Empowered Patient Podcast: Virtual Support Groups Remove Barriers Encourage Sharing Honest Experiences to Fight Misinformation with Rick Davis, AnCan
AnCan founder, Rick Davis, was recently featured in the Empowered Patient Podcast with Karen Jagoda. This show explores the cutting edge of healthcare, highlighting innovations in generative AI and the latest breakthroughs in therapeutics and vaccines, and explores a shifting landscape where providers, pharma, and payers are prioritizing patient empowerment.
Rick explains, “The mission is to make each person and each patient a better advocate for themselves. That’s really what we try to do, and we do that through empowering patients with peer knowledge. We introduce patients to other peers who have been through what these people are facing right now, not only patients, but also their care partners, and through their experience, we hope that these patients and care partners will become more expert in managing their own situation.”
AnCan Founder Rick Davis Discovers He Has VSS in Video Support Group
Here’s an interview with AnCan founder, Rick Davis. Watch Rick talk about the moment he realized he ALSO has visual snow syndrome – AFTER the group’s formation. In Rick’s own words, “It’s crazy how these things come together!”
Davis believes he has lived with Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) since childhood, but learned to accommodate. His personal symptoms – seeing a “veil” of small dots, floaters, and light sensitivity – have given him deeper insight into the VSS support group. Davis strongly advocates for the medical community to formally recognize VSS and research a cure, while affirming AnCan’s role in providing a crucial, judgment-free virtual community where VSS sufferers realize they are not alone.
“Many years ago, when I was facing similar realities, a very wise and understanding voice in cancer sat me down and said, “Hope shifts in cancer.” In the beginning, we are optimistic that our loved one will respond to treatment, and our HOPE is high….as some treatments work and then they don’t, our HOPE shifts to understanding what the outcome might be….and then as the cancer moves to overcome any possible response, HOPE shifts again..this time to comfort and peace for our loved one.”
–Laurie Singer (Care Partner & Pancreatic Cancer Support Group Moderator)
Active Surveillance Prostate Cancer Video Chat, October 22nd, 2025
AnCan is grateful to the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Bayer, Novartis, Johnson and Johnson, Myriad Genetics, Telix, and Blue Earth Diagnostics.
Active Surveillance (AS) for low-risk prostate cancer involves unique challenges compared to other treatments. This online support group is designed for men and their caregivers who are currently on or considering AS. We hold four meetings monthly, recording only the second and fourth sessions. Our discussions cover a wide range of topics, including anxiety management, biopsy experiences, and the decision-making process around continuing or discontinuing AS. Newcomers are given priority to share their experiences, so we encourage you to join us.
AnCan Bill
Jonathan I. Epstein Integrated Medical Professionals Pathology Advanced Uropathology of New York www.advanceduropathology.com jepstein@imppllc.com
AnCan Bill
Ming Zhou, MD, PHD, Ming.zhou@mountsinai.org
AnCan Bill
Have a good night guys. I have an early morning tomorrow. Take care.
Phil Segal- Toronto
Thanks Bill
AnCan – rick
Germline Study….. PROMISE https://www.prostatecancerpromise.org/?utm_campaign=ANCAN&utm_medium=link&utm_source=Webinar
AnCan – rick
MRI 2nd Opinions webinar ProstatID https://ancan.org/webinar-mri-2nd-opinions-prostatid-solves-the-challenge/
Wayne Greaves
Free MRI 2nd opinion at NIH/NCI. Peter Choyke – pchoyke@mail.nih.gov
CNTV’s recent video features an interview with AnCan founder, Rick Davis. He explains that he started AnCan after his own diagnosis in 2007, after realizing inadequate support options, especially for those in remote areas. AnCan aims to eliminate barriers to entry for its various support groups, which range from cancer to chronic diseases. AnCan empowers patients to “Be your own best advocate” by providing them with the knowledge to speak confidently with their healthcare providers and offering peer-to-peer support.
The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) is all about bringing evidence-based, comprehensive integrative healthcare to people affected by cancer, with the goal of making their lives better. SIO pushes for solid scientific research—both in the lab and with patients—while also advocating for big changes in oncology. They want to see complementary approaches that are backed by evidence fully integrated into cancer care.
This eBook was written by cancer survivors, patient advocates, and medical professionals, designed primarily as a resource for cancer patients and their caregivers. While it offers information relevant to all types of cancer and people globally, many of its listed resources are U.S.-based. The eBook explains what integrative oncology is, defines related terminology, and outlines the numerous benefits of this approach to cancer care. It provides evidence-based resources and practical tips to help patients afford and incorporate integrative practices into their lives.
