Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Featured on "Empowered with Meg Ryan" in a Segment Focused on Hope and Healing

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a forthcoming Public Television segment of "Empowered with Meg Ryan," viewers will get an insightful look at the pioneering work being done at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC). This educational collaboration will provide a deeper understanding of breast cancer and the significant progress that has been made in transforming a diagnosis from a source of fear into a path toward healing and recovery.

Filmed at VICC's headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, this new segment will inform Public Television audiences about the remarkable advancements in breast cancer treatment. The program will explore how the widespread adoption of screening mammograms has led to earlier diagnoses, which in turn has dramatically improved survival rates. It will also provide a compassionate and educational overview of the difference between early-stage and metastatic breast cancer, explaining how the majority of patients with an early diagnosis are cured. The program will also highlight the transformative power of a team approach to care, showcasing how VICC's experts leverage advanced genetic testing to develop individualized treatment strategies. This method of "precision oncology" is changing the lives of patients by identifying and attacking the unique vulnerabilities of their cancer, giving them the best chance for a successful outcome.

"We are thrilled to be featured on "Enpowered with Meg Ryan". The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is the only NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center in Tennessee that serves both adults and children, and our mission to help democratize personalized oncology care extends to patients locally, nationally and globally. The ability to provide the best care begins with data, and we have pioneered approaches to not only provide state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and treatments, but also to develop new and innovative ways to expand our reach worldwide. An essential component of this is to educate our constituents; to let them know that breast cancer is no longer a death sentence and that seeking additional medical opinions can lead to new testing and therapies that were not previously identified. Truly, empowering patients to be their own best advocates can save lives, and this is why it is such a privilege and honor to be part of this series" - Ben Park, MD, PhD, Director, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

The segment will thoughtfully address the fact that while most breast cancer patients are cured, around 40,000 people in the US still die from the disease each year. However, it will also convey a message of immense hope by focusing on how scientific research is continuously changing the natural history of metastatic breast cancer. New therapies are now allowing more patients to live longer and with a higher quality of life, transforming a once-fatal diagnosis into a more manageable, chronic condition. The program will also touch on the emerging science of liquid biopsies, an innovative area where VICC has been a global leader for over a decade. These blood tests are poised to revolutionize diagnostics and treatment in the near future by helping doctors determine if a patient is truly cured or if a more targeted therapy is needed to prevent recurrence. This forward-looking feature will also underscore VICC's commitment to leading global efforts to provide personalized cancer care for all, demonstrating how their expertise is being shared internationally to help patients and providers who may not have access to the same resources.

By offering this comprehensive and hopeful perspective, the program aims to empower viewers to be proactive about their health and to understand that a breast cancer diagnosis today is not a "death sentence" but an opportunity to embrace new treatments and a path to a long and healthy life.

About Empowered with Meg Ryan: "Empowered with Meg Ryan" is a Public Television program that offers viewers valuable insights and educational content, inspiring them to take informed action in their lives and communities. The program highlights organizations that are making a positive impact and providing pathways to greater well-being. Learn more at: www.empoweredprogram.com

About Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center: Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) is a leader in cancer research, care, and education. As one of only 57 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, VICC provides a comprehensive team approach to patient care, translating discoveries from the lab into groundbreaking new therapies. The center is committed to leading efforts to democratize personalized cancer care and make life-saving advances available to patients worldwide. Learn more at: www.VanderbiltIngramCancerCenter.com

SOURCE Empowered with Meg Ryan