The Weight of Waiting: Humanizing Cancer Care in Times of Transition

As we move through the transition of seasons, we are reminded of change. The crisp air, shorter days, and vibrant colors invite us to pause and reflect—on what has passed, and on what matters most in the time we are given.

In oncology, change is constant. There are new treatments, evolving care models, shifting policies—all of which require us to adapt quickly as professionals. But sitting with a support group comprising women, all under age 40 and all living with stage IV breast cancer, I was reminded that for our patients, change carries a very different weight. They spoke not of policies or systems, but of waiting—waiting for an injection that took 3 hours to receive, waiting for a clinical trial to open, waiting for medication or scan results while the days stretched on, painfully silent. For them, these delays are not inconveniences; they are lived moments in what may be the final chapters of life.

What struck me most was how clearly these women equated waiting with not being valued. And yet, as health care providers, we know how deeply we do value our patients. Every system, every protocol, every effort is meant to ease suffering and extend life. Still, when the system leaves someone sitting in uncertainty, the message they receive is often the opposite.

Since meeting with this group, I have found myself asking: What can we do or say to ensure that no matter how long the wait or the news they receive, our patients feel seen, valued, and essential? How do we let them know that their lives matter, not just in terms of trial participation or treatment protocols, but as human beings, whose presence is a gift to us all?

In this issue, we spotlight innovative programs that are translating this awareness into action—designing solutions that respond to patients’ needs with both efficiency and empathy. From Wilmot Cancer Institute's patient-led 5-FU self-disconnect initiative to VCU Massey’s expansive pipeline for training future oncology leaders, health care teams are embracing scalable solutions that prioritize patient-centered care. Exercise oncology programs in rural settings are redefining survivorship and enhancing patient quality of life for historically underserved communities. Meanwhile, qualitative research highlights the emotional toll of COVID-19 on patients with cancer, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive care to meaningfully address disparities in cancer care and research participation. Finally, insights into clinician administrator collaboration remind us that trust and effective communication are foundational to building health care systems where every patient and provider is seen and supported.

Together, these stories reveal a cancer care landscape that is not only adapting to workforce and systemic pressures but also prioritizing human connection, patient and provider empowerment, and equity. The future of oncology lies in these integrated efforts— where care begins with community, leadership is shared, and every patient and provider is supported so they can thrive. Perhaps this season can teach us a valuable lesson: Change is inevitable, but how we acknowledge and honor people undergoing drastic change is a choice.