UW Health l Carbone Cancer Center

06/07/2026

Cancer tried to write the ending. You didn't let it.
Whether you're a survivor, a caregiver or someone who loved a person through it — finish this sentence or share a photo in the comments.

06/04/2026

Cancer and its treatments can cause nutrition-related symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, mouth pain and changes in taste or smell. Because treatment places added stress on the body, calories and protein become especially important. Foods that are easier to tolerate can help support strength and make eating more manageable.

06/02/2026

Dr. Shuang George Zhao, a radiation oncologist and a UW Carbone Cancer Center researcher, has been developing clinic-use screening tools that can help oncologists tailor the best treatment plans for each prostate cancer patient.

05/29/2026

Oncology nurse Cayla Casey says her motivation comes from helping patients with pancreatic cancer feel supported and guided through a complex system.

“I focus on removing barriers to care, connecting resources, and ensuring clear communication across the care team, so patients and families feel informed and cared for at every step.

It is truly an honor to serve my patients and to work alongside our amazing medical, surgical and radiation oncology teams who are all dedicated to providing the best possible care.”

05/28/2026

“For many people with advanced incurable cancer, they’re very diligent about their treatment, but they forget to actually live. Joe is a great example of someone who's using treatment to live their life every day,” says Dr. Toby Campbell. https://uw.health/3QlrqDc

Joe Clark has had five separate cancer diagnoses since 2014. Collaborative, individualized care from UW Health has helped him continue his passion for art.

05/26/2026

Small changes can make a meaningful difference after cancer treatment.

Beginning June 22, the Lifestyle Change Program meets virtually through MyChart on Mondays from 4–5 pm. Those enrolled connect with a certified lifestyle coach and learn practical ways to build everyday habits that can improve quality of life. They also gain support from others on a similar path toward better health.

A free one-year Dane County YMCA membership is included during the program. Program costs are billed to insurance. To sign up, visit: https://uw.health/4debtrN

05/22/2026

Oncology nurse Kaarina Ponce hopes that one day we will not have to worry about cancer.

“Working in cancer care is hard. Every day, you see patients struggling with both their diagnosis and the side effects of treatment. Some days are heavier than others, but each day matters.

What keeps me motivated in oncology, and specifically in my role as a head and neck nurse navigator, is knowing that I can truly make a difference in the lives of my patients. It is an honor to care for people and to be alongside them during such a vulnerable and often overwhelming time.

As a navigator, I support patients from the moment they receive their diagnosis and throughout their treatment. That treatment can look very different for each person—sometimes it is surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or often a combination of multiple treatments. Helping patients understand what lies ahead, answering questions they may not even know how to ask, and being a steady presence during the unknown is incredibly meaningful work.

My knowledge of head and neck cancer, along with my strong connections across multiple clinics and care teams, allows me to be a proactive problem solver and advocate. Because I work closely with many different teams, I often become the “go-to” person when things are not going as planned. Whether it’s helping coordinate care, addressing barriers, or advocating for additional resources, I take pride in being someone who patients and providers can depend on. It is deeply rewarding to see patients make it through their treatments and move forward with their lives. And when patients are not able to continue curative treatment and transition to end-of-life care, I find comfort in knowing I helped ensure they had the information, support, and resources they needed to make the best decisions for themselves and their loved ones.

I hope that one day we will not have to worry about cancer. Until that day comes, I will continue to do everything I can to support patients with head and neck cancer, advocate for needed resources, and provide compassionate care during one of the most challenging times of their lives.”

05/20/2026

Clinical research is only possible because of the patients and families who place their trust in science. Today, we honor these “medical heroes,” clinical trial participants who help create hope and possibility for future generations.

05/14/2026

After losing a beloved uncle to cancer at a young age, Nicki Bates-Czyzewski began telling people she was going to be an oncologist and find the cure for cancer.

“My uncle was such a huge part of my life. He was 28 years old and I was 8 years old and this had such a big impact on my life.

Fast forward many, many years later. I trained one shift as a nursing assistant on our inpatient cancer unit (B6/6) and knew instantly that this was where I belonged. I took the first nursing assistant opening on B6/6 and worked there while I was in nursing school. After graduation I became a nurse resident on B6/6 and then after having kids transferred to an outpatient clinic position and a few years later transitioned into the role I work in now.”

05/12/2026

Cancer care moves forward when more people have access to the latest treatment options. Clinical trials help make that possible, and they matter most when they reflect the people who may need those treatments most.

At UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center, Dr. Monica Patel is studying ways to help more patients learn about clinical trial opportunities, including those who have historically been underrepresented in research.

Her work uses TrialTALK, a UW-developed conversation framework that helps oncologists explain treatment choices, including clinical trials, in a clearer more personal way.