The Young Lung Cancer Initiative Podcast brings together patient stories, expert insight, education, and real community resources for people impacted by lung cancer.
You’ll hear honest conversations with patients living with this disease.
You’ll hear researchers and oncologists break down evolving science.
You’ll hear practical discussions about treatment decisions, side effects, insurance barriers, mental health, caregiving, and quality of life.
We also share community based support resources designed specifically for young people and people without smoking history navigating lung cancer.
This podcast centers the lived experience while staying grounded in evidence based medicine.
If you are a patient, caregiver, advocate, or clinician who wants deeper understanding of what lung cancer actually looks like in real life, this is for you.
New episodes released regularly.
When Stage IIIA Lung Cancer Progresses to Stage IV | Aurora’s Story
Aurora's journey from misdiagnosis to stage four lung cancer diagnosis highlights the challenges and emotional impact of survivorship. The delayed diagnosis, treatment options, and the emotional toll of progression are key themes in her story. Aurora Lucas shares her journey of being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, her experience with radiation treatment, and the emotional impact of the diagnosis. She also discusses the impact of the diagnosis on her future plans, fertility, and the importance of advocacy in the lung cancer community.
Takeaways
Resilience
Delayed Diagnosis Radiation treatment and the emotional toll of a stage four lung cancer diagnosis.
The impact of the diagnosis on future plans, fertility, and the importance of advocacy in the lung cancer community.
Chapters
00:00 The Misdiagnosis
01:16 Navigating Symptoms and Seeking Answers
12:22 The Impact of Stage Three Diagnosis
26:14 Progression to Stage Four
31:39 Diagnosis and Treatment
33:32 Impact on Future Plans and Fertility
45:42 Advocacy and Community Support
About Young Lung Cancer Initiative
Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting young adults and people without a smoking history who are affected by lung cancer. Through education, advocacy, research, and community resources, YLCI works to increase awareness, improve understanding, and ensure that no one faces young lung cancer alone.
Learn more: https://ylci.org (https://ylci.org)
Resource Directory: https://ylci.org/resource-directory/ (https://ylci.org/resource-directory/)
Instagram: https://instagram.com/younglungcancer (https://instagram.com/younglungcancer)
Donate: https://ylci.org/donate/ (https://ylci.org/donate/)
Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The stories and information shared reflect individual experiences. Every diagnosis, treatment plan, and outcome is different, and what you hear may not apply to your situation. Nothing in this podcast is a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice from your medical team. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice because of something you heard here. Always consult your oncologist or another qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health or treatment.
18 Aug 2026
When Progression Happens Earlier Than Expected | Mayya’s Lung Cancer Update
Mayya also shares the reality of living with metastatic lung cancer while raising two young children. She discusses working with a child life specialist, explaining cancer to a preschooler in age-appropriate language, and why she chooses to let her children see some of the difficult emotions that come with cancer.
Finally, Mayya and Leah discuss early progression and short responders, why patients who progress earlier than expected can feel isolated even within the lung cancer community, the need for greater research and attention to this population, and the many different ways patients and families can participate in lung cancer advocacy.
CHAPTERS
00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgVEx4lGMzo) Early Progression & Becoming a Short Responder
00:14 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgVEx4lGMzo&t=14s) Mayya’s Lung Cancer Update
01:35 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgVEx4lGMzo&t=95s) Finding Out Her Cancer Had Progressed
03:08 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgVEx4lGMzo&t=188s) Second Opinions & Testing for Resistance
05:02 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgVEx4lGMzo&t=302s) When Chemotherapy Became the Next Step
09:04 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgVEx4lGMzo&t=544s) Living With Stage IV Lung Cancer & Uncertainty
10:55 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgVEx4lGMzo&t=655s) Talking to Young Children About Cancer
17:34 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgVEx4lGMzo&t=1054s) Early Progression, Short Responders & Advocacy
Mayya previously shared her lung cancer story with YLCI in a three-part series, including her diagnosis with stage IV ALK-positive lung cancer at age 39, starting targeted therapy, navigating treatment as a young adult and mother, and seeking expert care.
Medical disclaimer: All content on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The stories and information shared reflect individual experiences; every diagnosis, treatment plan, and outcome is different, and what you see here may not apply to your situation. Nothing on this channel is a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice from your own medical team. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice because of something you watched here. Always consult your oncologist or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment.
7 Aug 2026
Menopause & Lung Cancer: Part of Your Care, Not an Afterthought | Dr. Narjust Florez
Is it menopause... or the cancer treatment? Brain fog, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, joint pain, mood changes, sleep problems... many of these symptoms can be caused by menopause, lung cancer treatment, or both. So how can women tell the difference?
Dr. Narjust Florez, thoracic oncologist and co-director of the Young Lung Cancer Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Taryn join YLCI's Leah for an evidence-based conversation about navigating perimenopause and menopause during and after lung cancer treatment.
This episode covers:
✔️ How to tell whether symptoms are menopause, cancer treatment, or both
✔️ Why young women with lung cancer can experience early menopause
✔️ Hormone testing and when it may be helpful
✔️ Is hormone replacement therapy safe after a lung cancer diagnosis?
✔️ Vaginal estrogen, hot flashes, and non-hormonal treatment options
✔️ Finding a menopause specialist who understands cancer care
✔️ Protecting bone health, heart health, skin, hair, and sexual health
✔️ Acupuncture, exercise, and other evidence-based supportive care
✔️ Why you don't have to suffer through menopause alone
⏱️ Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:36 Menopause or Cancer Treatment?
2:45 Hormone Replacement Therapy
6:03 Finding a Menopause Specialist
7:43 Feeling Like Yourself Again
11:58 Wellness Clinics & Hormones
14:01 Hormone Testing
15:03 Long-Term Health After Menopause
17:47 Final Advice
🔗 Young Lung Cancer Program at Dana-Farber: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/cancer-care-programs/young-lung-cancer-program (https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/cancer-care-programs/young-lung-cancer-program)
🔗 YLCI Resource Directory: https://ylci.org/resource-directory/ (https://ylci.org/resource-directory/)
🤍 Young Lung Cancer Initiative | https://ylci.org (https://ylci.org)
Medical disclaimer: All content on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your oncologist or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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