Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

09/02/2025

In 2023, Tarina, a 54-year-old social studies teacher at Mount Hope Centennial School in the Bronx, began experiencing unexpected bleeding. Tarina knew something was wrong, especially since she was post-menopausal. She trusted her instincts and went to the gynecologist. After a series of tests, she learned she had uterine cancer.

A coworker told her, “You know we have a partnership with MSK, right?” That one comment changed everything for Tarina.

Through MSK Direct, MSK’s program that connects employees and their families to expert cancer care at MSK, Tarina was able to quickly meet with gynecologic surgeon Dr. Sarah Kim. Tarina reflects on her first visit with Dr. Kim: “She had such an upbeat spirit and a positive outlook on things.”

During her spring break that year, Tarina had a hysterectomy and lymph node removal. The cancer hadn’t spread, so no chemotherapy or radiation was needed. Just three and a half weeks later, she was back in the classroom.

Now cancer free, Tarina is grateful for the expert care she received at MSK and the fast access through MSK Direct. Outside of school, she enjoys Broadway shows, catching movies, and trying new restaurants. She’s especially excited to begin another school year cancer free when classes start this week.

Leave a 👏 in the comments for Tarina and learn more about MSK Direct here: https://bit.ly/4mM0JmJ

09/02/2025

At MSK, Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) are making a significant impact on patient outcomes through their expert guidance, evidence-based interventions, and compassionate leadership. Their contributions are felt across all units and in every life they touch.

This CNS Week, we honor their dedication to advancing care and improving lives. Help celebrate our MSK CNSs below in the comments. 🎉

08/29/2025

In February 2023, just three days before her 42nd birthday, Anna was diagnosed with appendiceal cancer.

After months of feeling unwell, including bloating, fatigue, and frequent urination, Anna went to her local hospital in Greenwich, CT and was put on antibiotics for a ruptured appendix. When there was no improvement after being on antibiotics, Anna’s appendix was removed and a biopsy a few days later confirmed her diagnosis.

“I work in preventative wellness as a career,” says Anna. “So everything I based my whole life around I had to come to terms with, but it’s not always fool proof.”

Her sister immediately urged her to come to MSK, where Anna settled into care with colore**al surgeon Dr. Garrett Nash, a leader of appendix cancer research for almost two decades. In March 2023, he successfully performed a right hemicoloectomy to remove her lymph nodes and confirm that she had no residual cancer. Following the result of the surgery, Dr. Nash advised that chemotherapy was not necessary.

Today, Anna is doing well and enjoys traveling with her husband and two children, who are heading back to elementary school this fall.

“When I was going through everything, my youngest was in kindergarten and oldest was in third grade,” says Anna. “Now my youngest is in third! And there was a time that I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to see him.”

Anna and her family also adopted a dog, Poppy, and plans to train her to be part of therapy dog programs, like MSK’s Caring Canine program.

“She’s been my therapy and part of my healing, and I want to do something to give back.”

Give Anna a 👏 below!

08/27/2025

Generation Cancer | Sisters Jo and Jan Claire were diagnosed with the same form of breast cancer just one year apart.

Jo, who was diagnosed first, was being treated at MSK and learned that she carries the BRCA1 mutation, a genetic trait passed down through families that puts people at much greater risk for breast, ovarian, and other cancers. Testing revealed that her older sister Jan Claire, also carries the BRCA1 mutation.

“I was in a state of shock,” says Jan Claire. “But I had seen the amazing care everyone at MSK gave my younger sister. I knew I would be taken care of every step of the way.”

Because both sisters are under 45, their care is coordinated through the Young Women With Breast Cancer (YWBC) program at MSK.

As a woman in her mid-20s, Jo says, “It was very comforting to have my care team raise the issue of fertility. I’m glad to know resources are there if I want them.” She also appreciated help navigating the finances of paying for her cancer care, a particularly daunting con­cern for younger people.

Read more about Jo and Jan Claire: https://bit.ly/4n08uVA

08/26/2025

Shield, the first blood test to detect colon cancer and re**al cancer, was approved by the FDA, but is it your best option?

“We used to say the best test is the one that gets done,” says MSK gastroenterologist Dr. Robin Mendelsohn and Co-Director of the Center for Young-Onset Colore**al and GI Cancer at MSK, “but we’re hesitant to even say that about this test because there are so many others that do a better job.” Learn more: https://bit.ly/4mxvwTY

08/25/2025

Michael Peltz, a longtime journalist, learned more than he ever imagined possible after his wife, Stacey, was diagnosed with stage 4 appendix cancer in 2012. MSK doctors employed almost every treatment available, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation to keep the cancer in check so Stacey could continue to enjoy life with Michael, their two children, and their four dogs.

“Your life is not over because you have chemo,” she explained during an episode of MSK’s Cancer Straight Talk podcast in which she was featured. “You don’t have to stop anything really.”

Stacey lived a full life, attending the U.S. Open Tennis Championships and a Bruce Springsteen concert just weeks before she died in 2023.

For his part, Michael is grateful for the 37 years he and Stacey had together and was looking for a way to share his experience when her oncologist told him about MSK’s Patient and Family Advisory Council for Quality (PFACQ).

“I was extremely impressed by how PFACQ works with clinical and administrative staff across the entire hospital to integrate the patient, family and caregiver experience into everything MSK does,” says Michael, who joined the volunteer group in January 2025.

At PFACQ, Michael has leaned into his experience as both a caregiver and a journalist, serving as a co-chairman of the Communications Committee and raising his hand often to get involved in initiatives that might benefit from his perspective.

Learn more about joining MSK's PFACQ: https://bit.ly/4oRTDyr

08/22/2025

Today is National Surgical Oncologists Day 🩺

At MSK, our surgical oncologists combine extraordinary skill and compassion for our patients. If you or a loved one have ever been cared for by one of our surgeons, share a message of gratitude in the comments below! ⬇️

08/20/2025

The MSK Ralph Lauren Center (RLC) in Harlem offers cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support services, including walk-in mammograms.

We welcome patients with or without insurance, no referral needed. Breast cancer screenings are available:

📅 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3UEwYrx

08/19/2025

MSK researchers are working to develop blood tests for cancer, known as "liquid biopsies,” to detect early-stage cancer prior to the onset of symptoms.

Such tests are already used to diagnose and monitor people with cancer. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4mSPJn7

08/18/2025

| There are nearly 4 million people living with breast cancer in the United States, and that number will continue to grow, thanks to lifesaving therapies and continued research.

One topic Dr. Sherry Shen, a breast oncologist at MSK, focuses on is the complex relationship between the body’s metabolism and cancer. People diagnosed with breast cancer can help their recovery by being aware of a common side effect of breast cancer treatment: weight gain.

“Most people experience weight gain following breast cancer diagnosis,” says Dr. Shen. “However, patients should know there are many ways weight gain can be managed, both during and after treatment.”

Her research found that breast cancer patients using GLP-1 agonists, like Ozempic and Wegovy, were able to lose weight during treatment. In her clinical practice, she also gives her patients lifestyle tips to help them manage their weight and improve their health during and after treatment.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/47Gz0im

08/16/2025

08/15/2025

In 2014, Dan’s brother was diagnosed with cancer and tragically passed away two weeks later.

A few months after, Dan’s mom was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and had a successful surgery to remove the tumor. Following these two occurrences in the family, she encouraged Dan to get tested for a genetic component.

Dan’s test results came back positive for Lynch Syndrome, a condition that puts him at risk for other cancers. During one screening eight years later, Dan’s doctors found a tumor and he was diagnosed with re**al cancer.

After feeling uncertain with the treatment options he was given, Dan found a clinical trial at MSK, led by gastrointestinal oncologists Drs. Andrea Cercek and Dr. Luis Diaz.

“The timing was impeccable. There were news stories about this innovative treatment that MSK came up with,” says Dan. “I didn’t think that would apply to me – what are the odds.”

The approach used immunotherapy alone, and Dan began treatment immediately. By the second immunotherapy infusion, he was cancer free.

“This clinical trial saved my life,” says Dan.

Today, Dan has follow-up visits with his MSK care team twice a year, made easier by a move from Cape Cod to Brooklyn in December 2024. He loves trying new restaurants, biking and exploring new parts of the city, and reading fiction.

Dan’s advice to someone newly diagnosed: “Try to understand the options that are available to you.Every few months there are amazing new options on the table.”

Give a 💙 for Dan below, and learn more about his story tonight during Stand Up to Cancer’s telecast at 8pm ET.