,” Mizel says. Williams says it is these past experiences, along with a connectedness to others, that builds resilience. According to a report in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry, other factors that promote resiliency are self-esteem, positivity, positive emotions and personal “hardiness,” which researchers say has three dimensions—a sense of control over one’s experiences and outcomes; cultivation of a sense 32

Cancer Wellness

of peace and meaning in life; and learning and growing from positive and negative life experiences. Both Mizel and Plewe say they had to let go of what they couldn’t control during their diagnoses. Mizel, who says she has a Type A personality and is a planner, explains she had to realize she couldn’t plan everything. Regarding the coronavirus, Plewe says he can only focus on what he can control. “I can control being careful,” he says. “I can wash my hands. I can wear a mask.” BECOMING ROLE MODELS Plewe says he has always been a positive person. When he was hospitalized and receiving cancer treatment, loved ones would say, “We have to be positive … we can’t be sad, because you’re so happy.” Others followed his lead and adopted the same mindset. “I believe for the most part, positivity and a strong [mental attitude] are a decision,” he says. Plewe believes positivity plays a role in healing. And researchers at Johns Hopkins University found those with a family history of heart disease who also had positive outlook were one-third less likely to have a heart attack or cardiovascular event within five to 25 years. Plewe’s health care team also broke down what could have seemed insurmountable into small tasks. Plewe had to learn to walk again after losing six inches of height from a spine collapse. Multiple myeloma can cause bones to deteriorate, and prior to his diagnosis, he fractured every one of his vertebrae. He first mastered rolling over in bed, then swinging his legs over, then standing up, and ultimately walking. Anything can seem doable if you break a big problem into bite-size steps, Plewe says. Williams says those who have been diagnosed with cancer can be role models for others. “Social comparison plays out all of the time,” he says. If others see those affected by cancer surviving and walking outside with masks on, living their lives, “one thing begets the next.” Cancer survivors can be open with others about their experiences as a way to help others cope. “[Survivors can] use their experiences of having gotten through cancer to share that everything will be okay.”

grooming 34 LOOKING GOOD, FEELING GREAT 36 SUPER CLEAN SOLUTIONS

LOOKING GOOD, FEELING GREAT A skincare routine for men in treatment can help soften skin, strengthen facial hair and boost your mood. Here are some of our favorite products that will let your skin speak for itself. BY ANA FERNATT

hether you’re a bar of soap kind of guy or someone who knows their way around an Ulta, cancer treatments can change the way you approach a daily routine, including skincare. You may notice changes in skin tone or even the way that it feels. For men, this may also include facial hair thinning. You’ll want to give your skin extra attention during chemotherapy and radiation. Chemotherapy and radiation change the way cells regenerate. For cancer cells, this is great news because the treatments aim to stop those unhealthy cells from growing and increasing. Unfortunately, for healthy skin cells, which rapidly produce, chemotherapy and radiation can cause dry skin, flushing and hyperpigmentation because old skin cells that would normally slough off over time now stay around longer. It’s no secret that cancer treatments can cause the hair on your scalp to thin and fall out, but this can also extend to the rest of your face–eyebrows, eyelashes, mustaches and

beards. During treatment, you may notice that your facial hair will begin falling out and grow patchier afterwards. If you are used to shaving every day, the extra sensitivity of your skin may make this more challenging. Fortunately, technology has come a long way since the straight razor days. Finding the right products and routine can make a world of difference in improving your self-esteem. For some people, any type of skincare routine may be new, so here are the basics: cleanse, moisturize and conceal. When choosing skin care during cancer treatment, keep it simple and moisturizing. Avoid fragrances, preservatives and essential oils. Opt instead for gentle products and thicker consistencies. The more hydrated your skin is, the quicker it is able to heal. Caring for your skin can help your confidence and also your comfort. We’ve gathered some of our favorite skincare products to ease the side effects of cancer treatments for men and help you to put your best face forward, cancer warrior.

GENTLE CLEANSER Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Gentle Cleanser is just as it says: gentle and hypoallergenic, making it great for sensitive skin. It won’t strip your skin of natural oils and it will still leave you feeling clean and refreshed. Apply gently with your hands, splashing warm (not hot) water on your face to rinse, avoiding rubbing or scrubbing.

LIP BALM Your lips deserve love (and SPF) too. Stay away from any flavors or additional essential oils as they can irritate the skin. And avoid products with petroleum jelly, as they can be endocrine disruptors. Keep it simple and hydrating with a calming lip balm, a multipurpose one from Doctor Rogers.

HYDRATING CREAM When it comes to choosing a moisturizer, consider cream over lotion as these will provide a heavier protection for your skin barrier to keep hydration locked in longer. The Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream from Aesop is filled with nut and plant extracts to soften skin and calming chamomile to soothe it.

SUNSCREEN Chemotherapy can cause photosensitivity, which means that skin sunburns or develops a rash more easily. A good daily face sunscreen is mandatory while undergoing cancer treatment. Neutrogena is a classic favorite for sensitive skin. And the Neutrogena® Sensitive Skin Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, oil-free, PABA-free and free of other irritating chemical ingredients. Plus, it won’t clog your pores.

ELECTRIC RAZOR The best idea is to cut back on shaving altogether as it can irritate the skin. If you must, invest in a good electric razor, because it eliminates the risk of cuts, nicks and razor burn. The Premium Panasonic Arc 5 electric razor uses a 5-blade shaving system that is designed to accurately shave all the different types of hair textures and growth directions in your facial hair. Sideburns and mustaches can also be groomed with the pop-up trimmer. If your skin reacts, skip a couple days to let it rest or stop shaving entirely.

SOFT FACE TOWEL When washing your face during chemotherapy or radiation, it is best to use just your hands to gently splash water on your face. Do not use a sponge or washcloth during cleansing as the rougher textures could irritate your sensitive skin. After washing, you’ll need to dry, so do it in the most gentle way possible. Super soft skin cloths from Pai Skincare are made for sensitive skin. Simply pat and dab dry. Do not rub.

TINTED MOISTURIZER If uneven skin tone caused by redness or hyperpigmentation is hitting your confidence, a moisturizer with a little color like First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30 can do wonders. Apply this nourishing and gentle formula at the start of your day to cover up some of the discoloration. Plus, the added SPF is always a good thing.

BEARD BUTTER/OIL Keeping beard hair soft helps to both easily remove it when shaving and encourages it to grow back. Beard butters and oils help to manage rougher beard hairs by keeping them soft and manageable. Apply the Temperance Unscented Beard Oil from The Art of Shaving directly to your beard. Use a light amount to keep from appearing too oily.

SILK PILLOWCASE Sometimes skincare isn’t just about what you put on your face, but where you lay it. Traditional pillowcases can be scratchy or made from material that sucks out moisture. A silk pillowcase eliminates friction to skin (and hair) while you sleep. Plus, they feel really nice. Brooklinen pillowcases come in five colors, including a calming dove grey.

Super Clean Solutions

Embracing wellness from a holistic perspective is what we love to do. For our annual men’s health issue, we’ve selected a handful of products to cover you from top hat to wingtip while indulging all of your senses. REVIEWED BY CAYLEI VOGELZANG

INDIE LEE INVIGORATING BODY SPRAY

From the imagination of one of the reigning queens of clean skincare comes a new product to fall head over heels in love. Crafted to calm and rebalance the skin, this lightweight formula fills the air with the scent of fresh eucalyptus while leaving skin lightly moisturized and supple. Application is made easy and even via an ecofriendly and sophisticated glass spray bottle. Just a few pumps will do for a perfect summer pick-me-up!

AVAILABLE AT INDIELEE.COM, $45

Cancer Wellness

IMMUNOCOLOGIE VITAL CLAY MASK

URSA MAJOR HOPPIN’ FRESH DEODORANT

Immunocologie is best known for its use of vital French clay which in a recent study was found to have major antibacterial and antiviral properties. This mask is classy, conscious and clean. The packaging is gorgeous and the consistency of the product is silky without being too wet. As soon as you wash it off, you will immediately notice a difference in your skin tone and texture as pores appear smaller and the face feels tighter.

This delicate formula goes on smooth and has a fresh, lively scent derived from a blend of peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, grapefruit, chamomile and lemon. It is a perfect deodorant for sensitive pits as it is toxin-free and the essential oils used have a naturally calming and cooling effect upon application. Those who may desire a second application midday will be happy to hear that it comes in a great travel-sized container as well.

AVAILABLE AT IMMUNOCOLOGIE.COM, $105

AVAILABLE AT CREDOBEAUTY.COM, $18

LA TIERRA SAGRADA HAIR RITUAL MASK

Formulated with a base of coconut oil and vitamin E and infused with the rich notes of Palo Santo wood oil and rosemary, this product is designed to enrich and enliven the scalp while leaving hair shiny and conditioned. This may be used as a pre-wash treatment, but we prefer using it as an overnight, leave-in indulgence. If you are lucky enough to have a friend or significant other nearby, make a plan for an evening of scalp massages.

AVAILABLE AT CREDOBEAUTY.COM, $44

Complementary Medicine 40 WHAT COMES NEXT? 42 THE STRENGTH IN SHARING 44 NO WORDS NEEDED

WHAT COMES NEXT? After meticulous routines and strict schedules, the independence of survivorship may feel intimidating. Cancer coaches can help you tackle lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new chapter in your own way. BY BRITT JULIOUS

Cancer Wellness

Photo courtesy of Mirela Kopier

hen all else fails, find a cancer coach. But what through. Unlike medical professionals–who despite their exactly is a cancer coach? knowledge about the mechanizations of cancer may not Well, that is difficult to define, as the have experienced cancer themselves–Head’s long battle role of a cancer coach can differ from patient and eventual recovery helps her connect on a deeper level. to patient. Cancer coach Casey Head works with women in “I so appreciate all of our therapists, and I still rectheir 30s to 50s through her company The Happier Hustle ommend to my clients to see a therapist as well because I and says the role caters not to what the coach thinks is think you can’t go wrong with therapy and talking about best, but rather to the specific needs of the individual. “It’s all of your feelings and getting it out there,” Head says. about bringing your awareness and your focus on what “But to have somebody who has walked through what you can do as opposed to what you can’t do,” Head says. you’ve walked through and help you find your path and She understands the treatment and survival process footing again, it’s just been absolutely rewarding for me.” intimately. In 2017, Head was declared “cancer-free” after But cancer coaching is not just for thrivers. New proa three-time battle with cancer. But unlike her consistent grams and training is available for people to become certified and organized treatment process, Head was left to her cancer counselors. The nonprofit Center for Advancement own devices in survivorship. in Cancer Education offers a three-tier holistic cancer coach “I hear this story every single time. The doctors say, certification program to promote “the healing powers of ‘Great, you’re clear, you’re in remission. See you in three good food, healthy habits and science-backed informamonths. Go and live your life.’ And everyone’s like, ‘What do tion.” Certified counselors include Becky Kuehn, founder of you mean go live my life? I just spent the last year or however Oncology Spa Solutions (featured in issue one of cW), and long specifically working with you on a very regimented Cancer Wellness’ editor-at-large, Mirela Kopier. schedule of chemotherapy or surgery, and Kopier, whose background is in now you’re just telling me to go live? What “No one knows how to health and wellness promotion, has faced are you talking about?’” says Head. deal with cancer until cancer in her own life through her mother, In the years following her transition a stage IV cervical cancer survivor, and her you have it. But then best friend’s daughter, who passed away from from warrior to thriver, Head tried just about everything. And as she began to talk to more no one really knows Ewing’s sarcoma three years ago. Kopier said thrivers, she learned she was not alone in her she was interested in receiving certification how to deal with it confusion and anxiety post-treatment. “No as a way to better connect with the people she one knows how to deal with cancer until you encounters in her day-to-day work. once you’re done.” have it. But then no one really knows how to “Ultimately, something that I learned deal with it once you’re done,” Head says. “The more I talked from this course is it’s up to the person. You’re your best to these women, the more I saw this trend and this struggle of advocate and that’s how it should be no matter what,” trying to figure out what to do and how to go about doing it.” Kopier says. “If I can provide any tidbits of information Shortly thereafter, the Happier Hustle program was born. that can give them that person for the time that they have Head’s program is a 12-week course on how to embrace a better quality of life, that’s kind of where I am.” life without the fear that one’s life is going to be stolen again. According to the American Cancer Society, the US Although each client’s needs are different, Head says the largest cancer death rate has dropped 27 percent in 25 years. But similarity among her clients is how they have “a lot of life to live, unlike in the past, when many men and women kept their but just can’t figure out how to put the pieces back together.” diagnoses hidden, the advent of social media and a rise Many have tried on their own, but nothing’s stuck, so they have in awareness and advocacy has made many people more turned to Head to find a solution that will actually work. vocal about their experiences. That has made the role of Through the course of her 12-week program, Head the cancer coach more relevant than ever. “I would like to works with women to reconnect with their bodies while also see each one of them come out with not only the tools and implementing tools and skills that will help them manage skills to cope with the stress and anxiety post cancer, but the stress and anxiety of survivorship. Head’s approach is a to have a good game plan for how they want their life to go perfect mix of life coaching, personal training and therapy, look going forward,” Head says. focusing on addressing the “whole” person rather than just the mental or the physical. Areas covered range from person to person. With one client, Head may focus on their hormones, their aftercare plans or their “scanxiety.” With another client, Head may guide them through diving deep into finding their purpose in life again and navigating the challenges treatment may place on their personal or intimate relationships. “There’s not a protocol or program in place that really helps you heal the ‘whole’ you,” Head begins. “You can go to a doctor for your body. You can go to the therapist for your mind. But there’s nothing that really addresses the mindset that you need to have going forward or what [cancer] does to your physical body–the long-term effects of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.” One of the reasons Head is so successful is that she has a keen understanding of what her clients have gone

The Strength in Sharing Sometimes what scares us most has the greatest reward. For Liz Tuckwell, a rediscovered keepsake shifted her perspective on transparency BY LIZ TUCKWELL

ike many of us during this challenging time, I have a lot of time on my hands. I have used that time to reorder, purge and clean every nook of my home. Last week, I reached an area of my home I jokingly called “the twilight zone,” a closet that held items from nearly every dimension of my life. Nestled in the farthest corner, almost completely out of sight, was something I had forgotten about for years—a small, round, decades-old candy box. Inside the box were small pieces of lined paper. Each one was almost illegible but contained a world of memories, like when I received a cat. Others were sadder. It struck me while I read that my memories were so important to me that I needed to keep them safely hidden from the world. That box contained moments of my life which held meaning and revealed my most vulnerable self. Sealing this part of myself off from the world protected my fragility. As an adult, my candy box is no longer the guardian of my most private self. Instead, I am. I have a well-constructed wall around my heart. The wall is invisible, silent and portable. Unfortunately, it also shuts me off from experiencing real depth within my life. I associated sharing my deepest feelings with weakness, and I translated intimate connection to mean a risk of rejection. To avoid these experiences, I opted for the safety of my own gated heart. As a result, I became emotionally vacant. I wanted more from my life. In order to experience a life of depth, I had to break free from my own internal prison. As a child, I learned that vulnerability could leave you open for attack. I grew up in a world that over-glorified brute force as a solution and said feelings were toxic. Strength came from removing emotion and emotional attachments were a sign of weakness. Our value and sense of self-worth is often subject to the opinions of those around us. Experiencing rejection or shame as a result of emotional vulnerability teaches us 42

Cancer Wellness

that it is safer to keep our real feelings locked away. While this approach makes us feel accepted, it also locks us out of the life we should be living. Being our true selves is not a risk; it is a gift. Our experiences and feelings shape us, piece by piece, into the whole person we are meant to be. Embracing our vulnerability creates self-acceptance, healing, growth and an ability to help others around us. We become teachers for others when we share our vulnerabilities and self-acceptance. We prove that strength comes from within. Our guidance helps others realize they are not alone. How many times have you felt comforted by someone else’s story? Each time we break down a wall hiding who we really are, we transmute inner blocks into personal power. Keeping our most intimate selves locked away in “candy boxes” cuts us off from experiencing real intimacy and connection with others, and mostly with ourselves. Hiding the most honest form of ourselves cuts off our greatest gift to the world: the person we truly are. Once you accept yourself as you are, no outside opinion holds value over yours. Use this simple exercise to break down your inner walls and turn your vulnerabilities into strengths: On a sheet of paper, write about a single experience that affected you profoundly. Next, write and answer the following questions: •What was your strongest feeling? •What did you need to learn from this experience? •What can you teach someone else from this experience? •Who are you now because of this experience?

Cal’s Angels provides hope

and

support

to kids and families ﬁghting cancer!

Cal’s Angels, a Chicagoland based 501(c)(3), brings hope and support to hundreds of kids fighting cancer and their families every year. Everything Cal’s Angels does is centered around their mission of granting wishes, raising awareness and funding research to help kids fighting cancer. WISHES It all starts with a comfort kit provided to the family and filled with items to make their hospital stay more comfortable. This is just the beginning of a relationship built with the child fighting cancer and their family. Cal’s Angels also: hosts monthly hospital parties, grants $1,000 wishes, offers sibling assistance for extracurricular activities, delivers the holidays to families of a child fighting cancer under special circumstances, decorates homes with holiday lights, holds a year-round Toy Drive, and hosts a Fantasy Flight to the North Pole in partnership with United Airlines. AWARENESS Pediatric cancer affects over 40,000 children each year with 46 newly diagnosed children every day. Help to raise awareness for the gold ribbon and help kids with cancer! Cal’s Angels’ Awareness Programs include: Going Gold during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month (September) for Chicagoland schools, businesses and towns. Year-round Head Shaving Events, a Glow Walk, Chicago Marathon & Fox Valley Half Marathon teams, and Social Media Awareness Campaigns. RESEARCH Cal’s Angels has committed $1,000,000 to the Cal’s Angels Drug Discovery Program at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital. This program will allow for the first Echo 550 robotic drug screening system, which will work 382 times faster than a human. Additionally, the program will provide the acquisition of a new and updated drug library, increasing drug options to over 11,000. This is the next step to finding more treatment options with less toxicity and eradicating the horrific side effects associated with pediatric cancer. Every child deserves more!

us! n i o J Granting wishes, raising awareness and funding research to help kids ﬁghting cancer.

No Words Needed Knowing exactly what to say or how to say it when talking about your own diagnosis isn’t always possible. When you just can’t seem to find the words, art therapy gives you a canvas.

Photo of Jacqueline Carmody courtesy of Twist Out Cancer

BY TAYLOR NOVAK

acing cancer is never easy, and many emotions “I think individuals who have heard the words ‘you may arise after a diagnosis—from fear to anger have cancer’ have experienced a loss of control on such to sadness. For some warriors, the emotions are a level that many of us don’t understand [...] all their next indescribable and they may feel overwhelmed by steps are now dictated by medical professionals or in the the rapid changes of their life. In these heavy moments, art best interest of their health,” says Carmody. “They have therapy can serve as a welcomed respite. While the field is to acquire this radical acceptance of not knowing what’s relatively new, the potential benefits of art therapy can be next, which is very much parallel to art making.” invaluable when it comes to coping with a cancer diagnosis An artist starts with a blank canvas and confronts the or seeking methods of healing and personal expression. feeling of the unknown. Through the use of applying and Art therapy combines the areas of art and psycholmanipulating materials, Carmody explains, an individual ogy. It was first established by British artist Adrian Hill in can process those feelings of losing control and apply them the 1940s when he worked with recovering tuberculosis to the artwork. This not only helps the participant regain a patients and discovered the immense benefits drawing and feeling of authority, but it hopefully also incites a conversapainting brought them. Today, art therapy includes many tion, all while making something personal and beautiful. other mediums from collaging to sculpting to crocheting. Participants can find a sense of community and Jacqueline Carmody is a licensed clinical professional camaraderie in addition to coping and healing strategies. counselor (LCPC) who is also a board-certified registered Carmody pioneered Twist Out Cancer’s Twistshops, free art art therapist and a board member at creative arts nonprofit therapy-focused workshops promoting healing, relaxation Twist Out Cancer. She defines art therapy as “an alternative and emotional recovery in order to reduce symptoms of communication method through creating images instead of depression, anxiety and stress related to cancer. The workusing verbal language.” Therapy can shops emphasize emotional connectake place individually or in a group When a cancer warrior finds tion among participants in an effort to and has three different approaches: feelings of isolation that can it difficult to express what decrease analytic, psychotherapy or self-care. accompany a cancer diagnosis. Analytical art therapy and psythey feel verbally, artwork Carmody runs a weekly virtual chotherapy both involve using art to on Tuesdays with art projcan be a productive means Twistshop explore different symptoms of diagects ranging from junk journaling––a of communication—and it combination of journaling and scrapnoses and explore varying traumas, symbolism and experiences. Both booking that uses found and recyoften echoes the experience cled approaches use the artwork created materials–to charcoal drawing, of receiving a diagnosis. or viewed as a conversation between and she says the bonding that therapist and client to interpret happens among the group is obvious. deeper meaning of present emotions. “Everyone lets down their guard, sharing unfiltered narra Using art therapy as self-care, on the other hand, simply tives with peers while getting vulnerable about art they’re encourages an individual’s engagement in art, whether cremaking at the same time and receiving encouragement. ating or viewing, in an effort for them to gain insight and It’s so cool to witness that level of support,” she says. the ability to communicate what it is they are feeling. This Most importantly, Carmody wants to stress the accesapproach hopes to alleviate stress, confusion, anxiety or any sibility of art therapy. Art can be intimidating to people other burdensome emotions for the participant. “I think in without a background in it or those who don’t view themeveryday life we are expected to communicate very efficiently selves as being artistically inclined, but Carmody and and filtered,” Carmody says. “It can be very exhausting, and other art therapists work to make comfort the focal point art therapy allows the individual to be present and sit across in sessions. For Twistshops, Carmody and other facilitafrom their feelings instead of holding on.” tors will send out surveys to participants ahead of time A 2018 study published in the academic journal Frontiers to ensure certain materials aren’t an irritant or allergen. in Psychology concluded that “art therapy emerges strongly Once that information is collected, Carmody likes to offer as a way to enhance [...] quality of life and [...] ability to cope a wide variety of approved materials for someone to choose with a variety of psychological symptoms” in the cancer popfrom, especially if they are a beginner, in order to invite ulation. More specifically, a study published in the medical playfulness. Watercolor and collage are her favorites as journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine in 2016 disboth mediums are accessible in a studio and at home, and covered that individuals going through chemotherapy who neither require high energy or a particular skill set. These took a watercolor painting class while in the day unit had an familiar materials help individuals get past any insecuriimproved quality of life factor and lower rates of depression. ties and find a comfort item for expression. “Oftentimes someone who has cancer may have low energy, Art therapy can be an excellent means of commubut watercolor painting is a simplistic motion that creates nicating and coping for cancer warriors. If interested something fluid, energizing and beautiful,” Carmody says. in beginning individual or group art therapy, look for a While a more common type of counseling such as registered board-certified art therapist in your area. Art talk therapy can be impactful for someone touched by therapists should have a master’s degree in art therapy or cancer, art therapy presents effective supplemental coping counseling and offer a variety in artmaking methods to and healing mechanisms in its own right. When a cancer choose from. Sessions can be in group or individual setwarrior finds it difficult to express what they feel verbally, tings, either face to face or virtual, and length will vary. artwork can be a productive means of communication— And remember – you don’t have to be an artist to benefit and it often echoes the experience of receiving a diagnosis. from art. Cancer Wellness

Around Town 48 GENERATION ZERO 50 GOING VIRTUAL

GENERATION ZERO Imagine a world without prostate cancer. Nonprofit ZERO is working to make that dream a reality.

Photo courtesy of Zero

BY ALLISON STERN

Cancer Wellness

nless you’ve got a personal connection to cancer, through federal and state advocacy, and through a network hearing the word “cancer” likely conjures up an of empowered champions.” image of the well-known light pink ribbon associ Not only has ZERO raised awareness of the disease, ated with breast cancer. Breast cancer awareness but it has also created programs that provide support in a and funding is likely so strong because breast cancer is the preventative, financial and educational manner. ZERO’s most common cancer in women worldwide. Organizations support programs aid in research for new treatments, focused on breast cancer awareness are making great screenings, patient copays, and education for patients and strides in widespread recognition of the disease. The patient families. “ZERO’s support is critical to patients National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC), for example, and families,” Ostrin says. “ZERO offers crucial resources has raised more than $3.6 billion in federal funding for to men during their prostate cancer journey, from emobreast cancer research and created a nationwide advocacy tional support to financial assistance, and more.” network. NBCC’s successes undoubtedly makes it a role In 2018, ZERO provided 1,324 men with free screenmodel for other cancer organizations. ings and helped 210,653 men through local organiza After learning prostate cancer is the second most tions by awarding grants. Through their main initiative, common cancer in men, a group of advocates—including the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk, they raised $4.3 prostate cancer fighters, supporters and physicians—joined million and were able to give $1 million dollars in local together in 1996 to create the NBCC of grants. They have raised an impressive $28 prostate cancer. They founded the National million through their run/walk series over A man dies from Prostate Cancer Coalition, known today as the past 12 years. ZERO - The End of Prostate Cancer, and More impressively, ZERO is the only prostate cancer modeled it after the National Breast Cancer prostate cancer nonprofit to earn a four out every 17 minutes in of Coalition. four stars from Charity Navigator. This the United States. recognition is based on the organization’s According to ZERO, a man dies from prostate cancer every 17 minutes in the financial health and commitment This rate adds up strong United States. This rate adds up to about to accountability and transparency. ZERO to about 86 prostate spends 86 cents of every dollar on programs. 86 prostate cancer-related deaths every day. Each year the number of deaths from cancer-related deaths When asked about her proudest prostate cancer increases, making prostate accomplishments with ZERO, Ostrin says every day. cancer the second most common cause of they include “any moment I can bring a cancer death in men in the United States. smile to the face of someone struggling with “Prostate cancer is often referred to as a ’silent killer’ as it this disease, whether they are a patient or a caregiver.” She often presents no symptoms. Between this and the prevadds, “The best gift is being able to help create a sense alence of the disease (it affects one in nine men), prostate of community for these individuals, and show them that cancer is a disease that all men should be aware of,” says they’re cared for.” Ilana Ostrin, director of communications at ZERO. These statistics may sound discouraging, but ZERO has chosen to use them as fuel rather than fear in their fight against prostate cancer. Ostrin says she was drawn to the organization because she “wanted to make a difference for men and their families.” According to Ostrin, ZERO “is the leading national nonprofit with the mission to end prostate cancer. ZERO advances research, improves the lives of men and families and inspires action.” Since its fruition, the National Prostate Cancer Coalition has upgraded their name to reflect the boldness of their mission, which is valiant and clear—to end prostate cancer. ZERO’s vision is a future with zero prostate cancer deaths. Ostrin reveals that they refer to this objective as “Generation ZERO.” “That’s what we envision for the first generation of men free of prostate cancer, and the pain and suffering that comes with it,” she says. In order to accomplish Generation ZERO, their first action included increasing public awareness of prostate cancer. ZERO brought the faces of prostate cancer to life by presenting Congress with testimony from fighters and survivors. These stories were the driving force to create the Prostate Cancer Research Program which has supported groundbreaking Thanks to ZERO’s commitment to raising both awareness and funds, prostate cancer research since it was founded in 1997. some day soon people will visualize the light blue ribbon associated Ostrin says that the organization raises awareness with prostate cancer and attribute it to an eradicated cancer type. In through multiple activations, including “a national event the meantime, any patients seeking support, especially during the series, various awareness activities such as Grow & Give, time of COVID-19, can visit zerocancer.org. Cancer Wellness

GOING VIRTUAL COVID-19 may have put a damper on IRL gatherings, but some nonprofits are using the challenge as an opportunity to better serve communities without ever leaving home. BY TAYLOR NOVAK

wist Out Cancer’s CEO Jenna Benn Shersher is family to connect and support each other, and LCRF’s no stranger to the isolation the novel coronavirus weekly “#TogetherSeparately” Zoom forum features scican bring. Diagnosed at 29 with gray zone lymentific Advisory Board members answering questions and phoma, Shersher created the nonprofit online concerns of lung cancer warriors during COVID-19. while immunocompromised and confined indoors. The For Twist Out Cancer, this pivot to virtual also serves organization, which utilizes the creative arts to provide as an exercise in creativity for Shersher when it comes to psychosocial support for those touched by cancer, evenfundraising events. The nonprofit typically hosts hightually shifted to face-to-face events and programs as ly-attended art exhibitions and galas throughout the Shersher finished treatment. But Twist Out Cancer is now year to celebrate its Brushes With Cancer program that returning to its roots to abide by social distancing guidematches a cancer warrior with an artist who creates a lines, and rather than feeling discouraged at the prospect, unique work reflective of the warrior’s journey and aucShersher welcomes the challenge, seeing it as an opportutions it at the fundraising events. nity to better meet the needs of participants. With many IRL events on the back burner, Shersher “Of course we’d love to gather in the way that we have, will finally bring her dream of digitizing Twist Out but I also need to be realistic about our population and Cancer’s events for larger reach and accessibility to fruour community, and the last thing I want to do is make ition. Since the program’s inception, Shersher says she people feel unsafe,” Shersher says. “I find the shift to be always thought about what her former self—the one who very exciting. I get to think more globally about the expewas immunocompromised, confined indoors, alone— rience of our community.” would have wanted and needed. The pandemic has seem That awareness is crucial for cancer warriors. A study ingly offered the final push for the organization to develop published in Annals of Oncology focused on 28 patients a livestream component and introduce the use of virtual with cancer who tested positive for the COVID-19 infecreality (with VR headsets provided to ticket holders by the tion in Wuhan, China. These individuals presented poor nonprofit and its sponsors) to showcase galleries for paroutcomes and high probability of severe events and morticipants unable or unwilling to be physically present, all tality, with the time from diagnosis to while still raising funds. severe events being a mere seven days. “Of course we’d love to Twist Out Cancer is not the only 53.6% of the patients experienced ICU oddly prepared for this sudden gather in the way that nonprofit admission, use of a ventilator or death. shift to the web. LauraJane Hyde, CEO Researchers concluded that the sim- we have, but I also need of Gilda’s Club Chicago, says virtual proplest action high-risk patients can take gramming and support groups were a key to be realistic about in this pandemic is to social distance initiative in 2020 for the nonprofit. While our population and our they did not envision as dramatic of a pivot or isolate. Because of that, it is now more to digital as COVID-19 necessitated, they community, and the last did beneficial than ever for cancer warunderstand the importance of developthing I want to do is riors to have a sense of community. ing virtual offerings. Shersher recognizes the vulnerabil- make people feel unsafe.” After a hectic Friday in what Hyde calls ity accompanying people touched by the “war room” in early March as social cancer during a global health crisis, distancing guidelines were first introand she wants to ensure that anyone feeling particularly duced, the Gilda’s Club’s team walked away with new comisolated can access free programs and events safely and munications plans, feeling confident about the immediate virtually through Twist Out Cancer for as long as needed. switch. “It was amazing to be a part of that team,” Hyde Free online offerings, now open to anyone, range from says. “We didn’t know what we didn’t know; we knew we expressive art workshops for families to isolation survival were going to learn as we went, and we knew there might guide Zoom discussions. No-cost virtual “Twistshops” led be what one might call mistakes. But I don’t think of them by a licensed clinical art therapist also happen once a week. as mistakes.” Looking ahead, Twist Out Cancer is preparing to plan for Gilda’s Club now offers more than 150 free virtual both hybrid and total virtual events and programs, even programs a month for those touched by cancer, ranging when in-person gatherings are deemed safe. from yoga and journaling to coffee chats and networking. “I know what it’s like to slowly reintegrate into the In the beginning, attendance was approximately 45 people world because I’ve lived that – it took me a full year to and now caps around 400. Hyde is pleased with the reach feel comfortable in gatherings,” Shersher says. “I think and positive reception from participants. “We’ve heard it’s going to be a very similar experience for all of us. from participants that they’re so grateful we’re doing this,” Embracing and utilizing the virtual space is going to says Hyde. “This is a way to keep them safely connected forever be our future.” without those geographical or physical barriers.” Shersher also believes that organizations focusing less Shersher of Twist Out Cancer echoes the sentiment, on large-scale event planning opens the door to broader stressing that the main priority is creating meaningprogram development.This is the case for other nonprofits ful connections with others, no matter where they are such as Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Lung located. If anything, the screen has created a safe space Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF); both now offer where people let their guard down and feel comfortable— free virtual support groups for cancer warriors that are while still having fun. “Why can’t we have a concert with cost-effective and engaging. LLS introduced “Banding so-and-so, or have a virtual dance party through Zoom?” Together: Feeling Good Friday” chats for warriors and Shersher muses. “We can totally do those things!” Cancer Wellness

entertainment 54 THE INVISIBLE MAN 60 GETTING INTO ‘GOOD TROUBLE’ 64 KEEPING THE LEGACY ALIVE 66 POWER PLAY

Model & Stylist Shaka Dendy Co-Director/Photo Assistant JR Alexander Sweater OAMC; Pants Uniqlo Sneakers Nike x Acronym

It’s time to turn the spotlight on the silent sufferers of cancer—men. BY BRITT JULIOUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY OJ SLAUGHTER

his was never meant to be our cover story. Back in April, we had a different plan for the cover story for this issue of the magazine. But once COVID19 restrictions made on-set photo shoots nearly impossible, our team brainstormed for possible solutions. In our search for a new cover star, one thing became abundantly clear: men don’t like to talk about cancer. Anecdotally, we knew this to be true. Nine times out of 10, it is women—not men—who send us DMs or pitch us stories about their warrior spirit and triumphant lives as thrivers. And our own staff is almost entirely women. But we had never seen it play out so clearly in the production of the magazine as we did this spring. And a deeper search into our anecdotal analysis showed startling figures. Despite the abundance and ubiquity of campaigns targeted toward women, it is men who face the most dire statistics related to cancer. According to a report compiled by Cancer Cancer Wellness

Coverall 3M

Research UK, men are 16 percent more likely to get cancer and 40 percent more likely to die from cancer than women are. And the numbers are even more dire when comparing cancers that affected both men and women. According to the report, men were 60 percent more likely to get the specific cancer and 70 percent more likely to die from it. What does this mean? Namely, that men have a cancer problem. And it is severe. Photographer OJ Slaughter pitched the idea of “The Invisible Man” to us and we jumped at the opportunity to utilize our pages to tell this universal but underreported story. Why don’t men talk about cancer? We can point to a number of reasons why this may be the case. For one, men are more likely to be less attuned to their health compared to women. Lifestyle factors that men are more likely to participate in like alcohol consumption, weight gain and lack of exercise are known risk factors for developing several types of cancer. And unlike women (who may be well-acquainted with numerous health professionals to assess their gynecological health), men are less likely to go to the doctor in general. A 2013 report from the American Journal of Men’s Health states that “about 21% of adult men did not make health care visits to a doctor’s office, emergency department, or utilize home visits compared to only 12% of women.” Without an annual physical, men may be less likely to understand the early-onset symptoms of many cancer types such as a persistent cough, a change in bowel habit or problems with urination. Overall, nearly 41 percent of men have never had a cancer screening in the past compared to only 5 percent. These kinds of numbers point to an international crisis severely affecting the livelihood and life span of men. According to the report, between 3 and 35 percent of cancer deaths may have been prevented by early cancer screenings. Furthermore, the report says “men’s underutilization of health services places them at a disadvantage and may be partially caused by the role of masculinity and social norms, which has frequently been documented as contributing to men not using services.” Making visible the invisible will require considerable time and concerted effort. And perhaps our advocacy can look to the initiatives created by women for diseases like breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Month, for example, only launched in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries. But since then, its dominance and public awareness remains unmatched compared to other cancer types. According to a 2020 report from the Journal of Urology, “Breast Cancer Awareness Month led to a significant increase in cancer-specific [relative search volume] in October each year during the study period,” with a mean increase of 180.1 percent. This number overshadows Prostate Cancer Awareness Month’s related search terms in September, which only saw an increase of 2.4 percent in September and 4.1 percent during “Movember.” Progress may be slow growing, but it certainly is possible. The old adage is true: silence is violence. The less likely it is for men to speak up about their health and receive proper screenings, the more likely it is that they will continue to suffer dire consequences. And if our goal is to foster a cancer-free future, we must advocate for the “invisible man,” who may think cancer is someone else’s problem.

CoatVintage; Sweater Maison Margiela Pants Uniqlo; Shoes Common Projects

the thriver

CHRISTINE JON’EL AS TOLD TO BRITT JULIOUS

Trying, that’s the first word that comes to mind.

Photo by John Khuu

Being a two-time survivor—once when I was two and then again when I was 23—even though the two are very disconnected, somehow, it feels like one really long cancer journey. At two, I was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma. I had a grapefruit-sized tumor in my right calf. I vaguely remember that battle. With breast cancer, it was mentally such a nonstop uphill battle. I’m still walking up that hill today, four years out from it. It forever changed my life. I started chemo in November and I ended it in March. I had eight rounds. With taxol, on my first appointment, we found out I was actually allergic to it. My stomach kind of collapsed and my airways started to close within 15 minutes of me getting it. The same month that I was undergoing a double mastectomy, I was at the risk of being homeless. I ended up doing a GoFundMe and I got five bucks. And GoFundMe took 50 cents of that. Life can be cruel, and that’s something I learned from a very young age. Yet, life will never steal my joy. My joy is my own. And as long as you have your own, even if it’s just a spoonful of joy, you’ll have enough of it. Life can be cruel, and that’s something I learned from a very young age. Yet, life will never steal my joy. My joy is my own.

To hear more from Christine, visit cancerwellness.com

Now, my life is surrounded by cancer. And I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. I am the project coordinator of the Young And A Survivor (YAAS!) network at the University of Illinois at Chicago. It’s essentially about trying to help create sustainable survivorship for young adults after cancer so they don’t have to go through the hardships like the ones I went through. We’re helping make sure there’s a good navigation system to help them navigate through the process so that they aren’t having sustenance issues, legal issues, food insecurity issues, and get them the right support that they need so they can focus on their treatment versus these outside situations that might make them leave treatment. I didn’t think that I would ever be where I am today. I had to face my absolute biggest fear in life and I won. I’m very, very grateful to say that. I’m very thankful to say that. I learned how strong I am. I learned to not count myself out. Everytime I think I can’t do something, nine times out of 10, I can do it with ease and grace and probably do it two times more.

Cancer Wellness

GETTING INTO ‘GOOD TROUBLE’

The revolutionary work of congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis isn’t taking a backseat in the face of a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. We talked with director Dawn Porter about capturing that resilience for the screen in CNN’s documentary “John Lewis: Good Trouble.”

here are few living legends, and John Lewis is one of them. The beloved congressman of Georgia and celebrated civil rights activist who famously marched across the bridge in Selma, Alabama has become a modern-day symbol of resiliency and hope in action. And part of that resiliency extends to his stage IV pancreatic cancer battle. In late 2019, Congressman Lewis shared the devastating news with the country. Yet, despite it all, he remains on the front lines in the fight for justice and equality. In celebration of his life and accomplishments, CNN released a new documentary, “John Lewis: Good Trouble” in June on demand. Here, we spoke with director Dawn Porter about the life and legacy of John Lewis and what his work both in the past and in the present can teach us about never giving up. HOW DID YOU KNOW WHAT MOMENTS TO FOCUS ON WHEN YOU LOOKED AT CONGRESSMAN LEWIS’ CURRENT LIFE? M y idea was: let’s remember who he was, let’s talk about what he’s doing now. When you make a cinema verite 60

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documentary, you get what you get. So I was in really close contact with his staff about what hearings he was going to preside over, what constituent meetings he was going to have, what other speeches he was making, and where he was going. A big thing for us was that it was an election year. It was a congressional election year. He was running unopposed, so I was really curious about what your role is when you are running unopposed, but you’re a senior member of the House of Representatives. And it turned out that was really interesting. He worked on behalf of other new members. And I thought that was really interesting to show, to visually depict that this baton was passed and he’s guarding his own legacy by helping. Not everybody goes out and works as a surrogate for other candidates, let alone a 79-year-old civil rights hero. So many people call on him, and he was just a little Energizer bunny. And it was just a fun part of the political process that you don’t often get to see—how the members support each other, but also how important he was to these new members and how generous he is with his time on behalf of other people.

Photos courtesy of Magnolia Pictures

BY BRITT JULIOUS

ONE POWERFUL MOMENT THAT STRUCK ME WAS SEEING CONGRESSMAN LEWIS WATCH FOOTAGE FROM WHEN HE WAS YOUNG. WHAT WAS THAT LIKE FOR YOU AS A FILMMAKER? O ne of the things I love about documentary filmmaking is we get to use our brains and make it up as we go. He restages his trip across the Selma bridge every year. He uses it as a historic pilgrimage. And he takes members of Congress from both parties and other people who want to come with him. He retraces his steps. You go to a church and then there’s a service. And then everybody walks together across the bridge. Part of that trip was a walk to [The Legacy Museum] in Alabama. While we were there, the congressman was watching some video that was of him as a 19-year-old and he turned to his left and there was a high school kid. He said to this kid, “I can’t believe it’s me up there. It feels like another person that I’m watching. I can’t believe that’s me.” It just stuck in my mind. They had a conversation about what it’s actually like on the bridge. As a documentary person, I feel like it’s my job to elicit details that you might not have heard before. So I was kind of inspired by that conversation—by the congressman and that teenager—so I was like, well what if we surround him with images of himself? We rented the Arena Stage [at the Mead Center for American Theater] in Washington D.C. We erected three large screens and put him on a stool in the middle of them, and turned the lights down. The effect [was like] he was there. It’s kind of like this virtual reality experience. He was responding and telling us little details about that time that I think really helped them come alive for the present-day viewer who may not have understood what happened on those days. I also feel like the congressman knows and respects people. People come up to him and cry and they’re really moved. But sometimes I wonder if he knows why we’re so emotional. I thought it was important to show him what he did. Why what he did meant so much to so many people. WERE THERE ANY OTHER SURPRISING THINGS YOU LEARNED ABOUT THE CONGRESSMAN DURING THE MAKING OF YOUR DOCUMENTARY? One weekend, we took him home to his land that he grew up on and many of his siblings were there. We all have our place within the family. But if you have siblings, you don’t think about how your place in the family affects your siblings. I can’t say whether it’s the first time or not, but I know it meant a lot to him to hear from his siblings about how they felt about his activity. And they were really honored. They were proud, but they were also scared. When his older brother is talking, he wipes a tear away. When you think of what he did, it wasn’t just threats to his own life. It was for the whole family. I think we all like to wonder what we would do in crisis situations like that. And I think one of the reasons why I have the utmost respect for the congressman—and many people do—is because he made the hardest choice and he kept making it. He went to those Nashville sit-ins, trained those young people. They knew exactly what they were getting into. They didn’t wake up one day and start marching. They planned and intentionally put themselves

in harm’s way, knowing the risks, and then they did it again and again and again. That is just a remarkable, selfless act. WERE THERE CHALLENGES IN PUTTING THIS ALL TOGETHER IN ONLY TWO YEARS? O h, yes. You’re working with a sitting member of Congress. You can’t film everything. He has a really hectic schedule. I live in California, he’s in D.C. or Atlanta. And then the process of just searching for the archive. We really wanted to show not just the seminal moment on the bridge, but the moments before. We spent a long time combing through the archives to try and find images that were going to bring that time to life. HOW ARE CONGRESSMAN LEWIS’S BELIEFS STILL SEEN AND FELT TODAY? D uring the making of the film, I spent a good amount of time with him. I would be with him when the current president would do something that I found appalling. I would say to him, congressman, what about this or that or the next thing. And he unfailingly would express his belief in the goodness of people and in the fact that it might take a long time, but the truth and the caring way would prevail. He’s not angry; he’s forceful, but he’s not angry. The other thing is he has the most patience and generosity of spirit. We would walk through an airport with him and it would take forever because people would recognize him and would want to come up and say hello. For each person, he looks them in the eye. He accepts their gratitude. He understands what he means to people and what his actions have meant, but he’s not taking their love for himself. He’s taking it for them. He’s accepted it for us. He’s a living embodiment that there can be goodness and grace in the world, but also in government. He doesn’t take gratitude for granted. He knows that it’s important for us to connect as human beings and he’s a very appreciative person. I was really struck by that over and over and over. WHAT LESSONS DO YOU HOPE VIEWERS TAKE AWAY FROM WATCHING THE FILM? I really hope that people understand, John Lewis became famous for being brave. But I think people don’t realize how much strategy supported that bravery. He and other people he marched and protested with planned their excursion for months and years before they executed them. I want those [them] to be appreciated for their intelligence as much as their bravery because I think you need both. And then the second thing is you just can’t give up. Things can seem really dark and they are really dark. We’re not imagining that. But we can’t just go home and pull the covers over our heads. You have to engage in whatever way you are able. So, if you are able to tutor a child or donate school supplies, you are contributing to your community. John Lewis is a message of hope, is a message of resilience and courage and intelligence. It was literally the honor of my life to spend so much time with him and tell his story.

This interview has been condensed for space. Cancer Wellness

Mesothelioma and COVID-19: What You Need to Know If you have mesothelioma, you should be taking extra precautions to not contract COVID-19. Coronavirus targets the lungs by attacking healthy cells and uses them to replicate itself. The CDC recommends wearing a mask in public, social distancing, washing your hands, and keeping your residence clean. COVID-19 is one of a series of coronaviruses that causes respiratory illness. Eventually, healthy lung cells become overwhelmed and unable to function properly.

If you have any questions or concerns, join our support group https://www.facebook.com/groups/mesotheliomasupport/ or call our ofďŹ ce at 312-847-2306.

Taking cancer cases nationwide

Keeping the Legacy Alive Seventeen years after Grammy Award-winning musician Warren Zevon’s death from pleural mesothelioma, his legacy lives on through the advocacy work of his son, Jordan. BY ERIKA R. WHITEHEAD

ore than 40 years ago, Jordan Zevon’s love of music began in the living room of his childhood home with his mother and a record player. Jordan, just a child at the time, was introduced to music by his mother, Marilyn “Tule” Livingston Dillow. She spent hours sharing her favorite memories with him while classics like Joni Mitchell’s “Court and Spark” and The Rolling Stones’ “Black and Blue” played in the background. Dillow encouraged Jordan to explore his passion for music by listening to as many artists as he could, acknowledging the genius of their work. It was a lesson that extended even to his father, Warren Zevon, and his song “The French Inhaler,” written in retaliation against Dillow. Jordan was raised by his mother in southern California following her divorce from his father when Jordan was three years old. It wasn’t until Jordan turned 13—when Warren got sober—that he began to enjoy a closer relationship with his dad, a relationship that would extend well into Jordan’s 64

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adult life. Warren’s matter-of-fact, gritty and humorous personality was contagious. Whether the pair had lunch on Sunset Boulevard or watched a movie at the theater, Jordan recalls multiple occasions when spending time with his father made for an unconventional yet amusing experience. Fans knew Warren Zevon as the larger-than-life folk rock musician who rubbed shoulders with industry powerhouses like Bruce Springsteen and had hits including “Werewolves of London” and “Lawyers, Guns and Money.” For Jordan, Warren was just his dad, and the lessons his father taught him were etched into his memory. With time, the relationship they shared evolved and the two became best friends. Like his father, Jordan’s involvement in the music industry was anything but linear. During high school, he was a vocalist and drummer for The Originals, a rock band he created with his friends. The band changed its name to The Imposters, and they continued to play at bars, lounges and clubs in Los Angeles. Eventually he left the band to

join Arista Records as the coordinator of West Coast tour In 2004, a tribute album to his dad, “Enjoy Every Sandwich: press which allowed him to work with artists like Sarah The Songs of Warren Zevon,” was released. Jordan collabMcLachlan, Notorious B.I.G. and OutKast as well as legendorated with several artists including Billy Bob Thornton, ary label executives like Clive Davis and Sean “Puffy” Combs. Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Don Henly In 1996, Jordan teamed up with a couple of his friends— and Jill Sobule to cover a selection of his father’s songs. Director Gil Cates Jr. and musician Jordan Summers—to Impassioned by the experience of losing both of his form Trademark Entertainment. Together, the group proparents, Jordan began writing new music. In 2005, he duced an award-winning short film titled “Screening.” released his first self-titled EP in collaboration with two In 2002, Jordan and his family received devastating news: of his friends, a producer and a musician. Three years Warren was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma at just 55 later, he released his first album, “Insides Out.” Jordan years old. Though it’s not clear how Warren was exposed to was invited to collaborate with executives from his father’s asbestos, Jordan believes it occurred when he played in the previous record label. “They asked me to do a love song for attic of his father’s carpet store. “I describe it to people as litermy dad,” Jordan says. The selected song, “Home,” was one ally, the world felt like it looked a little different,” Jordan says. of the most popular on his album. “He called me at work and told me the diagnosis. It sounds In 2003, Linda Reinstein, co-founder of the Asbestos kind of corny but it was like everything, color and perspective, Disease Awareness Organization, asked Jordan to serve as the shifted a little bit. I realized that the world became different.” national spokesperson for the organization. The partnership Pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive form of lung cancer began as a source of encouraging support for Jordan as he that develops in the lining of the lungs due to asbestos expocontinued to grieve the death of his father and mother. sure. Warren was expected to live for only a few months after “Jordan is a really deep, tender, funny, talented man,” his diagnosis. He opted to forgo chemotherapy, and instead Reinstein says. “Jordan and I’ve grown up together for 17 poured the last of his energy into finishing his final album, years.” Jordan and Reinstein have formed a sibling-like bond “The Wind.” Jordan worked behind the scenes with his father over the years as they’ve fought to eliminate asbestos expoon his last album securing clearances for musical artists like sure. The two have relied heavily on one another for support Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and friendship, a joy that family, friends and more who were featured on the record. and supporters have witnessed. “I mean, Using his father’s Jordan witnessed firsthand Warren’s it really has become a family at this point,” battle with pleural mesothelioma. During Reinstein adds. experience and legacy Warren’s last Christmas, his team took As the national spokesperson for as fuel to move forward, the ADAO, Jordan is dedicated to raising a break from production on his album, giving Warren uninterrupted time to Jordan continues to serve awareness about the dangers of asbestos fully process his prognosis. Jordan recalls He’s visited Washington, D.C. as an advocate for those exposure. how his father’s spirit declined during the on numerous occasions to attend joint holidays as his music was no longer a welwho have been affected meetings between the ADAO, Congress, comed distraction amid the break. and administration staff. He’s a strong by asbestos-related “I had to sit out in front of his door for a supporter of the Alan Reinstein Ban cancers and illnesses. few hours until he finally opened the door,” Asbestos Now Act of 2019, a bill that proJordan admits. “People were bringing in hibits the manufacturing, processing and groceries and they were bringing in booze, and he was just distribution of any mixture or article containing asbestos. drinking the booze and not eating the groceries. He was all by In 2019, he marched with other ADAO leaders at the first himself in his apartment.” Jordan took pride in his ability to March for Justice and Remembrance in Washington, D.C. help his dad through his battle by remaining by his side and Jordan connects with members inside and outside of the sharing in the unique humor that only the two of them had. “I organization by speaking candidly about his experiences kind of helped him have a better quality of life,” Jordan says. and performing the songs he loves. “Afterwards, he was able to finish the record.” Using his father’s experience and legacy as fuel to move The album was completed in August 2003 along with an forward, Jordan continues to serve as an advocate for those accompanying VH1 documentary. Warren outlived his doctor’s who have been affected by asbestos-related cancers and illprognosis by nine months before passing away on Sept. 3, 2003, nesses. His work with the ADAO has been life-changing, and at the age of 56. Warren would go on to receive the Grammy to him the work is personal. “Hopefully, we’re all gonna get Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album posthumously. through what we’re going through now [COVID-19], and we When Jordan received the news of his father’s death, can get back on track,” Jordan says. “Hopefully, we’ll get some the overwhelming effect was immediate. “I just collapsed,” people in higher places that, you know, actually take this serihe admits. “I didn’t think it would happen. I thought I’d ously and realize that that asbestos needs to be banned.” be ready for it. I just collapsed on the floor.” What began as a complex relationship between Jordan But Jordan had little time to grieve the loss of his and his father evolved into an intricate bond that only the father before receiving news just three weeks later that pair shared. From the death of his father came the opporhis mother was diagnosed with inoperable breast cancer. tunity for Jordan to honor his legacy and their friendship Jordan again took a break from music to care for his through passionate advocacy and selfless hard work. It’s mother as she underwent a series of intense chemotherapy a priceless example that Jordan’s daughter, Willow, witand radiation treatments. After an arduous battle, Dillow nesses firsthand. For Jordan, the goal is to inspire her to passed away on Mar. 3, 2004. She was 58 years old. find something she’s passionate about just like her grand After the death of his parents, Jordan returned to music. mother and grandfather encouraged him to do years ago. Cancer Wellness

Pro hockey player Sam Fields was working toward the NHL bid he had dreamed about since childhood. But after an unexpected CML diagnosis, he suddenly found himself in a very different kind of faceoff. BY TAYLOR NOVAK

eeks away from landing a long sought-after Stable enough to begin rounds of chemotherapy and radiaNHL bid at 27 years old, Chicago native and tion, Fields still had to fight through treatment for six months. pro hockey player Sam Fields found himself At more than 6 feet tall, Fields went down from 230 pounds sleeping nearly 20 hours a day. Profuse sweatto 150. This was due in part to mucositis in his throat, a side ing accompanied the extreme fatigue, so he eventually effect of chemotherapy and radiation that causes painful open visited his physician for what he thought was the flu. Once sores. The active hockey player went from being in prime there, the doctor took one look at Fields and told him to shape and working out four to six hours a day to barely being go straight to the hospital. Soon after arriving in the ER, able to eat without severe pain. Fields was also confined to the Fields was given a diagnosis of late-stage chronic myeloid hospital, receiving 13 bone marrow biopsies during his stay. leukemia (CML) and about two weeks to live. In hockey, Fields was known as an enforcer or “fighter.” The next couple of months are understandably blurry He was accustomed to not backing down in intimidating sitfor Fields. His body was failing and he was quarantined uations. But cancer was especially challenging. “I just broke in the ICU. Eventually, Fields’ medical team suggested down one day,” says Fields. “I wasn’t sure how to keep going.” Gleevac, a new experimental chemotherapy drug wrapWhile Fields’ father was in his room, Fields reflected on his ping up clinical trials at the time. His doctors believed role as an enforcer. Part of the role as an enforcer in hockey Fields was a strong candidate for the drug and Fields felt is to protect teammates from harm. After that day, Fields there was nothing to lose. He agreed to give it a try. saw his family as the ones to protect. “I’m not a quitter,” says Described as a “bullet” against cancer by Time magFields. “It was devastating to see the hurt my family was azine, Gleevac is now known as a miracle drug for CML. going through. I wanted to fight for them, I wanted to protect Fields certainly sees it that way, as the drug stabilized him them—just like if I were on the ice. I wouldn’t give up.” enough for more routine intervention like And he didn’t. It’s been nearly 17 years chemotherapy infusions and radiation. since Fields was declared cancer free. When “It was devastating to see As a Jewish American, Fields’ conhe received the news on the first of October the hurt my family was in 2003, he didn’t have a grand reaction like nection to the medicine is even more personal. Biochemist Nicholas Lyndon going through. I wanted one might see in films or television. “I was invented Gleevac in the 1990s and oncoljust like, ‘Alright, let’s go have some fun,’” to fight for them, I ogist Brian Druker streamlined the clinhe quips. “I learned how life can change in ical trials in 2001 for FDA approval, but wanted to protect them— the blink of an eye when I was diagnosed. I the pill is built upon Israeli researcher Eli the next day isn’t always guaranteed, just like if I were on the know Canaani’s work in the 1980s supported by so I live in the present. I was just ready to go the Israel Cancer Research Fund. ice. I wouldn’t give up.” on with my day, enjoy it and live.” Canaani and American hematologist Fields certainly carries his experiRobert Gale discovered cancer protein ences from both on the ice and off into his fusion, the process of two key DNA genes in chromosomes 9 everyday life, expressing immense gratitude to be where he and 22 – also known as the “Philadelphia Chromosome” in is today. Instead of a jersey or hospital gown, he sports a suit CML – swapping spots, or translocating, and forming a leuand tie as a public insurance adjuster at his own company, kemic-fused gene called BCR-ABL. The protein produced by Fields Loss Consultants LLC, in Chicago’s Lincoln Park this new gene fuels CML cells. Gleevac is successful because neighborhood where he excels in steadfast negotiations it targets that specific fusion and returns blood counts to rather than aggressive physical intimidation. But making normal without harming healthy cells. When asked what sure the person he’s fighting for doesn’t get the wrong end that Israeli connection meant to him, Fields says that it was of the deal is the end goal all the same. “I’m protecting [my “everything.” He even ended up meeting Canaani and broke client] like I protect my family or protected my teammates down crying. “He set up the research to invent the medicine on the ice,” says Fields. “The only difference is that my rink that saved my life,” says Fields. “It was surreal.” is a conference room now.”

Innovations & Research 72 BUYING BETTER TIME 74 A SINGLE SAMPLE 77 TREATING THE UNTREATABLE

Buying Better Time Dr. Jessica Donington, the chief of thoracic surgery at the University of Chicago, wants to keep mesothelioma patients living not just longer, but better, too.

“W

hen we treat people for cancer, it’s not just to live longer,” begins Dr. Jessica Donnington. “It’s longer and better. I don’t want to buy you bad time.” Donnington, the chief of thoracic surgery at the University of Chicago, specializes in two of the most insidious and aggressive cancers—lung cancer and mesothelioma. Unlike other forms of cancer which can be caught in the early stages—like breast or skin cancer— lung cancer or mesothelioma patients typically receive their diagnoses after they’ve begun presenting late-stage symptoms. Mesothelioma patients in particular face grim odds. According to Asbestos.com, 40 percent of mesothelioma patients survive at least one year. But only 52 percent of peritoneal mesothelioma patients and a mere 12 percent of pleural mesothelioma patients survive five years.

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That is why finding effective and harm-reducing treatments is so key in the mesothelioma world. “With meso, I do think the quality of what we give [patients] is so, so important because this is a rough disease,” Donnington says. “It really can impact people quite dramatically.” The University of Chicago (U of C), unlike other facilities, has embraced a holistic approach to treating the rare and deadly disease. Donington’s team is led by Hedy Lee Kindler, M.D., the medical director of gastrointestinal oncology and director of U of C’s mesothelioma program. “We work under her direction because she’s really brilliant,” Donington says. In addition to Kindler, their program also includes surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nutritionists and palliative care. Nearly all patients who come to U of C’s mesothelioma program first see Kindler. Later, patients are assessed to see

Photos courtesy of Dr. Jessica Donnington

BY BRITT JULIOUS

if surgery is an option. This is where Donington comes in. time when you can’t enjoy your life, and I think with pneuDonington primarily performs pleurectomy/decortication monectomy, we were doing that,” says Donington. “When surgeries for pleural mesothelioma patients, a lung-sparing we do the pleurectomy/decortication and leave them with procedure that removes the pleural lining and other distwo lungs, the time we buy them is better time. Maybe eased tissues around the lung as well as any visible tumors that’s the better message to tell.” on the surface of the lung or the remaining chest. Although surgery has proven to be beneficial to many According to Donington, pleurectomy/decortication is a mesothelioma patients, it is not an option for all meso more difficult surgery than the preceding and more common patients. “I actually think it’s probably an option only for extrapleural pneumonectomy, which removes the lung entirely. a small percentage of them,” Donington says. Donington “Most of my lung cancer patients go home in about two days; prefers to operate on patients with epithelial disease—affectthese patients stay more like six days,” Donington says. ing the epithelial tissues lining the surfaces of our skin, our But the benefits for the patient are well worth it. digestive organs and our respiratory organs—rather than While she was at New York University, those with sarcomatoid disease. Donington worked with Dr. Raja Flores, “I don’t want to buy you The mesothelioma should also be the chairman for the Department of fairly low volume. “It’s hard once it’s in time in the hospital. Thoracic Surgery and a professor of the fissures. It’s hard if there’s dense I don’t want to buy you disease,” Donington says. “The hardest Thoracic Surgery at The Mount Sinai Medical Center. Flores and Donington time on oxygen. I don’t thing is if it’s growing into the chest wall found that patients who had an or the mediastinum. Those are the kind of want to buy you time extrapleural pneumonectomy had an things that make people inoperable.” And overall poorer recovery than those who patients should be fairly young and pretty when you can’t enjoy had the pleurectomy/decortication. “We healthy. “It’s not like we would say no to your life, and I think didn’t feel like they ever really got all the someone who’s in their 80s, but it’s tough, way back to baseline,” Donington says. with pneumonectomy, and someone who’s elderly has significant “Like they were always a bit hampered by comorbidities or is frail,” she says. we were doing that.” their operation.” Steps in the advancement of treat Treating mesothelioma, therefore, ment toward mesothelioma are not as requires sobering realism. “The patients are all going to common as other forms of cancer, but Donington remains recur. It’s that kind of disease. We cure so few,” Donington hopeful that new developments are on the horizon and adds. But with a pleurectomy/decortication, patients are left many of them may develop through the University of much stronger and able to receive more treatment, includChicago’s unique program. “The steps of meso are all ing radiation and chemotherapy. Pneumonectomy patients— small, but we’re all making them. There’s no doubt about often too weak, frail, short of breath or emaciated—could it,” Donington says. “We do have new medicines, we do receive no further treatment, and ultimately died. have more effective treatments. We are better at marrying “I don’t want to buy you time in the hospital. I don’t all of our different treatments together. So that just needs want to buy you time on oxygen. I don’t want to buy you to continue.”

A SINGLE SAMPLE

The future of detection for 50 types of cancer may be found in just a few drops of blood. BY TAYLOR NOVAK

t comes as no surprise that the more insidious cancers the high accuracy of the test that the study found, saying, also tend to be deadlier – dependable screening guide“The results of this study suggest that such assays could lines are next to nil for early detection of cancers like be a feasible way of screening people for a wide variety mesothelioma or ovarian. Unlike breast cancer or melaof cancer.” The test ultimately shows that this approach noma, for example, the detectable symptoms of more discreet can detect a large range of cancers at any stage with high cancers tend to emerge in later stages. If a particular reason– accuracy while also pinpointing critical information about like family history–isn’t behind getting tested or screened for location for diagnosis and treatment purposes. a specific type of cancer, the disease may silently progress Early detection of cancer has proven to greatly increase until appearing in late stages when treatment is limited and the success of treatment while dramatically improving surodds of survival are slim. This is why some scientists, like vival rates. By the time symptoms appear in deadly cancer those at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, have shifted their types, like lung or prostate cancer, the disease may be in attention to the development of multi-cancer blood tests for late stages and resistant to intervention. According to the early detection. So far, the research bodes well for exposing American Cancer Society, the 5-year, cancer-specific surnumerous cancer types sooner and more easily. vival rate for nearly all types of cancer is substantially lower In March, the largest clinical genomics program when disease is caught in advanced stages. Screening can published results of an accuracy study for an innovative aid in some detection of individual cancer types such as multi-cancer early detection blood test, a so-called liquid breast cancer or cervical cancer, but others like mesothelibiopsy. Conclusions were promising: an overall positive oma or ovarian cancer do not have reliable, guideline-recdetection of 99.3 percent was present. If further validaommended screenings available and are often caught tion testing proves successful in clinical trials, the single much too late. Early, multi-detection tests with low false blood draw may become a monumental development in positives used as a complement to standard screenings can early detection efforts of screening for some of the deadlilimit patient anxiety and put an end to needless diagnosest forms of cancer. tic workups while offering accurate and effective treatment Researchers led by the Dana-Farber intervention in a more unified manner. Cancer Institute conducted the study, The test ultimately shows GRAIL funded the study precisely which was funded by biotech healthcare as part of its mission to detect cancer that this approach can early. Co-founder Alex Aravanis, M.D. company GRAIL, Inc. and published in the journal Annals of Oncology. The detect a large range of applauded the successful early results of team performed the blood test on nearly the blood test’s accuracy in a press release. cancers at any stage 7,000 participants who were split into “At GRAIL, we believe that multi-cancer two divisions: 2,482 people with more with high accuracy while early detection has the potential to signifithan 50 varying cancer types (includcantly reduce cancer mortality,” he says. also pinpointing critical “This ing breast, colorectal, bladder, ovarian, is a seminal moment in the field of lung, lymphoid leukemia and pancreatic cancer detection.” GRAIL hopes this test information about cancer) and 4,207 people with no known will be a pioneer example of applied techlocation for diagnosis cancer types. nology from the Human Genome Project and treatment purposes. data making its way to the broader popu Next-generation sequencing—a rapid and accurate form of genome analysis lation, as well as serve as a stepping stone ushered in with the completion of the 2003 away from current practices in which a Human Genome Project—was used to analyze the pattern single screening detects only one cancer type. Instead, the arrangement of methyl groups on cancer cell DNA. A methyl goal is to develop a screening that can detect many types at group is a small molecule – consisting of one carbon atom and once. Researchers also believe using a blood test as a comthree hydrogen atoms – that is added or removed from proplement to screening will allow detection of deadlier cancer teins or nucleic acids and may change the way the molecule types that don’t necessarily have screening capabilities at behaves in the body. Thus, methylation pattern is extremely the moment, such as pancreatic and ovarian cancer. telling when it comes to cancer cells, distinguishing “off” cells Clinical validation trials funded through GRAIL’s from healthy ones. When cancer cells die, their DNA with the PATHFINDER study and led by Dana-Farber were undermethyl groups empties into the blood. The possibility of this way in February until COVID-19 put testing on hold. Once blood being analyzed in order to detect cancer in early stages testing resumes, researchers will continue gathering data on has now been introduced with this new test. intended use populations to share with healthcare providers When the participants’ blood samples of both normal and enrolled patients, and there is confidence that the stanand cancerous cells were tested, results showed that “the sendard of blood-based diagnostics will evolve in the next few sitivity of the [test] for 12 cancers that account for nearly twoyears to greatly aid in early detection of many cancer types. thirds of U.S. cancer deaths was 67.3 percent.” This means the test positively located cancer accurately two-thirds of the time. Additionally, the stage I-III sensitivity of all 50 cancer types was 43.9 percent. The false positive rate was less than one percent. That is not all—the test was also accurate in detecting the organ or tissue of origin in more than 90 percent of cases. GRAIL’s test is not yet available for use outside of this investiga In a news release, Dana-Farber’s Geoffrey Oxnard, tional study. It is not meant to replace the cancer screening tests M.D., who co-led the study alongside the Mayo Clinic’s healthcare providers may recommend. For more information, Minetta Liu, M.D., commented on the significance of visit www.grail.com/clinical-studies/pathfinder-study. Cancer Wellness

Treating the Untreatable

After years of use, chemotherapy is finally becoming more personalized thanks to ongoing research in precision medicine at the Nagourney Cancer Institute.

Photo courtesy of the Nagourney Cancer Institute

BY BRITT JULIOUS

Cancer Wellness

very warrior’s cancer story is different, but oftentimes, Through their testing methods, the Nagourney their treatment is the same. Dr. Robert Nagourney, a Cancer Institute can help diminish toxicity in a patient clinical professor at the University of California Irvine by not giving people drugs that don’t work. “Most chemoSchool of Medicine and the founder of the Nagourney therapies work not because you give a lot—a big dose—but Cancer Institute, aims to change that. actually, they work because they’re the right drug for you,” For more than 20 years, the Nagourney Cancer he says. They can also diminish toxicity by reducing the Institute has made cancer treatment personalized. Rather amount of medicine a patient receives. than relying on a standard chemo cocktail, the Nagourney “I think the reason doctors use such high doses is they Cancer Institute practices precision medicine to test an don’t have the luxury of knowing it’s going to work and they individual’s tumor tissue to determine the best and most don’t want to give something to someone and have them fail effective treatment for combatting their cancer. And the and wonder whether they failed because they didn’t give results, especially for aggressive and later-stage cancers enough,” Nagourney says. “They don’t want to be wrong like colon and pancreatic cancer, have shown precision for the wrong reason.” Through their research, the instimedicine just may be the treatment of the future. tute adjusts doses based on their findings so patients can Precision medicine is nothing new. According to the receive lower amounts of the toxic drugs instead of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, precision medicine is maximum tolerated dose. “By knowing synergy, you can “an emerging approach for disease treatment and prevenuse drugs more intelligently, more rationally to get the tion that takes into account individual variability in genes, response without the toxicity,” he says. environment, and lifestyle for each person.” Cancer warriors interested in working with the According to Nagourney, as it applies to oncology, Nagourney Cancer Institute can find more information researchers previously propagated cancer cells and used about their treatment methods and peer-reviewed studies drugs to see if they could stop the cancer cell growth. on their website. Nagourney encourages people to familResults were disappointing, but this came iarize themselves with the concept before as no surprise to Nagourney. “Cancer cells reaching out. If they’re interested in moving don’t grow too much; they die too little,” he “Cancer cells don’t forward, a warrior can contact the institute says. Cancer cells typically grow at around to discuss their specific cancer type, where grow too much; the same rate as healthy cells. Because the disease was originally treated, what these tests measured cell growth, they were they die too little.” drugs they’ve already used and what types ultimately “completely useless” in evaluatof successes they may have had. An individing what drugs would be most beneficial ualized assessment is created of their case for cancer treatment. “So many people thought [about] and if it looks like they can undergo a biopsy or operation, how great it would be to use each patient’s tissue to pick the institute will arrange for the patient’s doctor to collect drugs that when it didn’t work for each patient, they were a tissue. Some patients may even go to the institute itself not willing to use it. They were embittered by the experito receive the surgical biopsy. “They can return home and ence,” Nagourney says. But as others shunned the concept, by the time they’re back and settled home, we’ll have the Nagourney grew more interested in it. “I thought, ‘Well, it results for our analysis ready for them to start treatment,” still makes a lot of sense. And if we can only work out the Nagourney says. kinds, couldn’t this be better?’” recalls Nagourney. Through their analysis, the institute is able to probe Discovering and understanding apoptosis, or provarious genes and assess what is driving the cancer. “The grammed cell death in multicellular organisms, helped question becomes, if this cancer is a bus and there’s a in Nagourney’s research. “The concept revolutionized bunch of people on the bus, who’s driving? Which of the how we thought about cancer,” Nagourney says. “Cancer people on the bus do you have to knock off in order to stop is a disease of cells that want to stay alive.” To find better the progress of the tumor? Who’s the bad guy here?” asks drugs, researchers must measure cell death—not growth. Nagourney. “Sometimes it’s more than one. Sometimes Nagourney and his team first began their research it’s a single solitary gene.” studying leukemia cells, which he says are like “indepen And once they’ve figured that out, Nagourney says, dent contractors” because they are a simple system contreating the untreatable becomes a reality. “The capacity sisting of one or two types of cells. This is unlike more to look around the corner at what drug or what combicommon tumorous cancers like colon, breast and lung nation or what synergistic interaction might provide a which have an ecology, a collection of cells talking to each benefit was an immense luxury to me,” Nagourney says. other. “It’s cells talking to their blood vessels. It’s cells “It was like finding a landline in the middle of the ocean. It talking to the immune system. It’s the immune system was like grabbing on to a lifesaver ring as you were going talking to the cells,” Nagourney says. “It becomes a really under. You could suddenly go on and treat patients.” complicated collection of interacting systems.” His team had to learn new tricks to isolate these more complex cells, sometimes 50 or 70 at a time, and not disrupt “the matrix, the structure, the interactions.” “The technical staff learned to do these mechanical aggregations down to these organoids,” Nagourney recalls. “And that breakthrough made it possible for me to extend what I thought was excellent work in leukemia into breast To learn more about the Nagourney Cancer Institute, visit and colon [cancers].” nagourneycancerinstitute.com 78

Cancer Wellness

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CANCER & KREBSBEHANDLUNG After their remarkable efforts in reducing the impact of the novel coronavirus, Germany is positioned to become a leader of the medical tourism industry in a post-pandemic world. BY CATHERINE EVES

or some, medical tourism conveniently pairs sightseeing with a visit to the doctor. For others, medical tourism is a last resort to treat an illness like cancer that may be too aggressive or invasive for treatment back home. Some countries are able to provide medicine or treatments not available elsewhere. Many medical treatments face less strict governmental scrutiny familiar to citizens of places like the United States. They also often have better access to resources, meaning more treatments are available more quickly. Germany is one such place, featuring the natural delights of forests, rivers, and mountain ranges, but also storied nightlife, vibrant art scenes, and a rich cultural history. And because of their recent success in mitigating the deadly impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak, Germany is set to become a front-runner of the medical tourism industry in a postpandemic world.

But Germany might not be the most obvious destinatheir home country. Typically, homeopathic treatments are tion for Americans seeking alternative cancer treatment. reimbursable by German insurers. “German law extends Due to its close proximity, Mexico is the recipient of around robust protections to certified nonmedical practitioners, 1 million American medical tourists each year, as estimated or heilpraktikers, whose training in alternative healing by Newsweek in May 2019. Cancer treatment centers in methods like homeopathy permits them to treat patients places like Tijuana and Baja cater directly to American with non-infectious diseases, like cancer,” Gellman writes. consumers who have been told by their doctors back home And recent events have granted this Western European that they are out of treatment options. As reported in issue nation even more notoriety: During the first months of the 5’s “Desperately Seeking Treatment,” many of these clinics pandemic, Germany was commonly featured in news headoffer treatments ranging from ineffective to dangerous, lines for their remarkable efforts in curbing coronavirus-reoffering little more than hope with an exorbitant price tag. lated deaths. As of June 20, 2020, Germany recorded 193,000 That’s why those wary of the bad press surrounding cases of coronavirus, with only 9,000 deaths. In comparison, Mexico’s alternative clinics often look to Germany. “If you neighboring France recorded 161,000 cases of coronavirus, look at the country brand of Mexico and compare it to the with 29,000 deaths. Germany’s mortality rate is even lower country brand of Germany,” begins Irving Stackpole, “the than South Korea’s — a nation that was so effective with perceptions [are] profoundly different.” Stackpole is the preslockdown procedures that other countries used this model to ident of the healthcare market research and business develflatten their own curve. As of April 2020, South Korea’s moropment firm Stackpole & Associates. He says this is because tality rate was 1.8 percent, far lower than European nations Germany is especially known for innovation and engineering. Spain, France and Britain, which all hover around 10 percent. “The German GDP has a higher component of manufacturing But Germany’s mortality rate is even lower at 1.6 percent. contributing to it than the United States,” he says. “Germany “The reason [Germany] came out so well in this crisis isn’t a services-based economy [but] has a very is because of the peak cultural respect the high proportion of manufacturing, and that In short, Germany German citizens have for science,” says manufacturing is built on engineering.” “People accepted the science cares for its citizens, Stackpole. A 2014 article in the Harvard Business that in order to suppress the reproduction both those who are or transmission of the virus, they had to stay Review (HBR) reaffirms this. Germany’s successes in engineering and manufacturing home.” It’s a sentiment that throws the U.S. sick and those whose response cross diverse industries, from sustainable into sharp contrast, as President job it is to make the Trump repeatedly delivered information energy to molecular biotech. German manufacturers infuse “old products and processes to the public contradicting advice from sick well. with new ideas and capabilities or recomleading medical experts. Germany also probining elements of old, stagnant sectors into moted widespread testing, at no cost to the new, vibrant ones,” says HBR. The German manufacturing patient. This meant that those infected could isolate early, industry employs a large percentage of the population while which is imperative to reducing the number of overall providing excellent wages and benefits, so the industry flourinfections. ishes. According to HBR, “Germany innovates in order to According to an April 4 article in the New York Times, empower workers and improve their productivity; the U.S. if a person tests positive for coronavirus in Germany and focuses on technologies that reduce or eliminate the need their symptoms are manageable enough to isolate at home, to hire those pesky wage-seeking human beings.” In short, they’ll be visited by a “corona taxi” — medics in protective Germany cares for its citizens, both those who are sick and gear visiting those five or six days into illness. The medics those whose job it is to make the sick well. will assess the patient’s symptoms and administer blood This compassion is reflected in their health care industests in which they are “looking for signs that a patient is try. All German citizens are provided with health insurance about to go into a steep decline, [because] the chances of from the government, with costs relative to their earnings. surviving that decline are vastly improved by being in a Employers pay a percentage and employees cover the rest, hospital when it begins.” unless they don’t earn enough — and all receive the same level It’s no wonder, then, that even before its success in of care. Wealthier citizens, or those looking for more options, dealing with a pandemic, Germany was a popular destinacan purchase privatized health care plans in addition to govtion for medical tourists. A December 2012 article on the ernment-provided insurance. The clinics that are most often New York Times’ website quotes Isabella Beyer, a research visited by international treatment-seekers are part of this associate in medical tourism at Germany’s Bonn-Rheinprivatized system, operating outside of the familiarly strict Sieg University of Applied Sciences, “We have one of German hospital system. But unlike some alternative treatthe worldwide best health care systems and people from ment centers in other countries, German law requires private abroad know that.” Beyer chalks it up to lower prices, high treatment centers to employ licensed medical practitioners. quality care and shorter waiting room times. A 2018 piece by Lindsay Gellman on Longreads cites That’s why Stackpole believes Germany has the potenthe “long history of embracing unconventional treatment tial to become Europe’s epicenter for medical tourism. methods” as to why Germany thrives in this industry. “[The pandemic] is all about the science,” Stackpole begins. Gellman says homeopathy, a medical system based on the “Health tourism is really also about the science, but hisbelief that the body can heal itself given the right conditorically [it’s] not so much about the health or wellness tions, originated in Germany in the 18th century. It is these part, it’s been about the tourism part. And that may be a natural-type treatments that are traditionally explored big shift going forward in these markets. There may be a after cancer patients are recommended palliative care in renewed, refreshed, increased emphasis [on] science.” 82

Cancer Wellness

Takin' it EasY Resorts have made winding down on your own or with your buds a no-brainer. Our list includes nine exhilarating locations across the globe for some male-geared rest and relaxation. BY SHERYL NANCE-NASH

ho says the spa is only for women? Increasingly, men are taking solo or group vacations focused on pampering, wellness and reinvigoration. In fact, a 2017 survey from the International Spa Association found that 49 percent of customers were men, up from 29 percent in 2005. Sometimes, it is nice to leave the man cave. Once travel resumes, a 2021 retreat may be on the top of your list. For those looking for some quality “man time,” we’ve compiled a list of the best destinations for relaxation and fun.

BOULDERS RESORT & SPA, SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA This resort is located on 1,300 acres of the lush Sonoran Desert foothills and gets its name from the surrounding ancient granite boulder formations. The 33,000-squarefoot spot offers an array of amenities sure to please. The Men’s Niwa treatment includes a wet steam, dry sauna, O’Furo (Japanese bath) and an outdoor adult swimming pool and jacuzzi. The “Just for Him” package offers a 50-minute massage, a gentleman’s facial and a choice of men’s grooming services. You can top it off with spa treatments like the boulders stone or arnica massage. Looking for more action? Get adventurous with rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, tennis, horseback riding, fly fishing, or Jeep, Hummer or TomCar excursions. When you’re ready to relax, consider an astrological soul reading, guided meditation, chakra balancing or reiki. WHITEFACE LODGE, LAKE PLACID, NEW YORK The High Peaks of Lake Placid speak to weekend warriors, city folk looking to unwind and athletic types. The allsuite resort screams “cool,” with fine cigars and cognacs to enjoy alongside a fire pit, a spa menu tailored for men and nearby outdoor experiences and Olympic-themed sports. Here, rugged is hot and ragged is not. The Spa at Whiteface Lodge’s “Adirondack Man” collection includes treatments like the Outdoorsman facial and Lumberjack Hand Soother, a customized and rich exfoliation with a light massage of healing arnica oil. A full-day package called “The Outdoorsman” combines these treatments with a sports massage and nutrient-packed spa lunch. For thrill-seekers, nearby Olympic facilities are open year round for bobsledding, wheeled luge and extreme tubing. Hiking, cycling, rock climbing, golf and horseback riding can be arranged. And in the winter, snowmobiling, tobogganing and dogsledding are options for fun as well. FAIRMONT SONOMA MISSION INN & SPA, SONOMA, CALIFORNIA Location is everything. The Fairmont is atop an ancient thermal mineral spring, flowing from 1,100 feet below the surface. The tranquility and beauty of this environment permeates the 40,000-square-foot spa. Try the golfer’s massage. If you want to indulge, go for the executive meltdown package, a back-focused blend of exfoliation, warm stones and hot towels to relax your muscles, followed by a tension-melting back, neck and shoulder massage. Complete the package with facials and hand grooming treatments designed for men. Hiking, biking and the neighboring Sonoma Golf Club offer excellent non-spa activities. KILKEA CASTLE, CASTLEDERMOT, IRELAND It’s all about golf at Kilkea. The castle’s recently opened spa has an array of treatments for male golfers, from facials to massages. When you tire of golf, there’s tennis, falconry, skeet shooting, fishing, and a fitness center. Interested in social gatherings? Hit up one of the on-site Irish whiskey tastings or venture off-site to an authentic Irish pub dating back to the 9th century. The high-touch service at Kilkea will make you feel like a king. 84

Cancer Wellness

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA The Shangri-La touts its “CHI for Men” offerings focused on results, be it getting rid of stress, deep cleansing or improving concentration. Treatments include tension-relieving massages, bespoke facials, and foot and hand treatments. When you’re ready for action, hit up Grose Mountain for skiing and hiking trails. Other nearby tourist stops include Vancouver’s Seawall, the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Granville Island. NEMACOLIN WOODLANDS RESORT, FARMINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA Nemacolin, snug in the countryside, is about decompressing. The Holistic Healing Center and Woodlands Spa are destinations in themselves. Their hydrafacials, hot-stone massages, energy-balancing crystals and male-centered spa therapies like tension massage, men’s scalp treatment and CBD massages will rejuvenate and relax you. But if you need more exhilaration, try ziplining, paintball or rock climbing. CUMBERLAND FALLS BED & BREAKFAST INN, ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA What can you expect at Cumberland Falls? On day one, you can check in and then head out to Lake Lure for a 2.5 hour long kayak paddle ride that includes a boxed lunch. Return to the inn for a one-hour sports massage (either in room or at the spa). Spend your evening exploring downtown Asheville. If you’re an early riser, sign up for a weight circuit workout at 7 a.m. in Cumberland’s gardens for day two. Then, feast on the healthy farm-to-table breakfast, followed by a hike on the Mountains-to-Sea trail. A healthy picnic lunch is included. Decompress with a healing hands massage in your room or in the spa. Try early morning yoga or meditation at 7 a.m. if the spirit moves you on day three. Complete the day with breakfast and a trip to Beaver Lake for kayaking. THE WESTIN RIVERFRONT RESORT & SPA, AVON, COLORADO Vail Valley is therapeutic, but that’s just the beginning. The 27,000-square-foot Spa Anjali at The Westin Riverfront offers an extensive menu focused on three healing traditions—the Rockies, Alps and Himalayas. The Chakra Blessings are a collection of ancient rituals designed to help clear negativity, balance energy and create an optimal state of well-being. Some of the most popular treatments for men include the CBD massage, the mountain man manicure and pedicure, and ponderosa pine therapy, a deep tissue massage that uses ancient Native American remedies to treat inflammation and muscle pain. Get your exercise groove on with more than 60 weekly classes, special fitness programs and workshops. In winter, skiers and snowboarders have direct access to the slopes at Beaver Creek, and in other seasons, hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, whitewater rafting and golf occupy time. ALISAL GUEST RANCH RESORT & SPA, SOLVANG, CALIFORNIA Indulge your inner cowboy in the rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley. The western-style dude ranch is on 10,500 acres. Horseback ride, golf, fish, hike, or gear up for air rifle and archery, on-site. When you’re ready to chill, the spa has nearly 30 treatments, with favorites like the rancher’s respite massage and cowboy facial.

Vogelzang Law Thanks Our Unions Unions in Chicago and across the nation have had a pivotal role in the COVID-19 pandemic. They’ve donated N95 respirator masks to healthcare workers, worked overtime to make sure Chicago’s grocery produce sections are stocked, helped build additional space at hospitals including McCormick Place’s coronavirus hospital, and delivered care packages to hundreds of homes. Learn more here: www.vogelzanglaw.com/blog/unions

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Resources 88 A JOB WELL DONE 90 BREATHING UNEASY

A Job Well Done The fast-paced shift to WFH due to the pandemic can be especially difficult for cancer warriors and thrivers for a myriad of reasons. But it also opens a new door to employers meeting your needs. BY PACYINZ LYFOUNG

he COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a host of Section 508, a federal law, requires all website content, new challenges for cancer warriors and thrivers, including related products and services, be available to including how to work from home. According to people with all types of disabilities. Many virtual meeting the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, platforms provide services facilitating communications for more than 50 percent of cancer survivors are part of various populations. Hard of hearing people can join via the working age population (16 to 64 years old), and the shared screens and chats on most platforms. Zoom has Americans with Disabilities Act and other legal authorclosed captioning or allows a third-party captioning service. ities grant employment protections for such individuMicrosoft Teams blurs backgrounds to facilitate lip reading. als. Reasonable accommodations may be needed due to Visually-impaired individuals can participate via voice limitations caused by the cancer itself, the side effects of options, such as screen readers and dictation. Whether cancer treatment, or both. And as companies have shifted the assistive technologies are integrated in the product or their operations to remote work during the COVID-19 offered via a third-party service, employers’ due diligence pandemic, employers have many opportunities for assistincludes considering the compatibility of operating systems, ing their employees who are cancer survivors. applications and keystrokes for various computer brands. “This crisis has pushed employers to be more flexible Beyond repurposing mainstream technologies for and open-minded when it comes to work structure and set-up, accessibility needs, augmented and alternative commuand those that continue to maintain or expand this approach nication innovations are specifically designed to serve are ultimately going to be considered forward-thinking and the needs of people with greater barriers. Trackballs and innovative,” says Rebecca Nellis, the execujoysticks that can be controlled by hands The planning and and feet help those who can use other body tive director of Cancer and Careers, the only U.S. nonprofit addressing cancer and workimplementation of parts for keyboards and screens. Wands place issues. and sticks attached to the head help those remote work runs Cancer advocacy groups such as the Job who can only move their head or parts of Accommodation Network acknowledge that their head. Sip-and-puff systems help those smoother when companies operating purely as remote workwho may not be able to move their heads but employees who are can control their breath to activate devices. places have no clear responsibility regarding employees’ home workstations. Home-based cancer survivors are Electronic pointing devices responding to employees work in their own residential eye movement, nerves signals and brain engaged from the offices, which are typically set up accordwaves help those who have almost no physiing to their personal needs and preferences. outset in the design cal mobility. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic has However, access to those cutting-edge and communications forced many companies to suddenly shift technologies might be limited by cost and for new logistics. their operations to remote work, the onus to availability. Employers might explore collabprovide the same work environment as at the orations with various technology stakeholdoffice is now on the employer. ers who have different motivations to facilitate access to their In this pandemic, reasonable accommodations products and services. Large technology and telecommuinclude physical changes, accessible and assistive technolnications companies may be interested in gaining market ogies, accessible communications, and policy enhanceshare by offering free access for certain periods, which can ments. The planning and implementation of remote work give more time to devise better long-term accessibility plans runs smoother when employees who are cancer survivors for remote office operations. Additionally, companies may are engaged from the outset in the design and commualso be committed to good social outcomes of technology nications for new logistics. Understanding the logistiand take up pro bono projects. Employers may be interested cal needs of the most vulnerable employees can provide in developing their own in-house technologies, and lead opportunities to utilize universal design features. with new products and business models as well. A common challenge for many cancer survivors now Reasonable accommodations for remote work at home while working from home is the digital divide for housealso include considerations for neurodiversity and fatigue holds strained by the costs of dealing with a severe chronic that workers who are cancer survivors may be experiencing. illness. According to MarketWatch, 1 in 4 cancer survivors Nellis cautions that even when working from home, employstruggle financially. This is due to several large expenses, ees may still suffer from the same challenges with short-term including the costs of new therapies and loan debt. focus and less stamina. Pacing meetings and breaks still “Not everyone has access to good, reliable internet allows cancer warriors and thrivers to perform well. [service] or a computer at home. And if they do, it may not Although COVID-19 has disrupted the workplace be available for their sole use or it may not be new enough quickly and dramatically, the crisis has also given rise to to power all their remote work. Employers should be senopportunities for more cost-effective and collaborative sitive as there could be some embarrassment or shame business models with new technologies and practices that attached to not having access to cutting-edge technology are more universally inclusive of workers who are cancer or regular internet,” advises Nellis. Employers should survivors, if designed intentionally. As COVID-19 is forcing share the burden of upgrading computers, internet conall to rethink the new normal with greater awareness of the nection capacity and software at home. human body’s frailty and greater reliance on technology As employers plan for the possibility of either longtools, cancer survivors are uniquely poised to take a place term or permanent remote work, technology innovations at the table for re-imagining what the future of work—and are opening new avenues for reasonable accommodations. the subsequent economic benefits—will look like. Cancer Wellness

Breathing Uneasy

Cancer warriors and thrivers may be more susceptible to contracting the novel coronavirus and developing severe complications, especially if there is a history of lung-specific illnesses like mesothelioma. BY ERIKA R. WHITEHEAD

he first confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus half of confirmed COVID-19 cases, patients were asymptom(COVID-19) were reported in Wuhan, China, in atic. This makes COVID-19 even more dangerous. late December. Since then, it has spread quickly The American Cancer Society says mesothelioma to over 180 countries, with more than 9.4 million patients often receive a five-year survival rate of 20 percent if confirmed cases. The virus causes a respiratory illness their cancer is localized. The survival rate drops even lower similar to the flu or common cold by targeting the lungs to just 8 percent if the cancer has spread to the liver, bones and attacking healthy cells, using them to replicate itself. and pleura on the other side of their body. Although Von St. Eventually, healthy lung cells become overwhelmed and James has beat the odds, these numbers provide a constant unable to function. Complications from the virus can escareminder of how crucial self-vigilance is for many mesothelilate in just a few short days, and patients can experience oma survivors and current warriors during this time. respiratory distress, the need for ventilation and perma Adding to the uncertainty is the reality that most nent lung damage. For the average population, symptoms Americans still have not been adequately tested for the range in severity from asymptomatic to mild to critical. virus. Of the more than 300 million people living in the But for those with underlying conditions—including United States, just over 30 million have been tested to date. asthma, high-blood pressure and diabetes—it can be espeAlthough the federal government touts quicker testing cially volatile. More than 483,000 people have died globally. methods, researchers warn about the possible inefficacy For cancer warriors and thrivers (who typically have comof these tests. promised immune systems), the risk may be even greater. In a critical attempt to reduce the rate of infection According to the Journal of the National Comprehensive and overcrowding of medical facilities, political officials Cancer Care Network, people with cancer are 3.5 times have urged Americans across the country to keep their more likely to need mechanical ventilation, be admitted to distance from others and stay at home. As a result, more the ICU, or die compared to those without cancer. than 297 million Americans have been issued stay at home “The data is still evolving and we orders in 38 states across the country. are still learning about COVID-19 and For mesothelioma patients, Forty-two states have extended school cancer,” says Muaiad Kittaneh, MD, closures and 11 states permanently FACP, an assistant professor and spe- a dangerous combination ended the school year early. cialist in hematology and oncology at of immunodeficiency, pre For patients with mesothelioma, Loyola University Medical Center. “It is staying at home and quarantining is existing respiratory illness vital. Exposure to public places or reasonable to think that cancer patients are at a higher risk of complications due and older age places them asymptomatic carriers provides an to effects of cancer and/or therapies they life-threatening risk. “We at a higher risk of death additional, receive like chemotherapy, immunotherpulled my daughter out of school,” due to complications from Von St. James says. “They gave us the apy or radiation therapy, especially when it involves the lung—the organ that the contracting COVID-19. option early on for her to E-Learn, and COVID-19 virus affects the most.” then the next day, the governor here in With a significant portion of the Minnesota canceled school.” country’s population at risk, it is imperative to under The American Cancer Society recommends cancer stand the effects COVID-19 may have on those with patients remain in consistent contact with their doctors to cancer, especially lung-specific cancers like mesothelioma, discuss treatment plans. To avoid exposure, pre-scheduled which also develops in the lungs and is caused by expopreventative care like screenings and medical treatments sure to toxic asbestos fibers. The fibers, which are usually like chemotherapy may be delayed or rescheduled. inhaled, settle into the tissues of the abdomen and other “I recommend and follow the ASCO and CDC recomareas of the body impairing healthy cell function. By the mendations of social distancing,” Dr. Kittenah says. “You time the cancerous tumors are typically discovered, years should avoid close and sick contacts, clean your hands have passed and patients are often given a terminal diagfrequently with soap and water for 20 seconds and use nosis. For mesothelioma patients, a dangerous combina60 percent alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after tion of immunodeficiency, pre-existing respiratory illness touching any surfaces, coughing and sneezing. You should and older age places them at a higher risk of death due to avoid hand contact with the face, eyes, nose and mouth as complications from contracting COVID-19. well as clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.” These risks are an unavoidable reality for 14-year Caregivers should be mindful when coughing or pleural mesothelioma survivor, blogger and cancer research sneezing around loved ones who have been diagnosed advocate Heather Von St. James. As a cancer survivor, she with mesothelioma. Instead, they should cough or sneeze shares concerns about her health and the health of others. into a sleeve or tissue. And everyone should wear a mask “You know, it’s scary how quick it spreads and how to prevent droplets from spreading. quietly it spreads, especially since so many people are Spreading the virus to those who are immunodefiasymptomatic and are going about their normal life not cient can have devastating effects. Political officials and thinking about it,” Von St. James says. “People who have health care officials alike urge Americans to take the health issues get exposed unknowingly.” COVID-19 pandemic seriously. According to the CDC, COVID-19 is an airborne “I know a lot of people are thinking ‘It’s not affecting virus that is transferred by microscopic water droplets in the me,’ so they don’t feel like they have to be careful,” Von St. air. Common actions such as breathing, talking, coughing James adds. “It’s just a blank disregard for the science and and sneezing can spread the virus to new hosts. In more than for what needs to be done. We are in this for the long haul.” Cancer Wellness

Cancer & the environment 95 A TOXIC LEGACY

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A Toxic Legacy

The health effects of the twin towers tragedy are only just recently being understood well. BY DR. MONYA DE

Cancer Wellness

he devastating Sept. 11 World Trade Center attacks and found that if “surveillance bias” was the cause, cancer deeply affected American economic stability, perwould have occurred in younger patients than the average sonal safety and sociocultural divides, but the stagage (51 years, according to the Mount Sinai general thyroid gering health effects are only now being discovered cancer registry) and in smaller numbers. Instead, there and addressed. First responders, office workers and local were no statistically significant differences; the mean age residents were exposed to harmful building materials like at discovery for WTC patients was nearly 49 years old. asbestos, benzene, dioxin, lead and glass fibers among many Taioli also found unique genetic changes in WTC prosother irritants and toxins that have led to alarming diagnoses. tate cancer patients that seemed to be linked to whether they The initial medical response to the attacks included the inhaled toxic dust. A specific array of genes was “turned Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program and the World on,” or actively working and producing inflammatory proTrade Center Environmental Health Center Community teins in the body. Because chronic inflammation can lead Program. In 2011, New York City’s Mount Sinai Hospital to prostate cancer, Taioli concluded that these respiratory established the World Trade Center Health Program to contaminants led to a very specific and cancer-promoting research and monitor the event’s effects on impacted groups. inflammation based on the genes that were “turned on.” The negative health consequences of the attacks are The World Trade Center Health Registry yielded another wide-ranging and include many types of cancer, including concerning observation. Jim Cone, M.D., and colleagues at prostate, melanoma and breast cancer. Nearly two decades the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene after the events, patients—including local residents and published results of a study in a 2018 issue of the Journal rescue and recovery workers—still receive diagnoses of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, revealing related to the attacks. deaths related to alcohol and drugs were more However, the potential health effects of in World Trade Center survivors. If The negative health common 9/11 were initially downplayed. Christine the rates of drug and alcohol use increased consequences of Whitman, the head of the Environmental to the point of spiking death rates, one could Protection Agency, made and later retracted assume that drug and alcohol use rates were the attacks are a statement that the air was safe to breathe up in general. For example, alcohol consumpwide-ranging and tion is a known risk factor for gastrointestinal around ground zero. The initial Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Fund only addressed include many types cancer, and the risk from site toxins combined survivors, families of the deceased, and with an increased propensity to use alcohol, those directly injured in the attacks. Because of cancer, including can accelerate the development of cancer. cancers can have a long latency period— prostate, melanoma What can we expect in the future regardsometimes even years or decades before they ing cancer and 9/11-affected patients? A and breast cancer. group of Albert Einstein College of Medicine develop—it was not obvious what could be attributable to the attacks. In early 2019, researchers, led by David Prezant, the pulma larger $7.3 billion dollar compensation fund to cover onologist who famously was one of the first doctors on the medical care for burgeoning diseases in the affected popuscene at ground zero, assessed the costs and potential new lation like cancer, major depressive disorder, heart disease diagnoses of World Trade Center-related cancers. In a 2018 and obstructive sleep apnea began running out of money. JAMA Oncology article, the group says, “We expect more Getting compensation for 9/11 victims and their famiprostate, thyroid and melanoma cases, but fewer lung, collies—namely, free medical care for 9/11-related illnesses—was orectal and kidney cancers.” Reasons for this include expopreviously stonewalled by Republican politicians. Comedian sure to toxic contaminants and the latency of lung cancer. and director Jon Stewart, who interviewed responders on Scientific research continues on the effects of the attacks. “I television and could see the twin towers from his apartment, think that we are missing studies on cancer aggressiveness in the famously stepped in to testify on behalf of 9/11 responders. He World Trade Center responders, as well as studies on molecular most recently stood before the House in June 2019, endorsing signatures of past exposure to World Trade Center dust in cancer the Never Forget the Heroes Act that would extend benefits cases,” says Taioli. In other words, she hopes to be able to distinthrough 2090. The law passed the Senate weeks after and was guish some cancers as definitively related to toxins from 9/11. signed into law later that summer. It now accounts for infla Can someone with any type of cancer at all claim benetion and the lifespan of someone who was very young in 2001. fits? On an individual level, it’s important to remember that What cancers are associated with 9/11? Determining as unfair as it may seem, some people exposed to the afterthis requires work. For example, although the incidences math of 9/11 were always going to be diagnosed with cancer (number of people diagnosed in a given year) of cancer some day, based on genetics, lifestyle factors or pure chance. in WTC patients were unusually high, one cannot auto “The World Trade Center attack is an emotional subject. matically jump to the conclusion that Sept. 11 was the Cancer is also an emotional subject. There is a tendency to cause. After all, these patients are more likely to have want to blame something for every diagnosed cancer,” says additional medical surveillance, meaning more face time oncologist Otis Brawley. “We often attribute cancer to some with doctors and more blood tests and CT scans. environmental exposure. When these World Trade Center Emanuela Taioli, M.D., Ph.D., of the Icahn School heroes are diagnosed as having a cancer, even a cancer of Medicine at Mount Sinai, received a grant in 2016 to common in the population, there is a natural tendency to study whether 9/11 contaminants were an independent assume it is due to their service at the World Trade Center.” risk factor for cancer. In 2019, Taioli published an answer That is why the list of related cancers is specified. The good in the International Journal of Environmental Research news, however, is that the list is so exhaustive that most types and Public Health. Taioli researched thyroid cancer cases of cancer are covered.

Cancer Wellness

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MICHELLE MEKKY AS TOLD TO BRITT JULIOUS

I never found a way to prioritize my health. Working 60-80 hour workweeks at a PR agency, I was running international campaigns and always prioritizing my job over everything. I always put off my annual exams, but one day I finally went, almost reluctantly. They finished and after an ultrasound, the doctor said, “It’s not a fibroid. You actually have a growth on your ovary.” I went back for a second ultrasound and that’s when everything changed. I found the head of the oncology department at [University of Chicago], who examined me and said, “You’re a young woman with a very large tumor and we need to remove it.” I had the surgery, and after I woke up, I learned I had gotten a full hysterectomy and my tumor was cancerous. At that moment, I was faced with my own mortality. We didn’t know the prognosis, but two days later, my oncologist called and said, “I got the test back and out of 39 biopsies I did in your abdomen, every one is negative. You are completely clear and I’m gonna say you’re the earliest stage of ovarian cancer—stage I—which never happens.” The nurses would say to me, “You are blessed. There is a reason [why] your life was spared.” I said to myself, “What can I do now with my life to change it and make it more meaningful?” But I returned to the crazy, busy lifestyle until I lost my job. That was the birth of Mekky Media. I think in the beginning, it felt like I was jumping off a cliff with one broken wing. But I decided to just take the leap because I finally wanted to take my life into my own hands. It’s turned out to be the best decision I’ve made.

Our goal is to help businesses, small to large, and individuals tell stories and create strategies to yield them success. One of my very first clients was Susan G. Komen. I didn’t even believe I could take on a client like that starting out. It became so successful that nonprofits are now a big focus of who I represent. I have this burning desire now to help people and to give back. There are definitely those days where I’m still working hard and late—I’m an entrepreneur. But the fact that I’ve faced cancer and beaten it and caught it early has shown me that nothing is permanent. It can come back at any time. That’s really what I live with now. That reminder gives me focus in my life.

To hear more from Michelle, visit cancerwellness.com

Photo by John Khuu

I have this burning desire now to help people and to give back.

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