Carolyn Vachani

It’s Not All Rainbows and Glitter

Posted March 29th, 2017

If you have never heard the words “you have cancer”, then what I am about to explain may defy logic, but bear with me. Let’s imagine you are heading to the cancer center for your last day of treatment – chemotherapy, radiation, whatever it may be. What are you feeling? What thoughts are running through […]


Happy 23rd Birthday OncoLink!

Posted March 7th, 2017

On March 7th of 1994, Dr. Joel Goldwein launched OncoLink, the first cancer information site on the Internet, from his office at the University of Pennsylvania.  Dr. Goldwein thought OncoLink would be a good way for physicians to share information.  Little did he know that this little project would become one of the most trusted […]


Why is Health Education So Important?

Posted October 17th, 2016

Since 1995, National Health Education Week (NHEW) has been celebrated during the third full week of October (October 17-21 this year). Sponsored by the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), this celebration focuses national attention on a major public health issue and promotes consumers’ understanding of the role of health education in promoting the public’s […]


The Flu Vaccine for People with Cancer

Posted October 14th, 2016

Flu vaccine information is everywhere you turn these days, from the supermarket to the news. Every year around this time, questions about flu vaccination start popping up in cancer clinics. Many people with cancer (and survivors) may be wondering how they can best prevent getting sick, and if they should be vaccinated against the flu. […]


To Ring or Not To Ring

Posted October 10th, 2016

Watch any TV show or movie about cancer and you will see the patient celebrate the end of treatment – cupcakes, balloons, all smiles. In radiation there is a tradition of ringing a bell to mark the end of treatment – a symbol of the celebration. Our society is trained to think every patient should […]


Carolyn Vachani

The Unwanted Passenger

Posted May 19th, 2016

I visited my dermatologist the other day. “Fifteen years!” she said. So long ago, yet sometimes so close. The thing is, once you have had a diagnosis of cancer – no matter the stage or the treatment required – you have that diagnosis in the back of your mind, always. It’s a little thing we […]


Being a Caregiver

Posted November 2nd, 2015

November is National Family Caregiver Month. It’s hard to follow all the pinkness of October, but I hope the millions of people caring for loved ones get a little bit of the limelight this month. Think the NFL will wear caregiver awareness ribbons this month? You see, caregiving is a thankless job. You’re usually damned […]


OncoLink Team

Let’s Celebrate Health Education!

Posted October 19th, 2015

Since 1995, National Health Education Week (NHEW) has been celebrated during the third full week of October. Sponsored by the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), this celebration focuses national attention on a major public health issue and promotes consumers’ understanding of the role of health education in promoting the public’s health. At OncoLink, we […]


Carolyn Vachani

Take My Skin Cancer Prevention Challenge

Posted May 6th, 2015

May is Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month, and as a melanoma survivor, this awareness month is near and dear to my heart. Melanoma and other skin cancers are some of the most preventable cancers – and one of the easiest to detect early. It’s easier said than done though – to change a lifetime […]


Carolyn Vachani

Tips for Living With Cancer

Posted December 16th, 2014

OncoLink collected some advice from people who have been through a cancer diagnosis. See these tips for living with cancer.