Episodes

  • Ep 8 - 18 Million Cancer Survivors: The Reality of Cancer Survivorship Today

    Ep 8 - 18 Million Cancer Survivors: The Reality of Cancer Survivorship Today
    Apr 21 2026
    There are millions of people living with and beyond cancer today — far more than most people realize! In the United States alone, there are more than 18 million cancer survivors, and that number continues to grow every year. Advances in treatment mean more people are surviving cancer than ever before. But survivorship is not always the simple “happy ending” people imagine. Episode 8 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:32 Why Cancer Survivorship Numbers Matter 01:58 How Many Cancer Survivors Are There? 03:12 What “Cancer Survivor” Actually Means 04:40 Why Survivorship Is Growing So Fast 06:05 The Many Faces of Survivorship 07:28 Survivorship Across Different Ages 08:55 What These Numbers Mean for Families 10:12 The Hidden Challenges Survivors Face 11:35 Why Survivorship Care Is So Important 12:58 Millions of Stories Behind the Statistics 14:05 You Are Not Alone 15:12 Closing Thoughts In this episode of The After. Cancer Podcast, Dr. Leslie Waltke takes a step back and looks at cancer survivorship through the lens of data and reality. How many people are actually living with cancer today? What does survivorship really mean? And why are so many people living with long-term physical and emotional effects of treatment? You’ll learn how survivorship is defined, why the numbers are changing so quickly, and what those numbers mean for patients, families, and the healthcare system. Most importantly, this episode highlights a truth that many survivors quietly discover: you are far from alone. There are millions of people navigating life after cancer — learning to rebuild strength, identity, and confidence along the way. Resources Mentioned American Cancer Society — Cancer Survivor Statistics National Cancer Institute — Office of Cancer Survivorship Cancer survivorship research and epidemiology data Related Episodes: Episode 2 — The Finish Line Myth: Why Survivorship May Feel Harder Than You Expected https://youtu.be/UUggVScpzY8?si=_TFewtGFLg-gqcT7 Episode 6 — Survivor Guilt in Cancer: Learning to Live When Others Don’t https://youtu.be/TfO810C5dfc Episode 7 — Stop Calling Me Brave: The Pros and Cons of “Battle” Language in Cancer https://youtu.be/0zr3NZq0D8o Community Shout Outs A special thank you to ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, a nonprofit organization providing one-to-one peer mentorship for people facing breast cancer. Through their mentorship program, individuals newly diagnosed with breast cancer are matched with trained mentors who have walked a similar path. These connections offer emotional support, practical guidance, and the reassurance that no one has to navigate this experience alone. Learn more at: https://abcdmentor.org About the Host Dr. Leslie Waltke is an internationally respected oncology physical therapist and educator with more than 30 years of experience working with people living with and beyond cancer. Her work focuses on improving recovery, function, and quality of life after cancer treatment. About the Podcast The After. Cancer Podcast is a place for honest conversations about the realities of cancer and survivorship. Rooted in medicine. Spoken in human. Subscribe / Follow New episodes are released every Tuesday. Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Professional Education For clinicians and healthcare professionals seeking advanced education in cancer rehabilitation, visit: Waltke Cancer Rehabilitation Academy https://waltkeacademy.com Contact Website: https://waltkeacademy.com Email: info@waltkeacademy.com Topics Cancer survivorship Cancer survivor statistics Long-term cancer effects Cancer recovery Cancer epidemiology If you are navigating cancer, survivorship, treatment side effects, or the emotional realities of life after diagnosis, The After. Cancer Podcast is here for you.
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    17 mins
  • Ep 7 Battle Language in Cancer: Why “Fighting” Cancer Can Hurt Survivors

    Ep 7 Battle Language in Cancer: Why “Fighting” Cancer Can Hurt Survivors
    Apr 14 2026
    “You’re so brave.” “Keep fighting.” “You’re a warrior.” These phrases are everywhere in the cancer world. They’re meant to be encouraging, supportive, and empowering. But for many people living with cancer, those same words can feel complicated, uncomfortable, or even painful. In this episode of The After. Cancer Podcast, Dr. Leslie Waltke explores the language we use to talk about cancer — especially the powerful and sometimes problematic “battle” metaphors that surround the disease. Why do we describe cancer as a fight? Why do we call patients warriors or survivors? And what happens when someone doesn’t feel brave at all? Episode 7 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:28 The Language We Use Around Cancer 01:42 Where “Battle” Language Came From 03:20 Why Some Survivors Find It Empowering 05:05 When “You’re So Brave” Becomes a Burden 06:48 The Hidden Pressure of Being a “Fighter” 08:03 Cancer Outcomes Are Not About Willpower 09:35 When Words Hurt Patients and Families 11:10 A Patient Story About Battle Language 12:42 How Language Shapes Identity After Cancer 14:08 Finding Better Ways to Support Survivors 15:32 Reflection: Choosing Words With Care 16:40 Closing Thoughts This episode looks at both sides of the conversation. For some people, battle language provides strength and identity. For others, it creates pressure, guilt, or the sense that outcomes are tied to personal effort rather than biology and medicine. Dr. Waltke discusses how these cultural narratives developed, how they influence patients and families, and how we might speak about cancer in ways that are more compassionate, flexible, and honest. Because sometimes the most supportive thing we can offer someone living with cancer is not a slogan — but understanding. Resources Mentioned • Research on illness metaphors and health communication • Studies on psychological effects of “battle language” in serious illness • Patient advocacy discussions on survivorship identity Related Episodes Episode 1 — Cancer Labels and Claiming Identity: Who Decides What to Call You? https://youtu.be/09HpIAh92sk?si=ZYprI812Tmd5tKtH Episode 6 — Survivor Guilt in Cancer: Learning to Live When Others Don’t https://youtu.be/TfO810C5dfc Episode 8 — Cancer Survivorship by the Numbers: The Reality Most People Don’t Know Link Coming Soon! Community Shout Outs A special thank you to ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people facing breast cancer through one-to-one peer mentorship and compassionate support. ABCD connects individuals newly diagnosed with breast cancer with trained mentors who have experienced breast cancer themselves. These personal connections provide something incredibly powerful — the reassurance of speaking with someone who truly understands what you are going through. To learn more about their programs or to request support, visit: https://abcdmentor.org About the Host Dr. Leslie Waltke is an internationally respected oncology physical therapist, educator, and advocate dedicated to helping people live fully with and beyond cancer. With more than three decades of experience working alongside cancer patients and survivors, she brings a rare blend of medical expertise, compassion, and honesty to conversations about life after diagnosis. About the Podcast The After. Cancer Podcast is an educational and empowering space where we talk about the missing conversations in cancer care — the things people often wish someone had explained earlier. Rooted in medicine and spoken in human, the podcast explores the physical, emotional, and practical realities of living with cancer and beyond. Subscribe / Follow New episodes of The After. Cancer Podcast are released weekly on Tuesdays. Video episodes are available on YouTube, and audio versions can be found on most podcast platforms. Professional Education If you are a rehabilitation professional, oncology clinician, or healthcare leader interested in improving care for people living with and beyond cancer, visit: Waltke Cancer Rehabilitation Academy https://waltkeacademy.com Dr. Waltke teaches continuing education courses and provides consulting for hospitals and health systems working to build or expand cancer rehabilitation programs. Contact Website: https://waltkeacademy.com Email: info@waltkeacademy.com Topics Cancer language Battle metaphors in illness Cancer identity Survivorship culture Patient communication Cancer psychology If you are navigating cancer, survivorship, treatment side effects, or the emotional realities of life after diagnosis, The After. Cancer Podcast is here for you.
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    17 mins
  • Ep 6 - Survivor Guilt in Cancer: Learning to Live When Others Don’t

    Ep 6 - Survivor Guilt in Cancer: Learning to Live When Others Don’t
    Apr 7 2026
    Many cancer survivors quietly struggle with survivor guilt — the painful question: Why did I survive when others didn’t? In this episode of The After. Cancer Podcast, Dr. Leslie Waltke explores why survivor guilt happens, how it affects cancer survivors, and how people learn to carry loss while still allowing themselves to fully live. In this episode of The After. Cancer Podcast, Dr. Leslie Waltke explores the complicated emotional reality of survivor guilt — the experience of living when others do not. She discusses why these feelings occur, how they are connected to grief and trauma, and why survivor guilt can emerge months or even years after treatment ends. Chapters 00:00 Episode Overview 01:00 Introduction to Survivor Guilt in Cancer 03:00 What Survivor Guilt Is 07:00 Why Cancer Survivor Guilt Happens 13:00 Real Survivor Stories 19:00 Learning to Live When Others Don’t 23:00 Reflection Prompts for Survivors 25:00 Next Episode Teaser & Closing You’ll hear real patient stories, learn why guilt can coexist with gratitude, and discover healthier ways to carry the memory of those we’ve lost while still allowing ourselves to fully live. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable celebrating your own survival, struggled after losing someone from your cancer community, or wondered if it’s okay to move forward with your life, this episode is for you. Surviving cancer is not just about staying alive. It is also about learning how to live with the emotional complexity that survival can bring. Resources Mentioned Frankl V. Man’s Search for Meaning — foundational work describing survivor guilt in trauma survivors. Niederland WG. The Survivor Syndrome. International Journal of Psychoanalysis. 1968. American Psychological Association — trauma and post‑traumatic stress research. Cordova MJ et al. Posttraumatic Growth Following Breast Cancer. Health Psychology. National Cancer Institute — emotional adjustment after cancer treatment. American Cancer Society — coping with cancer survivorship and grief. Related After. Cancer Podcast Episodes: Episode 2 – The Finish Line Myth: Why Survivorship May Feel Harder Than You Expected https://youtu.be/UUggVScpzY8?si=_TFewtGFLg-gqcT7 Episode 4 – Living in a Hyper‑Vigilant Body: Why Your Body Stays on High Alert After Cancer https://youtu.be/h8p7bvUWBew?si=dA8hWjfcylw3XAJ5 Episode 5 – Why Your Brain Stops Processing After a Cancer Diagnosis https://youtu.be/RxK0WmMgaJE Episode 7 – Battle Language in Cancer Community Shout Outs A special thank you to the many cancer survivors who have shared their stories with honesty and courage! Your willingness to talk about grief, loss, and the emotional realities of survivorship helps others feel less alone. ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis ABCDbreastcancersupport.org 1-800-977-4121 About the Host Dr. Leslie Waltke is an internationally respected oncology physical therapist, educator, and advocate for improving the lives of people living with and beyond cancer. She is the founder of the Waltke Cancer Rehabilitation Academy and has spent her career helping patients and clinicians better understand the physical and emotional realities of cancer recovery. About the Podcast The After. Cancer Podcast explores the real and often unspoken parts of the cancer experience. Hosted by oncology physical therapist Dr. Leslie Waltke, the podcast blends medical insight, survivor stories, and honest conversations about life after diagnosis. Each episode is designed to help listeners better understand the physical, emotional, and social challenges that can arise after cancer — and to offer practical tools for navigating them. Rooted in medicine. Spoken in human. Subscribe / Follow Join The After. Cancer Podcast email list! https://drwaltke.myflodesk.com/aftercancer New episodes are typically released every Tuesday. Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Professional Education If you are a healthcare professional interested in improving cancer care, visit the Waltke Cancer Rehabilitation Academy for continuing education courses designed to help clinicians better support people living with and beyond cancer. Learn more at WaltkeAcademy.com Contact Website: WaltkeAcademy.com Email: dr.waltke@waltkeacademy.com Topics cancer survivor guilt life after cancer grief in survivorship emotional recovery after cancer coping with loss in cancer communities survivorship psychology trauma and cancer recovery If you are navigating cancer, survivorship, treatment side effects, or the emotional realities of life after diagnosis, The After. Cancer Podcast is here for you.
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    20 mins
  • Ep 5 - Why Your Brain Stops Processing After a Cancer Diagnosis

    Ep 5 - Why Your Brain Stops Processing After a Cancer Diagnosis
    Mar 31 2026
    For many people, the moment they hear the words “you have cancer” becomes a dividing line in life — the moment everything before and everything after suddenly feels different. But something else often happens in that moment that few people talk about: the brain stops processing information. Patients frequently describe leaving an appointment unable to remember what the doctor said next. They struggle to absorb details about treatment plans, timelines, or next steps. Loved ones may ask questions they cannot answer because their mind simply shut down. This reaction is not weakness. It is biology. In this episode of The After. Cancer Podcast, Dr. Leslie Waltke explains what actually happens inside the brain and body when someone receives a life-threatening diagnosis. Drawing on trauma physiology, neuroscience, and decades of experience working with people living with cancer, she explores why shock, confusion, and emotional overload are normal responses to overwhelming news. You’ll also hear practical guidance for navigating the early days after diagnosis, along with insights for family members and friends who want to support someone facing this moment. Understanding the brain’s trauma response can help people approach the cancer experience with more compassion, clarity, and patience — both for themselves and for others. Resources Mentioned Research and educational resources related to trauma response and cognitive processing during medical crises: • American Psychological Association – Acute Stress Response and Trauma • National Cancer Institute – Coping with Cancer Diagnosis • American Cancer Society – Newly Diagnosed Cancer Resources • Join the podcast Email List https://drwaltke.myflodesk.com/aftercancer Related Episodes Episode 1 – Cancer Labels and Claiming Identity: who decides what to call you? Episode 2 – The Finish Line Myth: why survivorship may feel harder than you expected Episode 3 – The Cancer Comparing: Why we do it and why it doesn’t help Episode 4 – Living in a Hyper-Vigilant Body: why your body stays on high alert after cancer Community Shout Outs A special thank you to ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, a nonprofit organization that connects individuals diagnosed with breast cancer and those at high risk with trained mentors who have walked a similar path. ABCD continues to create meaningful connections and support for people navigating the realities of cancer. About the Host Dr. Leslie Waltke is an internationally respected oncology physical therapist, educator, and advocate for improving the lives of people living with and beyond cancer. Through her clinical work, teaching, and public education, she focuses on translating complex medical science into practical, compassionate guidance that helps people regain strength, function, and confidence after a cancer diagnosis. About the Podcast The After. Cancer Podcast explores the real and often unspoken parts of the cancer experience — from the moment of diagnosis through treatment, recovery, survivorship, and everything that comes next. Rooted in medicine and spoken in human, the podcast brings together medical insight, lived experience, and honest conversation to help people better understand the physical, emotional, and practical realities of cancer. Subscribe / Follow Follow The After. Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube so you never miss an episode. New episodes are typically released weekly on Tuesdays. JOIN THE PODCAST EMAIL LIST! https://drwaltke.myflodesk.com/aftercancer Professional Education Healthcare professionals can learn more about cancer rehabilitation education and continuing education courses through the Waltke Cancer Rehabilitation Academy. Visit: drlesliewaltke.com Contact Information Email: info@waltkeacademy.com Website: WaltkeAcademy.com Topics cancer diagnosis shock trauma response after cancer diagnosis why your brain stops processing bad news acute stress response cancer coping with cancer diagnosis fight flight freeze cancer diagnosis cancer survivor emotional health supporting someone newly diagnosed with cancer If you are navigating cancer, survivorship, treatment side effects, or the emotional realities of life after diagnosis, The After. Cancer Podcast is here for you.
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    26 mins
  • Ep 4: Living in a Hyper-Vigilant Body - why your body stays on high alert after cancer

    Ep 4: Living in a Hyper-Vigilant Body - why your body stays on high alert after cancer
    Mar 21 2026
    Many people expect life to return to normal once cancer treatment ends. But for a surprising number of survivors, something else happens instead. Their body stays on high alert. A new ache triggers worry. A routine scan brings overwhelming anxiety. A lingering side effect makes it difficult to trust their own body again. In this episode of The After. Cancer Podcast, I'll explore the experience of living in a hyper-vigilant body after cancer — a state where the nervous system, mind, and body remain on guard long after treatment ends. Cancer diagnosis and treatment can place enormous stress on the human system. Even when the medical crisis passes, the body may continue to respond as if danger is still present. This heightened awareness can show up as scan anxiety, constant body checking, difficulty relaxing, or a sense that your body has become unpredictable. I'll explain why this response is not a personal failure or weakness, but a very human physiological reaction to surviving a major health threat. She also shares practical ways people can begin rebuilding trust in their bodies while navigating the uncertainty that often follows cancer treatment. If you’ve ever felt like your body is still waiting for the other shoe to drop, this episode will help you understand why. And more importantly, how to move forward with greater clarity and self-compassion. Join the After. Cancer Podcast email list and have new episodes and resources sent directly to your inbox: https://drwaltke.myflodesk.com/aftercancer
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    21 mins
  • Ep 3: Cancer Comparing - why we do it & why it doesn't help

    Ep 3: Cancer Comparing - why we do it & why it doesn't help
    Mar 21 2026
    After a cancer diagnosis, many people find themselves quietly comparing their experience to someone else’s. “My cancer isn’t as bad as theirs.” “They had chemo and I didn’t.” “At least it wasn’t stage IV.” “Other people have it worse.” This pattern is incredibly common in the cancer world, and yet it rarely makes the experience easier. In this episode of The After. Cancer Podcast, oncology physical therapist Dr. Leslie Waltke explores what she calls the cancer comparison game — why so many people do it, where the instinct comes from, and why it often leaves people feeling more isolated instead of more connected. Cancer may be a universal disease, but the lived experience of it is deeply personal. Different diagnoses, different treatments, different bodies, and different life circumstances all shape what the journey looks like. In this conversation, Dr. Waltke explains how comparison can unintentionally silence people’s real struggles and prevent them from seeking the support they need. She also shares a healthier framework for thinking about cancer experiences — one that allows space for every person’s reality without ranking suffering. If you’ve ever found yourself minimizing your own experience, questioning whether you’re “allowed” to struggle, or comparing your story to someone else’s cancer journey, this episode is for you. Because the truth is: cancer is not a competition. Get new episodes by email! Join the After. Cancer Podcast email list and have new episodes and resources sent directly to your inbox: https://drwaltke.myflodesk.com/aftercancer Hugs, Dr. L
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    19 mins
  • Ep2: The Finish Line Myth - why Survivorship Feels Harder Than You Expected

    Ep2: The Finish Line Myth - why Survivorship Feels Harder Than You Expected
    Mar 21 2026
    Finishing cancer treatment is supposed to feel like a finish line. The bell rings, people celebrate, and everyone says, “You made it.” But many survivors discover something unexpected on the other side of treatment — life doesn’t instantly feel normal again. In this episode of The After. Cancer Podcast, I'll explore the often-unspoken transition from active treatment into survivorship — a phase that can bring fatigue, lingering side effects, anxiety about recurrence, and a surprising sense of disorientation. You’ll learn why this period can feel harder than people expect, why so many survivors feel unprepared for it, and what can help as you begin to move forward after treatment. Because cancer treatment may end on a specific day… but healing rarely does. If you’d like new episodes of The After. Cancer Podcast delivered to your inbox, you can join the email list here: https://drwaltke.myflodesk.com/aftercancer
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    17 mins
  • About The After. Cancer Podcast

    About The After. Cancer Podcast
    Mar 19 2026
    The After. Cancer Podcast explores the real experience of living with and beyond cancer — the side effects, the fear, the identity shifts, the recovery, and the path forward that few people talk about. Hosted by oncology physical therapist Dr. Leslie Waltke, an internationally respected leader in cancer rehabilitation, this podcast bridges the gap between what happens inside the cancer center and the life that follows. Each episode brings honest conversations, survivor perspectives, and medically sound guidance to help people better understand their bodies, regain strength, and navigate life after cancer with clarity and confidence. Whether you are living with cancer, beyond treatment, supporting someone you love, or caring for patients as a clinician — this space is for you.
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    1 min