Caregivers carry cancer care far beyond the hospital walls. We sit down with Dr. Christian Capitini, acting director of the UW Carbone Cancer Center, to explore the unseen work families do—learning medical language on the fly, managing beeping pumps at 2 a.m., navigating insurance snags, and keeping life moving for kids and adults facing treatment. Our conversation pulls back the curtain on what a comprehensive cancer center actually does across prevention, diagnosis, therapy, and survivorship—and why earning an “outstanding” federal rating changes what’s possible for patients.

We dig into a vivid example from pediatric leukemia: transforming a month-long, 24/7 infusion into a safe, portable pump program so kids can go to school and sleep in their own beds. That pivot required meticulous protocols, caregiver training, reliable equipment, and clear after-hours pathways. We also talk frankly about the barriers families face—long rural drives that turn an hour visit into a day lost, limited rideshare access, and the mental load that doesn’t fit into a standard appointment. The fix isn’t heroic individualism; it’s teams. Social workers, nurse navigators, and case managers become the scaffolding that keeps home care stable, and a simple question—“Are you okay?”—can change the course of a caregiver’s week.

On the science side, Dr. Capitini traces how immunotherapy moved from pipe dream to standard care, including a landmark neuroblastoma trial that boosted survival by 20% and helped draw him to Wisconsin. We highlight the translational engine at Carbone, where engineering, nursing, pharmacy, and the veterinary school collaborate on next-generation treatments like natural killer cell therapies tested in canine cancers to accelerate learning and inform human trials. Along the way, we touch on the healing power of well-timed humor and the importance of inviting the public to see research up close.

Subscribe, share this episode with someone who supports a loved one through cancer, and leave a review to help more caregivers find practical tools and hope.

Dr. Monica Patel, medical oncologist at UW Health, shares her expertise on clinical trials in cancer care and the importance of ensuring equitable access for all communities. She challenges common misconceptions while providing practical guidance for patients considering clinical trials as part of their treatment journey.

• Clinical trials test new ways to prevent, find, and treat cancer, ensuring treatments are safe and effective
• Most clinical trials are available as first-line treatments, not just as a last resort
• Participation is completely voluntary, and patients can leave a study at any time
• Provider bias, system barriers, and patient concerns all contribute to inequitable access
• Building trust requires education and engagement with communities historically excluded from research
• Research teams provide additional support through the entire clinical trial process
• Diverse representation in trials ensures new treatments work effectively for everyone
• Patients should ask about risks, benefits, and how trials compare to standard care
• Family members can provide valuable support in navigating complex trial information

If you have questions about cancer clinical trials, ask your doctors about available options, even if they don't bring them up first. For more information, visit uwhealth.org/cancertrials or clinicaltrials.gov.

What happens when the person designing cancer treatment technology suddenly becomes the patient? In this powerful episode, software engineer Michael Wilson shares his journey from coding radiotherapy machines to battling stage 3 melanoma. He explains cancer in simple terms, reveals how immunotherapy and radiation work, and talks openly about his family’s experiences with leukemia and melanoma. Michael also discusses genetic screening, rare diagnoses, and the importance of prevention and support networks like Gilda’s Club. This is an honest, hopeful, and surprisingly relatable look at life, technology, and resilience.

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Dr. Joshua Lang from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Carbone Cancer Center discusses liquid biopsies, a revolutionary approach that uses simple blood samples to detect and monitor cancer, offering less invasive alternatives to traditional tissue biopsies.

• Liquid biopsies detect cancer cells or materials in blood, finding as little as one cancer cell among a billion blood cells
• These tests are especially useful for monitoring cancer after treatment, detecting genetic changes that cause resistance, and expanding access to advanced diagnostics
• Dr. Lang's research was inspired by his patients' needs, particularly understanding why cancers become resistant to treatments
• Certain cancers show promising results with liquid biopsies, including melanoma, bladder cancer, and colon cancer
• Community participation in research, with almost 1,500 patient volunteers at UW, has been crucial to advancing liquid biopsy technology
• Participating in research studies could dramatically speed up the approval of life-saving treatments – potentially saving tens of thousands of lives
• Modern research participation ensures patients maintain complete control over their samples and data
• Programs like REACH and WiscShare are expanding access to research opportunities in rural and underserved communities

If you're interested in learning more about liquid biopsies or participating in cancer research, contact the Carbone Cancer Center or visit the WiscShare website to explore opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking cancer research.

Cancer evokes mixed emotions ranging from fear to scientific curiosity, especially for those in medical fields like medical physics where practitioners help develop radiation treatment plans and support imaging technologies.

• Medical physics bridges abstract physics concepts with practical healthcare applications
• Screening differs from testing - screening is preventative while testing investigates suspected issues
• Personal experiences with family members' cancer diagnoses shape perspectives on healthcare
• Faith, asking questions, and staying informed help when coping with a loved one's cancer diagnosis
• Early detection through appropriate screenings leads to better treatment outcomes
• The UW-Carbone Cancer Center houses over 300 cancer researchers and physicians

Stay informed about cancer screenings recommended by your doctor, ask questions when you don't understand, and support those experiencing cancer in your life.

What happens when a family of healthcare professionals faces cancer within their own ranks? Ellie, a University of Wisconsin-Madison student who works in a hospital laboratory, opens up about her grandmother's battle with a complex blood cancer diagnosis and the profound choices that followed.

The conversation takes us through the deeply personal journey of Ellie's grandmother, who after just one month of chemotherapy made the difficult but conscious decision to prioritize quality of life over extended treatment. "At 80 years old, you just want to be happy and be with your people," Ellie reflects, capturing the essence of a decision many cancer patients ultimately face.

What makes this story unique is the medical expertise that surrounded her grandmother's care. With both Ellie's mother and aunt working as nurses, the family provided direct care without requiring hospice services—a blessing that came with its own emotional complexities. Through this experience, Ellie gained powerful insights about cancer screening, early detection, and the critical importance of supporting caregivers who often put their own grief on hold while caring for loved ones.

Perhaps the most touching moment comes when Ellie describes gently taking her aunt by the shoulders after her grandmother's passing, reminding her that it's okay to both mourn and acknowledge her own efforts: "You can take a breath, you can take a moment." Her message to anyone supporting a family member through cancer resonates clearly: "Make sure you take care of yourself too." If cancer has touched your life as a patient, caregiver, or family member, this conversation offers both validation and valuable perspective.

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Gary brings his unique perspective as a member of the African-American Cancer Advocacy Board and shares his experiences working with organizations like the Prostate Conditions Education Council. Together, we explore the challenges and opportunities in promoting prostate cancer awareness and the critical importance of regular health check-ups. Through honest conversations about family history and the need for effective communication in healthcare, we aim to break down barriers and dispel stigmas surrounding treatment options like chemotherapy.

We also delve into the transformative journey of surviving cancer and finding empowerment through adversity. The creation of the Knowledge and Willpower Network, in memory of a dear friend, underscores the importance of community support and self-advocacy. This episode is a poignant reminder of the value of living life to the fullest, the power of community engagement, and the wisdom in making proactive health choices. Join us in embracing the philosophy that investing in preventive health today can spare us from greater costs tomorrow, both in terms of well-being and financial burden.

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Join us for a compelling episode featuring Ms. Andrell Davis, an inspiring educator who has profoundly impacted her community and beyond. As the recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award, Ms. Davis shares her extraordinary journey of teaching her son and his classmates from third to fifth grade, revealing her unique insights into fostering academic growth and engagement. Discover her pioneering work at the African American Ethnic Academy, where an Afrocentric curriculum brought subjects to life through culturally relevant themes, leaving a lasting legacy for students and educators alike.

Explore the transformative power of cultural relevance in education through Ms. Davis's groundbreaking role in the Madison school district. As the first instructional resource teacher for cultural relevance, she developed the CPR initiative—Cultural Practices that are Relevant—offering educators immersive experiences to enhance their instructional methods and cultural understanding. This work expanded to include youth tours of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, opening new educational horizons for young people and reinforcing the importance of diverse learning experiences.

The episode also delves into Ms. Davis's personal battle with pancreatic cancer and the birth of AfriCancer, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness about cancers affecting the African-American community. Through collaborations with organizations like the UW Carbone Cancer Center, AfriCancer empowers youth to take leadership roles in health advocacy and cancer research. As we wrap up, listeners are left with a message of hope, inspired by Ms. Davis's vision of a brighter future and the potential for collective action to create meaningful change.

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