All of our hearts at the LAF have gone out to Eric Shanteau, the Olympic swimmer facing the toughest choice of his life: compete at Beijing or begin treatment for testicular cancer. I thought this story beautifully illustrates his plight thoughtfully and wanted to share it with everyone.

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A recent article published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute demonstrates that while on the surface progress is being made to reduce cancer deaths in the U.S., the ugly truth is that we are in fact increasing health disparities in this country. This time it’s the less-educated that are reported as carrying a disproportionate share of the cancer burden.

Click here to read the advance press on the article.

Click here to read the entire journal article.

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I came across this video the other day and it stopped me short. It was one of those moments that where you think to yourself, “This is what it’s all about.” This is why I get up in the morning. So that kids like Adam Bender, who lost a leg due to cancer at age one, can live his life on his own terms: uninhibited, unapologetic, and without a doubt, inspiring!

We all face times in our lives where we have the choice to sit in the bleachers or get in the game. Those times might be…

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That’s the quote that stands out like a beacon in a thought-provoking yet convoluted article in this weekend’s New York Times entitled , “Costly Cancer Drug Offers Hope, but Also a Dilemma.” The article discusses the cancer drug Avastin, it’s high cost, and the fact that it may only extend life for a few months. It points out how researchers can lose focus by concentrating on slowing tumor growth rather than their ultimate goal of prolonging life or providing comfort. But what I think the article truly does is demonstrate just how flawed our health care research…

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Most of my work here at the LAF focuses on our programs serving adolescents and young adults (AYA). Recently I was lucky enough to meet with some AYA colleagues overseas. The Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) is the preeminent cancer advocacy organization for young people in the UK. They offer education and support services, but where I think they really shine is in the building of specialized care units in hospitals just for teens and young adults with cancer.

I was able to tour their unit at the University College Hospital as part of my visit. I was…

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