Cancer Vaccines, BRCA1, and the Power of Storytelling: A Conversation with Aliza Friedlander

Episode Summary In this episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, Sara sits down with Aliza Friedlander, a BRCA1-positive previvor and advocate with the Cancer Vaccine Coalition. Aliza shares her unusual path to genetic testing, what shifted after her sister’s breast cancer diagnosis, and how she ultimately decided on risk-reducing surgery. Together, they unpack what “cancer vaccines” really mean (and why this research is closer than most people realize), plus how storytelling can accelerate awareness, funding, and participation in clinical trials.

What We Cover

• Aliza’s BRCA1 family discovery and why she initially chose not to test

• The role of anxiety, readiness, and trusted medical support in decision-making

• What changed after her sister’s diagnosis — and what moved Aliza toward surgery

• What the Cancer Vaccine Coalition is and why it’s different

• Cancer vaccines explained in everyday language: treatment, recurrence prevention, and potential future prevention

• Why storytelling is the bridge between complex science and public action

• How to share your story without feeling overexposed

• The message Aliza wants every listener to remember: make informed decisions on your timeline, with people you trust

Resources & Links

• Cancer Vaccine Coalition: https://cancervaccinecoalition.org

• Follow Cancer Vaccine Coalition (Instagram): @CancerVaccineCoalition

• Aliza on Instagram: @AlizaFriedlander

• Aliza’s personal essay (JMore Living): https://jmoreliving.com/2019/10/30/a-personal-story-of-living-with-the-risks/

• Referenced research: University of Washington Cancer Vaccine Institute summary: https://www.uwcvi.org/post/2024-a-year-of-clinical-breakthroughs-at-the-cancer-vaccine-institute

• Referenced publication (PubMed): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36326756/

• Visit the podcast blog at www.sarakavanaugh/podcast
• Find Sara on Instagram @positivegenepodcast

Connect / Support If this episode helped you, consider sharing it with someone navigating hereditary cancer risk, survivorship, or prevention decisions. And if you’d like to support this research, visit the Cancer Vaccine Coalition's website to learn about awareness efforts, fundraising, and clinical trial education.

IMPORTANT: This episode is for educational and storytelling purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team for personal guidance.