Cancer and The Promise of 2024
Heather Gartman
Storyteller. Survivor. Oncology advocate. Proven track record in shaping scientific storytelling that matters.
It is hard for me to believe another year has passed and how much I have to be grateful for that happened in 2023.?As we enter 2024, I am reminded that Martin Luther King Day 2 years ago I found the lump in my breast while leisurely dressing on a day off. So much has happened since then and I believe I am a much better person for it. I remind myself every day I was given a second chance, and this chance should not be wasted. I recommit everyday to trying to be the best version of myself.
Overall I am very optimistic for what the next year ahead will bring for myself and cancer patients. In recent months there have been many positive advancements in testing and treatment for people living with cancer, especially breast cancer. In the last few weeks there has been positive news about a breast cancer vaccine, a vaccine that teaches your body not to grow a tumor. It is still fairly early but that would be real progress! Prior to that was the promise of AI. Both the use of AI that can help detect tumors at earlier stages and now AI that can?look at a patient's tissue and predict whether chemo would provide benefit to them or not, even better than pathologists! All these advances were just in the last several weeks, so I am very excited about what will come in the next 12 months!
These advances are particularly exciting as many cancer patients like myself suffer side effects from chemo and surgeries. I look forward to the day that cancer patients can all be treated with targetd therapies, not chemo. I am dedicating myself in 2024 to help spread the news about all these promising treatments and support all who need it with better information, empathy and love.
A new year brings the promise and hope for all touched by cancer. What are you hoping for in 2024?
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Data Analyst | Database Design | Data Visualization | Analysis and Reporting
1 年I can't begin to state how exciting and on point your words are! I too look for others to not have the same path as we have, and so agree it had made me more aware and a better overall person. Thankful for so much, new innovations, treatments and of course friendships like yours! Thanks for writing and informing!
Executive Director, Corporate Affairs | Brand Marketing & Reputation Management | Content & Storytelling Strategy | Internal & External Comms | CEO & Executive Communications | Early Career Mentor | Board Volunteer
1 年Here’s to a healthy 2024 heather
Communications & Patient Advocacy Leader | Reputation | Culture | Branding | Market-shaping Campaigns | I help life science co’s build relationships and drive important conversations about health care and treatment
1 年Best wishes for health in 2024!
Pioneering Executive Relations for a Changing World.
1 年The coming advancements in testing and treating breast cancer are indeed exciting and something to look forward to in 2024. Thank you for sharing, Heather, and keep fighting. I know that you will.