# Dr. Yvette Colón

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A Survivor’s Voice for Equity, Advocacy, and Hope.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Whispers from the Ancestors](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/whispers-from-the-ancestors/): On the morning of my TEDx Talk, I felt more than nerves, I felt the weight of history, grief, and purpose. In sharing “The Myth of the Cancer Warrior,” I spoke the truth about survivorship, ancestral strength, and the crushing pressure placed on cancer survivors to always appear strong.
- [I’m Still Standing: 12 Years After Pancreatic Cancer](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/im-still-standing-12-years-after-pancreatic-cancer/): Twelve years after pancreatic cancer, Dr. Yvette Colón reflects on survivorship, grief, medical dismissal, and why patients deserve more.
- [What People Don’t See: The Daily Realities of Life After a Whipple Procedure](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/what-people-dont-see-the-daily-realities-of-life-after-a-whipple-procedure/): Life after a Whipple procedure isn’t the triumphant finish line people imagine. From the outside, I might look healed—walking into a café, sharing a meal, smiling through a conversation—but what people can’t see are the hidden calculations, the pain that flares without warning, and the work it takes just to digest a simple plate of food. Survival gave me gratitude, but it also reshaped my body and my life in ways that most will never witness. This is the part of the story that stays invisible, and it’s why I’m choosing to bring it into the light.
- [The Unspoken Option: Why Are Cool Caps Still a Secret in U.S. Cancer Care?](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/the-unspoken-option-why-are-cool-caps-still-a-secret-in-u-s-cancer-care/): Scalp cooling, also known as “cool caps,” is a proven method that can help chemotherapy patients reduce hair loss and preserve dignity during treatment. Yet in the U.S., this option remains largely unspoken, rarely offered, inconsistently covered, and often discovered only after treatment begins. Dr. Yvette Colón explores the science, the barriers, and why every patient deserves to know this choice exists.
- [My Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Story: Finding Strength When Doctors Lose Hope](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/my-pancreatic-cancer-survivor-story-finding-strength-when-doctors-lose-hope/): When I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I knew the science the prognosis, the treatment options, the odds. What I didn’t know was how it would feel to be met with silence instead of compassion. In this story, I share what it’s like to face a devastating diagnosis as both a clinician and a patient and what it taught me about empathy, advocacy, and hope. You Know It’s Bad: Finding Strength When the Doctors Don’t Give You Hope is about reclaiming your power when the system forgets your humanity. Because even when the words you need never come, you can still create your own hope.
- [Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis: Key Terms Explained](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/pancreatic-cancer-diagnosis-key-terms-explained/): Dr. Yvette Colón explains complex Pancreatic Cancer terms like Whipple, FOLFIRINOX, and CA 19-9 into simple, compassionate explanations.
- [Why Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month Matters](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/why-pancreatic-cancer-awareness-month-matters/): Pancreatic cancer is often called a silent killer, with vague symptoms and one of the lowest survival rates of all cancers. Every November, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month shines a light on this overlooked disease, pushing for research, equity in care, and earlier detection while honoring patients, survivors, and families.
- [When the Doctor Doesn’t Believe You: A Personal Story of Medical Dismissal](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/when-the-doctor-doesnt-believe-you-a-personal-story-of-medical-dismissal/): A true story from my treatment journey that highlights how deeply medical racism can affect care and why we must speak out and share these experiences.
- [From Lecture Halls to the Frontlines: How My Early Medical Missions Sparked a Lifelong Pursuit of Healthcare Equity](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/from-lecture-halls-to-the-frontlines-how-my-early-medical-missions-sparked-a-lifelong-pursuit-of-healthcare-equity/): Dr. Yvette Colón shares how a medical mission trip to Mexico revealed deep healthcare inequities and inspired her lifelong work for patient equity.
- [Why Health Equity Is More Than Just a Buzzword](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/why-health-equity-is-more-than-just-a-buzzword/): Dr. Yvette Colón explains what health equity is, how it differs from health disparities, and why systemic racism in healthcare demands urgent change.
- [What It’s Like to Navigate Cancer Care as a BIPOC Woman](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/what-its-like-to-navigate-cancer-care-as-a-bipoc-woman/): Being a BIPOC patient shaped how I was treated, heard, and supported. This post explores the intersection of identity and care in the cancer system.
- [Patient Self-Advocacy: How to Speak Up at the Doctor’s Office](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/patient-self-advocacy-how-to-speak-up-at-the-doctors-office/): Speaking up in the exam room isn’t easy, especially when you're exhausted or scared. Here’s how to advocate for yourself effectively and respectfully.
- [8 Practical Tips for Your First Oncology Appointment](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/8-practical-tips-for-your-first-oncology-appointment/): Dr. Yvette Colón shares 8 practical tips to help newly diagnosed cancer patients prepare for their first oncology appointment with clarity and confidence.
- [5 Things I Learned After My Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/5-things-i-learned-after-my-pancreatic-cancer-diagnosis/): A candid look at the emotional and practical lessons I had to learn quickly after hearing the words no one ever expects: "You have pancreatic cancer."
- [Writing About Trauma: How I Found the Courage to Tell My Story](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/writing-about-trauma-how-i-found-the-courage-to-tell-my-story/): Memoir writing forced me to relive painful moments, but it also gave me a voice. This post explores what it really takes to write about medical trauma as a survivor.
- [What I Shared at the Toastmasters Meeting](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/what-i-shared-at-the-toastmasters-meeting/): Dr. Yvette Colón challenges the “hero survivor” myth in her Toastmasters speech, sharing a more honest, inclusive view of cancer survivorship.

## Pages

- [Home](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/): Survivor, author, advocate: Dr. Yvette Colón shares her story and mission to change healthcare. Step into her world.
- [About](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/about-page/): From cancer survivor to advocate, discover the journey that drives Dr. Yvette Colón’s fight for equity in healthcare.
- [Resources](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/resources/): Need tools for advocacy? Find trusted resources on cancer, medical racism, and equity handpicked by Dr. Yvette Colón.
- [Media & Press](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/media-press/): Featured In This page highlights selected articles, interviews, and media appearances featuring Dr. Yvette Colón’s voice and work. As new features are published, they will be added here. Featured TEDx Talk The Myth of the Cancer Warrior Dr. Yvette Colón | TEDxKU What does it really mean to survive cancer when the world expects you
- [Speaking](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/speaking/): Looking for a speaker who inspires and educates? Book Dr. Yvette Colón for topics on equity, resilience, and advocacy.
- [Blog](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/blog/): Real stories. Hard truths. Practical advocacy. Join Dr. Yvette Colón’s blog and explore resilience in the face of inequity.
- [Privacy Policy](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/privacy-policy/): Last Updated: 8/24/2025 Dr. Yvette Colón respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This website is designed to share her memoir, advocacy work, and resources while keeping your information safe. Information We Collect We may collect the following information when you interact with this site: Newsletter sign-up: Your name and email
- [Contact](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/contact/): Ready to connect? Reach out to Dr. Yvette Colón for media, speaking, or advocacy opportunities today.

## Categories

- [Patient Advocacy](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/category/patient-advocacy/): Tools, advice, and encouragement to help patients speak up, understand their rights, and take control of their care journey.
- [Medical Racism](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/category/medical-racism/): Exploring racism and implicit bias in the healthcare system, through personal experience, professional reflection, and calls to action.
- [Patient Resources](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/category/patient-resources/): Checklists, worksheets, support links, and guides to empower patients and survivors as they navigate the healthcare system.
- [Memoir Writing & Author Life](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/category/behind-the-book/): Behind-the-scenes of Yvette’s writing journey, from drafting her memoir to sharing vulnerable truths and balancing advocacy with authorship.
- [Pancreatic Cancer](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/category/pancreatic-cancer/): Personal stories and reflections from Yvette’s experience surviving pancreatic cancer, written to offer hope, truth, and connection to others facing this disease.
- [Healthcare Equity](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/category/healthcare-equity/): A look at how we can move toward justice in healthcare, through policy, awareness, and centering marginalized voices.
- [BIPOC Health Stories](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/category/bipoc-health-stories/): Firsthand stories from Yvette and others navigating healthcare while BIPOC, centered on identity, inequality, and resilience.
- [Speaking Engagements & Events](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/category/speaking-engagements/): Highlights from Dr. Yvette Colón’s speaking engagements, conferences, podcast interviews, and community events.

## Tags

- [Dr. Yvette Colón](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/dr-yvette-colon/)
- [pancreatic cancer survivor](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/pancreatic-cancer-survivor/)
- [BIPOC cancer stories](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/bipoc-cancer-stories/)
- [medical racism](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/medical-racism/)
- [healthcare inequality](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/healthcare-inequality/)
- [patient advocacy](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/patient-advocacy/)
- [cancer blog](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/cancer-blog/)
- [self-advocacy tips](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/self-advocacy-tips/)
- [memoir author](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/memoir-author/)
- [healthcare bias](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/healthcare-bias/)
- [cancer support resources](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/cancer-support-resources/)
- [equity in medicine](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/equity-in-medicine/)
- [cancer and identity](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/cancer-and-identity/)
- [resilient patient stories](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/resilient-patient-stories/)
- [surviving pancreatic cancer](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/surviving-pancreatic-cancer/)
- [healthcare for BIPOC communities](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/healthcare-for-bipoc-communities/)
- [empowering patients](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/empowering-patients/)
- [medical discrimination stories](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/medical-discrimination-stories/)
- [healthcare equity](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/healthcare-equity/)
- [BIPOC health stories](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/bipoc-health-stories/)
- [professional highlights](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/professional-highlights/)
- [neuroendocrine tumor](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/neuroendocrine-tumor/)
- [adenocarcinoma](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/adenocarcinoma/)
- [PDAC](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/pdac/)
- [pancreatic cancer](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/pancreatic-cancer/)
- [pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/pancreatic-ductal-adenocarcinoma/)
- [Whipple procedure](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/whipple-procedure/)
- [survivorship program](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/survivorship-program/)
- [medical mission trip](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/medical-mission-trip/)
- [VOSH](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/vosh/)
- [Yucatán Peninsula](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/yucatan-peninsula/)
- [vision care](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/vision-care/)
- [healthcare inequities](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/healthcare-inequities/)
- [eye exams](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/eye-exams/)
- [hero survivor myth](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/hero-survivor-myth/)
- [Toastmasters speech](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/toastmasters-speech/)
- [cancer survivorship](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/cancer-survivorship/)
- [survivorship narrative](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/survivorship-narrative/)
- [first oncology appointment](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/first-oncology-appointment/)
- [oncology patient tips](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/oncology-patient-tips/)
- [cancer diagnosis](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/cancer-diagnosis/)
- [cancer care preparation](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/cancer-care-preparation/)
- [oncology checklist](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/oncology-checklist/)
- [health equity](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/health-equity/)
- [systemic racism in healthcare](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/systemic-racism-in-healthcare/)
- [health disparities](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/health-disparities/)
- [social determinants of health](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/social-determinants-of-health/)
- [environmental racism](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/environmental-racism/)
- [diversity in clinical trials](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/diversity-in-clinical-trials/)
- [Awareness Month](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/awareness-month/)
- [Cancer Research](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/cancer-research/)
- [Early Detection](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/early-detection/)
- [Patient Stories](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/patient-stories/)
- [Equity in Healthcare](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/equity-in-healthcare/)
- [Survivor Perspective](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/survivor-perspective/)
- [Support & Resources](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/support-resources/)
- [patient empowerment](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/patient-empowerment/)
- [medical dismissal](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/medical-dismissal/)
- [healthcare compassion](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/healthcare-compassion/)
- [pancreatic cancer survivor story](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/pancreatic-cancer-survivor-story/)
- [empathy in medicine](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/empathy-in-medicine/)
- [BIPOC patient experience](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/bipoc-patient-experience/)
- [clinician perspective](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/clinician-perspective/)
- [coping with cancer](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/coping-with-cancer/)
- [cancer survivorship stories](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/cancer-survivorship-stories/)
- [Chemotherapy Hair Loss](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/chemotherapy-hair-loss/)
- [Pancreatic Cancer Awareness](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/pancreatic-cancer-awareness/)
- [Cold Caps](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/cold-caps/)
- [Cool Caps](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/cool-caps/)
- [Scalp Cooling](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/scalp-cooling/)
- [Cancer Patient Resources](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/cancer-patient-resources/)
- [Hair Loss Prevention](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/hair-loss-prevention/)
- [Yvette Colón](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/yvette-colon/)
- [Cancer Care Options](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/cancer-care-options/)
- [Dignity in Cancer Care](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/dignity-in-cancer-care/)
- [life after Whipple surgery](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/life-after-whipple-surgery/)
- [Whipple procedure recovery](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/whipple-procedure-recovery/)
- [Pancreatic cancer survivorship](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/pancreatic-cancer-survivorship/)
- [invisible disability](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/invisible-disability/)
- [long-term cancer recovery](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/long-term-cancer-recovery/)
- [chronic pain after cancer](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/chronic-pain-after-cancer/)
- [PDAC survivor story](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/pdac-survivor-story/)
- [BIPOC health experiences](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/bipoc-health-experiences/)
- [cancer patient advocacy](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/cancer-patient-advocacy/)
- [chronic illness realities](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/chronic-illness-realities/)
- [enzyme replacement therapy](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/enzyme-replacement-therapy/)
- [digestive challenges after Whipple](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/digestive-challenges-after-whipple/)
- [life after pancreatic cancer](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/life-after-pancreatic-cancer/)
- [long-term cancer survivor](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/long-term-cancer-survivor/)
- [healthcare inequity](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/healthcare-inequity/)
- [PurpleStride](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/purplestride/)
- [patient self-advocacy](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/patient-self-advocacy/)
- [pancreatic cancer advocacy](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/pancreatic-cancer-advocacy/)
- [whipple surgery](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/whipple-surgery/)
- [cancer grief](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/cancer-grief/)
- [survivorship story](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/survivorship-story/)
- [PanCAN](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/pancan/)
- [The Myth of the Cancer Warrior](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/the-myth-of-the-cancer-warrior/)
- [ancestral healing](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/ancestral-healing/)
- [emotional healing](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/emotional-healing/)
- [BIPOC health](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/bipoc-health/)
- [TEDx Talk](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/tedx-talk/)
- [memoir writing](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/memoir-writing/)
- [public speaking](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/public-speaking/)
- [survivor identity](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/survivor-identity/)
- [storytelling and healing](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/storytelling-and-healing/)
- [TEDx experience](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/tedx-experience/)
- [TedXKU](https://xn--yvettecoln-obb.com/tag/tedxku/)