Kristen Dahlgren is a cancer survivor, as well as the founder and CEO of the 

Kristen Dahlgren

Kristen Dahlgren of the Cancer Vaccine Coalition spoke with CURE about patients’ need to find reliable sources of information.

Why Patients With Cancer ‘Have to Be Our Own Advocates’

Kristen Dahlgren, a breast cancer survivor who is the founder and CEO of the 

, understands the importance of patients with cancer finding reliable sources of information in order to keep themselves informed and empowered.

“I think we have to do our own research. I think we have to be our own advocates. If there's anything that I learned through my cancer journey where my cancer was missed by a mammogram and when I saw something that was out of the ordinary I pushed to get additional screening, is that I think we always have to be paying attention to what's going on, what's going on in the science,” Dahlgren said.

Dahlgren sat down for an interview with CURE to discuss patient empowerment and why cancer is “a non-partisan issue.”

What advice do you have for patients with cancer processing everything they’re hearing in the media and keeping an eye on the science?

I'm a patient, too, so this is really personal for me. I believe that a cancer vaccine could prevent a recurrence for me. God forbid my cancer ever came back, I think having a vaccine could prevent that. So, this means a lot to me, and I'm watching this news both as a patient and as an advocate.

I think we have to do our own research and be our own advocates. If there's one thing I learned through my cancer journey (where my cancer was missed by a mammogram and I had to push for additional screening when I saw something was out of the ordinary) it's that we always have to pay attention to what's going on in the science. I believe that listening to trusted sources, like the Cancer Vaccine Coalition and other advocacy organizations that have the patients' best interests at heart, is how you can get the real information about what the research means and where it stands. We're partnering with AACR, the American Association for Cancer Research, to host this cancer vaccine summit. We're all looking to get the best information for patients and continue to push the science forward.

So, I think patients and caregivers can have a voice in this, too, and that's what I would encourage people to do: watch the news, ask questions, and speak with your oncologist. Vaccines, or whatever treatment you're considering, will always be a discussion with your oncologist. It's the same way you decide whether or not to do chemotherapy. Your oncologist has answers about what's going on, where the research stands, and what clinical trials are available. So, I think that's a really trusted source of information. Seek out the trusted sources of information.

Cancer is a non-partisan issue; cancer is the enemy. It doesn't know or care how you vote. We're all human, and our biology means that many of us, unfortunately, are going to face this diagnosis in our lifetimes. So, I think keeping politics out of it is the most important thing we can do. We should really follow the science and support it through organizations and researchers. That's how we can make a difference now, and at any time.

This transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

“Could Cancer Vaccines Become a Reality Within the Next Decade?” CURE, Aug. 21, 2025; https://www.curetoday.com/view/could-cancer-vaccines-become-a-reality-within-the-next-decade-

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to

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Kristen Dahlgren of the Cancer Vaccine Coalition spoke with CURE about why she remains hopeful for the future or cancer vaccines.

Could Cancer Vaccines Become a Reality Within the Next Decade? 

The future of vaccine development in America is a hot-button topic after U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kenney Jr. announced that the federal government would cancel $500 million in funding for 

However, Kristen Dahlgren, a cancer survivor who is the founder and CEO of the 

, said she remains hopeful for the future of cancer vaccine development.

“I'm remaining optimistic that with incredible science and with the pace of discovery, we could see cancer vaccines within a decade for various cancers,” Dahlgren told CURE.

Dahlgren sat down for an interview with CURE to discuss her hopes for cancer vaccine development in the coming years.

Where do you see the future of cancer vaccines heading, and how close are we to having effective vaccines for different types of cancer?

I think cancer vaccines and the science behind them are on an incredible path, with developments coming fast and furious. According to the researchers I'm working with, we now have the science to make a cancer vaccine for any tumor, and that hasn't changed. With developments in AI, genomics, and a better understanding of the immune system and what parts to target, cancer vaccines are still very close; they are still a reality. We are seeing them in clinical trials.

The bottom line is that the science is still there. I believe we just heard from the Director of the NIH that cancer vaccines and mRNA development in cancer vaccines are still very promising and moving forward. I remain optimistic that with this incredible science and the pace of discovery, we could see cancer vaccines for various cancers within a decade.

So, while I know people are reading the news and thinking the sky is falling and everything's on fire, I think if you continue to follow the science and support the research (and the Cancer Vaccine Coalition is doing that) and continue to build these coalitions and work with the government to spark interest in this incredible discovery and make it a national priority, I am still very hopeful.

“RFK Jr. pulls $500 million in funding for vaccine development,” the Associated Press, Aug. 6, 2025; https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-vaccines-mrna-pfizer-moderna-1fb5b9436f2957075064c18a6cbbe3c9

“Cancer Vaccines Are a ‘Marvel,’” CURE, June 18, 2024; https://www.curetoday.com/view/cancer-vaccines-are-a-marvel-

“Breast Cancer Vaccines Could Possibly Make a Change for ‘So Many,’” CURE, May 13, 2024; https://www.curetoday.com/view/breast-cancer-vaccines-could-possibly-make-a-change-for-so-many-

Articles

The recent withdrawal of $500 million in federal funding for mRNA vaccine research has sparked concerns about the future of vaccine development in the U.S. Despite this, Kristen Dahlgren, CEO of the Cancer Vaccine Coalition, remains optimistic about the progress in cancer vaccine development. She highlights advancements in AI, genomics, and immunology as key drivers, suggesting that effective cancer vaccines could be available within a decade. Dahlgren emphasizes the importance of continued scientific support and collaboration with the government to prioritize cancer vaccine research.

Kristen Dahlgren

Why Patients With Cancer ‘Have to Be Our Own Advocates’

Could Cancer Vaccines Become a Reality Within the Next Decade?

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