Best Youngadultcancer Podcasts (2024)

1
Sweet and Salty: How Cancer Changes Your Relationship with Food 35:54

2d ago35:54

35:54

In this heartfelt episode of Life on Pause, Corene Parrish and a group of young adult cancer survivors gather to explore the complex relationship between food and cancer. Reflecting on life before, during, and after treatment, they discuss the surprising ways cancer impacted their cravings, taste preferences, and emotional connections with food. Fr…

1
Survivorship Clinics: Facing the Long-Term Side Effects of Cancer 4:19

16d ago4:19

4:19

Surviving cancer is only the beginning of the journey. In this episode of Life on Pause, Nathan Smelser, Corene Parrish, and Sammy Szurkowski dive into the emotional and practical challenges of navigating life after cancer. From the overwhelming amount of medical information shared during survivorship clinics to the long-term side effects that surf…

1
The Real and Raw Side of Friendships During Cancer 9:33

23d ago9:33

9:33

Navigating a cancer diagnosis as a teenager is challenging, but the support of friends can make a world of difference. In this episode of Life on Pause, we hear personal stories from Corene Parrish, Nathan Smelsar, and Sammy Szurkowski, who share how their friend groups responded during their cancer journeys. From high school drama to unwavering su…

1
Real Stories of Young Cancer Survivors: Balancing School and Treatment 53:56

1M ago53:56

53:56

Returning to school after a cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming challenge, filled with unique hurdles and unexpected moments. In this episode of Life On Pause, young adult cancer survivors Sammy, Nathan, and Corene share their personal stories of navigating the educational landscape during and after their treatments. From missed school days to …

1
Exploring Family Planning After Cancer: Joe Apgar’s Adoption Journey 38:22

3M ago38:22

38:22

In this compelling episode of "Life on Pause," host Jill Robertson sits down with Joe Apgar, a cancer survivor and CEO of Pelotonia, to explore the deeply personal journey of family planning after a cancer diagnosis. Joe shares his and his wife’s decision to pursue adoption following his battle with testicular cancer and the challenges they faced a…

1
Infertility After Cancer: Reflections on Parenthood and Life 8:29

3M ago8:29

8:29

In this poignant episode of Life on Pause, hosts Corene Parrish and Jill Robertson dive into the complex and emotional journey of navigating infertility, especially in the wake of a cancer diagnosis. Corene shares her personal experiences as both a cancer survivor and someone facing infertility, reflecting on how these challenges have shaped her pe…

1
Dealing with Infertility & Cancer: A Survivor’s Perspective 7:35

3M ago7:35

7:35

In this heartfelt episode of Life on Pause, Corene Parrish shares her personal journey of managing life after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 16. Join Corene and Jill Robertson as they discuss the emotional challenges of dealing with cancer, infertility, and the struggle to maintain control in the face of overwhelming circumst…

1
Exploring Fertility Preservation During Cancer Treatment: Expert Insights from Penn State Health 21:46

3M ago21:46

21:46

In this episode of "Life on Pause," host Jill Robertson sits down with Dr. Stephanie Estes, a fertility specialist at Penn State Health, to explore the complex intersection of cancer treatment and fertility preservation. Building on the recent webinar "Cancer and Blood Disorders: When Disease Treatment Pushes Fertility and Family Planning Decisions…

1
Rising Above: Stories of Resilience from Young Cancer Survivors 12:21

5M ago12:21

12:21

In this inspiring episode of Life On Pause, join host Emma G as she celebrates the resilience and triumphs of young cancer survivors at the Four Diamond Graduation Party. Hear from Tucker Haas, a four-time cancer survivor turned motivational speaker; Juval Green, a high school student and aspiring college athlete; and Carmen Guzman, a recent Penn S…

1
Lessons Learned 39:32

1+ y ago39:32

39:32

People experience many impactful lessons throughout young adulthood. Although a cancer diagnosis can change a young adult's life trajectory, it also provides learning opportunities and influential experiences. These lessons learned throughout a young adult's cancer experience can contribute to shaping their life journey and forming the person they …

1
Forced Realities and Choices 55:04

1+ y ago55:04

55:04

Experiencing a serious health event, like a cancer diagnosis, can change a person's priorities, decisions, and overall life path. Young adults with cancer experience different obstacles as they undergo uncontrollable life changes due to their diagnosis and treatment. So how can young adults continue to move forward with cancer influencing their dec…

1
The Many Sides of Fear 48:44

1+ y ago48:44

48:44

Everyone has fears that develop and change throughout their life. However, significant health events like a cancer diagnosis can simultaneously alter many aspects of life as they reveal a new set of potential outcomes - and concerns. So how do young people impacted by cancer cope with the fears brought on by their diagnosis? Life on Pause is a podc…

1
Looking Back To Look Forward 41:58

2y ago41:58

41:58

Those impacted by cancer gain strength and resiliency from their experiences, which carry them from year to year and remain present throughout their lifetimes. As we enter a new year, reflecting on the past can help us recognize and appreciate the lessons that will stick with us and guide us in the future. Life on Pause is a podcast created by and …

1
Cancer in a Strange Land 33:15

2y ago33:15

33:15

As a part of life, people often face new situations that take them out of their comfort zones. A unique experience like traveling to a foreign country can be exciting, but unfamiliar circumstances can also cause significant unease, especially when they are due to health complications. And while a first-time cancer diagnosis may feel like uncharted …

1
Toxic Positivity and Grief Tourism 48:43

2y ago48:43

48:43

Society generally expects people to maintain behaviors and attitudes considered "appropriate" for the situations they face. But when a person is experiencing cancer, acting according to other people's expectations can be incredibly detrimental to their mental health. Toxic positivity is the belief that people should maintain a positive mindset acro…

1
Challenges vs. Comfort 28:01

2y ago28:01

28:01

Life constantly presents people with new scenarios that can be challenging, causing them to seek the security of their comfort zones. Young adults who experience cancer often face significant challenges regarding their treatments and health. Yet, it is common for people to find solace in the things that bring them comfort through difficult times. S…

1
Dating After Cancer 33:16

2y ago33:16

33:16

As if dating as a young adult wasn’t complicated enough, cancer survivors must navigate additional circumstances surrounding their past and current health. Unfortunately, this can make several aspects of the dating process tricky, like disclosing your past diagnosis to potential partners, determining the qualities you look for in a partner, and ove…

1
Radiation Therapy 34:52

2y ago34:52

34:52

For those who have not gone through cancer treatments before, many aspects of experience may be unknown. This can mean that new cancer patients feel surprised and caught off guard by the processes and side effects of various cancer treatments, especially in the case of radiation therapy. So what should new radiation therapy patients be aware of to …

1
Survivors In Healthcare 32:04

2y ago32:04

32:04

The cancer experience can be challenging, painful, and even traumatic. Still, there are healthcare professionals who have experienced cancer themselves and make it their mission to help other patients overcome their health battles. So what makes someone want to work in the healthcare field after surviving cancer, and in what ways does their own pas…

1
Parenting During A Bone Marrow Transplant 32:22

2y ago32:22

32:22

Cancer can come in many forms and may involve different patient treatments. There is no typical cancer journey, and factors like interpersonal relationships, treatment methods, and individual coping strategies can influence a patient’s experience. Young adults with cancer may have to learn to address challenging situations like maintaining parental…

1
Survivorship Day Exploration Part 1 13:00

2+ y ago13:00

13:00

Cancer affects many lives in different ways, leaving survivors and their loved ones with unique experiences and stories. And while it is essential to support cancer patients currently battling cancer, recognizing the effort and strength of cancer survivors is deeply important. For this reason, Penn State Children's Hospital hosts Survivorship Day e…

1
Changes and Fitting In 16:33

2+ y ago16:33

16:33

As if young adulthood wasn’t challenging enough, experiencing cancer at this stage of life can cause one to feel disconnected from their peers. It is common for cancer patients to lack a sense of belonging with others, especially in settings like school or work. So how can young adults with cancer cope with feeling out of place and like they don’t …

1
Exercise with Treatment 37:59

2+ y ago37:59

37:59

Exercise plays a vital role in our quality of life. But for cancer patients focused on recovery, many are uninformed on healthy exercise practices for people in treatment. Unfortunately, exercise oncology is still an underserved area in medical science, and while recent progress has been made in the field, we still have a long way to go. So what sh…

1
Not Dead Yet 33:59

2+ y ago33:59

33:59

The cancer journey can introduce many changes into a patient's life, creating new obstacles and challenges for them to endure. But taking on a new life philosophy may be able to support patients in managing these difficulties and gaining a healthy perspective on the life that they have. Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults liv…

1
A Fork In The Road 34:19

2+ y ago34:19

34:19

Experiencing an unforeseen circumstance like cancer can cause your life to deviate from the path you had initially set out upon. This episode of Life on Pause discusses cancer's impact as a "fork in the road" and how it can significantly alter the lives of those who experience it. Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living wi…

1
Palliative Care 27:44

2+ y ago27:44

27:44

The role of healthcare professionals is to support the health and comfort of patients through each phase of their treatment. This episode of Life on Pause discusses the sensitive topic of palliative care, and listeners are encouraged to use their best judgment and discretion. Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with ca…

1
Chemotherapy: What to Expect 44:47

2+ y ago44:47

44:47

Chemotherapy involves so much more than just treating cancer. Chemotherapy treatments involve various side effects that can challenge patients mentally, physically, and emotionally. On this episode of Life on Pause, our host Kasara talks with guest speakers to discuss their experiences receiving chemotherapy treatments for their cancer diagnoses. T…

1
Hardship on Treatment 20:16

2+ y ago20:16

20:16

Life with cancer looks different for everyone, and for young people especially, it can be challenging to manage a diagnosis while still moving forward with life's other experiences. On this episode of Life on Pause, our host Brady Lucus chats with guest speaker Colton Cook, a college student who has been in treatment for his cancer diagnosis. Toget…

1
First Descents: The Therapeutic Effects of Adventure 43:15

2+ y ago43:15

43:15

Even after recovery, cancer can still leave challenging effects on those who have experienced it. However, taking part in a new adventure can be beneficial and healing for cancer survivors. First Descents is a program for young adults impacted by cancer that provides them with outdoor adventures and helps them heal through psychosocial support and …

1
Hershey’s First Bone Marrow Transplant: A Caregiver’s Journey 36:27

2+ y ago36:27

36:27

The cancer journey can have a profound impact on the patient and those close by providing support. Finding oneself in the role of caregiver for a cancer patient can be an emotionally exhausting experience for a young adult, as they try to maintain support and composure in times of worry and hurt. Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young …

1
Brain Tumors 41:51

2+ y ago41:51

41:51

So many aspects of our lives rely on our brains’ health and proper functioning. For individuals who have been diagnosed with brain tumors at a young age, their cancer experiences have had lasting effects on them physically, as well as their views on life. On this episode of Life on Pause, our host and guest speakers speak on their experiences with …

1
Survivor’s Guilt 27:39

2+ y ago27:39

27:39

There are many complex emotions involved with the experience of having cancer. While people often want to view cancer as a victorious journey with positivity and hope, the reality of the fact is it can involve many emotionally taxing and negative feelings. On this episode of Life on Pause, our host Casey speaks with guest Kayla about the cancer exp…

1
Love Amidst Cancer 26:13

3y ago26:13

26:13

As young adults, handling relationships can be challenging, as we are often in transformative periods within our lives. But on top of managing schoolwork, careers, and life, experiencing a cancer diagnosis can lead to a whole new set of love life complications. On this episode of Life on Pause, our host Megan speaks with several guests who have exp…

1
The holiday season: sharing joy with loved ones 17:23

3y ago17:23

17:23

The holiday season holds a very special place in the hearts of many and is often symbolized by unique themes and activities that make a home feel more like home. For individuals who have experienced cancer, these unique traditions and practices can help them embrace the season's positivity and enjoyment. However, gathering with loved ones and navig…

1
Five Things to Say 11:30

3y ago11:30

11:30

The topic of cancer is sensitive, and because of this, people often face difficulty addressing it with cancer patients or people experiencing cancer symptoms. This episode provides listeners with a variety of responses to the question, "What are five things to say to a cancer patient?" Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults livi…

1
Sisters and Brothers Chime In On Cancer 41:11

3y ago41:11

41:11

When a young person has cancer, in reality, the whole family ‘has’ cancer. We invited siblings to share their experience when their sister or brother was diagnosed and underwent treatment. The siblings explore: Who does the extra work at home? Is it okay to be jealous of the time your parents are spending with your sibling (and the extra gifts they…

1
First Cancer, Now Avascular Necrosis?!? 40:20

3y ago40:20

40:20

Avascular necrosis (AVN) causes pain in the joints (mainly the weigh-bearing joints of the legs) and is associated with chemotherapy and steroid use during cancer treatment. The chronic pain connected with AVN can greatly impact a young adult’s life. Listen to the stories of these four young women who live with AVN to get a glimpse into what it’s l…

1
Diagnosis Stories 52:33

3y ago52:33

52:33

For each young adult diagnosed with cancer, a doctor speaks a few words and a new chapter in life begins. This collection of stories captures the similarities and differences in young adults’ experiences leading up to diagnosis and afterwards.By Penn State Health

1
What’s Cancer Got To Do With Fertility and Fertility Preservation? 33:34

3y ago33:34

33:34

When faced with a cancer diagnosis as a young adult, the last thing you expect is to make a quick decision about sperm-banking or egg preservation. After treatment ends and the dust begins to settle, you’re faced with questions that your peers are likely not considering, ‘Am I still able to have kids naturally?’, ‘Will I pass on genes to my childre…

1
Guys Respond: Hair 44:19

3y ago44:19

44:19

What is hair loss due to cancer treatment like for guys? Three guys weigh in about hair in response to the Women Talking Hair podcast episode. For two of these young men, their hair didn’t come back the same as before treatment. Listen in as they describe the impact on their identities and lives.By Penn State Health

1
The Psychology of Survival with psychologist, Dr. George Blackall and survivorship social worker, Sara Merrill 37:38

3y ago37:38

37:38

The Life on Pause crew chats with Dr. Blackall and Sara about the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis. How does a young adult navigate the emotional territory of mortality, fear, anxiety and survivor’s guilt? How do I do the ‘normal’ tasks of young adulthood with a cancer diagnosis?By Penn State Health

1
Scar Stories: Markers of Cancer Survivors 32:17

3y ago32:17

32:17

Whether small or large, physical scars often mark the bodies of cancer survivors. In this episode, the Life on Pause crew shares stories of moving through the world with a body and spirit transformed by the experience of cancer.By Penn State Health

1
Young Women Talking Hair 58:07

3y ago58:07

58:07

A group of young women discuss how hair loss as part of their cancer treatment affected their life and identity. The group ranges in age and experience from the early teenage years to the late twenties, middle and high school students through college graduates, and including a newlywed. These young women share their decision making about wig or no …

1
Milestones: Graduation 42:50

3+ y ago42:50

42:50

What happens to the usual milestones like graduation when you throw cancer into the mix? Seven 2021 graduates reflect on cancer’s impact on this milestone—some of the graduates were treated as young children and others more recently. No matter when their diagnosis, cancer played a role in shaping who they are today.…

1
Ewings Sarcoma 37:03

3+ y ago37:03

37:03

What is Ewings Sarcoma? In this episode, three young adults describe it from the inside out while Dr. Joe Drabick provides the medical description. Special thanks to University of Florida for partnering with Penn State Health to make this episode possible.By Penn State Health

1
You’re Stronger Than You Believe: Reflections on Limb Loss 42:30

3+ y ago42:30

42:30

Four young adults with amputations due to their cancer treatment reflect on their experience. They share what it was like to come to terms with the limb loss, adapting to the new reality, interacting with the public and much more. You won’t want to miss this episode of Life on Pause.By Penn State Health

1
Between Two Kingdoms Discussion 43:05

3+ y ago43:05

43:05

You finish cancer treatment and then what? Suleika Jaouad's memoir, Between Two Kingdoms, beautifully captures the young adult cancer experience. Traveling through diagnosis to discovering and creating a life after treatment, her words provide the springboard for a rich discussion amongst the Life on Pause crew.…

1
Twenty Years Later 50:29

3+ y ago50:29

50:29

What is life like twenty years after a cancer diagnosis? Does life ever return to ‘normal’? The Life on Pause crew talks with three different cancer survivors, who are twenty years post-diagnosis. Does scanxiety ever go away? How did treatment impact fertility? These questions and more are covered.By Penn State Health

1
The Boot Camp of Bone Marrow Transplant 42:11

3+ y ago42:11

42:11

A bone marrow transplant can be life-saving and changing for some oncological and non-oncological conditions. Terry Shapiro, CRNP, with 30 plus years of experience, talks with four young adults about their experience with the ‘boot camp’ of bone marrow transplant. From a review of what the procedure is to its impact on daily life, this episode cove…

1
Social Media: The Public Side of Cancer 49:29

3+ y ago49:29

49:29

What to post? What to share? Social media can be tricky enough without a cancer diagnosis. Listen in as Sarah Daniels, AYA Child Life specialist and social media researcher from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, facilitates a lively discussion with a group of young adults about the choices they made regarding social media and their cancer expe…

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Youngadultcancer Podcasts

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