Categories Palliative Care, Quality of Life, Survivorship

Study: Music therapy as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety in cancer survivors

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that music therapy delivered by telehealth worked just as well as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to reduce anxiety among cancer survivors. Both approaches led to meaningful and lasting improvements, not only in anxiety, but also in sleep, fatigue and overall quality of life. These findings give patients more flexible, evidence-based options for managing emotional health after cancer. (posted 6/12/2026)

Update: Hormone therapy for menopause

For people living with menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, joint pain or vaginal dryness, menopausal hormone therapy may be a helpful option to address these symptoms. This includes people at high risk for ovarian cancer who experience early menopause after risk-reducing surgery. The FDA recently updated its guidance to remove some of the strongest warning labels from these treatments. This change could make it easier for you and your doctor to decide if hormone therapy is right for you. (posted 4/27/2026)

Topic: Gastrointestinal cancer survivorship in younger adults includes challenges often overlooked

This review summarizes a presentation given at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium. The presenter discussed survivorship concerns that younger adults with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer say their doctors often overlook. (posted 4/17/2026)

Article: Pelvic health therapy improves quality of life after treatment or prevention

Pelvic health therapy can significantly improve comfort, function and quality of life for people experiencing pelvic pain, bladder or bowel issues, and sexual dysfunction after cancer treatment or preventive surgery. This article highlights the importance of restoring tissue mobility, strengthening the pelvic floor and providing emotional support to empower survivors and previvors. (posted 3/23/2026)

Study: Treating advanced breast cancer with ESR1 mutations shows promise

Treatment with the new hormonal drug camizestrant benefited people with certain advanced breast cancers with a biomarker called an ESR1 mutation. People who participated in the SERENA6 study experienced a longer time before their cancer worsened and had a better quality of life than those who received the standard treatment. This study used a blood test to track changes in the cancer to clarify whether treatment worked before symptoms developed. (posted 2/19/26)

Study: Understanding the risks of a second cancer after a breast cancer diagnosis in people with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations

After breast cancer, people who have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation face a greater risk of a second cancer compared to individuals without a BRCA mutation. This study helps to better understand this risk so that breast cancer survivors with mutations can receive informed, personalized plans for surveillance and follow-up care. (Posted 12/11/25)

Study: Early trial of new vaccine shows promise for treating KRAS-mutated pancreatic and colon cancers

A vaccine for treating pancreatic and colon cancers with a biomarker known as a KRAS mutation produced a strong immune response in people at high risk of recurrence in an early clinical trial. This promising vaccine is now being studied in a larger clinical trial. (Posted 12/9/25)

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Study: Cancer patients with certain inherited mutations have cancer outcomes similar to those without inherited mutations

People with an inherited mutation in certain genes, including ATM, CHEK2, PALB2, BRCA or Lynch syndrome genes, have an increased risk of cancer. In this study, researchers wanted to know whether cancer patients with inherited mutations had a different chance of survival than patients without an inherited mutation in these genes. These results showed that, although the risk of cancer is increased, there is no difference in survival after a diagnosis of breast, pancreatic or colorectal cancer with or without these genetic changes. (posted 11/20/25)

Study: Exercise may delay the return of colon cancer and help people live longer

People who participated in a structured exercise program following completed treatment for colon cancer experienced more time without cancer growth and lived longer than those who did not. This study suggests that regular, moderate-intensity exercise can benefit the long-term health of people with early-stage colon cancer. (Posted 11/05/25)

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Study: Impact of mental healthcare among those with increased pancreatic cancer risk

Pancreatic cancer is often aggressive and diagnosed at a late stage, which can lead to uncertainty and fear. For those at risk due to a genetic mutation or family history, access to surveillance and mental health support is essential to help manage the emotional impact.  (Posted 5/12/25)

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