No one wants to think about cancer. But it has a large impact on society and a profound impact on individuals and families.

About 1.7 M people are diagnosed with it each year in the US. The majority will survive. The quest for better and earlier diagnoses and cures dominate our attention.

This session, hosted by the Boston Collaboration Hub Powered by WeWork and the Biden Cancer Initiative, the Institute for Human Centered Design and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, will take a close look at the home & work living experience for people with cancer. The onslaught of sensory and nervous system changes can make it hard to get enough food and sleep. Hypersensitivity of skin, hearing and even sight can add to the challenge of recovery. Memory and attention are compromised and impede sticking with the demands of treatment. Framing the problem will begin with cancer patients sharing their stories about the nagging side effects that sap needed energy and hope. 

This session intends to focus on opportunities for practical problem-solving, catalyzing design innovation that responds to the physical and sensory onslaught of those in cancer treatment and recovery. Success would deliver improved quality of life and an invaluable restoration of confidence.