Join Karen and Melanie as Melanie discusses her recent health updates and the need for a treatment change.

They discuss the importance of advocacy in cancer treatment and legislative efforts is highlighted.

Karen shares cancer statistics and the need for communitysupport and awareness.

Biomarker testing is becoming more accessible and is crucialfor personalized treatment.

The podcast emphasizes the importance of legislativeadvocacy for cancer-related issues.

Melanie discusses the financial burden of medical debt andits impact on treatment access.

The need for increased awareness and prevention measures for tobacco use is discussed.

Community programs like Live Strong are vital for cancersurvivors' rehabilitation.

The conversation ends with a focus on future plans andcontinued advocacy efforts.

Here are the resources we discussed on the podcast:

From our discussion with Cobie Whitten - Season 2 episode 44 published December 17, 2025

Support group virtual meetings

1st and 3rd Wednesdays

2-3:30pm

2nd Tuesdays of each month

6:30-8:00pm

www.provcancer.org for more details

Workshops and retreats

www.harmonyhill.org/cancer

For financial support, classes, support groups

cancerlifeline.orgTo join the Rutgers study:

join.rugcc.org

American Cancer Society

Cancer Statistics 2026

cancerstatisticscenter.cancer.org

In this episode of the Only 4 Words podcast, Karenand Melanie welcome guests Anika Khan and Audrey Miller Garcia from the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network. They discuss the current legislative landscape affecting cancer patients, the challenges posed by budgetconstraints, and the impact of Medicaid changes. The importance of storytelling in advocacy is emphasized, particularly in relation to the upcoming Cancer Action Day, where volunteers can share their experiences with lawmakers. The conversation also covers upcoming legislative priorities, including biomarker testing and medical debt issues, and encourages community involvement in advocacy efforts.

Guests:

Anika Khan, Grassroots Manager

Audrey Miller Garcia, Government Relations Director

Resources discussed on the podcast:

The Washington State Standard

waplanhealthfinder.org

fightcancer.org

Cancer Action Day

January 21, 2026

Olympia, Washington

Happy New Year!

Thank you to everyone who has supported us, listened, shared and attended our in person gatherings. We appreciate each and every one of you. Here's to a healthy, happy 2026 for all of us!