CMedEd

12/08/2025

New Home Testing for Cervical Cancer will Save Lives!

American Cancer Society has released updated guidelines for cervical cancer screening that introduce self-collection of vaginal samples for HPV testing as an option and provide new guidance on when individuals can safely exit screening.

CMedEd has comprehensive information in English and Spanish on understanding the types of cervical cancer, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. CMedEd.com also has a list of questions patients can ask their doctors about cervical cancer.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/well/self-swab-tests-cervical-cancer.html

The recommendation comes after the first at-home test, a self-swab, received federal approval earlier this year.

11/26/2025

Emerging results from ongoing clinical trials for patients with advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer may help establish a new standard of care for previously untreated disease. CMedEd will continue to monitor and provide updates as they become available.

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month. Although pancreatic cancer makes up only about 3% of U.S. cancer cases, it leads to more than 50,000 new diagnoses each year and remains one of the nation’s most challenging cancers to detect early.

With input from the nation's leading gastrointestinal medical oncologists, CMedEd provides clear, patient-friendly information on pancreatic cancer, including illustrations that help explain diagnosis, stages, treatment options, and what to expect throughout care. Additional resources include a Q&A for patients, a glossary with key terms, survivorship tools, and bilingual materials for patients and caregivers. Learn more at CMedEd.com.

https://cmeded.com/questions-and-answers/pancreatic-cancer/

Pancreatic cancer questions What is the goal of my treatment? The goal of treatment depends on the stage of your cancer and especially whether surgery is

11/26/2025

As we head into Thanksgiving, we wanted to take a moment to thank you for your collaboration and support of CMedEd. Your partnership helps us reach more patients, caregivers, and clinicians with clear, trustworthy cancer education — and we’re truly grateful.

We continue to add new resources, illustrations, and videos to CMedEd.com, all designed to support your members and the communities you serve. We’re excited to keep building together.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and restful Thanksgiving.

With appreciation,
CMedEd

11/20/2025

A Story of Resilience and Preparedness

Breast cancer survivor Dena Houchin shares her story of resilience and preparedness. After losing both her mother and sister to breast cancer, she always suspected that one day she might face the same diagnosis. In her early 70s, that moment came—Dena received the news she had breast cancer. Her journey reflects strength, awareness, and hope for others navigating a similar path.

Breast cancer survivor Dena Houchin shares her story of resilience and preparedness. After losing both her mother and sister to breast cancer, she always sus...

11/18/2025

MD Anderson Cancer Center recently shared an incredible story from Alex Harrison — a survivor who’s faced oral cancer five times. His message is simple, hopeful, and deeply important for anyone navigating a diagnosis:
1. Get a second opinion. The right specialist can change your entire path.
2. Start treatment at the best center you can. Early expert care matters.
3. Stay positive and stay connected. Support, mindset, and community make a real difference.
His resilience is a reminder that patients deserve clear guidance, trusted information, and care that sees the whole person — not just the disease.

In the U.S., oral cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancers, with roughly 54,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Visit CMedEd.com to learn more about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer. Our resources are available in English and Spanish.

https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/3-pieces-of-advice-from-a-5-time-oral-cancer-survivor.h00-159781179.html

Alex Harrison has survived five separate oral cancer diagnoses since 2002. Here, he shares his top three pieces of advice to other cancer patients.

11/10/2025

Pictures closely linked to written or spoken text can, when compared to text alone, markedly increase attention to and recall of health education information. Pictures can also improve comprehension when they show relationships among ideas or when they show spatial relationships.

This is why CMedEd features clinical content that covers over 120 health topics with over 2,000 original illustrations. CMedEd takes complex medical information and simplifies it with original, easy to understand visuals coupled with layman explanations. Our information is backed by research, regularly updated, and reviewed by experts from the world's leading medical institutions.

11/06/2025

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

At cmeded.com, we’re proud to join the global effort to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer—one of the most challenging diseases in oncology. Despite progress in cancer care, pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed late, when treatment options are limited and outcomes are poor. That’s why awareness is critical. Recognizing early warning signs and understanding risk factors can lead to earlier detection and better survival rates.

Pancreatic cancer often develops quietly. In its early stages, symptoms may be vague and easily dismissed—persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, or changes in digestion. But when caught early, treatment is far more effective.

Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer, including family history, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and age.

Let’s use this month to educate, advocate, and elevate the conversation around pancreatic cancer. Early detection saves lives.

10/29/2025

Symptoms You Might Notice Before a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Breast cancer does not always appear as the classic hard lump that many people expect. In fact, some women never feel a lump at all before a mammogram detects something unusual. Still, there are common patterns and subtle signs worth knowing. Changes in the nipple—such as inversion, discharge, or scaling—can sometimes signal an underlying problem. The skin of the breast may also change in texture or appearance, showing dimpling, redness, or thickening. You might notice swelling, tenderness, or a feeling that something simply “isn’t right.”

It’s important to remember that no two breast cancers look or feel the same, and that your instincts matter. If something feels different—whether it’s a change in shape, size, skin texture, or sensation—trust yourself and speak with your healthcare provider. Early detection remains one of the most powerful tools for successful treatment, and regular mammograms and self-awareness can make all the difference.

For clear, illustrated explanations of breast health and screening, visit CMedEd.com, where you’ll find expert-reviewed resources designed to help you recognize changes, understand next steps, and take charge of your health.

10/27/2025

American Cancer Society reporters that while women are aware of the link between diet and cancer, a new survey found that only about 1 in 4 women know that following a healthy diet can help lower their breast cancer risk. In fact, about 3 of every 10 breast cancer cases can be linked to risk factors that can possibly be changed, like eating a healthy diet and getting regular physical activity.

The truth is, nutrition and lifestyle choices can influence both risk and recovery—and that’s a conversation worth bringing to the forefront.

What the Research Shows

-Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins—especially those aligned with the Mediterranean pattern—are associated with lower incidence and recurrence rates.

-Excess body fat and alcohol remain two of the most consistent modifiable risk factors.

-Emerging evidence suggests anti-inflammatory and fiber-rich diets may play a role in improving treatment tolerance and long-term survival.

At CMedEd, we focus on turning complex science into clear, actionable education and provide in-depth resources in English and Spanish on www.cmeded.com to help people take ownership of what can be changed.

Stop, take a breath Dealing with a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. In addition to choosing a cancer specialist, having clear, reliable and

10/21/2025

Men have breast tissue too — and although it’s rare, men can develop breast cancer. Because it’s often not talked about, many men don’t realize they’re at risk until the disease is advanced.

According to American Cancer Society, about 2,800 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year — roughly 1 in every 100 cases of breast cancer. While that number is small compared to women, the outcomes can be just as serious, especially because men are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage.

Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate. Men can get it, too — and early detection can make all the difference. By talking openly about male breast cancer, we can break stigma, encourage earlier diagnosis, and save lives.

CMeded has in-depth and easy to understand information and illustrations on the diagnosis, symptoms, risk factors and treatment of male breast cancer in English and Spanish that . https://cmeded.com/breast/understanding-male-breast-cancer/overview/

10/21/2025

When CMedEd Founder Phyllis Pittman met Becky Ayers, a breast cancer survivor with an unshakable spirit, the result was an unforgettable interview. Becky’s story isn’t just about surviving—it’s about finding purpose, perspective, and compassion in the face of life’s toughest challenges. Visit CMedEd.com.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfwMQ6hxJoQ

When CMedEd Founder Phyllis Pittman met Becky Ayers, a breast cancer survivor with an unshakable spirit, the result was an unforgettable interview. Becky’s s...

10/02/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

At CMedEd, we’re amplifying survivor voices, connecting patients with leading physicians, and sharing life-saving information every day. This month, you’ll find:

Video interviews with breast cancer survivors
Live chats with top physicians
Daily resources on screening, treatment advances, and support

In addition, our dedicated breast cancer hub — cmeded.com/breast — offers easy-to-understand, in-depth information and illustrations in English and Spanish, including:

Types of breast cancer
-Treatment options and updates
-Risk assessments and prevention tools
-Guides to reading pathology reports
-Wellness resources
and much more

CMedEd was created so that every American—regardless of background, income, or zip code—has access to the trusted, clear information they need to make confident decisions about their care.

This October, we invite you to share these resources with your networks and help ensure no family faces cancer alone.