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Breast Cancer ConversationsAuthor: SurvivingBreastCancer.org
Breast Cancer Conversations is a podcast produced by Survivingbreastcancer.org where we inject positivity into the very fabric of a breast cancer diagnosis. Breast Cancer Conversations provides education, and inspiration, and offers hope. You will hear stories from those diagnosed with breast cancer, interviews with medical professionals, and thought-leadership emerging from the oncology field. Welcome to our breast cancer community! Welcome to the conversation. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Medicine, Nutrition Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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277. Exposing the Hidden Crisis in Cancer Care—Why Supportive Care Matters More Than Ever
Sunday, 30 November, 2025
Love the episode? Send us a text!In this powerful episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host Laura Carfang, Ed.D. sits down with philanthropist Sheri Biller of the Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation to explore the often overlooked—but absolutely essential—role of supportive cancer care.After losing her two closest friends to breast cancer over 35 years ago, Sheri made a promise: if she ever had the resources, she would dedicate her life to improving the emotional, psychological, and practical support available to everyone facing cancer. That promise became the Biller Family Foundation and later the national coalition Together for Supportive Cancer Care.This episode dives deep into:Why the words supportive care matter—and how they differ from palliative and hospice careHow siloed hospital systems leave millions without access to emotional and psychosocial supportWhy cancer is becoming an elitist disease—and how technology and policy can fix itCaregiver burnout and why Sheri believes we need a “Teach for America” for caregiversThe shocking lack of trust, education, and information in underserved and rural communitiesWhy supportive care should be a standard of care for all life-threatening illnessesIf you’re a patient, caregiver, clinician, or advocate for equity in cancer care, this conversation is a must-listen.Topics We Cover✔️ Sheri’s personal story and the loss that inspired her life's work ✔️ Early challenges in cancer language, communication, and stigma ✔️ Why patients “shut down” the moment they hear the word cancer ✔️ Supportive care vs palliative care—what’s the difference? ✔️ Breaking barriers for rural, underserved, and Spanish-speaking communities ✔️ Why caregivers are the next major crisis in healthcare ✔️ The need for culturally competent engagement in faith communities ✔️ Financial toxicity and the real-world burdens families face ✔️ AI and the future of early diagnosis and survivorship support ✔️ How hospitals, pharma, policy, and nonprofits are finally working togetherWhy This MattersSupportive care is more than comfort—it’s critical to surviving and living with cancer. From mental health to financial navigation to caregiver support, Sheri explains how integrating supportive care into every diagnosis could transform outcomes for millions.Resources: The Biller Family Foundation: https://billerfamilyfoundation.org/Donate Here and Give The Gift of HopeSupport the showLatest News: Become a Breast Cancer Conversations+ Member! Sign Up Now. Join our Mailing List - New content drops every Monday! Discover FREE programs, support groups, and resources! Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work.
