March 18, 2025

Navigating Cancer’s Impact on Education & Career Paths

How does a cancer diagnosis impact education and career aspirations? In this episode of Life on Pause, seven young adult cancer survivors share their personal experiences of having their lives disrupted by cancer during pivotal academic and professional moments. From reimagining career paths to navigating education with ongoing treatment, their stories highlight resilience, adaptation, and newfound purpose.

Join us as we discuss the challenges of pausing life for treatment, the uncertainty of returning to school and work, and the surprising ways survivorship reshapes ambitions. Whether you’re a student, professional, or caregiver, this candid conversation offers invaluable insights into the intersection of cancer, education, and vocation.

Tune in and subscribe to Life on Pause for more real stories from young adult cancer survivors.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Educational and occupational aspirations of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: a qualitative analysis:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39105828/

Participants:

USC - Olivia Brown, diagnosed at 25

USC – Jared Lipscomb, diagnosed at 31

USC – Quincy Wallen, diagnosed at 31

USC – Xixi Hu, diagnosed at 34

PSH – Taylor Mahoney, diagnosed at 12

PSH – Bailey Unterkofler, diagnosed at 17

PSH – Shelly Bliss, diagnosed at 9

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Life on Pause

01:25 - How cancer changed our education & career goals

05:40 - The emotional impact of putting life on hold

09:15 - Facing career uncertainty after cancer treatment

12:30 - Redefining identity & ambitions post-cancer

16:45 - How cancer survivors adjust to new career paths

21:10 - Finding resilience & a new sense of purpose

26:35 - The importance of community & support networks

30:50 - Advice for young adults balancing cancer & career

35:15 - Closing thoughts & final words of encouragement