Lidia Schapira MD, FASCO, Professor of Medicine (Oncology)-Stanford University School of Medicine, Director Cancer Survivorship Program-Stanford Comprehensive Cancer Center. Director CME Program Development-Department of Medicine

June is Cancer Survivorship Month, so let us take a moment to celebrate every survivor and co-survivor’s story and learn from their experiences. The term ‘survivor’ refers to any person diagnosed with cancer from the moment of diagnosis and for the rest of their life.

As of January 2022, there were an estimated 18 million cancer survivors in the US, which is about 5.4% of the population. The number is expected to increase to 26 million by 2040. Many of them are long-term survivors, meaning that they have lived five or more years since their diagnosis. In fact, today we include people living with advanced cancer in the definition, and some have coined the term meta-survivor for people living with metastatic cancer. The fact that many people are living with advanced cancer as a chronic illness reflects the great advances in cancer treatment.

Improved methods of detection, combined with more effective and tolerable treatments, have contributed to the increase in survivors overall. Each person faces a unique set of challenges, but one in four survivors reports a poor physical quality of life and one in 10 reports poor mental health-related quality of life. We need to do better. And, with an aging population, we expect the number of people diagnosed and living with cancer will only increase, and so too will the complexities of delivering care.

Cancer survivors may struggle with symptoms from treatment that persist for many years after the end of treatment. The most common such symptoms include fatigue, nerve damage from chemotherapy drugs, emotional distress, and anxiety. In addition, cancer survivors speak of loss of relationships, loss of paid employment and financial hardship. These experiences tell us volumes about the effort, cost, and time they invested in undergoing treatment for cancer. Read full article here.

We are excited to announce that thesecondopinion has partnered with Manta Cares, a start-up founded and led by cancer patients. Manta Cares has developed a comprehensive self-advocacy toolkit for cancer patients and their families. Being diagnosed with cancer can feel like embarking on a treacherous hike without a map, the right gear, or a guide. To address this, Manta Cares' team of cancer survivors and oncologists have created interactive, step-by-step maps that provide crucial information at the right time during the cancer journey. 

Their toolkit includes self-management tools, referred to as "Gear," such as an appointment notebook, symptom tracking, and even a paper planner. Additionally, they offer a hub of "Guide" resources to support you throughout your cancer experience. These resources and programs will be integrated into the maps and guide hub, helping more patients and families understand the importance of seeking a second opinion.

The maps for breast and lung cancer will be launching this fall. You can join the notification list to be informed when they become available here. For more information about Manta Cares, visit their website at mantacares.com.

Photo by: Susan Lessin, M.D.

Photo by: Susan Lessin, M.D.

Thesecondopinion's Panel Chair, Susan Lessin, M.D., took these incredible photos of the eclipse at totality from her iPhone through a telescope at 11:11 AM on April 8, 2024. She was in the small town of Copala, Mexico (about 3 hours east of Mazatlan). Thank you for sharing Dr. Lessin!

Crystal Springs Golf Course

6650 Golf Course Dr, Burlingame, CA

11:00 PM TO 7:30 PM

Come and be a part of an exciting day filled with fun activities, all while contributing to the cause of raising awareness and crucial funds for cancer patients. We have set a fundraising target of $50,000. We anticipate around 100 participants and various sponsors to join us in this yearly event.

PUTTING CONTEST

FREE BUCKET OF RANGE BALLS

BOXED LUNCH

COWBOY COOKOUT BUFFET

PRIZES & AUCTION ITEMS

You can support this event by: purchasing an "In Honor or Memory Flag" for $25, which we will proudly display at one of the 18-hole tee boxes. Click here to purchase a flag. Or you can become an Event Sponsor. Click here to read about sponsor benefits.

Another method to contribute to the event's success is by donating a prize for the tournament or an item for the auction. This could range from a bottle of wine, golf course vouchers, restaurant gift cards, to anything you can think of - the possibilities are endless.

Lets make this golf tournament the biggest one yet!

For sponsorship opportunities or donating a prize or auction item please contact Cheri at cheri@thesecondopinion.org or (415) 775-9956.  

Dr. Wara is a retired radiation oncologist and has volunteered for thesecondopinion for over five years. He received his medical degree from University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine and practiced at UCSF for 39 years.

After retiring from UCSF, he helped Kaiser SSF setup a new Radiation Oncology Center with thesecondopinion volunteers Drs. Amy Gillis and Milan Patel.  

We are currently seeking Board Members. If you would like to join a great group of volunteers dedicated to making theseconopinion a thriving nonprofit, please contact

Cheri Livingston at: cheri@thesecondopinion.org.

Dear Fellow Volunteer MDs:

As Medical Director of thesecondopinion I first wish to thank all of you for your continued help with our unique service. We get warm, grateful emails and letters every week thanking us for providing clarity and aid in addressing cancer patients concerns.

"The doctors at thesecondopinion were so generous with their time and care. I have never known anything like this. They gave me their professional opinions, leaving me with a lot of confidence and peace of mind. They make you feel so welcome.”

"This is truly what a non-profit is and should be. They are leaders in helping people like me get what they need to survive."

I am writing to encourage you to reach out to other physicians you may know who might be willing to volunteer with us. We are in particular need of radiologists and medical oncologists. If you wish to consider being a Panel Chair, please contact me as well. The Panel Chair position has a stipend.

Warm regards,

Howard

Contact Information: hbkleckner@thesecondopinion.org