Mass General Cancer Center

Mass General Cancer Center is now part of Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute. While this account will no longer post new content, our commitment to delivering exceptional care remains unchanged. To keep up with inspiring cancer stories and groundbreaking research, please follow us at Mass General Brigham.

Voices of Hope Boston has been an integral part of the Mass General cancer community for more than a decade, recently reaching $1 million donated to the Henri and Belinda Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies. Voices of Hope funds help support the work of Debra Lundquist, RN, PhD, nurse scientist at the Termeer Center, whose research focuses on the patient and family experience of cancer clinical trial participation.

“Mass General is an incredible place to implement and test new interventions,” Dr. Lundquist says. “The academic environment fosters a culture of innovation and a constant drive to innovate and improve the patient experience. As we identify areas for improvement, we can focus on how we can implement meaningful changes for patients. I’m incredibly grateful for Voices of Hope’s vision to support the whole patient experience.”
http://spklr.io/6187BGAMR

While Coney Flowers was battling leukemia at Mass General, she kept herself busy by writing a children’s book, called Dr. Hawk and Mr. Hare, inspired by her experience as a cancer patient and the care provided by her oncologist and friend, Hanno Hock, MD, PhD. “This book is my way of thanking my care team for all they do for their patients,” Coney says. “I’m giving them their much-deserved ‘flowers.’”

“While undergoing treatment, she created this whole world with drawings and stories. I’ve been in awe ever since,” says Dr. Hock. “The fact that she could compartmentalize so much—go through treatment and finish this book—is truly poetic. Some patients have asked me to sign copies. Coney is a superstar, and I feel blessed to share some of that glow.” http://spklr.io/6181BHHJX

When a mysterious tumor upended her life, Dempsey Gibbons found the support she needed thanks to Mass General’s Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program. “As an adult with pediatric cancer, the AYA made me feel like I was part of a community, and the bonds I formed with the staff and the other patients are something I’ll never forget,” Dempsey says.

Now cancer-free, she is fundraising for the AYA program. “One of the great things about Mass General is that they have resources for AYA patients like me, but the number of cases is growing,” she says. “And that’s why I’m fundraising. Because the more support we can provide the team, the better they can make the experience for patients.” http://spklr.io/6181BGHcT

In its quest to offer hope for gastric cancer patients, Debbie’s Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer has provided a $250,000 research grant to Mass General to advance a groundbreaking study that addresses one of the disease’s toughest challenges. Founded by Debbie Zelman who lost her life to stomach cancer, the foundation set out to fund research into innovative, progressive and cutting-edge treatments for stomach cancer; raise awareness about the disease; and support stomach cancer patients, as well as their families and caregivers.

“This type of support from Debbie’s Dream enables us to do work that’s slightly more high risk, high reward,” Dr. Alexandra-Chloe Villani, PhD, says. “There’s so little known about what could be a potential target, and this funding allows us to be bolder in asking unbiased questions and going after nontraditional leads. We’re opening paths we didn’t even know were options before.” http://spklr.io/6187BG9fR

Colorectal cancer is on the rise among younger adults. Aparna Parikh, MD, medical director of the Center for Young Adult Colorectal Cancer, discusses ways individuals can reduce their risk of colon cancer. Learn more:

Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults | Mass General Brigham Why is colorectal cancer rising in young adults? Learn about colorectal cancer causes, screening, symptoms, and prevention.

Registration is open for the 2025 Mass General Brigham Eversource Cancer 5k Run-Walk! Join us on Sunday, September 14 for an inspiring morning along the Charles River Esplanade. Choose from a 5k run, 5k walk or 100-yard kids’ dash and enjoy family-friendly activities, Eversource Energy bucket truck rides and a delicious pancake breakfast provided by Four Seasons Hotel Boston. Use code AUGUST to save 50% off your registration fee—valid now through Sunday, August 17. With your support, we’ll continue to create a brighter future for patients with cancer and their families. http://spklr.io/6185BGDHN

A Mass General Brigham study identifies ways to lower the risk of liver cancer for patients with Hepatitis B infection.

Study Identifies Ways to Lower Risk of Liver Cancer for People with Hepatitis B Infection | Mass General Brigham Limiting carcinogen exposure or taking a statin drug could lower liver inflammation and cancer risk associated with HBV infection.

Lynn Gray-Meltzer, PT, DPT, and Steve Wechsler, PT, DPT, PhD, share their insights on the benefits of exercise during cancer treatment. http://spklr.io/6188B1oHy