How Cancer Changed a Patient’s Perspective on Strength and Healing

Clara Mae Cirk, a 30-year-old diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, sat down with CURE to share how cancer has reshaped her perspective on strength, self-care, and her future.

In the interview, she explained that although she has always been mentally strong, cancer has tested her resilience in unprecedented ways, leaving her with little choice but to “push through.”

“I've always been a pretty mentally strong person. … However, this whole experience with cancer has obviously really tested me, and it has been the hardest thing I've ever done,” she explained in the interview.

Since her diagnosis, she has prioritized herself more and embraced time for healing. Looking forward, Cirk says she hopes to amplify her advocacy by speaking at conferences and connecting with other young adults with lung cancer.

Notably, Cirk highlighted how she uses social media as a platform to connect with others with cancer in a previous interview with CURE.

CURE: How has your perspective on personal strength evolved since your diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer, particularly since you began sharing your experiences?

Cirk: I think, when it comes to strength and resilience, I've always been a pretty mentally strong person with good mental fortitude, and I can just push through things. However, this whole experience with cancer has obviously really tested me, and it has been the hardest thing I've ever done. But, at the same time, it's like, is it the hardest thing I've ever done? I don't know. It's just kind of interesting to reflect on.

I've just been through a lot in my life, so I think that this was just another test. It is interesting because people say, “You're so strong,” but being strong is kind of the only choice I have. So, I'm just going to push through it and figure it out.

Since your diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer, how has your approach to self-care and prioritizing yourself (whether in your career, relationships, or daily life) shifted?

I would say that I definitely prioritize myself a lot more. When it comes to things like my career, for example, I don't want to go back to corporate America, and that's the number one thing I'm not going to do. I think you get [diagnosed with] something like [cancer], and you get this time off to reflect.

You feel the weight of how stressful cancer is, but also a weight is relieved from all these other pressures like career and being social with friends and family. That kind of goes away because you're busy with cancer, and so you can focus on you. And that's been really rewarding.

Looking ahead, whether it’s life after treatment or continuing to use your platform for advocacy, what are you most excited or hopeful about?

Yeah, I think that I definitely want to get involved in going to different conferences, seminars or roundtables, or whatever it may be, and just connecting with other cancer patients and other doctors and leaders in this industry. You know, how can we fund more cancer research? And for me, it's not to be selfish, like, “getting my name out there,” or whatever, but I do want to be the voice of 30-year-olds with stage 4 lung cancer.

I guess getting my name out there, speaking and telling my story, as well as just continuing with advocacy [networks] would be what I'm looking forward to in the future.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

References

1. “Patient With Stage 4 Lung Cancer Shares How She Uses Social Media,” by Ryan Scott. CURE. News; Aug. 28, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/patient-with-stage-4-lung-cancer-shares-how-she-uses-social-media

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