The Positive Gene Podcast

Author: Sara Kavanaugh

Welcome to The Positive Gene Podcast, where we empower those navigating hereditary cancer risks with hope and optimism. Hosted by Sara Kavanaugh, a hereditary cancer previvor living with Lynch Syndrome (MSH6) and CHEK2 genetic mutations, this show offers a unique perspective on proactive well-being. Drawing on her own experiences and work as an advocate for FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered), Sara bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and the realities of life as a previvor. Through engaging discussions with experts, advocates, and fellow previvors and survivors, Sara simplifies the complexities of hereditary risk and provides insights that empower listeners to face challenges with confidence. With a background as a communications expert and storyteller, she creates a space where education meets inspiration, and science meets everyday life. Whether youre managing genetic risk, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about how genetics shape our health, this is your space to discover the transformative power of awareness and prevention. Subscribe now for a dose of empowerment in every episode. Visit www.positivegenepodcast.com to read the podcast blog, explore resources, or book Sara for your next speaking engagement!
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Language: en

Genres: Education, Health & Fitness, Medicine, Self-Improvement

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Cancer Vaccines, BRCA1, and the Power of Storytelling: A Conversation with Aliza Friedlander
Episode 9
Wednesday, 11 February, 2026

Episode Summary In this episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, Sara sits down with Aliza Friedlander, a BRCA1-positive previvor and advocate with the Cancer Vaccine Coalition. Aliza shares her unusual path to genetic testing, what shifted after her sister’s breast cancer diagnosis, and how she ultimately decided on risk-reducing surgery. Together, they unpack what “cancer vaccines” really mean (and why this research is closer than most people realize), plus how storytelling can accelerate awareness, funding, and participation in clinical trials. What We Cover Aliza’s BRCA1 family discovery and why she initially chose not to test The role of anxiety, readiness, and trusted medical support in decision-making What changed after her sister’s diagnosis — and what moved Aliza toward surgery What the Cancer Vaccine Coalition is and why it’s different Cancer vaccines explained in everyday language: treatment, recurrence prevention, and potential future prevention Why storytelling is the bridge between complex science and public action How to share your story without feeling overexposed The message Aliza wants every listener to remember: make informed decisions on your timeline, with people you trust Resources & Links Cancer Vaccine Coalition: https://cancervaccinecoalition.org Follow Cancer Vaccine Coalition (Instagram): @CancerVaccineCoalition Aliza on Instagram: @AlizaFriedlander Aliza’s personal essay (JMore Living): https://jmoreliving.com/2019/10/30/a-personal-story-of-living-with-the-risks/ Referenced research: University of Washington Cancer Vaccine Institute summary: https://www.uwcvi.org/post/2024-a-year-of-clinical-breakthroughs-at-the-cancer-vaccine-institute Referenced publication (PubMed): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36326756/ Visit the podcast blog at www.sarakavanaugh/podcast Find Sara on Instagram @positivegenepodcast Connect / Support If this episode helped you, consider sharing it with someone navigating hereditary cancer risk, survivorship, or prevention decisions. And if you’d like to support this research, visit the Cancer Vaccine Coalition's website to learn about awareness efforts, fundraising, and clinical trial education. IMPORTANT: This episode is for educational and storytelling purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team for personal guidance.