Life after a cancer diagnosis brings a new set of questions—and a powerful opportunity to take back control of your health and future. This session is designed to help you move beyond survival mode with practical, actionable guidance you can use right away. You’ll walk away with clear take-home pearls on how to communicate effectively with your care team, manage peri- and menopause symptoms after cancer, and understand prevention and risk-reducing strategies that fit your personal journey. We’ll also explore how to prepare for life after cancer—physically, emotionally, and mentally—so you can move forward feeling informed, supported, and empowered in what comes next.

Mercedes Castiel, MD, FRCSC, FACOG, MSCP, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist whose career has focused on women’s cancer survivorship. She helped create one of the earliest cancer survivorship programs in the United States and has held academic appointments at leading institutions, including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, and the University of Chicago.

In addition to her expertise in cancer survivorship—with a particular research interest in menopause management—Dr. Castiel is certified in cancer risk genetics. She is the CEO of The Cancer Care Concierge, where she supports individuals of all ages and at every stage of the cancer journey, providing personalized advocacy, guidance, and clinical expertise through a high-touch care model.

Dr. Castiel earned her medical degree from the University of Toronto and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology. She has served on The Menopause Society’s Education Committee and ASCO’s Health Equity and Outcomes Committee, and she continues to serve on ASCO’s Survivorship Task Force. She is also a member of Blood Cancer United’s (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) Leadership Development Committee.