Let's talk F*ng Cancer

Ep. 92: Author Stephanie McNeil "Where Is Ellie's Hair"

In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie McNeil, Early Childhood Teacher, devoted mom, and author of the children’s book Where Is Ellie’s Hair? We talk about how a single phone call to a friend in crisis became something so much bigger than anyone expected. When Stephanie's close friend Aimee’s four-year-old daughter Ellie was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in May 2024, the world their family knew changed overnight. As Ellie began chemotherapy and her hair started to rapidly fall out, Aimee faced a question so many parents of young cancer patients face: how do I even begin to explain this to my child? Stephanie searched for a book that could help, something uplifting, age-appropriate, and honest and came up empty. So she wrote one herself. What started as a personal gift of love for one little girl quickly grew into a resource for families everywhere navigating the emotional weight of childhood cancer treatment. Where Is Ellie’s Hair? is more than a book , it’s a way to put the power of the conversation back in the hands of children and the families who love them. All proceeds from the book go directly to Ellie and her family, as well as childhood cancer charities. In this episode, Steph anie shares: ∙ The moment she knew she had to write this book ∙ How she approached hair loss with honesty and hope for a four-year- old audience ∙ What she wants families facing cancer to know ∙ How For Ellie has grown into a movement of support and awareness This one will stick with you. Purchase Where Is Ellie’s Hair? and support Ellie’s family and childhood cancer research: forellie.com.au [http://forellie.com.au/] Follow Ellie’s journey: @young.wild.and.strong Follow For Ellie: @forellie.aus

Ep. 91 "What's New" in cancer news and research: May's Brain cancer, Bladder cancer, Skin cancer and Melnoma

In this episode, we're diving into Skin Cancer Awareness Month with a focus on melanoma and the science moving faster than ever. Colette brings an update on a treatment she covered in Episode 74, plus two more breakthroughs in melanoma care. Leah returns to a conversation we started last year with Dr. Michael Caney of CarThera, with new developments on their SonoCloud® technology. Leah discusses the advancments of the Sonocloud into its phse 3 trial. Julia covers the latest in bladder cancer research, including a brand-new drug developed right here in California. Elevate Society Review [https://elevatesociety.com/lets-talk-fng-cancer-podcast-review/] Resources & Clinical Trials • Melanoma Research Foundation Trial Finder: melanoma.org/clinical-trial-finder • ClinicalTrials.gov — search 'melanoma' or 'bladder cancer' for currently enrolling studies • UC Davis Bladder Cancer Trial: bcan.org/clinicaltrials/plz4-coated-paclitaxel-loaded-micelles-for-the-treatment-of-patients-with-recurrent-or-refractory-non-muscle-invasive-bladder-cancer • CarThera SONOBIRD Trial: sonobird.eu |NCT05902169 Sources Colette's Segments — Melanoma • American Cancer Society Cancer Statistics Report, Jan 2025: https://www.cancer.org [https://www.cancer.org] • Cancer Health — mRNA Vaccine 5-Year Follow-Up, Jan 2026: https://www.cancerhealth.com [https://www.cancerhealth.com] • ASCO 2025 Annual Meeting Abstracts: https://www.asco.org/meetings/2025 [https://www.asco.org/meetings/2025] • Melanoma Research Foundation 2025 ASCO Recap: https://melanoma.org [https://melanoma.org] • FDA Accelerated Approval — Lifileucel (Amtagvi), Feb 16, 2024: https://www.fda.gov [https://www.fda.gov] • Let's Talk F*ng Cancer — Ep. 74 (Lifileucel original coverage, May 2025): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-f-ng-cancer/id1697931310?i=1000708495074 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-f-ng-cancer/id1697931310?i=1000708495074] Leah's Segment — CarThera • CarThera Research & Development Pipeline: https://carthera.eu/research-development/ [https://carthera.eu/research-development/] • SONOBIRD Phase 3 Trial — ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05902169: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05902169 [https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05902169] • SONOKID Pediatric Trial — ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05293197: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05293197 [https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05293197] • SONIMEL Melanoma Brain Metastases Trial — ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04021420: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04021420 [https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04021420] Julia's Segment — Bladder Cancer • Cleveland Clinic — Bladder Cancer Overview: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14326-bladder-cancer [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14326-bladder-cancer] • Memorial Sloan Kettering — Bladder Cancer Treatments: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/bladder#what-are-the-treatments-for-bladder-cancer- [https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/bladder#what-are-the-treatments-for-bladder-cancer-] • UC Davis Health — New Drug Offers Hope to Bladder Cancer Patients, Nov 2025: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/new-drug-developed-at-uc-davis-offers-hope-to-bladder-cancer-patients/2025/11 [https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/new-drug-developed-at-uc-davis-offers-hope-to-bladder-cancer-patients/2025/11] • Michigan Institute of Urology — Bladder Cancer Without Bladder Removal: 2026 Options: https://www.michiganurology.com/bladder-cancer-without-bladder-removal-your-2026-options-blog/ [https://www.michiganurology.com/bladder-cancer-without-bladder-removal-your-2026-options-blog/] ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical conditions, diagnoses, or treatment options.

Ep. 90 - "What's New" in cancer news and research: Colorectal cancer, New hope for the BRAF & KRAS mutations and exploring gut health

This March, in recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we’re breaking down three important topics in colorectal cancer research, treatment, and prevention. Topics Covered: The BREAKWATER Trial We discuss the BREAKWATER clinical trial — a landmark study exploring frontline treatment for BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer. We cover what the trial is testing, who it’s designed for, and why its early findings have the oncology world paying attention. NEJM.org [NEJM.org] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12197837/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12197837/] Memorial Sloan Kettering & KRAS Research MSK has been at the forefront of targeting the KRAS mutation — long considered “undruggable.” We break down what KRAS is, why it plays a significant role in colorectal cancer, and what MSK’s latest research means for patients and the future of treatment. https://www.mskcc.org/news/new-colorectal-cancer-treatments-at-msk-aim-to-reduce-deaths-in-2026-and-beyond [https://www.mskcc.org/news/new-colorectal-cancer-treatments-at-msk-aim-to-reduce-deaths-in-2026-and-beyond] Gut Health, Fiber & Colorectal Cancer Prevention We explore the connection between gut health and colorectal cancer risk, including the important differences between soluble and insoluble fiber. We cover what each type of fiber does in the body, the best food sources for each, and why insoluble fiber in particular is a key player in colorectal cancer prevention. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/whats-the-difference-between-soluble-and-insoluble-fibe [https://health.clevelandclinic.org/whats-the-difference-between-soluble-and-insoluble-fibe]r https://www.gastroclinic.com/diets/high-fiber-diet/ [https://www.gastroclinic.com/diets/high-fiber-diet/] Why It Matters: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. — but it is also one of the most preventable and treatable when caught early. Knowledge is your first line of defense. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider with any personal health concerns.

Ep. 89 - "What's New" in cancer news and research: January, Cervical Cancer Awareness

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and today’s episode is about what we can do now and what’s finally changing for the better. In this conversation, we break down: * What cervical cancer is and how it develops * Why screening and HPV vaccination save lives * Common myths that still prevent people from getting protected * And a practice-changing clinical trial that’s redefining treatment for people with high-risk cervical cancer We also dive into newly released data from a major international phase 3 trial showing that adding immunotherapy to standard chemoradiation helps people with high-risk, locally advanced cervical cancer live longer and lowers the risk of recurrence—a breakthrough that’s been decades in the making. This episode is about access, prevention, informed choice, and real hope, without fear-based messaging or medical jargon. 🎗️ CERVICAL CANCER BASICS * How cervical cancer forms * Who is at higher risk * Why early detection makes such a difference Learn more: Cleveland Clinic – Cervical Cancer Overview https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12216-cervical-cancer [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12216-cervical-cancer] 🩺 SCREENING GUIDELINES: WHAT YOU ACTUALLY NEED TO KNOW * Updated cervical cancer screening recommendations * Pap tests vs HPV testing * Why screening intervals have changed—and why that’s a good thing Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Updated Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2021/04/updated-cervical-cancer-screening-guidelines [https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2021/04/updated-cervical-cancer-screening-guidelines] 💉 HPV VACCINE: SEPARATING FACTS FROM FEAR * What HPV is and how it relates to cervical cancer * Why the HPV vaccine is about cancer prevention, not behavior * Addressing common myths with science, not shame Sources: Society of Behavioral Medicine – 7 HPV Vaccine Myths https://www.sbm.org/healthy-living/7-hpv-vaccine-myths [https://www.sbm.org/healthy-living/7-hpv-vaccine-myths] CDC – HPV Vaccine Safety https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/hpv.html [https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/hpv.html] 🔬 NEW RESEARCH THAT’S CHANGING TREATMENT We break down results from a major phase 3 international study (KEYNOTE-A18 / ENGOT-cx11 / GOG-3047) that found: * Adding pembrolizumab (Keytruda) to standard chemoradiation * Improved overall survival and progression-free survival * For people with high-risk, locally advanced cervical cancer * With a manageable and well-understood safety profile This research is now being recognized as practice-changing and is expected to redefine the standard of care. 💙 WHY THIS MATTERS Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet people still fall through the cracks due to: * Misinformation * Barriers to screening * Limited access to care This episode centers education, compassion, and autonomy—because knowledge should empower, not scare. 📚 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES * American Association for Cancer Research – Cervical Cancer Awareness Month * https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/cervical-cancer-awareness-month/ [https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/cervical-cancer-awareness-month/]

Ep. - 88: Community Discussion, Awkward Words, Real Impact: Talking About Cancer (Better)

Happy New Year!!!! To kick off 2026 the ladies bring back some amazing friends Abby — Episodes 22 & 52, Stacey — Episodes 24 & 64, Molly — Episode 36, Alison — Episodes 38 & 39, Cara — Episode 85 for a community discussion. This episode held space for both the heavy and the hopeful. Together, we dove into the awkward, often painful moments of communication that cancer patients experience, even when the intentions behind the words are good. Through honest conversation, shared laughter, and real vulnerability, we unpacked phrases that stuck with us for all the wrong reasons, explored how they made us feel, and offered guidance on how supporters can communicate with more care, awareness, and empathy. This was a learning experience for us all. We shared our hurts openly, but just as importantly, we talked through how those same sentiments could have been expressed differently, giving our listeners practical, compassionate tools to better communicate. What made this conversation especially powerful was how often our experiences overlapped. Many of us had heard the same phrases, felt the same reactions, and carried similar emotional weight, proof that these moments are common, and that small changes in language can make a meaningful difference.