During my diagnosis and treatment surrounding breast cancer, I coped by gathering as much information as I could. I stayed as active as possible, both inside and outside of the gym, to help me hold on to a sense of normalcy and control over the situation. I found long walks one of the best ways to stay active, even when I was too tired for much of a workout. During these long walks, I discovered some great podcasts about cancer, some informative and some entertaining.
My top ten podcasts for coping with cancer:
- You, Me and the Big C: Putting the Can in Cancer
This BBC production calls itself “the coolest club you never want to be part of.” With hosts Steve Bland, Deborah James, and Lauren Mahon, the series takes a candid and up-close look at the real experience of cancer.
- Unraveled
A science podcast from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Host and veteran broadcaster Ken Shulman reports on the cutting-edge science transforming cancer research.
- Beyond Cancer
Another one from Dana-Farber, this series features cancer survivors sharing their stories of the physical, emotional, and family challenges of cancer treatment and survival.
- Thrive Through Cancer
This health-focused podcast is hosted by Season Johnson, a nutritional therapist who sought answers when her toddler son was diagnosed with cancer.
- Frankly Speaking About Cancer
A broad-ranging weekly program produced by The Cancer Support Community. - Jesse vs Cancer
Nashville-based stand-up comedian Jesse Case hosts this irreverent take on his stage IV colon cancer, and just about everything else too.
These next few are more specific to breast cancer but there’s plenty of good stuff here for everyone.
- The Breast Cancer Podcast
Dr. Deepa Halaharvi & Monica Brooks help provide clarity on breast cancer diagnoses and share insight into the struggles from surgery through survivorship.
- Rotten Melons: When Your Boobs Do You Wrong
Hosted by friends and breast cancer survivors Deanna and Meredith, this one tells it like it really is. An unfiltered, often hilarious discussion of all the things we don’t want to talk about.
- The Boobie Docs: The Girlfriend’s Guide to Breast Cancer, Breast Health, & Beyond
Hosted by Dr. Robyn G Roth (known across social media as @theboobiedocs), a Radiologist who specializes in breast imaging and image-guided procedures.
- Breast Cancer Stories
Each season of this podcast centers on an individual patient as they make the journey from diagnosis through treatment.
I hope you find these as helpful as I did.
Know of a great podcast you don’t see listed here? Share it in the comments section below. Thanks!
