You want the best outcome after your diagnosis—that much is obvious. But what isn’t so clear is the active role you can play in your care. Our spring 2026 issue of Cancer Health highlights ways to get on a treatment path that’s right for you.

 

A solid first step is becoming informed about your specific cancer. When Albie Suozzi, who’s featured on our cover, was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in 2008, she had never heard of the blood cancer. Online resources were scarce, and her community-based hematologist couldn’t perform certain critical tests. So she sought out a specialist who conducted the tests and explained the results. She also connected with the CLL Society, a support group. Go here to find out how this information gathering enhanced her care.

 

Many people with cancer enroll in clinical trials to access cutting-edge treatments. Bishop Stacey Latimer did just that after he was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in 2019. For our Cancer Diary, Latimer shares his experiences.

 

Are clinical trials right for you? In our feature, science editor Liz Highleyman lays out the types of trials, their different stages and the pros and cons of participating.

 

Oncology nurses can provide untapped reinforcements. “We’re very resourceful; we’re able to find ways of supporting our patients,” says Jessica MacIntyre, DNP, MBA, in our Your Team interview. Go here to learn what makes these nurses unique.

 

Nowadays, health specialists aren’t always human beings. Medical journalist Howard Wolinsky introduces you to Osler, an AI chatbot on MyPathologyReport.com. Osler can translate medical jargon, interpret pathology reports, suggest follow-up questions for your doctor and more.

 

Many patients complement their treatment with nonmedical therapies. For example, Sandy Duarte, who had Stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma, found strength and healing in yoga, journaling and sound bowls. She shares more about aural therapy in our Can Heal column. 

 

Finally, go here for our latest Survey and tell us about your own experiences with complementary and alternative medicine.

Trent Straube

Trent Straube, editor-in-chief, Cancer HealthJohnnie Cuellar