Siobhan Shaw, a nonprofit leader, storyteller, and patient advocate, is expanding her advocacy work with the launch of Cancer Bites, a podcast and community designed to change how people talk about metastatic breast cancer. Shaw, who was diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer in June 2025 and given a prognosis of six years to live, has channeled her experience into creating a platform that combines raw honesty with humor. "I like to say cancer bit me first—but I bit back," she said.
Cancer Bites, which began as a Facebook page in September 2025 and quickly evolved into a podcast, aims to provide a space for patients, caregivers, and advocates to share unfiltered stories. Shaw emphasizes the importance of addressing the real challenges of living with stage four cancer, including treatment side effects, identity shifts, and the often-awkward comments from others. "We talk about the real stuff: treatment, identity, hope, dark humor, and the weird things people say when they don't know what to say," she explained.
Shaw's journey with cancer has been marked by significant challenges, including a life-threatening episode when cancer eroded the pleura lining of her lung, causing fluid buildup that required emergency intervention. After 16 weekly thoracenteses, she now manages her condition with oral chemotherapy and estrogen blockers, avoiding the hair loss often associated with IV treatments. Despite the absence of a cure, Shaw maintains a focus on gratitude and purpose. "Some days are surprisingly easy, others are tough, and some are downright brutal—but I've learned that gratitude is a muscle, and I work it out daily," she said.
Cancer Bites builds on Shaw's existing work with Growing to Give (G2G), a nonprofit she co-founded that focuses on community food security. Since its inception in 2020, G2G has grown over 100,000 pounds of food for communities in Washington State and Arizona, including the Phoenix Food Forest Initiative. The organization's model demonstrates that food forests can provide both nourishment and community resilience. Shaw's background in gardening and sustainability, with published work in outlets such as Homes & Gardens and The Spruce, has informed her advocacy, but Cancer Bites represents a shift toward cancer awareness and patient advocacy.
Looking ahead, Shaw plans to expand Cancer Bites with live conversations, collaborations, and video series that blend storytelling with advocacy. She also invites listeners to get involved through the Growing to Give website at growingtogive.org, where they can find resources and volunteer opportunities. Additionally, Shaw is building a "Titty Committee" of volunteers to support social media, production, and merchandise, and is seeking sponsors for a gift bag campaign launching this holiday season. "Every dollar, every seed, and every act of kindness helps grow hope where it's needed most," she said.
Cancer Bites is available on the Growing to Give YouTube channel at youtube.com/@growingtogive/podcasts and on Facebook at facebook.com/cancerbitespodcast. Shaw's message is clear: "Hope is contagious. Spread it."
