Episode Summary In this episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, Sara sits down with Aliza Friedlander, a BRCA1-positive previvor and advocate with the Cancer Vaccine Coalition. Aliza shares her unusual path to genetic testing, what shifted after her sister’s breast cancer diagnosis, and how she ultimately decided on risk-reducing surgery. Together, they unpack what “cancer vaccines” really mean (and why this research is closer than most people realize), plus how storytelling can accelerate awareness, funding, and participation in clinical trials.

What We Cover

• Aliza’s BRCA1 family discovery and why she initially chose not to test

• The role of anxiety, readiness, and trusted medical support in decision-making

• What changed after her sister’s diagnosis — and what moved Aliza toward surgery

• What the Cancer Vaccine Coalition is and why it’s different

• Cancer vaccines explained in everyday language: treatment, recurrence prevention, and potential future prevention

• Why storytelling is the bridge between complex science and public action

• How to share your story without feeling overexposed

• The message Aliza wants every listener to remember: make informed decisions on your timeline, with people you trust

Resources & Links

• Cancer Vaccine Coalition: https://cancervaccinecoalition.org

• Follow Cancer Vaccine Coalition (Instagram): @CancerVaccineCoalition

• Aliza on Instagram: @AlizaFriedlander

• Aliza’s personal essay (JMore Living): https://jmoreliving.com/2019/10/30/a-personal-story-of-living-with-the-risks/

• Referenced research: University of Washington Cancer Vaccine Institute summary: https://www.uwcvi.org/post/2024-a-year-of-clinical-breakthroughs-at-the-cancer-vaccine-institute

• Referenced publication (PubMed): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36326756/

• Visit the podcast blog at www.sarakavanaugh/podcast
• Find Sara on Instagram @positivegenepodcast

Connect / Support If this episode helped you, consider sharing it with someone navigating hereditary cancer risk, survivorship, or prevention decisions. And if you’d like to support this research, visit the Cancer Vaccine Coalition's website to learn about awareness efforts, fundraising, and clinical trial education.

IMPORTANT: This episode is for educational and storytelling purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team for personal guidance.

This special, urgent episode of The Positive Gene Podcast steps outside our normal publishing schedule because the stakes could not be higher. Congress is considering the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act (PERA) — a bill that would once again allow companies to patent human genes and biomarkers, reversing the 2013 Supreme Court decision that made genetic testing more accessible, competitive, and affordable.

Host Sara Kavanaugh, a Lynch Syndrome (MSH6) and CHEK2 previvor, sits down with Lisa Schlager, FORCE’s Vice President of Public Policy, to break down:

• What PERA is

• Why it poses a threat to patients, families, and future research

• How gene patents have harmed patients in the past

• What returning to a monopoly system would mean for access, cost, and innovation

• Why Congress is considering this right now

• And — most importantly — what you can do in minutes to help stop it

If PERA becomes law, a single company could control testing for specific genes, raise prices, restrict access, block research, and impact the lives of millions of families navigating hereditary cancer risk and rare diseases.

This issue is time-sensitive, with Congress heading into holiday recess.

Your voice is needed now. See links to FORCE's advocacy action center to easily email your legislators!

• Resources Mentioned

  • FORCE's Advocacy Action Center - Email Your Legislators

  • FORCE's Policy & Advocacy Page - Learn more here

  • Find Your Congressional Legislator here

  • Oppose PERA. - Prewritten Social Posts from FORCE

  • Email Lisa Schlager: lisas@facingourrisk.org

  • Positive Gene Podcast Blog - read full transcript here

  • Connect with Sara on Instagram @positivegenepodcast

In today’s conversation, we dig into the part of cancer conversations that rarely makes headlines - hereditary cancer risk, prevention, and the systemic barriers that keep people from getting the care they need.

My guest, Jennifer Thompson, MS, CGC is a board-certified genetic counselor and founder of HealthyGene, a digital genetic counseling clinic designed to remove barriers to hereditary cancer risk assessment. She specializes in cancer genetics, patient advocacy, and improving early access to testing through education and telehealth.

Together, we unpack:

• Why media coverage around public figures’ diagnoses often misses the prevention angle
• Why genetic testing isn’t being offered early enough and the very real consequences
• The Angelina Jolie Effect vs. modern missed opportunities
• How legislative policies are threatening research, Medicaid access, and public health
• How people and providers can start earlier, clearer conversations
• What real self-advocacy looks like
• How to navigate family conversations about genetic risk
• The difference between clinical genetic testing and direct-to-consumer kits
• Why understanding your family history still matters most

• HealthyGene Website: https://myhealthygene.com
• Know Your Risk Quiz (free assessment for BRCA & Lynch): available on the HealthyGene homepage: https://www.myhealthygene.com/know-your-risk-quiz
• Jennifer's Blog: President Biden's Diagnosis: https://www.myhealthygene.com/post/biden-prostate-cancer-brca-risk
• Find a Genetic Counselor: https://findageneticcounselor.com

• Podcast blog + extended show notes: www.positivegenepodcast.com
• Connect with Jennifer:
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhealthygene
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthygene/
• Connect with Sara/Podcast:
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positivegenepodcast/
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarakavanaughspeaks/
  • Website: www.sarakavanaugh.com

If you’ve ever felt like the conversation about cancer stops with treatment instead of starting with prevention, this episode is your reminder:

Knowledge is power.

It’s never too early to ask questions, learn your family history, and take steps to protect yourself and the people you love.