Why Cancer Research Matters in Everyday Life

Behind every advancement in cancer care is a person hoping for more time, fewer side effects, clearer answers, or a better quality of life. May is National Cancer Research Month—a time to recognize the work that continues to improve how cancer is found, treated, and understood.

Cancer research has led to major changes in care over the years. Today, many cancers are detected earlier, treated more effectively, and managed with fewer side effects than in the past. These improvements come from years of steady research and testing.

One important part of that progress is patient involvement. People who have experienced cancer help guide what researchers study—so that new treatments don’t just focus on survival, but also on quality of life, communication, and support.

At Bag It, we see how research and education work together. When people have clear, practical information, they are more able to understand their diagnosis and take part in decisions about their care.

This month, we recognize the researchers, clinicians, and patients who all play a role in moving cancer care forward—and the shared goal of better outcomes for everyone affected by cancer.

Bag It News

We’re excited to share some behind-the-scenes improvements at Bag It! We’ve recently transitioned to a new system that will help us better manage donations, Bag orders, events, and how we stay connected with our community.

The biggest changes you may notice will be through our shopping cart, donation and event forms, monthly newsletter, and other communications. While everything should work smoothly, there may still be a few small bumps as we fine-tune things along the way.

These improvements will help create a better experience for supporters, patients, caregivers, and healthcare partners—and allow our team to spend even more time focused on providing trusted cancer education and support.

If you experience any issues or have questions, please reach out to us at info@bagitcancer.org or call 520-575-9602. We’re always happy to help.

Thank you for your patience and support as we continue growing and improving!

Bag It's Spring Appeal

As we move through the spring season, we’re also in the midst of our Spring Appeal—a time when we ask for your support in helping us continue providing clear, practical cancer education to patients and families.

“Information helps turn uncertainty into understanding.”

When someone is facing a cancer diagnosis, the ability to understand their options and feel confident in their decisions can make a meaningful difference. This is the foundation of Bag It’s work—making complex information easier to navigate when it matters most. Gifts help us provide the educational Bag It Bags to patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers nationwide.

If you are able, we invite you to make a gift to support this effort and help ensure more individuals receive the tools and information they need during a difficult time.

Thank you for being part of this work and for helping us bring clarity, comfort, and support to those who need it.

Partner Spotlight

We are honored to partner with SHARE Cancer Support, a national peer-led nonprofit organization that supports and educates individuals diagnosed with breast and gynecologic cancers. In addition to their trusted support and educational resources, SHARE offers culturally focused programs including LatinaSHARE, AfroSHARE, ChineseSHARE, and LGBTQIA+ support initiatives to help ensure patients feel seen, informed, and connected throughout their cancer experience.

Together, Bag It and SHARE have collaborated to expand access to reliable, compassionate uterine cancer resources through our Uterine Cancer Bag It Bag. This resource is designed to help individuals better understand their diagnosis, navigate treatment and support options, and feel less alone throughout the process.

To learn more about SHARE Cancer Support, visit sharecancersupport.org.

If you or someone you know was recently diagnosed with uterine cancer, order a Uterine Bag It Bag today, with the code BINEWS25. These bags are loaded with valuable information to help guide one through this challenging time. 

If you would like to check out all of our cancer-specific Bags, please click here. 

If you are a healthcare provider looking to order Bag It Bags for your patients/practice please contact Terie, our Healthcare Outreach Manager, at terie@bagitcancer.org.

Mark Your Calendar

ASCO (Chicago, IL)

May 29-June 2, 2026

Headed to ASCO? Bag It's Executive Director, Mindy, will be attending and would love to connect. Email mindy@bagitcancer.org to schedule a time to meet.

ZERO Prostate Cancer Virtual Education and Support Conference (virtual)

June 9-11, 2026

Get the latest in prostate cancer diagnostics, treatment, research, side effect management, sexual health, wellness, and survivorship. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, well into your survivorship journey, or supporting a loved one, this 3-day event will equip you with practical knowledge and hope, all from the comfort of your home.

Bag It Sessions for Healthcare Providers (virtual)

If you are interested in learning more about how you can have Bag It Bags in your practice for your patients, join us for an upcoming Info Session. 

• Thursday, June 18, 2026 9:30 AM AZ | 12:30 PM EST | Register Here

AzCHOW Conference (Phoenix, AZ) 

June 25-26th, 2026

AzCHOW is proud to present the Roots 2026 Conference, celebrating our 25th anniversary. This year’s theme, “25 Years Rooted in Care: Elevating Lived Experience, Strengthening Communities, and Investing in a Strong CHW Future,” reflects not only our journey, but all of us as CHWs, CHRs, Promotores de Salud, and Allies.