Episode 45: Redefining Cancer Support for Men with Jay Abramovitch on Man Up to Cancer
In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Julie Woon welcomes Jay Abramovitch, Director of the Gathering of the Wolves retreat and a Stage 3 colon cancer survivor. Jay shares his personal story of being diagnosed at age 36, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the experience highlighted a major gap in cancer care, emotional support for men.
Jay introduces us to Man Up to Cancer, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to supporting men affected by cancer—patients, survivors, and caregivers alike. He discusses how the organization evolved from an online support group into a growing international network, offering everything from peer support to in-person retreats.
Together, Julie and Jay explore why emotional wellness is critical to healing, how masculine norms can become barriers to care, and what needs to change in the healthcare system to better serve male cancer patients.
This is a thoughtful, honest conversation about vulnerability, community, and the importance of creating space for men to feel seen, heard, and supported.
🎧 Listen now to learn how Man Up to Cancer is reshaping the landscape of survivorship—one conversation at a time.
📣 CALL TO ACTION: If you or someone you love is a man facing cancer, don’t let them go it alone. Visit manuptocancer.org to learn more.
Highlights:
(01:10) – Introduction to Jay Abramovitch and the mission of Man Up to Cancer
(02:44) – Jay’s diagnosis at 36: Navigating cancer and COVID-19 simultaneously
(05:38) – Feeling unseen: The lack of male-specific cancer support
(07:20) – Finding community through Young Adult Cancer Canada and Man Up to Cancer
(09:08) – What is The Howling Place? A safe space for emotional connection
(11:16) – Building meaningful relationships online and transitioning to in-person support
(14:29) – Inside the Gathering of the Wolves retreat: camaraderie, healing, and legacy
(17:06) – Addressing grief, loss, and lasting bonds within the cancer community
(19:11) – Unique challenges for men: mental health, financial strain, and identity
(22:24) – Healthcare system gaps: Why more male voices are needed in cancer care
(28:02) – Nonprofit growth and creating new access points beyond social media
(30:09) – Jay’s message to newly diagnosed men: You don’t have to face this alone
(31:03) – Redefining strength and masculinity through vulnerability and support
Links:
Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/
Have a question about one of our podcast episodes? Email us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com. We will be answering your podcast episode questions in our upcoming Q&A episode this summer.
Interested in sponsoring the YMyHealth podcast? We'd love to partner with brands and organizations that align with our mission of providing healthcare education to millennials. Contact us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities.
Learn more about this episode's guest, Jay Abramovitch, here: https://manuptocancer.org/teambios and https://www.colorectalcancercanada.com/blog/interview-jason-from-man-up-to-cancer/
Learn more about the Man Up to Cancer Organization here: https://manuptocancer.org/ and follow them on Instagram at @manuptocancer1
Thanks again to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com