Announcing the My Cancer, My Plan Podcast:
Launching on World Cancer Day to Empower Men Facing Cancer
A cancer diagnosis can change everything in an instant. For many men, it brings uncertainty, fear, and a flood of information that is difficult to process, all while major treatment decisions must be made quickly. Too often, men are left wondering who to trust, what questions to ask, and how to take an active role in their care.
Today is World Cancer Day, February 4, 2026. We are excited to announce that we are launching a new podcast designed to meet men in that moment.
The My Cancer, My Plan Podcast is a six-episode series created to deliver trusted, patient-focused cancer education through a men’s health lens. Built from the My Cancer, My Plan digital guide and website, the podcast provides honest, practical conversations that help men better understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and the role of biomarker testing, lifestyle, and support systems in cancer care.
Hosted by “Men’s Health Mike,” Mike Leventhal, a leading men’s health advocate, the podcast features cancer patients, oncologists, researchers, and national cancer experts who bring clarity to complex topics and share real-world experiences navigating cancer.
Why This Podcast Matters
Men experience cancer differently. Many men delay seeking care, struggle to talk about side effects or emotional distress, and feel pressure to navigate cancer on their own. After diagnosis, men are often overwhelmed and unsure which sources of information are credible.
The My Cancer, My Plan Podcast was created to address these challenges head-on. Each episode is designed to help men ask better questions, make informed decisions, and take an active role in their cancer journey.
The podcast is intended for:
- Men facing a new cancer diagnosis
- Men living with or beyond cancer
- Caregivers, partners, and families
- Anyone supporting men through cancer care
By combining expert insight with patient voices, the series reinforces that no one should have to navigate cancer alone.
A Podcast Built From Trusted Resources
The My Cancer, My Plan Podcast is built from the My Cancer, My Plan digital guide and website, a free educational resource developed to support men and caregivers throughout the cancer experience.
The campaign focuses on providing clear, accessible information about:
- Precision medicine and personalized care
- Biomarker and genetic testing
- Mental health and emotional well-being
- Survivorship and quality of life
- Caregiver support and shared decision-making
The podcast extends these resources through conversation, allowing listeners to hear directly from experts and individuals who have lived through cancer.
What to Expect in this Podcast
Season One of the My Cancer, My Plan Podcast includes six episodes, each focused on a critical aspect of cancer care and decision-making.
Episode 1: My Cancer, My Plan
Featured guests:
- Tom Butina, Pfizer
- Roy Barnes
This opening episode sets the foundation for the entire series. The conversation focuses on what it means to live with cancer as a man, the importance of patient advocacy, and why credible cancer education matters immediately after diagnosis.
Why it matters:
Men are often overwhelmed after hearing the words “you have cancer.” This episode highlights why trusted information, patient voices, and advocacy are essential to navigating cancer with confidence from the start.
Episode 2: Know Your Code: Biomarkers & Genetic Testing 101
Featured guests:
- Katherine Baker, MD, Tennessee Oncology
- Michael Holtz, Man Up To Cancer
- Jon Treffert
Biomarker and genetic testing can play a critical role in guiding treatment decisions, yet many men never receive this testing unless they ask. This episode explains these tools in plain language and explores how they shape personalized cancer care.
Why it matters:
Understanding cancer at the molecular level can change treatment options, help avoid unnecessary side effects, and open access to targeted therapies or clinical trials.
Episode 3: The Side Effects Nobody Talks About
Featured guests:
- Jim Haselmaier
- Akanksha Mehta, MD, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University
Cancer treatment affects more than the disease itself. This episode focuses on the physical and emotional side effects of treatment, quality of life, and the conversations men are often hesitant to have.
Why it matters:
Side effects can impact mental health, relationships, work, and daily life. This episode creates space for honest discussion and helps men recognize when to speak up and ask for support.
Episode 4: Cancer Equity & the Change the Odds Initiative
Featured guests:
- Marianne Gandee, Pfizer
- Arif Kamal, MD, American Cancer Society
This equity-focused episode explores how national organizations are addressing disparities in cancer care and outcomes. The conversation highlights the Change the Odds Initiative and broader efforts to improve access to education and resources.
Why it matters:
Where someone lives, their income, race, and access to care can affect cancer outcomes. Closing these gaps is essential to improving survival and ensuring men receive timely, high-quality care.
Episode 5: The Ones That Stay: The Caregiver Episode
Featured guests:
- Ken Phillips
- Debbie Phillips
Caregivers are often the backbone of cancer care. This episode centers on the caregiver experience and how partners and families support men through treatment.
Why it matters:
Caregivers face emotional and physical strain that is rarely discussed. This episode reinforces that cancer is a shared journey and that caregiver support is a critical part of care.
Episode 6: Trials, Treatments, & Tough Decisions
Featured guest:
- Aisha Diallo, Patient Empowerment Network
The final episode focuses on understanding treatment options and clinical trials, making informed decisions, and using patient empowerment and advocacy tools during cancer care.
Why it matters:
Cancer decisions are complex and often time sensitive. This episode helps men feel informed and empowered when facing difficult treatment choices.
Spotlight on Biomarker and Genetic Testing
A recurring theme throughout the podcast is the role of biomarkers and genetic testing in modern cancer care. These tests can help identify specific characteristics of cancer, guiding treatment decisions and improving personalization.
The My Cancer, My Plan patient education provides dedicated resources explaining:
- What biomarker and genetic tests are
- Why they matter
- How they can influence treatment options
Men and caregivers can explore these resources at:
https://mycancermyplan.com/biomarker-%26-genetic-tests
Building Strength Through the Pillars of Resistance
The podcast also aligns with the Pillars of Resistance, a framework that emphasizes resilience, support systems, and survivorship throughout the cancer journey.
These pillars highlight the importance of:
- Education and information
- Emotional and mental health support
- Caregiver and community involvement
- Long-term survivorship planning
Learn more about the Pillars of Resistance at:
https://mycancermyplan.com/pillars-of-resistance
Listen, Learn, and Download
The My Cancer, My Plan Podcast launched today, this World Cancer Day, February 4, 2026, and is available on all major podcast platforms or directly at:
https://mycancermyplan.com/podcast
Men and caregivers can also download the free My Cancer, My Plan digital guide, a comprehensive resource designed to support individuals navigating cancer:
About the Podcast
The My Cancer, My Plan Podcast is produced by Men’s Health Network and hosted by “Men’s Health Mike,” Mike Leventhal. The series delivers trusted, patient-focused cancer education through a men’s health lens.
The podcast is sponsored by Pfizer and supports broader efforts to promote men’s health resources related to cancer and biomarker testing.
On World Cancer Day and beyond, the My Cancer, My Plan Podcast invites men, caregivers, and families to listen, learn, and take an active role in the cancer journey, one informed conversation at a time.
