Cancer Unfiltered Magazine
Because cancer doesn’t come with a filter — why should the stories?
August/September 2026 Issue: Thrive Fest Is Redefining Life After Cancer
In this issue of Cancer Unfiltered, we explore the different ways people find support, understanding, and community during and after cancer. From navigating overwhelming medical information to understanding the long-term effects of treatment, these stories look at what it means to feel informed, supported, and seen. We talk about AI-powered cancer education, pediatric cancer survivorship, breast cancer awareness, scientific literacy, and why life with and after cancer is about so much more than a diagnosis.
Featured Stories Include:
- How AI-Powered Education Can Support Cancer Navigation – Dr. Josh Silvertown explores how AI can help patients and caregivers make sense of complex cancer information, prepare better questions, and become more confident participants in their care, while keeping human connection and medical expertise at the center.
- Thrive Fest Is Redefining Life After Cancer – More than two decades after surviving childhood leukemia, Lana Chehabeddine is building the survivorship community she once had to find for herself. Now in its third year, Thrive Fest brings education, resources, connection, and joy together for pediatric cancer survivors and their families.
- Feel the Boom: Schaumburg Boomers Step Up to the Plate for Breast Cancer Awareness – A night at the ballpark becomes a reminder that breast cancer awareness is about more than ribbons and statistics. Through the Boomers’ annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night, we look at the power of showing up, creating community, and giving people affected by cancer space to simply live.
- Making Cancer Science Make Sense – Scientist and science communicator Dr. Rob Swanda breaks down cancer myths, explains why scientific literacy matters after a diagnosis, and shares how understanding the science behind cancer can help patients ask better questions and take a more active role in their care.
Unfiltered Stories,
Unshakable Strength
We share the voices of people living with cancer at every stage. From diagnosis to survivorship, every story is important, and we are here to tell them.
Real Patient Stories
Read first-person stories from people living with every stage of cancer, even Stage 4 — honest and unfiltered.
Expert Perspectives
Q&As and guidance from oncologists, OB/GYNs, advocates, and mental health professionals who get it.
The Emotional Load
We explore survivorship, grief, and anxiety with compassion—covering everything from body image to burnout.
Advocacy & Awareness
We tell the stories that get overlooked, pushing for visibility, real action, and meaningful change.
What a whirlwind reading the stories. I know those feelings. I know those thoughts. I’ve felt that way. Thoughts I keep buried in my head because there aren’t a lot of people in my life that can relate. Thank you!!
See Their Stories Come to Life
Real faces. Real stories. Real strength. We highlight those living with and beyond cancer—because visibility matters.
Our Commitment to
Real Stories
We don’t gloss over the hard parts. We tell the truth about diagnosis, treatment, recurrence, survival, and everything in between. Every story we share is rooted in honesty, empathy, and the belief that real experiences should be seen and heard.
Whether you’re living with cancer, caring for someone, or finding your way after treatment, Cancer Unfiltered is here to show the messy, beautiful, and often painful reality of it all. No ribbons, no filters, just real life in your words.
Why Read Cancer Unfiltered Magazine?
Created by Patients, for Patients
This is a place where honesty comes first, written by people who have experienced it themselves.
Stories That Don’t Skip the Hard Parts
We share the emotional, physical, and personal realities that often get left out, from diagnosis through every stage.
Insights That Actually Help
You’ll find advice from survivors, caregivers, and experts who talk in a way that feels real, not clinical.
All Stages. All Voices. All Welcome.
No matter your stage or where you are in your journey, you’ll find something here for you.
You’re Seen. You’re Heard. You’re Not Alone.
We believe no one should face cancer alone. Your voice and your story both matter here.