My Journey to Rethink Cancer Care

When I was 16 years old, my life changed forever. My mom, just 43 years old, lost her battle with metastatic breast cancer. She received excellent care, but the treatments she endured were horrific, and the outcome was devastating. Watching her fight with such courage sparked a mission in me—a mission to find a better way for cancer patients.

For over 25 years, I have been committed to this goal. I began my career as a pharmacist and practiced as an oncology pharmacy specialist. While I was able to help patients manage the side effects of their treatments, I realized I needed to dive deeper into patient care and research to make the biggest impact. That decision led me to where I am today, working on the frontlines of oncology care and clinical research, helping to bring new treatments to patients who need them most.

The progress I have witnessed during my career has been nothing short of remarkable. If my mom were undergoing treatment today, her experience would be entirely different. The treatment paradigms in oncology have evolved, with groundbreaking advancements in immunotherapy and targeted therapies. These new approaches are not only more effective but also far kinder and gentler than traditional chemotherapy and radiation. Patients now have more hope, less toxicity, and better outcomes. Yet, many patients still don’t know about these incredible strides.

That’s why I started this Substack. I want to highlight the amazing progress happening in cancer care—the innovations in research, the compassionate care delivered by dedicated teams, and the new technologies that are transforming how we fight this disease. Through this platform, I aim to:

• Share insights into cutting-edge advancements in oncology research.

• Provide tips for patients and caregivers on navigating clinical trials, particularly for those who have run out of traditional options.

• Advocate for holistic, whole-person care that minimizes toxicity and optimizes outcomes.

I also bring a deeply personal perspective to my work. My brother, Doug, who is not only a cancer survivor but also an oncologist and innovator, has been a constant source of inspiration. He paved the way for me in many ways, not just in our shared field but in life. His mission to harness AI and technology to revolutionize cancer care often leaves me in awe. He’s taught me to think bigger, care deeper, and always keep the human side of oncology front and center. I encourage you to follow his Substack as well to gain insights from his groundbreaking work.

I am fortunate to work in an amazing place, surrounded by extraordinary colleagues who share my passion for finding a cure while prioritizing compassionate care. Over my career, I’ve also developed relationships with many in the pharmaceutical industry who have similar stories of loss and dedication. While I’ve always pledged not to take gifts from pharma or industry (beyond the occasional cup of coffee or lunch), I can tell you that many of these professionals are driven by a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of patients.

I have no conflicts of interest to disclose, only a deep commitment to honesty, transparency, and the mission of rethinking cancer care. My hope is to engage patients, researchers, and advocates in a conversation about how we can continue to advance cancer care together.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let’s make a difference.

Dr. Daniel Flora works as a community oncologist focusing on melanoma, skin cancer, and early therapeutics at St. Elizabeth Cancer Center in Edgewood, KY.