Top Contributor Stories from 2024

CURE® contributors in 2024 shared personal stories that explored the complex challenges of cancer care, including fatigue, hereditary conditions, and anxiety about recurrence.

In 2024, the contributors to CURE® shared personal stories and reflections that highlight the multifaceted nature of cancer care, from emotional resilience to physical challenges. These stories not only shed light on the realities of living with cancer but also offer practical advice, support and perspective for others facing similar journeys.

Cancer and Fatigue Go Together

Contributor Jane Biehl advocated for more awareness of cancer-related fatigue this spring.

“I am pleased that at last there is (limited) research being done on fatigue and its effect on patients,” she wrote. “The next step is to educate doctors and professionals like internists, family doctors, surgeons, medical doctors and nurses on the impact this can have on us. We also need to educate our family and friends. I find out that most people understand when I explain I need to sit and rest more than they do – but I need to tell them!”

Living With Lynch Syndrome and its Uncertainty

At the start of 2024, contributor Georgia Hurst provided readers with insight into the uncertainly that comes with living with Lynch syndrome.

“Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, is the most common hereditary cancer syndrome that increases the risk of various cancers,” she explained. “One of the significant aspects of Lynch syndrome is its hereditary nature. Individuals with Lynch syndrome have a 50% chance of passing the condition on to their children. This genetic component adds another layer of complexity to the uncertainty, as it involves not only personal health but also the well-being of our children. For me, this has been the most stressful part of living with Lynch syndrome, knowing my son could have the mutation, too.”

Is It a Symptom of Cancer, Injury, Aging, Something Else… Or Nothing?

Contributor Karen Cohn began the year by discussing the worry that an ache, pain or itch could be related to a cancer relapse.

“But sometimes I get something new and unexpected: I eat something that causes digestive upset, or I injure myself and don’t notice until I have an inexplicable sore in a place I can’t remember injuring,” she wrote. “Even when a mole changes color, size, shape or texture (increased risk of melanoma is a side effect of many cancer treatments), my heart rate changes unexpectedly and inexplicably or when a patch of skin itches repeatedly for no apparent reason — just about anything new and different can lead to concerns about relapse.”

Advice from an Oncologist After a Cancer Diagnosis

This summer, Karen Cohn shared her thoughts on an article written by an oncologist about the advice he gave his mother after she received a diagnosis of cancer.

“When I was first diagnosed, I went looking for questions I should ask my oncologist, and steps I should take,” she wrote. “If I’d found this article then, it’s likely it would have added significantly to my stress level.”

A Cancer Lesson Learned from a Friend’s Death

Contributor Chester Freeman looked back on a lesson he learned from the death of a friend who, like him, had been diagnosed with bladder cancer.

“The lesson that we learn from my friend’s death is that the combination of treating cancer and having dialysis need special monitoring, and maybe blood tests are not the way to go. It is my hope that other cancer patients who experience a similar situation will learn from my friend’s death and have serious discussions with their oncologist about how to handle cancer and dialysis.

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