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

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

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-fiber

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.

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

CDC – HPV Vaccine Safety

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/hpv.html

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.

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.

• American Association for Cancer Research – Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

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.