Ruth Fein Reflects on Chronic Cancer, Advocacy, and Empowering Patients Through Her Writing
Cancer Advocacy, Empowerment Through Storytelling, Ruth Fein’s Inspiring Journey with Chronic Illness
Ruth Fein combines her 40-year career in journalism and personal experience with chronic cancer to advocate, educate, and empower patients through compelling storytelling and patient-centered advocacy.
In this issue, we are privileged to highlight Ruth Fein’s remarkable journey as an author, journalist, and patient advocate. Her book The Big C² continues to inspire cancer patients and caregivers worldwide, while her unwavering commitment to improving patient care shapes the future of cancer advocacy. Ruth’s insights into the complexities of living with chronic cancer, paired with her powerful storytelling, offer valuable lessons in resilience and empowerment for anyone touched by illness. We are honoured to share her story and the incredible impact of her work.
Ruth Fein’s unwavering dedication to cancer advocacy and her powerful storytelling have inspired countless individuals, offering hope and vital education to those living with chronic illness.
Ruth Fein’s extraordinary journey of resilience and advocacy has led her to become a leading voice for cancer patients worldwide. With a distinguished 40-year career in health and life science writing and an unwavering dedication to patient advocacy, Ruth shares her own experiences living with a rare chronic blood cancer, blending them with insights from others in her book The Big C² – Stories from the Chronic Side of Cancer. This deeply personal and impactful work offers readers a combination of heart-wrenching and empowering stories that educate, inspire, and support cancer patients and their families. In this interview, Ruth discusses her life’s work, her passion for storytelling, and her mission to make cancer care more compassionate and patient-centered.
Transforming Challenges into Aha! Moments
Ruth Fein’s life with chronic cancer, paired with her career in journalism, shaped her into an advocate and author with a unique voice. In The Big C², Ruth weaves her own experiences with cancer together with the stories of others, including interviews with specialists, caregivers, and even an end-of-life doula. Each narrative is crafted to provide an insightful look into the emotional and physical struggles faced by cancer patients, as well as the importance of self-advocacy. Through her writing, Ruth hopes to offer more than just medical information—she aims to provide a sense of hope, validation, and inspiration for all cancer “thrivers” and their loved ones.
In Ruth’s own words, “I think like a patient. I question like a journalist. I write to educate, empower and enlighten.”
One of the key themes in Ruth’s book is the misconception that cancer patients often face: “But you look fine.” She describes the emotional impact of being perceived as “fine” when, in reality, the symptoms of chronic illness are invisible and sometimes overwhelming. By sharing these personal experiences, Ruth’s aim is to foster understanding and empathy, helping others to navigate similar challenges.
Another prominent theme explored in The Big C² is the importance of patient advocacy and self-empowerment. Ruth emphasizes the significance of patients taking an active role in their own care, stressing that advocating for oneself can be life-changing—and even life-saving. Throughout the book, Ruth encourages readers to acknowledge the physical and emotional toll of living with a chronic illness and to seek support when needed.
Journalism Meets Patient Advocacy
Having written for major publications like The New York Times, Ruth’s journalistic background allows her to approach patient advocacy from a perspective that is both informed and empathetic. Her work with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), a rare blood cancer, and the recognition of the gaps in cancer care for rare conditions, led her to dedicate herself to writing about the disease and advocating for patients who feel overlooked. Ruth’s insights are not just informative—they are transformative, helping patients to feel seen and understood.
Her role as a patient representative on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical guidelines panel has also been instrumental in advocating for changes that improve care. Ruth has pushed for greater recognition of the emotional and mental health effects of living with a chronic illness, with a particular focus on the stress and uncertainty that cancer patients face.
Reaching a Global Audience
Ruth’s efforts extend beyond her writing. Through global webinars and podcasts, including The Other Side of Cancer, she continues to engage with cancer patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, addressing topics that matter most to them. Her approachable style and commitment to providing accessible explanations make her a trusted source of information and support for many.
Conveying Complex Medical Information
Drawing from her extensive experience in ghostwriting medical textbook chapters, Ruth has mastered the art of making complex medical topics accessible to the general public. She advises aspiring authors and advocates to focus on asking the questions that patients are most concerned with and to ensure that explanations are simple enough for a 12-year-old to understand.
Advice for Aspiring Writers in Health Advocacy
For those looking to combine personal health experiences with professional writing to advocate for others, Ruth’s advice is clear: “Consider what you want the reader to take away. Then, what format will work best to serve that purpose?” She encourages aspiring authors to reflect on their goals and to seek input from their intended audience to ensure that their work is meaningful and impactful.
Through her writing and advocacy, Ruth Fein has touched the lives of many, offering not just stories of survival, but also the tools to thrive. Her journey is a powerful reminder that cancer is not just something to survive, but something to live with, advocate for, and empower others through.
Originally published in Reader’s House Magazine.
