What Happens When Biography Becomes Biology? A Survivor Explains

Cancer Connections

In our first three episodes, we heard from expert physicians about the connection between stress and disease, people who have defied the odds in exceptional ways, and how addressing death thoughtfully may bring unexpected joy. But how do these ideas about the connection between stress and disease square with someone who is actually living with a cancer diagnosis every day?
In this episode of Cancer Connections, we talk with Cissy White, a journalist and advocate for PTSD and abuse survivors, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2019. Cissy shares her experience living with cancer, including how her work to heal from PTSD has helped inform how she manages stress today, and taught her how to authentically advocate for herself when choosing treatment options.
Cissy also talks about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how the health impact of childhood trauma can linger into adulthood and even across generations. For more information about ACEs, check out these sites:
ACES Too High - https://acestoohigh.com
PACES - https://www.acesconnectioninfo.com
You can find out more about Cissy and the work she's doing at her website, Heal Write Now.
About Clearity
Cancer Connections is produced by Clearity, which provides free support and services to people impacted by ovarian cancer. You can learn more about Clearity and the topics we've discussed today by visiting clearity.org. Or, feel free to email us your questions or comments at [e-mail]. Thanks!