What Every Cancer Patient Should Know: Lessons from a Survivor | Jace Yawnick

The podcast details Jace Yawnick's experience battling B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma at age 25, including his initial symptoms, treatment journey, and the unexpected online community that formed around his story. Jace's experience led him to establish J Beats Cancer, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting other cancer patients, emphasizing the importance of community and human connection during challenging times.

Cancer Diagnosis & Initial Response

• 00:00:05 Jace was diagnosed with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma at age 25 after experiencing fatigue, a persistent cough, and shooting pains. Initially, Jace was terrified and focused on seeking support from his family, but he organically transformed his experience into a platform to help others.

Building an Online Community

• 00:05:01 Jace's initial Instagram post about his diagnosis led to an unexpected influx of followers and a community of cancer survivors and patients offering support and advice. The platform quickly grew to hundreds of thousands of followers, fostering a unique connection between those facing cancer.

Navigating the Emotional & Mental Journey

• 00:13:18 Jace candidly discusses the intense emotional rollercoaster of cancer treatment, including moments of darkness and despair. He credits his strong support system and the practice of positive affirmations with helping him navigate these challenging times and persevere.

Managing Advice & Information

• 00:20:23 Jace emphasizes the importance of relying on a trusted medical team rather than self-diagnosing or relying on online information. He shares that his oncologists focused on ensuring he ate enough for energy, despite common advice to limit sugar during cancer treatment.

Cancer Screening & New Era of Oncology

• 00:31:39 The podcast highlights a new era of cancer screening through liquid biopsies, such as the Galleri test, that can detect cancer early, often a year to three before symptoms appear. The podcast also emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet, potentially mitigating side effects and improving treatment outcomes.