Recent research suggests chronic inflammation may be one of several factors that influences the environment surrounding cancer cells and could play a role in reactivating dormant cancer cells. While this remains an active area of research—not an established cause-and-effect relationship—it represents one of the most exciting frontiers in cancer science

Knowing your subset matters because it allows your care team to move from standard treatment to precision medicine. It explains why a drug that worked for someone else might not work for you, and it opens the door to targeted therapies that are specific and cut down your tumor's fuel source. Most importantly, it gives you the exact blueprint you need to look for clinical trials tailored to your specific biology

Unlike a typical viral stomach illness, Cyclospora can be difficult to eliminate from contaminated produce. People generally become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.

I’ve been interviewed multiple times about my journey, with the highlight reels often covering the importance of self advocacy, inclusion, medical bias, informed decision making, the value of precision oncology and access to biomarker testing.

What has not been covered is one of the most important decisions I faced as a patient. A decision that effects thousands of patients everyday. How are is your treatment going to be covered? How did I plan on paying?

Welcome to The Biomarker Family—a new educational series from Karen's Club where science meets storytelling.

Instead of introducing you to complicated medical terms, I'd like you to meet them as people (well characters..but ya’ll know what I mean).

Because once you understand their personalities, you'll never forget why they matter.

"Girl… I'm hiding HER2-low."‍ ‍That was the sassy voice I gave to my little cardboard, cutout, co-host, named Heterogeneous, (pictured with me above at a event, she’ll be making special appearances in future content) as I prepared to record a video over the holiday weekend. It made me laugh, but then I realized something, she's right. Cancer does hide things, and sometimes those hidden clues can change everything.

In 2019, Victoria became the first person in the world with sickle cell disease to receive CRISPR gene-editing therapy as part of a clinical trial. At the time, no one knew whether the treatment would work, how long the results would last, or what the future might hold. She wasn't simply receiving a new treatment—she was helping scientists answer one of the biggest questions in modern medicine.

"I don't tell patients they should join a clinical trial. I tell them they deserve to know whether a clinical trial is an option. My role is to help patients understand their choices so they can make the decision that's right for them."

Over the last few years, I've had the privilege of working directly with patients and caregivers across the country through Karen's Club, helping individuals navigate difficult cancer diagnoses, understand biomarker testing, explore clinical trial options, and make informed decisions about their care.

A recent visit to New Orleans became a unique opportunity to have conversations about health, access to care and the importance of taking action early and getting those wellness screenings.

Check out our highlights from ASCO 2022 that may have a real impact on patients of color like us!