Tag Archive for: patient advocate

Myelofibrosis Care | The Impact of Test Results

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How do test results impact myelofibrosis care? Dr. Naveen Pemmaraju outlines essential tests like bone marrow biopsies and molecular testing and shares how results may guide treatment and prognosis.  

Dr. Naveen Pemmaraju is Director of the Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN) Program and Professor in the Department of Leukemia at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Learn more about Dr. Pemmaraju.

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Related Resources:

What Myelofibrosis Treatment Types Are Available?

What Myelofibrosis Treatment Types Are Available?

 Advice for Shared Decision-Making | Myelofibrosis Care and Treatment Goals

Advice for Shared Decision-Making | Myelofibrosis Care and Treatment Goals

 When Should Myelofibrosis Mutational Testing Be Repeated?

When Should Myelofibrosis Mutational Testing Be Repeated?

Transcript:

Katherine Banwell:

Let’s talk about test results. What sort of tests should be done following a myelofibrosis diagnosis?  

Dr. Naveen Pemmaraju:

Well, I think this is something that’s an active area of evolution. I think the good news is I can give you a few standard items. I think most, if not all, of our patients, will require a bone marrow biopsy to be done at baseline and possibly even later on to assess the status of the therapy. Now, in some cases, that may not be available or accessible due to patient preference or comorbidities.  

However, a bone marrow biopsy is a way to look inside and see how the bone marrow tissues are doing. Outside of that, for the blood tests, the two most critical sets are what we call a CBC and a CMP. So, CBC complete blood count. This is where you get your hemoglobin, platelets, and white blood cell count, very important to know at baseline and dynamically.  

Then the complete metabolic profile is very important, Katherine because we need to know how the potassium, kidney function, and liver function are doing. Then finally, I would also say you’ll see your provider add in other blood tests over time, depending on the particular case. Thyroid testing if it’s needed in the case of fatigue, just to name one example. So, I think these are the main categories.  

I think what’s also interesting over time is that this is an issue with us as well in the MPN clinic. You end up seeing your MPN provider and team so much that it’s easy to forget and lose sight of the primary care items too. So, this is a good time to remind folks to stay in touch with their MPN team, the provider, and their caregiver, whether it’s colonoscopies, mammogram, or prostate. I remember over the COVID pandemic time, especially, a lot of that was either sacrificed, forgotten, or on purpose put aside. So, let’s remind people in 2024 to remember to have that partnership as well.  

Katherine Banwell:

How does molecular testing affect treatment options and prognosis? 

Dr. Naveen Pemmaraju:

Right, yeah, I haven’t mentioned that yet because that’s something that we’re trying to layer into. I do find that to be the standard of care now in the treatment of myelofibrosis. What you’re asking about is very important. So, outside of the normal labs in bone marrow morphology, seeing what it looks like under the microscope, we’re starting to add three or four items. One is called cytogenetics, that’s chromosomes. You’re born with 46, so 23 from mother, 23 from father, for example, 46 total.  

Even though most people are not born with an MPN per se, those chromosomes can change and become abnormal over time. So, we want to know that, and that can help us tell low versus high versus intermediate risk. Two is the molecular test you ask about. Most people have heard of JAK2, that’s the most common out of myelofibrosis, maybe 50 percent to 60 percent of cases, JAK2V617F. However, did you know there’s also CALR, which is the second most common molecular mutation, and then MPL. 

Those three are the big three driver mutations. They make up roughly about 90 percent of our cases, 10% being so-called triple-negative. So, you’re negative for all three. When you do deeper sequencing, which is available now clinically, and we check that here, you will find almost always, some other mutation, ASXL1, EZH2, SRSF2, etc. It becomes an alphabet soup very quickly. However, I think basically you should know that there’s JAK2, CALR-MPL, the big three driver mutations, and additional molecular mutations.  

So, therefore we and others believe you should check these as standard. Finally, there’s also flow cytometry. Just want to give a shout-out to that. Most people haven’t heard of that. When you send your bone marrow for testing, in addition to the pathologist looking under the microscope with the human eyes, there’s also a test that does side scatter of light called flow cytometry. That helps to look at a deeper level, maybe the thousandth, maybe even down to the millionth level, what these cancer cells do. 

Katherine Banwell:

What sorts of questions should patients be asking about test results?  

Dr. Naveen Pemmaraju:

I think the number one and number two questions that I advocate for patients or on programs like this, I think the one question that may help a lot is this question of when you hear all the data and ask the question, “Hey, is there any other questions I should be asking that I’m missing?” It’s an interesting question, right? It’s almost a meta, right, kind of a situation. However, when you ask that, every time I’ve been asked in the clinic, it makes me pause and say, “Now that you mentioned it, X, Y, and Z.”  

So, I think it’s a good one to ask either your physician or whoever healthcare provider is in the room, again, nurse, or PA. It’s an interesting one, right? It kind of makes someone maybe even put themselves in your shoes. So, I like it as a device to make people pause in a busy clinic. Yeah, the second question that I think is a good one is to say, “While things are going well right now, I wanted to ask you, doc, what are some things that could happen in the next six months, one year, or two years, adverse events or abnormal things, and is there something I can do to plan for it?” 

Again, it may be somewhat of a theoretical question. The doctor may say, “Okay, right now things are going well,” but it kind of makes people think about contingency plans, and alternative things. Well, now that you mention it, there is this one side effect of this drug. I don’t know, I think those are two kinds of go-to questions that I want people to be equipped with. 

Empowering Patient Advocacy: A Guide to Launching Your Voice on Substack

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If you spend any time online, you’ve probably heard of Substack, either through a newsletter subscription or from a favorite writer or blogger. But what exactly is Substack, and why is it gaining traction in patient advocacy?

Founded in 2017, Substack is a publishing platform that empowers creators to start and grow their own publications, blogs, newsletters, and podcasts.  The platform is known for its user-friendly interface and simplified setup process. While other blogging platforms may require some technical knowledge to navigate, Substack allows users to start blogging almost immediately after signing up. In addition, Substack’s subscription model provides creators with a straightforward way to monetize their content.

Beth Gainer, who initially started blogging after a breast diagnosis on WordPress, chose Substack for her current blog on art and self-care (bethlgainer.substack.com).  “I initially paid for WordPress,” she said, but “after trying to navigate this complicated platform, I realized I would need a designer to help me. I spent many hours trying to design the website myself, but I am no web designer, and obtaining one would make me dependent on that individual, not to mention costly. Using Substack is such a relief! It is so user-friendly and I like that Substack acts as a newsletter that is delivered to subscribers’ emails.”

Beth has also found a supportive community on the platform. “Substack has a support system, where experts answer questions and provide information. It supports writers, who, as we know, are often not supported in their endeavors.”

The Substack monetization feature is not something Beth is interested in, ”because most readers can’t afford to pay to read several blogs. I know I can’t.”   She believes monetization adversely affects community building.  “After I read a blog, let’s say, I want to leave a comment to participate in conversation, but sometimes I cannot because I don’t have a paid subscription to that blog. Thus, the conversation related to a blog becomes muted because fewer voices and perspectives are heard,” she explained. “Frankly, I feel deflated when I see an interesting blog heading but am unable to read or interact with that blog unless I become a paid subscriber.”

Beth added that while she is using Substack to discuss and showcase her art, which she sells, “whether or not a reader purchases my art, I want my blog’s content to always be free and accessible to anyone. This helps build a true community. I hope that Substack continues to allow free subscriptions indefinitely.”

After more than 13 years of blogging, writer and breast cancer advocate, Nancy Stordahl decided it was time for a change. She started a new blog on Substack (nancyspoint.substack.com) to expand her reach to a new audience.  “My readership on WordPress, as far as numbers go, hadn’t changed much in a while,” she said, “so I’m hoping to gain some new readers, as well as keep the ones I have, of course.”

Like Beth, Substack’s newsletter format is something that appeals to Nancy. “Mailchimp was getting too expensive for me. Once you reach a certain threshold it’s no longer free. That was fine. But I had reached the next threshold, and the monthly rate was going up again. It wasn’t feasible for me to pay for yet another tier jump.”

Substack’s multi-media format, such as hosting a podcast, audio readings and adding notes, is also a selling point for Nancy.  “Substack is popular right now, some might say trendy, “ she said, “but as an advocate and an author, it felt like something I wanted to try. My books are a significant component of my advocacy, and Substack is a great place for authors.”

Although Nancy doesn’t currently monetize her writing, she is a “big believer in compensating bloggers, writers, and advocates for their work. Advocacy isn’t easy (nor is writing) and too often advocates (and writers) are expected to offer their time, input, writing, or whatever it might be for free. That is not right. I may or may not utilize this option at some point. Regardless, my new articles will likely remain free, and there will always be a free or no pledge option.”

When it comes to community building, Nancy has noticed that “thus far, her ‘old subscribers’ have been pretty quiet on Substack, but many have stuck with me. There’s probably a learning curve for me and for them as well as far as them becoming engaged. A bit of patience is needed.”

How To Start A Substack Publication

Having read about Beth and Nancy’s experience, you may be tempted to create your own Substack publication. Below are the steps you should take.

  1. Create an Account: Visit Substack.com and click on “Start Writing” to create an account. Set up your profile with a photo, your first name, and a short bio.
  2. Choose a Subdomain: A subdomain on Substack is a unique web address that identifies a publication on the Substack platform. When you sign up for Substack, you’re given a default subdomain that you can customize  – for example, nancyspoint.substack.com or bethlgainer.substack.com. You can also connect a custom domain to your publication. Using a custom domain for your Substack publication allows you to use your own web address instead of the default yourname.substack.com for your newsletter.  For use of a custom domain, Substack charges a one-time fee of $50 USD.
  3. Turn on Paid Subscriptions: You can choose to turn on paid subscriptions, or publish for free. If you turn on paid subscriptions, Substack will keep a 10% cut of revenues.
  4. Choose a Theme: Choose one of the basic themes provided by Substack. This will be the visual layout of your publication.
  5. Upload Your Email List: If you already have an email list of potential subscribers, you can upload it to Substack. This will allow you to reach out to these individuals with your first post.
  6. Publish Your First Post: Your first post could be a text post, discussion thread, podcast, video, or note. Make sure to include a “subscribe” button so that readers can easily subscribe to your publication.
  7. Customize Your Publication: Your name, logo, layout and publication descriptions are all easy to customize using the settings.
  8. Create an Editorial Calendar: Consistency is key to growing your publication. It’s recommended to publish a post at least once a week as a benchmark to get started. Publishing on a regular schedule helps readers build a habit and demonstrates your own commitment to your work.
  9. Announce Your Publication: The launch is an important moment for your publication. It’s an opportunity to summon your supporters and drive a wave of excitement, attention, and subscriptions2. Publish an announcement post and let the world know you are starting something new.

For more blogging tips, check out 9 Tips to Help You Build a Better Advocacy Blog

12 Ways To Become A Stronger Advocate: A Month-by-Month Guide to Achieving Your Advocacy Goals in 2024

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As we begin a new year, now is an ideal time to review your advocacy goals and determine how to make a bigger impact in 2024.

This article outlines 12 actionable approaches to enhance your advocacy efforts in the upcoming year. This list isn’t exhaustive, and you don’t need to complete all of the activities to make a difference.  Go at your own pace.  Be sure to set small, manageable goals to avoid getting overwhelmed. Tracking your progress from month to month will allow you to see the positive impact you’re making in the world.

January: Define Your Vision

Kickstart your year with a compelling vision for your advocacy. Structure and refine your vision using SMART principles. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Here’s how you might apply these principles to help you set SMART objectives for awareness-raising activities:

  • Specific: Develop a clear and specific objective, for example, increasing awareness about breast cancer early detection on social media.
  • Measurable: Set a metric for success, such as “achieve 1,000 shares of awareness posts.”
  • Achievable: Is this goal achievable? Consider how many social media followers you have, how much time you are willing to devote to the campaign, etc.
  • Relevant: Align the awareness campaign with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and leverage relevant hashtags to maximize impact.
  • Time-bound: Launch the campaign on the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and conclude it by the end of the month.

February: Build Partnerships

Collaboration amplifies impact. Establishing meaningful partnerships not only broadens the scope of your activities but also infuses them with diverse perspectives and expertise. Do some research this month to find organizations and individuals with similar missions or advocacy goals to yours.  Aim to find partners who complement your efforts and have skills or resources you can use. Show how collaboration can benefit both parties by crafting a compelling narrative about your advocacy goals.  Identify influencers or thought leaders with a large following within your advocacy space. Provide them with a clear proposal on how their influence can help advance your cause.

March: Capitalize on Awareness Days

Take advantage of awareness days, weeks, and months to inform and educate your audience. Prepare a list of specific dates and create a content calendar dedicating specific time frames for planning, creating, and promoting content around each designated date.  You will need to brainstorm ideas, outline topics, and decide on the format (blog posts, videos, infographics, etc.). Add the dates to your social media calendar. Plan posts leading up to the event to generate anticipation, on the day of the event to participate actively, and follow-up content to sustain engagement. Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility.

April: Compile a Glossary of Medical Terms

One of the things I remember most when I was a newly diagnosed patient was how mystifying the world of cancer was for me. Having to learn unknown medical terms and scientific jargon was like learning a whole new language. Make the process less mystifying for newly diagnosed patients by putting together a useful list of medical and scientific terms (as I did with this Clinical Trials Jargon Buster). Think about adding interactive features to the glossary, such as hyperlinks to related terms, multimedia elements, and cross-references. This enhances the learning experience and engagement for users.

May: Optimize Your Social Profiles

Creating a compelling online profile is essential for building a strong digital presence. By investing time and effort into optimizing your online profile, you create a positive and impactful first impression. This, in turn, encourages individuals to follow you, engage with your content, and join your advocacy efforts.

  • Profile Picture: Choose a high-quality shot where your face is clear and easily recognizable. Adjust the dimensions of your profile picture to match each platform’s specifications.
  • Custom Header Image: Add a custom header image that complements your advocacy efforts. This could be an image of you engaged in a relevant activity, for instance holding a sign with a powerful message, or representing a current campaign.
  • Profile Information: Fill out all sections of your profile with relevant information. Include a concise yet informative bio that highlights your cause. Use keywords related to your advocacy to make your profile easily discoverable through search. If applicable, include highlights of your advocacy achievements, campaigns, or collaborations. This builds credibility and demonstrates the impact of your work.
  • Location Details: If you want to connect with local communities, specify your location.
  • Contact Information: If appropriate, include contact information such as an email address or a link to your website. This allows interested individuals or potential collaborators to reach out to you easily.

June: Conduct A Content Audit

This month, evaluate your existing content.   To ensure your existing content is relevant, accurate, and accessible, you need to review it regularly.

  • Review and Update Information: Begin by systematically reviewing all your content, including blog posts, articles, social media posts, and any other published materials. Check for outdated statistics, recommendations, or references that may have changed since the content was created. Be proactive in updating these elements to ensure that your audience receives accurate and reliable information. This not only maintains your credibility but also demonstrates your commitment to staying current and informed.
  • Assess Accessibility: Evaluate the accessibility of your content by considering language, literacy levels, and cultural sensitivity. Make sure your language is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Whenever necessary, provide explanations or definitions of medical terms.
  • Optimize Fonts for Readability: Pay attention to the fonts used in your digital content. Choose sans-serif fonts like Arial, Verdana, or Open Sans for better legibility on screens. Sans-serif fonts are clean and easier to read, especially in smaller sizes. Contrast and Color Considerations: Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background colors. High contrast improves readability, especially for individuals with visual impairments or those viewing content in different lighting conditions.
  • Alt Text for Images: If your content includes images, provide descriptive alt text for each image. Alt text, or alternative text, is a brief textual description of the content of an image, allowing individuals who use screen readers or other assistive technologies to understand and interpret the visual information on a webpage.

July:  Mid-Year Review and Adjustments

We’ve reached the halfway point of the year.  Now is a good time to take stock of what you’ve achieved in the first six months of 2024.

  • Reflect on Goals and Progress: Review the goals you set at the beginning of the year. Assess how each goal is progressing.
  • Revise Timelines and Strategies: If certain goals are behind schedule or not progressing as expected, consider revising timelines and strategies.
  • Assess Personal Advocacy Goals: Reflect on your personal growth and development as an advocate. Identify the skills and knowledge you’ve gained over the past six months.
  • Enroll in Training Programs and Workshops: Based on your self-assessment, seek out relevant training programs, workshops, or courses to enhance your skills. This could include social media strategies, communication skills, leadership development, or any other areas that align with your identified growth areas.
  • Seek Mentorship: Consider seeking mentorship from experienced advocates. A mentor can provide valuable guidance, share insights, and offer constructive feedback to help you navigate challenges and accelerate your growth.
  • Acknowledge and Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate the milestones and successes you’ve achieved in the first half of the year. Share these achievements with your audience to build momentum and inspire continued support.
  • Refine Strategies for the Second Half: Based on your mid-year review, refine your strategies for the remaining months of the year. Incorporate the lessons learned, capitalize on successful approaches, and leverage your newfound skills to propel your advocacy forward.

August:  Hone Your Writing Skills

Writing persuasively is a foundational skill for advocates aiming to communicate effectively, mobilize support, and drive positive change. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Use Everyday Language: Using plain, everyday words ensures that your message is easily understood by a broader range of people. It promotes inclusivity and prevents confusion, aligning with the principle of clear and concise communication.
  • Speak Directly to the Reader: Personalizing your writing by using pronouns like “we” and “you” establish a direct and conversational tone. It creates a more approachable and inclusive communication style, building trust between the writer and the audience.
  • Follow Mark Twain’s Advice: In his advice “Don’t let fluff, flowers, or verbosity creep in”, Mark Twain stresses the importance of clarity and conciseness. Extraneous details and overly complex language can dilute your message’s impact.
  • One Idea per Sentence: Presenting one idea per sentence promotes clarity and prevents information overload. Readers can digest information in bite-sized chunks, making it more digestible and accessible. In addition, this approach ensures that readers who skim or scan the text capture essential information.
  • Edit for Clarity and Conciseness: After writing, take the time to review and edit your content. Ensure that each sentence serves a purpose, and eliminate unnecessary words or phrases.

September: Perfect Your Presentation Skills

Advocates with strong presentation skills can communicate their points clearly and persuasively to a variety of audiences. This month take time to explore resources and books that focus on effective public speaking and presentation skills. Look for renowned titles such as “Talk Like TED” by Carmine Gallo or “Presentation Zen” by Garr Reynolds. These resources provide insights into structuring compelling narratives, engaging audiences, and delivering memorable presentations.

Analyze speeches from accomplished advocates, leaders, or public figures. Observe their delivery style, how they structure their presentations, and the techniques they use to captivate their audience. Learning from successful speakers can provide valuable insights and inspiration for refining your own approach.

Enroll in online courses or participate in webinars dedicated to enhancing presentation skills. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy offer courses on public speaking, storytelling, and presentation design.

Consider joining local or online public speaking groups where you can practice and receive constructive feedback. Toastmasters International is a well-known organization that provides a supportive environment for individuals to develop their speaking skills. Regular practice in a supportive community can significantly boost your confidence and proficiency.

October: Try Some New Tools

Let’s have some fun this month by trying some of the many available tools to enhance your online activities. Whether you need to edit an image, make custom graphics, or schedule your posts, there’s a tool for you.

  • Graphic Design Tools: Explore graphic design tools like Canva, Adobe Spark, or Piktochart. These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces with pre-designed templates, making it easy to create visually appealing graphics for social media posts, and other content.
  • Image Editing: Experiment with image editing tools to enhance and customize your visuals. Adobe Photoshop Express, Pixlr, or Fotor are excellent choices for editing images, adding filters, adjusting colors, and incorporating creative elements.
  • Social Media Schedulers: Simplify your social media management with scheduling tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, or Later. These tools often come with analytics features to track post performance.
  • Video Editing Platforms: Dive into the world of video content using tools like InVideo, Kapwing, or Adobe Premiere Rush. Create engaging videos, edit footage, and add special effects to convey your advocacy message in a dynamic and captivating way.
  • Survey and Feedback Tools: Gather insights and feedback from your audience using survey tools like Google Forms, Typeform, or SurveyMonkey.
  • Webinar and Virtual Event Platforms: Host engaging webinars or virtual events using tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Webex. These platforms offer features for presentations, Q&A sessions, and audience interaction, making online events more dynamic and participatory.
  • Podcast Creation Tools: Explore podcast creation tools like Anchor, Audacity, or Descript. Podcasts are a versatile and engaging medium for sharing stories, interviews, and information.
  • Data Visualization Tools: Turn complex data into compelling visuals with tools like Tableau, Datawrapper, or Infogram.
  • Browser Extensions: Enhance your online browsing experience with helpful extensions. Grammarly can assist with proofreading, Pocket allows you to save articles for later, and Bitly shortens URLs for cleaner sharing.

More tools to try: I’ve compiled a list of my favorite tools here.

November: Express Gratitude

Keep November’s theme of thanksgiving in mind this month by showing your appreciation to your supporters. This sense of appreciation not only encourages continued support but also deepens the emotional connection between advocates and their shared mission, fortifying the foundation of your advocacy efforts for sustained success.

Here are some suggested ways to show your appreciation:

  • Send sincere and personalized thank-you messages that go beyond generic expressions of appreciation. Whether through handwritten notes, emails, or personalized social media shout-outs, individualized messages demonstrate that you value and recognize the distinct roles each person has played.
  • Create social media posts or graphics that highlight the contributions of specific individuals. Include photos that showcase the impact they’ve made.
  • Consider organizing an appreciation event to celebrate and thank your supporters. This could be a virtual gathering, a webinar, or an in-person event.
  • Launch a gratitude campaign that spans the month. Encourage supporters to share their experiences and express gratitude to others within the community.

December: Reflect and Plan for the Future

The year’s end offers another opportunity to reflect on your advocacy journey and evaluate its progress.  Dive into the data and metrics associated with your advocacy initiatives. Assess the reach and impact of your campaigns by analyzing social media analytics, website traffic, email engagement, and other relevant metrics. Identify patterns, trends, and areas of improvement to inform future strategies.

Reflect on both successes and challenges encountered during the year. Identify the strategies that resonated most with your followers and contributed to success. Equally important, analyze the challenges faced and the lessons learned. Use this information to refine your approach and address any recurring issues in the future.

Finally, develop a strategic plan for the upcoming year based on the insights gained from your reflections and analyses. Outline specific goals, action steps, and timelines. The key to elevating your advocacy in 2024 will be consistency, commitment, and collaboration. Following this guide will  give you the framework to take your advocacy to new heights.  Let’s work together to make a positive difference in the new year.

Elevating Cancer Advocacy: 10 Strategies for Effective Information Dissemination

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As patient advocates we not only want to educate and support cancer research and awareness, but we also want to inspire hope.  In this month’s article, I discuss 10 types of content that can help you communicate and disseminate information, advance cancer advocacy, and encourage and empower those affected by cancer.

1. Treatment Journey Timelines

Share informative timelines outlining the typical journey of a cancer patient from diagnosis to treatment and recovery.

What to share:

  • Key information about surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and any other pertinent treatments.
  • Highlight the importance of support systems during treatment.
  • Address the common side effects associated with different treatments.
  • Include images that highlight the various stages of the journey, from diagnosis and treatment to recovery, providing a visual timeline of the cancer experience.
  • Conclude the timeline by exploring the phase of life after active treatment.

2. Visual Content

Use graphics, videos, or infographics to make your content more visually appealing  The human brain processes visual information much faster than text, making visual content not only more engaging but also more memorable. In addition to enhancing understanding and engagement, visual content is more likely to be shared across various social media platforms. People are more likely to share visually appealing and informative content with their networks, contributing to the dissemination of important medical information.

What to share:

  • Make complex concepts more accessible and easier to understand with infographics.
  • Live video streaming can be used to host interactive Q&A sessions and webinars with experts in the field who can answer questions and provide valuable insights. This real-time interaction provides valuable information as well as a more engaging experience for your audience.

3. Personal Stories

Use written narratives, images, and video testimonials to  describe the emotional and physical effects of being diagnosed with cancer.

What to share:

  • Explore the emotional roller coaster you experienced, detailing the shock, anxiety, and uncertainty that often accompany a diagnosis of cancer.
  • Share images that capture the visual aspects of the cancer journey.
  • Offer practical advice on managing the physical side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea.
  • Share a range of coping strategies such as mindfulness techniques, support group recommendations, and mental health resources.
  • Highlight the importance of seeking professional counseling and the value of connecting with others who have faced similar challenges.
  • Acknowledge the ongoing challenges survivors may face, such as mental health concerns, or a fear of recurrence.
  • Offer words of encouragement and messages of hope. Remind others that they are not alone in their journey and that strength can be found in community and shared experiences.

4. Cancer Prevention Tips

As a cancer advocate, your aim is not only to raise awareness but also to empower others with practical advice that promotes a proactive approach to wellness and reduces the risk of cancer.

What to share:

  • Address common misconceptions surrounding diet and cancer, discussing evidence-based findings on the impact of various foods on cancer risk.
  • Provide practical tips on incorporating a balanced and cancer-preventive diet, emphasizing the importance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
  • Provide actionable advice on incorporating regular exercise into daily routines, catering to various fitness levels and preferences.
  • Outline recommended screening guidelines for various types of cancer, stressing the importance of regular check-ups and screenings based on age, gender, and family history.
  • Collaborate with oncologists, researchers, and other cancer experts to discuss recent research findings related to cancer prevention. Address emerging trends, breakthroughs, and advancements in the field, providing your audience with up-to-date and credible information.

5. Clinical Trial Information

Clinical trials often explore novel treatments that may be more effective than standard therapies. By sharing information about ongoing trials, you can open doors for patients to access innovative and potentially transformative medical interventions.

What to share:

  • Start by providing educational content that explains the concept of clinical trials, their purpose, and their significance in advancing medical research. Break down the different phases of clinical trials, emphasizing how they contribute to the development of new treatments.
  • Acknowledge common concerns and misconceptions surrounding clinical trials, such as fear of receiving a placebo, uncertainty about side effects, or worries about being treated as a “guinea pig.” Provide clear, factual information to address these concerns and build trust in the clinical trial process.
  • Ensure that information is easily accessible to patients. Create user-friendly resources that list ongoing trials, their eligibility criteria, and contact information for trial coordinators.
  • Stress the importance of informed decision-making when considering participation in a clinical trial. Provide resources that guide patients on questions to ask, considerations to weigh, and how to engage in meaningful conversations with their healthcare team.
  • Emphasize the importance of diverse participation in clinical trials. Advocate for increased representation of various demographics to ensure that trial results are applicable to a broader population.
  • Establish partnerships with oncologists, nurses, research institutions, universities, and medical centers conducting clinical trials. Collaborate to amplify the reach of trial information and ensure that advocates are well-informed about the latest developments.

6.  Legislation and Policy Updates

By sharing  legislative changes related to cancer research funding, healthcare policies, and patient rights,  you can empower individuals facing a cancer diagnosis, ensuring that they are aware of their rights and can actively participate in their treatment decisions.

What to share:

  • Advocate for legislation that safeguards patient privacy. Stress the significance of maintaining the confidentiality of medical information and protecting patient data in the digital age. Help your audience understand their rights regarding the privacy of their health information.
  • Advocate for legislation that supports and emphasizes the active participation of patients in their treatment decisions. Share information on laws that empower patients to be partners in their healthcare journey, fostering a collaborative relationship with their healthcare providers.
  • Advocate for initiatives that promote transparent communication between healthcare providers and patients. Stress the importance of clear and understandable information, ensuring that patients have the knowledge needed to make informed choices about their care.

7. Conference Reports

Conference reporting facilitates the dissemination of the latest research, treatment updates, and policy discussions to a broader audience, which is a crucial aspect of cancer advocacy.

What to share:

  • Summaries of key sessions and presentations. Highlight significant findings, breakthroughs, and advancements in cancer research, treatment, and patient care.
  • Livetweet important points, quotes, and visuals to engage a wider audience.
  • Conduct interviews with keynote speakers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and fellow advocates. Gather their perspectives on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field of cancer.
  • Ensure that your conference reports are accessible to a diverse audience. Use clear language, provide explanations for technical terms, and consider different formats to accommodate various learning styles and preferences.

8. Cancer Awareness Days, Weeks, and Months

Compile a list of key cancer-related awareness days, weeks, or months throughout the year. These designated days are important for educating the public, destigmatizing the disease, and advocating for essential research funding.   Integrate these awareness days into your content calendar, dedicating specific time frames for planning, creating, and promoting content around each designated date.

What to share

  • Highlight significant dates such as World Cancer Day on February 4th, National Cancer Prevention Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, etc.
  • Plan focused campaigns during these dates, leveraging relevant hashtags and encouraging your audience to participate.
  • Develop a variety of content types, including articles, infographics, videos, and social media posts, to cater to different audience preferences. Ensure that your content is informative, emotionally resonant, and shareable.
  • Use relevant hashtags associated with each awareness day.
  • Provide educational resources including fact sheets, downloadable guides, and links to reputable sources. Empower your audience with accurate information to promote understanding and dispel myths.

9. Think Beyond Cancer

Thinking beyond cancer-specific days and aligning your advocacy efforts with impactful occasions like International Women’s Day can broaden the scope of your message and connect with a wider audience.

What to share:

  • International Women’s Day (March 8th): Highlight the impact of cancer on women’s health, emphasizing gender-specific cancers and advocating for gender equality in cancer research, treatment, and support.
  • International Day of Yoga (June 21st): Share information on how activities like yoga can complement cancer treatment, alleviate stress, and improve overall well-being.
  • World Mental Health Day (October 10th): Address the impact of cancer on mental health. Provide resources on coping strategies, discuss emotional aspects of cancer journeys, and advocate for increased mental health support.
  • World No Alcohol Day (October 2nd): Share information on the link between alcohol consumption and certain cancers, encouraging responsible drinking habits to reduce cancer risk.
  • World Osteoporosis Day (October 20th): Address the impact of certain cancer treatments on bone health. Provide information on how cancer survivors can maintain bone health and prevent osteoporosis.

9.  Interactive Content

By incorporating interactive content, such as online polls, information can be shared in a more dynamic and engaging way. Audiences are not only educated but also engaged and mobilized through a two-way interaction.

What to share:

  • Turn cancer awareness into an interactive learning experience by crafting polls that function as educational quizzes. Ask participants about cancer-related risk factors, symptoms, or prevention methods, providing instant feedback and valuable insights.
  • Combat misinformation and address stigma by using polls to confront prevalent myths about cancer. Create questions that challenge misconceptions, enabling participants to contribute to dispelling stereotypes and fostering a more informed and empathic online community.
  • Extend the impact of interactive content by promoting cross-platform engagement. Encourage followers to share poll results on various social media channels, multiplying the reach of awareness initiatives and fostering organic conversations about cancer-related topics.

I hope you’ve found these content suggestions helpful. Implementing these ideas can not only raise awareness about cancer but also inspire action, foster community, and contribute significantly to the advancement of cancer advocacy.

You might also like to read

The Patient Advocate’s Guide to Social Media Content Planning – Patient Empowerment Network (powerfulpatients.org)

Transforming Your Social Media Presence: 5 Steps to Foster Inclusivity and Advocate for All – Patient Empowerment Network (powerfulpatients.org)

How Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Can Best Self-Advocate

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How Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Can Best Self-Advocate from Patient Empowerment Network on Vimeo.

How can small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients advocate for optimal care? Dr. Rafael Santana-Davila with the University of Washington School of Medicine shares advice for questions to ask your doctor and about the benefits of telehealth and clinical trials.

[ACT]IVATION TIP

“…make sure that you ask several questions to your doctor is, “Can I have access to a second opinion to a sub-specialist in lung cancer? Or have you thought about my case? And is there any availability of clinical trials here or in other centers?”

See More from [ACT]IVATED Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

Related Resources:

Road with options of paths to take

 Sign saying what you need to know.

 
 Woman doctor speaking with woman patient.

Advice for Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Considering Clinical Trials

Transcript:

Lisa Hatfield:

So one of your areas of research is studying how small cell lung cancer patients in the general population, those who don’t have access to cancer centers, are treated in order to figure out how to best bring the most recent advances in care to these individuals. Can you share with us some recent findings or learnings from your research, and how can these patients maybe best advocate for themselves?

Rafael Santana-Davila:

Medicine is a team sport. And this is also especially true for cancer. And the difference that…when I see patients, I tell them that it’s not that I’m smarter than the community oncologist. I’m not. The difference that I have with community oncologists is that I’m a sub-specialist. So who I treat are patients who have cancers of the chest or the head and neck. That means that I dedicated my career to treating those patients. And if you ask me questions about lung cancer or head and neck cancers, we can talk forever. But I’m no longer a specialist in treating all other cancers. Community oncologists don’t have that luxury.

So I do think that it’s very important for patients to get a second opinion, to have access to a major cancer center so that they can be sure that the plan of treatment is something that is the top of the line, the best treatment that is available. And they also ask about clinical trials, because there’s clinical trials out there that are moving the needle forward, and participation of those clinical trials is something that is very important. So having an opinion by somebody that, again, treats only lung cancers is very important. Now, the only thing good that COVID had was that it led to telehealth.

So nowadays I can see patients…I work in Seattle, so I can see patients that live across the state and in the farmland where they don’t have access to an academic medical center also to a sub-specialty, but I can see them through telehealth and I can…in the majority of cases, I say, “Yes, your doctor at home has a good plan. Let’s treat you with that.” Or I give some tips or tricks to the community oncologists, or I offer the latest and greatest in clinical trials and patients can make that decision at that point.

So the activation tip for this is make sure that you ask several questions to your doctor is, “Can I have access to a second opinion to a sub-specialist in lung cancer? Or have you thought about my case? And is there any availability of clinical trials here or in other centers?” That’s what I would tell patients. And patients need to be the best advocates for themselves and they are. They know that they’re going through a very rough time, but they just need to say, “What else can I do for this?”

Lisa Hatfield:

Great, thank you so much for that. And as a cancer patient myself and a patient advocate, I fiercely advocate for patients to always, if you get a cancer diagnosis, if you can, consult with somebody who is a specialist or a sub-specialist in the type of cancer you have. It can make a difference for you.

Rafael Santana-Davila:

I agree. And, again, with the era of telehealth, that has opened the ability for this.

Share Your Feedback:

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The Patient Advocate’s Guide to Social Media Content Planning

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In our role as patient advocates, social media is an important tool that we use for sharing information, connecting with others, and amplifying our voices. Managing social media effectively can be challenging in and of itself, but it can be even more challenging when you are undergoing cancer treatment. To minimize your workload, content planning is key.

In this article, we will explore why social media content planning is a valuable strategy and how to do it effectively.

Why You Should Plan Your Social Media Content In Advance

Creates Consistency:

Content planning allows you to maintain a consistent presence on social media. Consistency builds trust and makes your advocacy efforts more visible.

Algorithm Visibility:

Social media algorithms love content that engages users consistently. By keeping a consistent schedule and planning your posts in advance, you’ll get more visibility from the algorithms.

Proactive Advocacy:

By planning your content, you position yourself as a proactive advocate. By getting ahead of key moments, awareness campaigns, and significant dates, you can amplify your advocacy message rather than reacting haphazardly.

Enhances Collaboration:

When working with other advocates on a campaign, content planning keeps everyone on the same page. This simplifies collaboration and ensures a consistent message across all channels.

Alleviates Burnout:

The demands of patient advocacy can be emotionally and mentally taxing, especially when managing health issues. Content planning allows you to allocate specific blocks of time for content creation and scheduling, freeing you from the pressure of daily posting.  With a well-thought-out calendar, you can work at your own pace and avoid burnout.

Now that we’ve explored the rationale behind content planning, let’s look at how to implement it effectively.

1. Create a Content Calendar

Creating a content calendar is the foundation of good content planning.

Here are some tips to help you create your content calendar:

Choose a Calendar Format

Choose the format that will work best for you. You can use digital tools like Google Calendar, Microsoft Excel, or specific social media management platforms. Alternatively, a physical planner or whiteboard can work if you prefer a tangible approach.

Set a Time Frame

Determine the time frame your content calendar will cover. Ideally, plan your content at least one month in advance. This allows time for content creation, revisions, and scheduling, reducing last-minute stress.

Identify Key Dates and Events

Note down key dates, events, and awareness months relevant to your advocacy cause. These can include World Health Days, national observances, or local events.

Include a mix of both evergreen content (relevant year-round) and timely content (related to current events or trends).

Plan Content Distribution

Mark on your calendar how you’ll distribute your content across different social media platforms. Each platform may require slightly different content formats and messaging to optimize engagement.

Maintain Flexibility

While a content calendar provides structure and helps you plan ahead, advocacy often revolves around societal, political, and healthcare issues that are subject to rapid change. Emerging issues may require you to pivot your content strategy to address the most pressing matters, ensuring that your advocacy remains relevant and impactful. When creating your content calendar, leave some slots open or designate them as “flexible.” These slots can be used for addressing emergent issues as they arise without disrupting your overall schedule.

2. Allocate A Mix of Content Types

Decide on the types of content you’ll create. You will add more depth and dynamism to your social media advocacy by diversifying your content.

Here are some ideas for a mix of content types you can use:

  • Use text-based posts to deliver key takeaways, prompt discussions, or provide brief updates. Craft compelling headlines and captions to capture attention.
  • Share impactful images, illustrations, or memes that resonate with your advocacy cause.
  • Create video content that highlights personal stories, interviews experts, or explains complex concepts. Pay attention to video quality and subtitles for accessibility.
  • Pose questions related to your cause, gather feedback, and involve your audience by using poll features. Share poll results and discuss their implications in follow up posts.
  • Curate informative articles that educates your audience about relevant topics, research findings, or treatment options.

3. Plan Posting Frequency

Determine how often you’ll post on each platform. Different social media platforms have varying recommended posting frequencies due to their algorithms and user behaviors. For instance, X’s (formerly known as Twitter) fast-paced nature often requires more frequent updates.

Focus on the quality of your content rather than sheer volume. Posting too frequently with low-quality or repetitive content can lead to audience fatigue and unfollows. It’s always better to offer valuable, relevant content that resonates with your audience.

4. Schedule Posts

The ability to schedule your social media content in advance is a game-changer for effective content planning. You can schedule posts for specific dates and times, ensuring your content goes live when your audience is most active. For advocacy with a global audience, you can schedule posts according to different time zones, ensuring your content reaches a worldwide audience at the right times.

There are many social media management tools, such as Buffer and HootSuite, that support a variety of platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and others. This multi-platform capability simplifies the task of managing content across different channels. Rather than posting manually at specific times, you can plan and schedule content for multiple platforms all at once.

5. Monitor and Adapt

Continuously monitor the performance of your content calendar. Use analytics to track engagement, reach, and other relevant metrics.

Here are some key metrics to track:

Engagement Metrics:

Likes, shares, comments, and retweets. These indicators reflect how actively your audience is interacting with your content.

Reach and Impressions:

How many people are seeing your content (reach) and how often it’s being displayed (impressions). This data gives you an idea of your content’s visibility.

Click-Through Rates (CTR):

The percentage of people who click on links within your posts. CTR is crucial for tracking conversions, such as website visits or signing up for newsletters.

Armed with these data-driven insights, spend some time analyzing which posts or content types consistently perform well. Understand what elements contribute to their success, and consider creating more content in a similar vein. Conversely, if certain posts or content types consistently underperform, reassess their relevance and value. Are there adjustments you can make to improve their engagement potential?

In summary, dedicating time to strategic content planning transcends good practice; it stands as the cornerstone of your online advocacy. As outlined in this article, taking a systematic approach to your social media content can enhance your advocacy efforts. Follow these steps and incorporate these tips into your online advocacy to achieve even greater success in the future.

Mastering Instagram for Patient Advocacy: 10 Tips for Success

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Boasting more than two billion active users, Instagram provides an excellent platform for patient advocates to reach a wide audience and inspire change.

Here are 10 tips to help you achieve more on Instagram and make the most of your advocacy efforts.

1. Craft A Compelling Profile

  • Your Instagram profile is an essential part of establishing your digital identity and expressing your advocacy mission. Visitors and potential followers get their first impression from your profile.
  • Choose a profile picture that’s easily recognizable and relates to your advocacy. It could be your logo or a photo that represents your cause. Ensure that it’s clear and easily identifiable even in a small thumbnail.
  • Your username, also known as your handle, should ideally be related to your advocacy and easy to remember. If your exact name is taken, consider adding an underscore or a simple modifier to make it unique while still relevant.
  • Your bio is a brief space to explain your cause and what you stand for. Use clear and concise language to convey your mission. Incorporate relevant keywords related to your advocacy in your bio. This can help your profile appear in search results when users look for related topics. You might also include a call-to-action or a link to a website or donation page if applicable.
  • Strategically use emojis to enhance your bio. Emojis can add visual appeal and personality to your profile while conveying emotions and messages succinctly.
  • Instagram allows you to have one clickable link in your bio. If you have a website, blog, donation page, or a specific landing page for your cause, make sure to include it here. You can also use tools that allow you to create link trees to direct users to multiple destinations. If you’re open to inquiries, consider including a contact email or other relevant contact information in your bio.
  • Highlight specific accomplishments, milestones, or awards that you or your advocacy have achieved. These could include successful campaigns, collaborations, events, media coverage, or any other noteworthy achievements.
  • As your advocacy work evolves, make sure to update your bio accordingly. Whether it’s mentioning recent accomplishments, upcoming events, or new partnerships, keeping your bio current ensures that visitors are getting the latest information about your cause.

2. Share Stories

  • Sharing authentic stories – your own or others – is a powerful way to connect with your audience on Instagram and convey the impact of your advocacy.
  • Whenever possible, let the individuals whose stories you’re sharing speak in their own words. This adds authenticity and allows your audience to connect directly with the emotions and experiences of those affected.
  • When sharing others’ stories, ensure that you have obtained proper consent from the individuals involved. Respect their privacy and avoid sharing sensitive or identifying information without permission.
  • Showcase a diverse range of stories and voices. Different perspectives help your audience better understand the breadth and depth of the impact your advocacy cause has on various individuals and communities.
  • Create a comprehensive storytelling experience with both visual and written elements. Use a mix of images, videos, and graphics to complement the narrative in your captions. Visual elements can evoke emotions and help your audience better understand the individuals behind the stories.

3. Optimize Visual Content

  • Optimizing your visual content is essential for grabbing attention and effectively conveying your advocacy message. Visual content is more likely to be shared and remembered, helping you reach a wider audience.
  • Use clear, high-resolution images that are relevant to your cause.
  • Use visuals to evoke emotions that resonate with your cause. Happy, inspiring, or even somber imagery can effectively communicate the mood you want to convey.
  • Overlay impactful quotes, statistics, or brief messages onto images. Quotes can capture the essence of your advocacy and inspire your audience to take action or reflect on their own experiences.
  • Use simple animations to add movement and engagement to your posts. Animated graphics can be a creative way to share information.
  • Complex information and statistics can be more digestible when presented in the form of infographics. Create informative graphics that break down facts, figures, and data related to the condition, treatment options, or advocacy goals.
  • Instagram’s carousel feature allows you to share multiple images or videos in a single post. Use this to showcase various aspects of your advocacy, or present different perspectives.

4. Create a consistent visual identity

  • Maintaining a consistent color palette and visual style on Instagram can significantly enhance your profile’s overall appeal and recognition. Choose a primary color or a small palette of complementary colors. This helps in creating a cohesive and visually appealing feed.
  • Create templates for quotes, statistics, or announcements that incorporate your color palette. You can also use filters that align with your brand’s aesthetics.
  • If you use filters to enhance your images, choose a filter or set of filters that align with your visual identity. Consistently applying these filters gives your profile a polished and harmonious look.
  • Consider the overall aesthetic of your Instagram feed. Plan how your posts will look when they are viewed together on your profile. Plan your grid layout in advance to ensure a visually pleasing arrangement of posts.
  • Design custom covers for your story highlights that follow your color palette and style. This adds a polished and consistent look to your profile.

5. Use Hashtags Strategically

  • Using relevant and strategic hashtags can significantly expand the reach of your advocacy content on Instagram. Use tools like Instagram’s search function, and hashtag generator tools to discover relevant and trending hashtags
  • Include a mix of popular and niche hashtags in your posts. While popular hashtags can expose your content to a larger audience, niche hashtags help you connect with a more targeted and engaged community.
  • If your advocacy efforts are local or tied to a specific event or region, use location-based hashtags to reach individuals in that area.
  • While it’s tempting to use a lot of hashtags, focus on quality over quantity. Include around 5-10 relevant and well-chosen hashtags per post to avoid appearing spammy.
  • Don’t forget to use hashtags in your Instagram Stories. While they’re not as common here, they can still increase the discoverability of your stories.
  • Change your hashtags periodically to avoid being seen as repetitive by Instagram’s algorithms. This can also help you reach new audiences.
  • Regularly review the performance of the hashtags you’re using. See which ones are driving the most engagement and reach. Adjust your hashtag strategy based on this data.

6. Leverage Story Highlights

  • Instagram Story Highlights can be a great resource for patient advocacy. Create separate Story Highlight categories for different aspects of your advocacy. For example, you could have highlights for patient stories, educational resources, events, news updates, and more.
  • If you’re hosting events, campaigns, or awareness drives, use a dedicated Highlight to keep your audience informed about the latest updates, schedules, and details.
  • Highlight the milestones and achievements of your patient advocacy efforts. This can include successful campaigns, partnerships, media coverage, and more.
  • Keep your followers informed about policy changes, research developments, or advancements in medical treatments by creating a highlight dedicated to advocacy updates.
  • Compile a highlight with answers to common questions about the medical condition, treatment options, or lifestyle adjustments. This can help provide quick information to your followers.
  • Choose visually appealing cover images for each Highlight that reflect the content within. This adds a professional touch and makes it easier for users to identify the content they’re looking for.

7. Engage and Interact

  • Social media is a two-way street. Engage with your audience by responding to comments, answering questions, and acknowledging their support. Meaningful interactions help in building a loyal community around your cause.
  • If followers ask questions related to your advocacy, provide detailed and accurate answers. This establishes you as a reliable source of information and builds trust.
  • Whenever someone shows support or provides feedback, acknowledge it with gratitude. This can be as simple as liking their comment or responding with a heartfelt thank you.
  • Mention and tag individuals or organizations that are relevant to your posts. This can broaden your reach and potentially lead to collaborations.
  • Pose open-ended questions in your captions or stories to encourage your followers to share their thoughts and experiences. This initiates conversations and invites them to contribute to the dialogue.
  • Periodically host Instagram Live sessions or Q&A sessions in your Stories. This gives your audience an opportunity to ask questions in real time and engage directly with you.
  • Create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their stories and opinions. This safe space encourages more meaningful discussions.

8. Collaborate and Amplify

  • Collaborations with other advocates, influencers, and organizations can greatly expand your reach. Collaborations can range from joint social media campaigns, co-hosted events, and Instagram takeovers to shared resources and materials.
  • Look for advocates, influencers, and organizations that align with your advocacy mission. Ensure that the collaboration makes sense in the context of your advocacy. The partnership should enhance the message you’re trying to convey.
  • Collaborations should be mutually beneficial. Clearly communicate what each party stands to gain and how the partnership will help advance the cause
  • Initiate conversations with potential collaborators. Engage with their content, leave thoughtful comments, and establish a genuine rapport before proposing a collaboration.

9. Include Calls to Action

  • A clear and compelling call to action (CTA) is an important aspect of turning your Instagram advocacy efforts into real-world impact. Clearly state what you want your followers to do. Use strong action verbs that motivate them to take immediate steps.
  • Guide your followers on how to take the action. If it’s signing a petition, provide the link. If it’s attending an event, share the date, time, and location.
  • Keep your CTA succinct. A short and impactful statement is more likely to grab attention and be remembered.
  • Tie your CTA to the content of your post. For example, if you’re sharing a personal story, your CTA could be to engage in a discussion or share their own experiences.
  • Make your CTA relatable and personal. Explain how each follower’s action can make a difference and contribute to the advocacy’s success
  • Make your CTA visually stand out. Use contrasting colors, bold fonts, or stickers to draw attention to the call to action.
  • Place your CTA at the end of your caption or post, making it the last thing your followers read. This increases the likelihood of them taking action.
  • Experiment with different types of CTAs to see which ones resonate the most with your audience. You can rotate between calls to sign up, donate, share, attend, and engage.

10. Measure and Adapt

  • Measuring and adapting based on data is crucial for refining your Instagram advocacy strategy. If you haven’t already, switch to a business or creator account on Instagram. This provides you with access to Instagram Insights, a powerful tool for analyzing your profile’s performance.
  • Review which posts are getting the most likes, comments, and shares. Identify patterns in the type of content that resonates with your audience.
  • Look at metrics like likes, comments, shares, and saves. These metrics reflect how your audience is interacting with your content and can guide your content creation strategy.
  • Analyze your Stories’ engagement metrics such as taps forward, taps back, and exits. Stories offer real-time engagement and valuable insights.
  • Identify the times when your audience is most active. Schedule your posts during these peak periods to maximize visibility and engagement.
  • If you have a website link in your bio, track the clicks to see how effective it is in driving traffic to your external resources.
  • Keep an eye on your follower growth rate. If certain types of content or campaigns lead to spikes in follower count, consider replicating those strategies.
  • Insights aren’t static. Regularly review your performance metrics and make adjustments based on the changing dynamics of your audience and the platform.

Mastering the art of Instagram for patient advocacy requires a balance of compelling storytelling, strategic content creation, and meaningful engagement. By creating a strong online presence, patient advocates can amplify their messages, raise awareness, and drive change in healthcare. The key to success is consistency. With dedication and a well-executed strategy, Instagram can become a powerful tool in your patient advocacy arsenal.

Dr. Ebony Hoskins: Why Is It Important for You to Empower Patients?

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Dr. Ebony Hoskins: Why Is It Important for You to Empower Patients? from Patient Empowerment Network on Vimeo.

 Patient empowerment is a vital part of the patient experience. Ovarian cancer expert Dr. Ebony Hoskins from MedStar Health shares her methods for moving her patients to empowerment and her reasoning for her different empowerment methods.

See More from Empowering Providers to Empower Patients (EPEP)

Related Resources:

 Dr. Heather Wakelee: Why Is It Important for You to Empower Lung Cancer Patients?

Transcript:

Dr. Hoskins:

I empower my patients by, number one, educating them on their diagnosis and providing information regarding any treatment options side effects. So one, education. The second thing, how I empower my patients is allowing them to ask questions, whether they think it’s an easy question or a hard question. So having an open discussion about what…

I empower my patients by educating them on their diagnosis, the treatment options, side effects. So number one, education. Number two, I think we need to have an open communication. So allowing them to ask questions, whether they think it’s an easy or a hard question. And another part of empowerment is making sure they have another set of ears. Sometimes the shock and awe of a diagnosis, they can’t hear everything that you say.

So having either a close family member or a friend that’s there for a visit that can kind of help advocate for them and also be a second pair of ears. I think it’s all important in terms of having a good trusting relationship to empower our patients, to let them know that they are involved in the process and also know that they have a trusting doctor that they can rely on for their care going forward.

How To Participate in Cause Awareness Days: A Step-by-Step Guide For Patient Advocates

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Taking part in cause awareness days can be a great way to get your message out. Cause awareness days are specific days (or weeks/months) dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public about a particular cause. People and organizations get to join together, use their collective voices, and make a difference.

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to participate in cause awareness days more effectively to make a meaningful impact on behalf of your community.

Step 1: Identify relevant cause awareness days

Research and make a list of cause awareness days related to your disease or condition. This information can be found online and through patient advocacy groups. Several websites provide calendars of awareness days, such as the National Health Observances calendar maintained by the US Department of Health and Human Services and PEN’s Cancer Awareness Calendar 2023.

Tip: Don’t limit yourself to disease-specific awareness days. There are many ways to expand your advocacy efforts and engage a wider audience, for example, during days such as World Mental Health Day, International Women’s Day, and World Sleep Day.

Step 2: Plan your strategy

Decide how you will participate in each cause awareness day. Think about different ways you can make an impact, such as sharing educational resources, personal stories, or statistics, hosting fundraising events, speaking engagements, and conducting community outreach. Create a calendar to track your activities and stay organized.

Step 3: Create your content

Make your content engaging by following these tips:

  • Use graphics, videos, or infographics to make your content more visually appealing and engaging. Be sure to use high-quality images and videos that are relevant to your cause. 
  • Keep it concise. Attention spans are short, so keep your content short and to the point. Use bullet points and headers to break up text and make it easier to read.
  • Be sure to fact-check your content and cite credible sources. Misinformation can damage your credibility and harm your cause.
  • Tell a story. Stories are powerful tools for creating emotional connections with your audience. Share personal stories or anecdotes that help illustrate the impact of your cause.
  • Provide actionable steps. Your content should inspire your audience to take action. Provide actionable next steps to get involved or support your cause.

Step 4: Spread the word

A crucial part of raising awareness is spreading the word. To share your content effectively, follow these tips:

  • Share your content on your social media channels, and use hashtags to increase visibility. 
  • Email is still an effective way to communicate with your audience. If you have a list of email subscribers, share your content with them and encourage them to share it with their networks.
  • Collaborate with other patient advocates, organizations, or influencers who are participating in the cause awareness day. This can help amplify your activities and increase the reach of your message.
  • Reach out to local media outlets to share your story. Pitch a story to a reporter or submit a press release to local news outlets.
  • If you have a budget, consider using paid advertising to reach a more targeted audience. 

Step 5: Participate on the day

On the day participate in the activities you have planned. Don’t forget to use relevant hashtags and tag other organizations or individuals who are also participating. Be sure to respond to comments, messages, and mentions on social media. This can help build relationships and trust with your audience. 

Step 6: Follow up

This final step is often overlooked. However, to my mind, it’s one of the most valuable aspects of participating in cause awareness days. This is because it helps to build a community of advocates who are passionate about the cause and can support each other in their efforts.

Here are some ideas to follow up and build on the momentum of the day:

  • Send a message to those who participated in your activities and thank them for their support. Let them know how much their support means to you and to the cause.
  • Share the number of people you have reached with your online activities, your engagement rate, and other relevant metrics to demonstrate the impact of your combined efforts. 
  • Stay connected with those who participated in your activities and build relationships with them. Follow up with them throughout the year and invite them to participate in future activities.

Participating in cause awareness days is a powerful way for patient advocates to bring attention to critical issues that affect their communities, inspire change, and motivate others to join them. Yes, it takes planning and time, but the effort you put in is worthwhile when it contributes to the creation of a movement of passionate advocates that are committed to the same cause.

Tools for Accessing Quality Prostate Cancer Care

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Tools for Accessing Quality Prostate Cancer Care from Patient Empowerment Network on Vimeo.

What factors could impact a prostate cancer patients access to quality, affordable care? This animated video reviews common obstacles and provides tools and resources to help address barriers to care.

Download Resource Guide

See More From Shared Decision Making: Navigating Prostate Cancer Care

Related Resources:

Living With Prostate Cancer

What You Should Know About Clinical Trials

What You Should Know About Clinical Trials

 Prostate Cancer Care Partners: Getting the Support You Need

Prostate Cancer Care Partners: Getting the Support You Need

Transcript: 

Anthony: 

Hi! I’m Anthony, and I’m living with advanced prostate cancer. This is Niki, my nurse.  

Just like prostate cancer doesn’t behave the same way in every patient, each prostate cancer patient has different factors that could impact their access to quality, affordable care. 

Niki: 

Exactly, Anthony. There are obstacles that may affect their potential to manage their cancer.    

These barriers, which are also called health disparities1, are complex and may include things like:  

  • Not having health insurance – or having limited insurance. 
  • Experiencing racism and discrimination. 
  • Language barriers if English is not the language you are most comfortable with2. 
  • Cultural barriers. 
  • Experiencing financial constraints. 
  • A lack of sick time or paid time off in the workplace. 
  • Living in a remote or rural area with limited access to care. 
  • Or, a lack of education or health literacy. 

Anthony: 

And overcoming or addressing these barriers is the goal of health equity.  

Niki: 

Right! EVERYONE should have the access to quality care. And while it isn’t possible to solve these problems overnight, there are resources and support services to help people with prostate cancer. It is important to identify and to discuss your barriers with your healthcare team as they are unique to each individual patient. 

Anthony: 

First and foremost, as we’ve mentioned in prior videos – don’t hesitate to speak up if you feel you are receiving unequal care. You can consider changing doctors if you don’t feel you’re receiving fair treatment, or if you’re not comfortable with your team. 

But the burden to access better care shouldn’t fall on you. Your team is there to help, right, Niki? 

Niki: 

That’s what they are there for! And the best place to start is by reaching out to a nurse navigator or social worker on your team. They may work with you and identify any challenges in your way and offer support resources to guide you in the right direction.  

Anthony: 

Exactly – my social worker helped me find an organization that provided transportation to and from my treatment appointments.  

Niki, are there other services that a nurse navigator or social worker help you connect with? 

Niki: 

Absolutely – let’s walk through some examples: 

  • There are resources that can help with the financial strain of cancer care. Patient assistance programs are in place for people who don’t have health insurance or who are underinsured. They are managed by government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and advocacy groups; and, in some cases, these programs can help cover the cost of medications or provide them at a discounted rate.
  • Team members who provide emotional support are available to help you such as a social worker, counselor, therapist, or psychologist. 
  • If language is a barrier, translators can be made available to join appointments with you, so you can actively participate in your care discussions and decisions.  And you can ask for materials in the language you are most comfortable with. 
  • And if your job is affecting your ability to get care, many advocacy groups have resources that can support you in advocating for your rights in the workplace. 

Anthony: 

Those are all wonderful support services, Niki. 

I also want to add that if you are having trouble understanding your disease, advocacy groups have excellent materials in patient-friendly language. Download the guide that accompanies this video for a list of recommended organizations. 

Niki: 

That’s right. And, many medical centers have patient advocates available to help you communicate with your team, so you can get the care you need and feel confident in your decisions. Remember, you are not alone! 

We hope this video helped you feel more empowered to ask for resources. Thanks for joining us! 

Anthony: 

And visit powerfulpatients.org/pc to access more videos with Niki and me. 

Prostate Cancer Care Partners: Getting the Support You Need

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Prostate Cancer Care Partners: Getting the Support You Need from Patient Empowerment Network on Vimeo.

 What do care partners need to know to help care for their loved one AND themselves? This animated video reviews the role of a care partner, discusses steps for supporting a loved one and provides tips for maintaining self-care.

Download Resource Guide

See More From Shared Decision Making: Navigating Prostate Cancer Care

Related Resources:

Living With Prostate Cancer

Collaborating With Your Doctor on Your Prostate Cancer Care Plan

Collaborating With Your Doctor on Your Prostate Cancer Care Plan

 Tools for Accessing Quality Prostate Cancer Care

Transcript: 

Anthony: 

Hi! I’m Anthony, and I am living with advanced prostate cancer. This is my nurse, Niki.  

And this is my wife, Jane. She’s not just my wife, she’s also my care partner. From helping with my appointment schedule to communicating with my healthcare team, she works with me to manage my prostate cancer. 

Jane: 

And many of you may be care partners like me. The goal of this video is to help you understand your role and to gain tools to help you support your loved one in their cancer journey. And that includes prioritizing your own self-care.  

Niki, we’ve talked about some of the things I do to help Anthony, but how would you describe the role of a care partner?  

Niki: 

A care partner is someone who works with their loved one on their care every step of the way – from diagnosis to survivorship.  

It’s important to mention that anyone can play this role – friend, family member, or loved one – whomever you trust with supporting your health.  

Jane: 

And there isn’t a single way be a care partner. You can provide support in a way that feels comfortable and natural to you. 

Niki, what are some of the ways a care partner can help?   

Niki: 

Yes – let’s review a few steps. Care partners can assist by: 

  • Learning about your loved one’s prostate cancer, so you can feel confident in participating in conversations and decisions. You can ask their healthcare team for educational resources. 
  • And participating in doctors’ appointments by taking notes and requesting post-visit summaries so that you can review the information presented. 
  • Next, helping your loved one access and use their patient portal and maintaining schedules and organizing medical records. 
  • Listening to your loved one and assist in weighing the pros and cons of care decisions. 
  • And monitoring your loved one’s emotional health. 

Jane: 

That’s a great point, Niki. Sometimes a care partner will notice that their loved one is feeling low or acting differently before they notice anything themselves. Care partners can help communicate these issues to the healthcare team, and can even reach out to a mental health professional or social worker to help.  

Niki: 

And that leads me to the next important step that many care partners often overlook: Taking care of yourself.  

Anthony: 

Right – and as we experienced firsthand, this is essential. Jane struggled with making time for herself after I was diagnosed, and it negatively impacted her health.  

Jane: 

I was totally drained. But adding time for myself on the calendar and keeping up with my self-care appointments made me feel better. What else can you do? 

  • First, prioritize your health by scheduling and keeping your OWN health care appointment. 
  • Continue doing the activities that you enjoy – there are ways to make time in the schedule, even if it doesn’t seem like it.   
  • Find and use strategies that work for you to manage stress, like exercise, reading a book, or anything you find relaxing. Even a short walk with a friend can have a big impact. 
  • And make a list of tasks you can pass off to friends and family members who offer to help.  

Niki: 

That’s great advice, Jane. I’ll also add that caring for a loved one can be challenging – it’s normal to feel a range of emotions. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talking with someone about how you’re feeling can make a difference. And speaking candidly and openly with other care partners in a support group setting can also provide comfort and peace of mind. 

Just like Anthony sought the advice of a counselor and social worker, it’s important that Jane find that support SHE needs as a care partner. 

Jane: 

We hope this video helped you gain tools and strategies for helping support a loved one – and yourself. 

Anthony: 

Download the guide that goes with this video to review what you learned.  

And visit powerfulpatients.org/pc to access more videos with Niki and me. 

Living With Prostate Cancer

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Living With Prostate Cancer from Patient Empowerment Network on Vimeo.

What follow-up care is important for people with prostate cancer? This animated video discusses support and tools for managing life with prostate cancer.

Download Resource Guide

See More From Shared Decision Making: Navigating Prostate Cancer Care

Related Resources:

What You Should Know About Clinical Trials

What You Should Know About Clinical Trials

 Collaborating With Your Doctor on Your Prostate Cancer Care Plan

Collaborating With Your Doctor on Your Prostate Cancer Care Plan

 Tools for Accessing Quality Prostate Cancer Care

Transcript: 

Niki: 

Hi! I’m Niki and I’m a nurse practitioner. And here with me is Anthony, who is living with advanced prostate cancer. 

Anthony: 

Thanks for joining us!  

In this video, we’re going to discuss tools for managing life with prostate cancer.  

Niki:  

Living with prostate cancer means that patients will be monitored for signs that the cancer may be progressing, and assess if it is time to treat the cancer or consider a different treatment plan.   

Anthony:  

But for all patients, an important part of living with prostate cancer is follow-up care. This may include:  

  • Disease monitoring and managing symptoms and side effects, 
  • As well as emotional support. 
  • And, in some cases, creating a survivorship plan with your team.  

Niki:  

Let’s start with disease monitoring: This may include regular exams and testing to keep an eye on your disease progression or recovery. And your individual situation and risk will determine the frequency of your appointments. 

Anthony: 

And for patients like me who have had treatment, managing short and long-term side effects is an essential part of living with prostate cancer.  

One issue that can be challenging for some prostate cancer patients is the impact of treatment on a patient’s sexual function and self-image.  

Niki: 

That’s right, Anthony. It’s important to note that there ARE options that may help manage certain side effects, but you have to talk about them with your healthcare team. While bringing up sexual side effects or bladder control issues to your provider may be difficult, it’s the only way your team can assist you.  

Anthony: 

In my case, I found it easier to communicate my sexual issues in writing, using the patient portal. Plus – don’t forget that care partners can be a resource to help bring up difficult topics. 

Niki: 

Exactly – utilize your resources and communicate in a way that you feel most comfortable! 

And, as we mentioned, there can also be emotional side effects for men living with prostate cancer. Patients may feel stressed about their diagnosis or anxious about their cancer returning or progressing. Working with a health professional like a social worker, counselor, therapist, or psychologist may help reduce anxiety and worry.  

Anthony: 

Right – the other approach that really helped me emotionally was participating in a support group. 

Support groups allow men to meet and interact with others who are living with prostate cancer and provide a platform to share experiences and information. In a support group setting, it may be easier for men to share details that they don’t necessarily want to share with loved ones.  

Niki: 

That’s a great point, Anthony. Studies show that participating in a support group can help cancer patients cope with anxiety and depression.  

Anthony: 

It certainly encourages me to know that other men are facing similar challenges. While my support group meets in person, there are online options for people who prefer to connect in a virtual setting.   

Niki: 

But as much as it can be reassuring, the support group format isn’t for everyone. Talk to your social worker or counselor about additional support options to find an approach that feels most comfortable to you.  

Anthony: 

Now that we’ve walked through disease monitoring and resources for emotional support, let’s talk about survivorship. Niki, what is a survivorship care plan?  

Niki: 

Sure. A survivorship care plan organizes your follow-up care. It may include: 

  • Information about the treatment you received. 
  • A follow-up schedule for exams and tests. 
  • A list of potential symptoms and side effects. 
  • And lifestyle recommendations to establish and to maintain healthy habits.  

Your healthcare team, along with a care partner, can help you develop and stick to a plan. 

Anthony: 

That’s great advice, Niki. Now that we have learned some tips for living with prostate cancer, what can you do to participate in your follow-up care?  

Niki: 

  • Make sure to schedule and keep regular visits with your team – including your general practitioner – so that all aspects of your health can be monitored.  
  • Report any new symptoms that you experience – no matter how small. 
  • Next, don’t hesitate to speak up about lingering side effects – including bladder and sexual side effects – so your team can identify solutions. 
  • And ask for emotional support and resources. 
  • Finally, if it’s right for you, talk with your doctor about a survivorship care plan. 

Anthony: 

Thanks for joining us! Be sure to download the guide that goes with this video to access the information we discussed.  

And visit powerfulpatients.org/pc to access more videos with Niki and me. 

What You Should Know About Clinical Trials

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What You Should Know About Clinical Trials from Patient Empowerment Network on Vimeo.

What do you need to know about prostate cancer clinical trials? This animated video reviews the clinical trial process and provides questions to ask your healthcare team about trial participation.

Download Resource Guide

See More From Shared Decision Making: Navigating Prostate Cancer Care

Related Resources:

Collaborating With Your Doctor on Your Prostate Cancer Care Plan

Collaborating With Your Doctor on Your Prostate Cancer Care Plan

 Tools for Accessing Quality Prostate Cancer Care

 Prostate Cancer Care Partners: Getting the Support You Need

Prostate Cancer Care Partners: Getting the Support You Need

Transcript: 

Anthony: 

Hi, I’m Anthony, and I’m living with advanced prostate cancer. And this is my nurse practitioner, Niki.  

Niki: 

Thanks for joining us! 

Without medical research, advances in prostate cancer treatment can’t move forward. Throughout this video, Anthony and I are going to discuss a key part of research: clinical trials. We’ll review what they are and how they work.  

Anthony: 

Niki, what is a clinical trial exactly? 

Niki: 

Excellent question, Anthony. Clinical trials are research studies in people who have a specific condition, or are healthy volunteers, to help find new ways to treat diseases – like prostate cancer.  

Most clinical trials examine the safety and efficacy of medicines, vaccines, and other medical treatments. 

And clinical trials are the main path for cancer treatments to be approved. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration – also known as the FDA – requires that all new medicines and treatments go through the clinical trial process before they are approved. 

So, why would someone consider participating in a trial? Some people choose to participate to access a potential new medicine or treatment that’s not yet approved to see if it helps their condition. And some people want to help move research forward to help others with the same condition – while other people participate for both reasons. 

Anthony: 

That’s right – advancing research through participation is an important path to new options for treating prostate cancer.   

So, Niki – can you explain how clinical trials are designed to answer key questions? 

Niki: 

Yes, of course. Most importantly, each clinical trial has a protocol, which is a document that sets guidelines that define and outline the activities of the clinical trial as well as who may be eligible to participate. 

The early phase trials determine the safety of the treatment, and the latter phases typically examine if the potential therapy is effective. 

All along the way, the study clinic staff  – including nurses, researchers, and study doctors  –check clinical trial participants regularly to monitor for any safety concerns.  

Anthony: 

But to be successful, clinical trials require people to volunteer. And people interested in participating will have to meet the trial criteria to participate, correct? 

Niki: 

Yes, that’s correct, and this can include things like a person’s age, disease stage, prior treatments, and overall health. Remember that everyone’s situation is unique. 

Anthony: 

And people often have misconceptions about clinical trials that prevent them from considering participation. Let’s run through a few common concerns. 

For instance, some people worry that they will receive placebo – which is a non-active medicine  –  if they participate in a clinical trial. Niki, is this true? 

Niki:  

A cancer patient would never receive only the placebo without the current standard-of-care and will always be told that the trial will contain a placebo in advance of their participation. 

Anthony: 

OK, that makes sense. Some people also wonder about the risks and safety of a clinical trial.  Niki, can you share some information about this?  

Niki:  

Great question. Most importantly, research must meet ethical standards to ensure that participants are protected. There is a strict screening and testing process that occurs before a person can participate.  

And, clinical trials are voluntary  – participants have the right to leave the trial at any time.  

Additionally, there is an informed consent process, which ensures that people are fully informed about all potential risks and benefits and helps people understand their rights before taking part.  

Anthony: 

Ok. Thank you for clearing that up. Niki, what about the misconception that clinical trials are just a last-resort treatment option?  

Niki: 

They are not just a last-resort option at all, Anthony. No matter when a patient was diagnosed with prostate cancer, or where they are in their care, clinical trial participation may be an option.  

Anthony: 

So, if someone is interested in participating in a clinical trial or learning more about clinical research – where do they start?  

Niki:  

Your doctor is the best source of information. You can ask your doctor: 

  • What trials are available to me? 
  • Is there a clinical trial that you would recommend for me? Why? 
  • What are the possible risks and advantages of participating in this clinical trial? 
  • Are there costs associated with the trial, and will my health insurance help cover costs? And if not, is there financial assistance available?  
  • Where is the trial being conducted? Is there a clinical trial available to me in my local community? If the trial isn’t nearby or convenient, is there transportation and/or housing assistance? 
  • Finally, if you want to learn more about ongoing prostate cancer research and clinical trials, ask your doctor for a list of credible resources. 

Anthony:  

Be sure to download the guide that accompanies this video to access a list of these questions and to help you review what you learned. 

Niki: 

Thanks for joining us! And visit powerfulpatients.org/pc to access more videos with Anthony and me. 

Collaborating With Your Doctor on Your Prostate Cancer Care Plan

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Collaborating With Your Doctor on Your Prostate Cancer Care Plan from Patient Empowerment Network on Vimeo.

How can you engage in your prostate cancer care? In this animated video, you will learn about factors that may impact a prostate cancer care plan and tools for partnering with your healthcare team on treatment decisions.

Download Resource Guide

See More From Shared Decision Making: Navigating Prostate Cancer Care

Related Resources:

What You Should Know About Clinical Trials

What You Should Know About Clinical Trials

 Living With Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Care Partners: Getting the Support You Need

Prostate Cancer Care Partners: Getting the Support You Need

Transcript: 

Niki: 

Hi, thanks for joining us! I’m Niki, and I’m a prostate cancer nurse practitioner. And here with me is Anthony, who is living with advanced prostate cancer.   

Anthony: 

Throughout this video, Niki and I are going to discuss factors that may impact a patient’s prostate cancer care plan.  

And as we’ve mentioned in previous videos, it’s important to set goals with your team and understand all of your options before deciding on an approach.  

Niki: 

Right, Anthony. So, what could impact a treatment plan decision? Factors may include: 

  • Your age and overall health, including any existing conditions that you may have.
  • Disease-related symptoms may also affect your options.
  • The stage and grade of your prostate cancer and whether you need to be treated right away.
  • Test results, including genomic testing, which identifies the presence of genetic mutations in the cancer and may inform how your cancer will behave. 
  • Possible side effects, both short term and long term, may also affect your choices. 

Anthony: 

And, of course, your personal preference should guide the decision as well as how the option may impact your lifestyle. Be open with your care team about what’s important to you and be clear with your goals, including life plans and personal commitments.   

Here are some tips to take a more proactive role in your care: 

  • Talk with close family members and friends about your options. 
  • Consider a second opinion to help confirm your approach. 
  • Talk to your healthcare team about your condition and care options. And ask them for resources available to you, including financial help and emotional support, when making decisions.​ 
  • You can also visit advocacy group websites that have information about prostate cancer, treatment options, and support groups, to help you understand what’s available.​ 

Niki: 

Those are great tips! It’s also a good idea to ask your doctor what they feel is the best approach for you and why. Remember, there is no one-size-fits all approach, and what works for one person may not work for you. 

Anthony: 

Thanks for joining us! Be sure to download the guide that accompanies this video to help you review what you learned.  

And visit powerfulpatients.org/pc to access more videos with Niki and me. 

Advocacy Tips From an AML Patient

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Advocacy Tips from an AML Patient from Patient Empowerment Network on Vimeo. 

AML patient and Empowerment Lead, Sasha Tanori, shares her advocacy tips, and the importance of being honest and open with your oncologist.

See More from [ACT]IVATED AML

Related Resources:

How Does One’s Culture Impact AML Care

How Does One’s Culture Impact AML Care

 What I Wish I Knew Before My AML Diagnosis

What I Wish I Knew Before My AML Diagnosis

 How I Overcame Biases During AML Treatment

Transcript: 

Sasha Tanori:

Okay, so my number one thing, I guess I could…a tip sort of that I can give to women specifically or non-gendered people, if you want kids, I would definitely say to talk to your doctor as soon as you find out, even before you start doing the chemo, if you can just really, really talk to them and see, I think there’s anything that they can do for preserving your eggs for the future, because even though it may seem like you know it’s just no, not big deal. Not everyone gets the opportunity again. I know there are some people out there who might be able to, but it’s not a guarantee. And it sucks to have that opportunity kind of taken from you in a way, and I know it’s not something that you’re thinking like, “Oh well, it’s life for death.” And…yeah, I understand, and I get that, but in the moment, it may feel that way, but you never know how are you going to feel five, six years down the line when you’re pushing 30 and you’re like, “Oh my gosh, My opportunity is gone. You know, there’s nothing I can do about it.”

So that would be my number one tip. Definitely to be honest. Be honest and open with your oncologist, find some type of tips or tricks, or even if you just need someone to talk to about the infertility…it’s definitely worth it. Another thing I would say is to be really, really open with your oncologist about everything you’re going through. Nothing is too embarrassing and I know that’s a lot easier said than done, but I think being honest about what you’re going through, whether it’s mentally, if you’re going through depression, anxiety, if you’re having suicidal thoughts or tendencies, that’s definitely something you should talk to your oncologist about, so they can help you reach out to find some type of counseling. Mental health is very, very important when it comes to this. Your mental health will make or break you during this journey, and you have to find some type of close community, whether it’s your friends, your friends, your family, or just your oncology team, like someone that you could reach out to and talk to about everything, lay it all on the table and now I’m feeling guilty because I survived that my friend didn’t, or I’m feeling anxious because I have the scan coming up, and this is the third one in like two months, you know? There’s so much things that are going on in your head and to keep it to yourself, it’s a lot and it’s not fair to you, you need to be able to speak up and tell people what you’re going through, it doesn’t matter who it is if it’s your friend, your mom, even your oncologist, but they’re going to understand and they’re going to help you.

There are lots of resources out there that will definitely make this a lot easier. Another tip I would say is, talk to your oncologist about the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to your side effects because if you stay quiet about it, you’re going to really regret it. There have been many times where I was just too embarrassed to be like, :Oh you know what, I have this really bad rash on my butt, and I don’t know what to do about it.” So finally, they’re like, “Why didn’t you say something? Oh yeah, we can give you a cream, or we can do this or that for you.” And you’re just like, “Oh, okay, that feels so much better. Thank you.” But at the time, you’re probably just like, “Oh my God, I’m so embarrassed, I don’t want anybody to know about this. I don’t even want to tell my parents, I don’t want to tell my friends.” But I mean, this is all related to your cancer journey, one bad side effect can lead to something else, which could lead to something else. So it’s very, very good to try and be open and honest when it comes to your side effects, your emotions, your body, if you’re gaining weight or losing weight, if you’re losing your hair again, if you’re losing your eyebrows, you know talk to them, find out if there’s any solutions that can help because…

It’ll definitely make a big difference. I would say definitely another big thing would be to try and build a community through social media. Having friends or even just strangers on your feed that you see go through the same things you go through makes you feel so much less alone. I have been able to… I’m very happy that I’ve been able to make friends on social media through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, just start adding everybody goes on Facebook groups that are specifically for AML, so you can just type in AML recovery, AMLl survivors, AML, family groups, caregivers. There’s a lot of things out there that are definitely beneficial and it helps to talk to others about it, so you feel less alone. Definitely. So I think those would be my biggest tips for expressing your advocacy.

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