Jeff Levin-Schwartz’s practical and uplifting counsel comes from his attentive clinical expertise, deep understanding of policy drivers, and a caring heart. There is nothing like riding a bike 192 miles in the country’s biggest cancer fundraiser, the Pan Mass Challenge, to understand both the promise of cancer research and the personal pain cancer causes for individuals and their friends and families.

I would love to read a sequel: Jeff’s advice for another category, providers. There are multiple ways for providers and hospitals to remove annoyances and barriers that inadvertently make hard days even harder for those with cancer. Some ideas include scheduling multiple appointments and tests on the same day AND at the same location; offering free (and accessible or valet!) parking for sick patients- not just one endless garage for everyone; free or subsidized transportation options; free public transportation; offering healthy food in the hospital cafeteria designed for those who can’t stomach the usual fare; providing a quiet and lovely place to rest and wait when cancer patients have long “layovers” between appointments- perhaps in a place with with a health care library, plants, lovely art, tea…and a volunteer to assists….. how about a place for children? Many patients travel great distances to centers of excellence and receive excellent care, and these small details make a difference! Ask any cancer patient and the list of practical suggestions will grow.

Finally, from a policy perspective, let’s bring back coverage of remote visits to ease the burden on all patients - especially those in rural areas. We know from Covid-years that used properly telemedicine is effective in so many ways for patients, providers, and outcomes.

These are small ways to lighten the day when being a cancer patient takes over and makes continued employment for some patients (even those working for a good employer) no longer possible.

Jeffrey Levin-Scherz: Thank you for shining a light on so much progress; keep the examples coming of ways to make the path brighter and brighter for those with cancer and their families and friends through research, medicine, policies, and practical support. Excellent article!