I was at his wife’s funeral when she died 3 years ago. I recall when he shared the news of her breast cancer recurrence with me and how devastating this was on the entire family. He was a smoker, and he started smoking more often after her death. Frequently, I would see him with a cigarette in his hand. We have had our share of exchanges with me preaching him to stop smoking, because tobacco could kill you, and with him smiling back confused as to why I kept trying to offer unsolicited advice that he would never follow.

In the article “When a Spouse Gets a Cancer Diagnosis,” Dr. Chadi Nabhan, emphasizes the importance of clear communication and setting boundaries for couples facing a cancer diagnosis. He advises that spouses should be honest with each other about their feelings and limitations, and that caregivers must also take care of their own well-being to effectively support their partners.

The Cancer Journey: Understanding Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, and Prevention, published in September 2024, aims to simplify the cancer experience for a wide audience of patients, caregivers, and physicians using plain language and the art of storytelling.

Starting by defining cancer and what causes it, author and ASCO member Chadi Nabhan, MD, MBA, FACP, chief medical officer and head of strategy at RYGHT, an artificial intelligence company focused on clinical research, walks the reader through all the steps of the journey, including diagnosis and staging, various treatment options, palliative and hospice care, and what survivorship means. Every chapter weaves real-life stories—including personal anecdotes from Dr. Nabhan’s perspective as a caregiver for his parents—with essential information in a way that resonates with patients and physicians alike.

In photos of Charles with Ruslan Bolbocean, the Ambassador of Moldova, the redness and swelling in his hand are also visible. Following the release of those photos, The List spoke to hematologist and medical oncologist Chadi Nabhan M.D., MBA, host of the podcast “Healthcare Unfiltered” and author of the books “Toxic Exposure” and the forthcoming “The Cancer Journey” for Johns Hopkins University Press. Nabhan said the state of Charles’ hand could be caused by chemotherapy, but overall, Charles looked to be well.

Nicki Swift caught up with hematologist and medical oncologist Chadi Nabhan M.D., MBA, host of the podcast “Healthcare Unfiltered” and author of the Johns Hopkins University Press books “Toxic Exposure” and the forthcoming “The Cancer Journey,” to get some insight on what might be going on with the king.

“The first possibility is that while he was undergoing the prostate procedure, he underwent other types of tests, and these tests detected some form of cancer elsewhere in the body,” Dr. Nabhan explained, cautioning that the “possibilities are endless” when it comes to what is ailing the 75-year-old Charles.

Health Digest asked me to discuss the types of cancers that can be detected through genetic testing:

“‘Most cancers are sporadic and not inherited,’ Nabhan said. ‘In general, I estimate that anywhere from 5% to 15% of cancers can occur because of an inherited mutation that has passed from one generation to another.’ BreastCancer.org says 5% to 10% of breast cancers are a result of these genetic mutations. In other words, there are other factors that can result in developing breast cancer — aside from a genetic mutation.”

Patient Power asked me to weigh in on some of the natural remedies that may be helpful to cancer patients:“Acupuncture in certain circumstances can alleviate nausea and vomiting, as well as certain cancer-related pains,” explained Chadi Nabhan MD, MBA, a hematologist, medical oncologist, and chairman of the Precision Oncology Alliance at Caris Life Sciences.”

Health Digest asked me to explain the difference between Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma to readers:“Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is not one disease,” Dr. Nabhan said. “It has many subtypes; almost 60. These types differ based on the shape of the cancer cell, on the molecular features that drive the growth of such lymphoma, and other factors. This is important as each type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma might be treated differently, and its prognosis also differs from others.”

I read this book “When Blood Breaks Down” written by Mikkael Sekeres based on true stories of patients with lukemia. I then had the opportunity to interview Mikkael on my “Outspoken Oncology” Podcast. My book review was originally posted on the HealthCareBlog.

I wrote this essay for the HealthCareBlog amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As everyone started discussing re-opening the country and the economy, I reflected back to the 1918 flu pandemic and told the story of the city of Philadelphia. I will always argue that we need to learn from history to determine our present and future.

I wrote this article for the HealthCareBlog amid COVID-19 pandemic. I looked back at the ZIKA story by reading a book that discussed the topic; I attempted to contrast between ZIKA and COVID to identify lessons we should have learned from prior epidemics and pandemics.

I originally wrote this article for the HealthCareBlog amid the COVID-19 pandemic. I was growing tired of how people are using the term “Essential Oncology”, which implies the presence of non-essential oncology. I reflected on the importance to view oncology through the lenses of the most important stakeholders – our patients. COVID-19 is for sure challenging our thinking and behaviors, but we need to always keep patient needs and are front and center in how we proceed.

This is part 2 of an article where was interviewed for at Bio Similar Development. The article was discussing biosimilars and their impact on patients, oncologists, and healthcare system. This is critical as we are experiencing changes in reimbursement models and operational challenges for effective healthcare delivery.

As we kicked off 2020, one of the most anticipated events for the industry was the introduction of several more Herceptin, Avastin, and Rituxan competitors in the curative oncology mAb space. After the first three launches which will be completed in March, the U.S. will have finally welcomed a little more than half of the 26 biosimilars currently approved.

I read this fascinating book “Chasing my Cure” written by the amazing David Fajgenbaum on his journey fighting Castleman Disease. Battling this disease has shaped David’s journey and forming the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network (CDCN). I then interviewed David on my “Outspoken Oncology” Podcast.

Mark Lewis and I reflected on ASCO-19 and how all stakeholders were involved. It was truly fun to write this piece for the ASCO-Post.

This is a republication of an article I originally wrote for the HealthCareBlog. Life is busy, yet we somehow find time to stay engaged on social media, remain engrossed in the 24/7 news cycle, and continue our futile efforts to resist clickbait. While social media can allow us to mindlessly scroll through feeds, it also provides…

This opinion article was originally published at STAT news. As precision medicine opens up promising new advances in cancer care, I often think back to my early days as an oncologist, the patients I treated, and the limited treatment options I had for them. I especially remember Pam (not her real name). She was in her early...