When Helen Bender's doctor told her the cancer was gone, she expected to feel happy. Instead, she slept 16 hours that night and cried in the shower. Bender first shared her story of stage 4 melanoma in Episode 33, "Feeling So Alive with Helen Bender," one of the most popular episodes of The Cancering Show. Four years later, she returns to catch up with Dr. JYP about life after treatment.

The moment she described captures much of what survivorship has meant for Bender. Emotions she set aside during two years of treatment returned once it ended, and she has learned to let them come. She still thinks about melanoma several times a day, but over the past year, those thoughts have shifted from fear to peace. She also shares the routine she uses to protect her skin and the work she does through Healing with Helen, her Instagram and TikTok accounts for patients and families facing melanoma.

Bender is careful to limit what she offers her social media followers. When followers share photos of their moles, for instance, she reminds them she is not a medical professional. Her screening routine reflects her own history, and listeners should ask their care team what schedule is right for them. For her own recovery, Bender credits the medicine and the doctors behind it, along with the prayers said by everyone who supported her.

Relevant Links

Healing with Helen on Instagram

Healing with Helen on TikTok

Episode 33: Feeling So Alive with Helen Bender

Submit your questions for the show at cancering.com

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1. Survivorship can be harder than expected.

Bender expected to feel relief when treatment ended. Instead, the feelings she had held back for two years caught up with her, and the news that her cancer was gone left her emotional and exhausted. Dr. JYP offers a comparison she once heard: "Suppressing those feelings is like holding a volleyball underwater. It takes enormous energy, and the moment you let go, everything comes up at once." Bender's advice to anyone in treatment is to allow yourself to feel those emotions as they arrive.

2. Healthy habits do not have to be perfect.

Bender eats healthy when she can and has signed up for meal services, but she still skips the occasional workout and enjoys foods she knows aren't the best. She remembers her grandmother showing up during her treatment with what felt like 100 smoothies. Dr. JYP says many patients leave treatment believing they must follow a strict plan to prevent "something bad" from happening. The better course is finding a middle ground that is sustainable.

3. Know your skin and keep up with checkups.

Bender checks her skin every time she showers and studies her hands and legs during phone calls so she will notice new spots. She prefers to see a dermatologist every three months, though she tells others that every six months is a more reasonable goal. She covers her exposed skin with sunscreen each day and reapplies before her 30- to 40-minute drive home, because the sun's rays reach through car windows. Her story has also made a difference close to home. After Bender's diagnosis, her sister-in-law saw a dermatologist, who found and removed a melanoma before it spread.

Show Overview

00:00 Helen Bender looks back

02:06 Why survivorship was harder than she expected

02:59 The day she learned her cancer was gone

05:51 Life after cancer and healthy habits

07:41 Living with the fear of recurrence

11:17 Letting hard emotions surface

14:00 Helping others through her story

15:37 Her daily skin protection routine

16:41 Hopes for the next five years

18:27 Healing with Helen on Instagram and TikTok

22:10 Dr. JYP's reflections

A patient recently came to see Brian Persing, M.D. with a list of questions about their lung cancer, every one of them written by AI. He answered them all, and he noticed that a few were tailored to that patient in ways even an attentive doctor might not think to raise. That story opens Dr. JYP's conversation with Dr. Persing, a hematologist and medical oncologist who has returned to the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute as its new director.

Most people hear "artificial intelligence" and picture a chatbot, but at MCI much of the work happens out of sight. Canopy Care checks in with patients on treatment by text or email and alerts the care team when a symptom can't wait. LeanTaaS studies the clinic schedule to shorten wait times, and other software follows lung nodules that turn up on scans taken for unrelated reasons, so a finding from a car accident doesn't slip through the cracks.

The two doctors are just as candid about the limits of artificial intelligence. Information generated by chatbots can be months out of date and sometimes even fully invented. Security measures dictate that patient information has to stay private, so what can be inputted has to omit any identifying information. For these reasons and more, no algorithm will ever replace the professionals in the exam room, Dr. Persing says.

Relevant Links

Brian E. Persing, M.D. | USA Health - Mitchell Cancer Institute | Medical Oncologist And Hematologist

Persing named director of USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute

Submit your questions for the show at cancering.com

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1. Much of the AI in cancer care Is invisible

Patients on treatment at MCI receive a short weekly survey from Canopy Care by text or email. If an answer crosses a threshold, such as unexpected vomiting or new shortness of breath, the care team is alerted right away and the patient gets clear instructions on what to do next, even if they hadn't thought to call. Behind the front desk, LeanTaaS learns which appointments tend to run long and adjusts the schedule to match. Persing admits he is one of the clinicians who gives it reason to.

2. Speed is not the same as accuracy

Persing recently joined a panel that tested the NCCN and ASCO guidelines against Claude and ChatGPT. The clinicians loved getting answers in 15 to 30 seconds, but they didn't trust them, and the experts who reviewed the results found they weren't always right. Pierce has her own cautionary tale: a chatbot once sent her to a Paris café that doesn't exist. For medical questions, both doctors recommend vetted sources like UpToDate and OpenEvidence, and they encourage patients to lean on their own physician to help make sense of what they find online.

3. The human stays in the room

AI may help oncologists keep pace with the 15 to 20 new cancer drugs now approved each year, flag interactions buried in a long medication list, and turn an eighth-grade drug information sheet into one written at a first-grade level. Even so, when Canopy Care raises an alert, someone from the care team still picks up the phone to confirm it, and every new AI tool at USA Health goes before a special committee to make sure it is safe. When asked what he hopes AI will be doing in 10 years, Persing keeps it simple. He wants it to work so seamlessly that it fades into the background and gives clinicians more time face to face with their patients.

Show Overview

00:00 A patient arrives with questions written by AI

03:07 What AI really means in cancer care

05:22 When chatbots make things up

07:28 Turning medical jargon into plain language

08:43 How Canopy Care keeps tabs on patients between visits

11:01 Shorter waits through smarter scheduling

12:02 Ambient recording and protecting patient privacy

14:37 Catching cancer earlier

17:51 Moving from precision medicine to personalized medicine

21:15 The next five to 10 years, including virtual tumor boards

25:42 Why AI will never replace the human touch

In this emotional episode of the Cancering Show, Dr. JYP shares a deeply personal story about the unexpected health crisis that disrupted her and her family's life. After her husband, Chris, suffered a heart attack, she was suddenly thrust from her role as a physician into the roles of wife, caregiver, and mother navigating trauma and healing. She opens up about their journey through crisis, the challenges of caregiving, the realities of post-traumatic stress, and the ongoing process of healing as a family. Throughout the episode, Dr. JYP emphasizes the parallels between the journeys faced by families dealing with cancer, heart disease, and other life-altering events, underscoring the universality of healing and resilience, what she calls "cancering."

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1.The Universality of Trauma and Healing

The conversation focuses on how life-altering events such as cancer, heart disease, loss, or trauma reshape individuals and families in profound ways. No matter the diagnosis or event, the emotional and psychological journey of coping, healing, and caregiving shares many universal features. Whether someone is a patient, caregiver, or loved one, the process of adjusting to a new reality brings similar challenges and growth opportunities for everyone involved. This episode underscores the notion that these experiences transcend any specific illness and connect deeply with the human condition.

2. Caregivers Need Care, Too

Dr. JYP discusses the critical importance of recognizing that caregivers themselves require support and care. She explores how caregivers often shoulder an immense emotional and logistical burden, sometimes neglecting their own needs in the process. She covers lessons learned about the necessity of allowing oneself to accept help, utilizing therapy, and giving space for emotional processing. Recovery -- whether the patient or the caregiver -- is not linear and can include setbacks. Understanding and accepting this can alleviate guilt and feelings of inadequacy.

3. Healing Is Ongoing, Not a Fixed Destination

A key theme is the idea that healing does not have a definite end point. Dr. JYP points out that the aftermath of a life crisis creates a "new normal," where fears and anxieties linger, yet life must be rebuilt with intention and hope. She explores how both patient and family must find ways to adapt, embracing new routines, identities, and methods of self-care to continue living meaningfully. Healing is an ongoing practice, not simply a stage to check off before resuming normal life. It requires conscious choices, resilience, and community support to navigate the ongoing uncertainties that follow trauma.

Show Overview

00:00 Dr. JYP's life-changing medical emergency
05:31 Her husband's traumatic cardiac event
09:25 Learning about recovery and healing
15:42 Discussing EMDR and caregiving therapy
17:06 Coping with burnout and healing

In this episode of The Cancering Show, Dr. JYP sits down with menopause specialist Dr. Constance Dabezies for a candid conversation about where cancer care and menopause meet. They talk about why menopause deserves real attention in survivorship, how cancer treatments can trigger or intensify symptoms, and what women can do to feel better. From hormone therapy to non-hormonal options and everyday lifestyle shifts, they walk through practical ways to manage symptoms.

The episode highlights the importance of personalized care, the latest evidence-based guidance from the Menopause Society, and the crucial role gynecologists play in supporting long-term wellness after cancer. Listeners also get tips on finding reliable information from trusted sources such as menopause.org.

3 Key Takeaways


1. Menopause and cancer are deeply connected, especially for survivors.

Dr. Dabezies points out that many cancer survivors are now living long, full lives after treatment, and spending a big part of that time in menopause. While menopause itself doesn't raise cancer risk (that's really about age), cancer therapies like chemotherapy or surgery can bring on menopause early and suddenly. That abrupt drop in estrogen can make symptoms more intense and raise long-term risks for heart disease and osteoporosis. It's a big reason midlife survivors need thoughtful, whole-person care.

2. Hormone therapy is safer and more Personalized than ever.

The conversation clears up a lot of confusion around hormone therapy. Today's FDA-approved bioidentical hormones, which are covered by most insurance, are very different from older synthetic versions. For women without hormone-sensitive cancers, hormone replacement therapy can be a safe, effective way to ease significant menopausal symptoms. Even for women with hormone-sensitive cancers, there are newer non-hormonal treatments and localized estrogen options that can make a huge difference, especially for vaginal and urinary symptoms.

3. Gynecologists are key partners in survivorship and long-term wellness.

Dr. Dabezies and Dr. JYP emphasize that gynecologists aren't just menopause experts; they're central partners in survivorship care. From cancer screenings and sexual health to bone strength, heart health, mental well-being, and lifestyle support, they help women navigate the full picture of post-cancer life. They encourage listeners to lean on expert guidance and use trusted resources like the Menopause Society for solid, evidence-based information.

Show Overview


00:00 Menopause Insights with Dr. Dabezies

05:08 Estrogen Loss and Menopause Effects

09:30 Vaginal Estrogen and Systemic Therapy

10:41 Non-Hormonal Menopause Treatment Options

14:59 Memory Issues and Estrogen Loss

16:30 Holistic Approach to Wellness

22:27 Osteoporosis Treatment Strategies

24:26 Gynecologist: Key to Women's Health

26:45 Women's Health Holistic Approach

In this episode, Dr. JYP talks with Mary Lucy Mattei, a nurse practitioner specializing in gynecologic oncology, all about chemotherapy basics: "Chemo 101." They explain what chemotherapy is, why it's used, and what patients can expect during treatment. Mary Lucy shares practical advice on what to wear and what to bring on the first infusion day. She covers common side effects such as fatigue, nausea, constipation, hair loss, and nerve problems, and provides guidance on how to manage them.They discuss the emotional impact of losing hair and explore options such as wigs, scarves, and even eyebrow tattooing. Mary Lucy also talks about ways to prevent and treat neuropathy and stresses the importance of staying hydrated and keeping a normal routine as much as possible. Both encourage patients to ask questions and reach out for support.

3 Key Takeaways


1. Chemo education and patient support are essential

Mary Lucy Mattei, a nurse practitioner in gynecologic oncology at theUSA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, emphasizes the importance of thorough chemotherapy education tailored to each patient's needs. She provides a compassionate environment where patients and their families can ask questions, clarify details about their diagnosis and treatment plan, and get practical advice. This approach helps demystify the treatment process, reduce anxiety, and prepare patients both mentally and physically for what's ahead.

2. Manage side effects through proactive care

The episode highlights common chemotherapy side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, constipation, hair loss, and neuropathy. Mary Lucy and Dr. JYP discuss strategies for minimizing side effects, including using pre-medication to reduce or prevent nausea or allergic reactions, over-the-counter remedies for constipation, and employing supportive measures such as ice packs to help prevent neuropathy. They remind patients to report concerning symptoms so that care teams can intervene right away.

3. Emotional support and lifestyle continuity matter

Beyond the medical aspects, the episode addresses the emotional challenges of chemotherapy, including how to prepare for what many patients fear most: hair loss. Resources such as wig fittings, support volunteers, and even tattoo artists for brow or nipple restoration are shared as ways to help cancer patients maintain their sense of self. Importantly, they encourage patients to continue living their lives, maintaining their work, daily routines, and social engagement as much as possible to foster a sense of normalcy and emotional resilience during treatment. As Mary Lucy says, "This is a bump in the road."

Show Overview


00:00 Comforting Patient Consultations

04:32 Patient Chemotherapy Start Guide

08:02 Chemotherapy and Pre-Medication Overview

10:36 Chemo Effects: Fatigue and More

15:30 Patient Communication and Treatment Scheduling

18:45 Wig Resources for Cancer Patients

22:03 Planning for Chemo Cycles

25:17 Cold Capping in Chemotherapy

26:59 Preventing Neuropathy

In this episode of The Cancering Show, host Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce talks with Dr. Rebecca Perkins, a nationally recognized expert in cervical cancer prevention, about the latest updates in HPV testing and cervical cancer screening. They emphasize that HPV (human papillomavirus) is linked to virtually all cervical cancers (and several other cancers in men and women), and that testing for high-risk HPV is better at catching problems early compared with the traditional Pap test. The episode highlights new self-collection kits, in which patients can collect their own sample, usually at a doctor's office, to make screening easier without a pelvic exam. However, if the test result is positive, the patient will need to follow up with a doctor for further tests. Home testing kits are also being introduced, but they're not widely available yet. The main takeaway is that knowing your HPV status is crucial for preventing cervical cancer, and self-collection options will make screening more accessible for many people in the future. Listeners are encouraged to talk to their doctor about the best screening option for them and to always follow up after a positive test. Resources such as the American Cancer Society's "Screening Tests for Cervical Cancer" and cervicalrisk.com are recommended for more information.

3 Key Takeaways


1. HPV testing is more effective than the Pap test alone.
The conversation emphasizes that HPV causes the vast majority of cervical cancers (99.7%), making HPV testing a critical component of early detection. Dr. Perkins explains that HPV testing can detect about 90% of pre-cancers and cancers, compared to roughly 70% with Pap tests. Because of its higher sensitivity, HPV testing can be done less frequently while still providing strong protection.


2. Self-collection for HPV testing expands access to screening.
Self-collection kits for HPV testing, which allow patients to collect their own samples in a clinic setting without a pelvic exam, are becoming more available.This approach encourages cervical cancer screening for individuals who may avoid or delay pelvic exams and helps integrate screening into primary care, family medicine, and even mobile clinics. While at-home kits are still not widely available, in-clinic self-collection is currently a promising step toward improving screening rates.


3. Follow-up after a positive HPV test is essential.
If a patient tests positive for high-risk HPV, especially types 16 or 18, it is important to follow up with additional testing or procedures, such as colposcopy, to check for pre-cancerous changes.The episode stresses that no one who tests positive for high-risk HPV should wait longer than one year for further evaluation, underlining the importance of timely follow-up to prevent cervical cancer.


Show Overview


02:17 Meet Rebecca Perkins, MD, MSc

03:11 HPV test vs. Pap test

04:55 Know your status

05:19 What to know if your HPV test is positive

08:39 HPV self-collection

10:48 Who should see a doctor for an exam?

14:00 Types of self-collection

18:50 HPV vaccine has reduced cervical cancer rates

20:28 Importance of follow-up after positive test results

21:15 When will home self-collection be available?

24:12 Where to find out more

In this episode of The Cancering Show, Dr. JYP welcomes certified oncology yoga instructor Michelle Ryan-Day to discuss the transformative impact of yoga for cancer patients and survivors. Michelle shares her journey into oncology yoga, emphasizing its evidence-based benefits, including reducing recurrence risk, managing treatment side effects such as fatigue and neuropathy, and supporting emotional health. The conversation highlights the accessibility of chair-based yoga tailored for all fitness levels, the power of the breath, and the importance of self-compassion in healing. Listeners also get a bonus: a 60-second guided breath exercise to try out yoga's self-care benefits.

Check out yoga4cancer.com for more yoga info!

3 Key Listener Takeaways



1. Yoga is accessible and beneficial for cancer patients and survivors

Michelle Ryan-Day emphasizes that yoga — especially oncology-specific, chair-based yoga — is accessible for everyone, regardless of physical limitations or where they are in their cancer journey. Oncology yoga classes are designed to be safe and effective, taking into account common cancer treatment side effects such as fatigue, lymphedema, neuropathy, and low bone density. The focus is not on advanced poses, but on gentle movement, community, and adapting practices to individual needs so that anyone can participate and experience the benefits.

2. Evidence supports yoga's role in recovery and survivorship

Dr. JYP notes that yoga is a well-studied intervention, supported by hundreds of studies and recommended by reputable organizations such as the American Cancer Society. Practicing yoga regularly can help treat symptoms including fatigue, emotional distress, and physical limitations. It may also reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and enhance long-term health and survivorship, making it a valuable, low-cost addition to cancer care.

3. Mindfulness and breathwork play a vital role in healing

They discuss the transformative power of awareness, especially through breathwork and mindfulness. Learning to control and be mindful of one's breath can regulate the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and promote feelings of well-being and self-compassion. Michelle walks listeners through a simple breathing exercise, demonstrating how breath can be an immediate tool for physical and emotional balance. This focus on mindfulness promotes not only physical recovery but also the emotional healing and self-acceptance crucial to cancer survivorship.

Show Overview


02:05 Meet Michelle Ryan-Day

03:28 "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear."

05:30 A different kind of yoga

09:30 Who can benefit from oncology yoga?

13:30 Special considerations for cancer patients and survivors

15:08 Learn to love yourself and your body

19:50 60-second breath exercise for listeners

23:00 What cancer patients say about oncology yoga

In this episode, Dr. JYP talks with Dr. Natalie Bath, M.D., a USA Health surgical oncologist, about a new groundbreaking cancer treatment for liver tumors called histotripsy. Histotripsy is a non-invasive technology that uses high-intensity sound waves to break up liver tumors without surgery, incisions or long recovery times. Patients go under general anesthesia, and the machine delivers sound waves to the cancer cells while the physician uses imaging to monitor the treatment. Most people go home the same day and recover quickly, needing only over-the-counter pain medication. This treatment works for different types of liver tumors, including those that have spread from other cancers, and it doesn't require people to stop blood thinners. Histotripsy is FDA-approved for liver tumors and offers hope for patients who might not have other options. This episode encourages patients to ask their doctors about all possible treatments and to keep learning more about their choices.

3 Key Listener Takeaways

Groundbreaking, Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Treatment

The episode introduces histotripsy, an exciting new technology that uses focused ultrasound waves from outside the body to destroy liver tumors in a non-invasive manner. This innovative approach preserves surrounding liver tissue and offers an option for patients who might not be candidates for surgery.

Eligibility and Patient Benefits

Histotripsy can be used to treat both primary liver cancer and metastatic cancers from other sites. It's especially promising for patients who are not surgical candidates or who are on medications like blood thinners that would otherwise complicate surgery. With minimal recovery — often just a same-day or next-day discharge — patients experience less downtime and can continue other therapies, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, without interruption.

Expansion of Treatment Options and Ongoing Research

The episode highlights how histotripsy adds to the arsenal of cancer care, offering hope and additional options, especially for those who previously had few. It is FDA-approved for liver tumors, with ongoing research exploring its use for kidney, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. Patients are encouraged to advocate for themselves, ask about new technologies, and seek out multimodal therapies that combine traditional and emerging treatments for the best possible outcomes.

Show Overview

00:45 Introduction to histotripsy, a groundbreaking, non-invasive treatment for liver tumors

01:26 Meet Dr. Natalie Bath

02:20 First adopter in Alabama

03:15 What patients can expect

04:55 Who is a candidate?

07:49 Benefits of non-invasive treatment

10:45 FDA approved for liver tumors

15:05 Potential uses for histotripsy

16:45 Where to learn more