Advocacy for Cancer Care: Dr. Yelena Kier’s Inspiring Work
Oncologist Yelena Kier, DO, has dedicated the past ten years to caring for cancer patients—so when she spotted an opportunity to enhance their care post treatment through a new initiative, she was eager to offer that support through Munson’s Cowell Family Cancer Center.
Last September, this passionate provider and patient advocate helped launch a pilot program called I.G.N.I.T.E. (Integrate movement, Guide nutrition, Navigate goals, Implement sleep, Tackle stressors, and Empower community) to help support our region’s cancer survivors well beyond completion of their treatments. The free 12-week program offered education, support, and resources for people in cancer recovery, including guest speakers who cover critical cancer recovery topics such as physical therapy, emotional health, behavioral health, sexual health, and nutrition. After a successful first run, I.G.N.I.T.E is now offered every three months (both in person and online). Participants who have completed the 12-week program are then invited to attend Munson Healthcare’s monthly IGNITE Master’s Group. Thirty participants have completed their journey so far.
“A lot of patients felt or told me they felt that they lacked sense of community and belonging post active treatment. Patients often hear from others ‘Well, you just move on and go back to your life.’ I think it’s impossible to return to your previous life after a cancer diagnosis,” shares Dr. Kier. “You live a new life, and I think that new life needs a little navigation and a little adjustment. And that’s what we’re here to hopefully help provide.”
In addition to expanding survivorship support, I.G.N.I.T.E., also serves as a clinical research study. Participants are asked to complete a voluntary survey at the start and completion of the program so Dr. Kier and her team can analyze and share the results to not only improve survivorship programming at Cowell Family Cancer Center but to also assist other healthcare systems who want to start similar programs. Her dedication to advocating on behalf of cancer care providers, patients, and researchers by engaging and educating lawmakers on important policies has helped ensure that patients have access to high quality cancer care. As a result of her tireless advocacy efforts, Dr. Kier was selected as one of the Association for Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) Advocacy Champions and listed as an Advocacy Champion at the Senator’s Circle level on ASCO’s list of 2024 honorees.
“ASCO’s Advocacy Champions make up an extremely dedicated group of healthcare providers and researchers that go beyond the day-to-day work by advocating for patients,” says ASCO’s Government Relations Committee Chair Martin Palmeri, MD, MBA. “Collaborating with policymakers helps create an environment that allows us to provide the best quality of care and research possible to all people with cancer.”
In addition, Dr. Kier also serves on the board of MSHO (Michigan Society of Clinical Oncology) and the president of its foundation.
“After most breast cancer patients complete active treatment, they are asked to take a pill that suppresses estrogen. We are trying to find a way to help patients navigate that part of their life, alongside those who have other malignancies or other varieties of breast cancer,” Dr. Kier shares. “Life after chemo doesn’t go back to the way it was before. You are living this other life—one you didn’t want to lead—and we as a medical community need do better to recognize those challenges and educate on ways to move forward.”
Munson Healthcare is grateful for Dr. Kier’s dedication to advocacy for cancer care in the U.S.