A cancer diagnosis doesn’t come with a map. And too often, the guidance that follows feels one-size-fits-all—especially when the decisions are deeply personal.
“They showed me the national guidelines, but none of it felt like it was written for someone with my health history—or my life. I left the appointment with more questions than answers.”
This is where the current system falls short. Many treatment decisions are guided by data from clinical trials—trials that often exclude older adults, people with other conditions like diabetes or heart disease, and those from underrepresented communities (Scientific American, 2021).
As a result, people are asked to make life-altering decisions based on data that doesn’t reflect their reality.
Averages Don’t Speak for Individuals
Let’s say two people are diagnosed with the same type of cancer. One is 42, with no other health issues. The other is 68, with COPD and a strong desire to maintain independence and energy. They need different things from their treatment.
Yet, both are likely to be shown the same survival curve or treatment pathway—because it’s based on a narrow sample of trial participants, not people with real-world complexity.
But the 68 year old member is adamant he doesn’t necessarily want the treatment that will extend his life the longest, he wants the treatment that will allow him to feel good enough to continue picking up and playing with his grandson.
When we only look at averages, we miss what matters most to the individual.
Personalization Isn’t Just the Future—It’s a Necessity
Personalized cancer care goes beyond clinical guidelines. It means asking:
- What matters to this person?
- What are their goals for treatment?
- What other health conditions do they live with?
- How might treatment affect their ability to work, care for others, or live fully?
- What does quality of life mean to them?
These are the questions that real-world data helps us answer. Not in abstract terms—but through the lived outcomes of millions of people who’ve walked this road before.
What Real-World Evidence Reveals
Unlike clinical trials—which test treatments under ideal circumstances—real-world data tells us what actually happens when treatments meet life: life with high blood pressure, caregiving responsibilities, limited income, or side effects that linger.
And those stories can reshape the path forward. It allows people to see the outcome for people like them, opening options they might not have known existed, and allowing them to ask different questions, and make different choices that better align with their preferences and values.
This is the power of real-world outcomes: they make it possible to see what’s likely—not just in theory, but in practice.
How Ardynn Helps Patients Make Sense of It All
At Ardynn, we pair real-world evidence with human support. Our platform uses data from millions of patients—including those often excluded from trials—to help people understand what might happen with each treatment option based on people like them.
But the heart of what we do is human. We connect every member with a board-certified advocate, someone trained to listen deeply, explain complex information, and guide each person through the process in a way that honors their values, goals, and fears.
Because treatment decisions aren’t just about science—they’re about life.
“I didn’t feel like I was making decisions in the dark anymore,” one member told us. “My advocate walked through it with me, step by step, without judgment. I wasn’t just a patient—I was a person again.”
The Future of Cancer Care Is Personal
We believe personalized care doesn’t start with a diagnosis. It starts with understanding.
If you or someone you care about is facing a cancer decision and looking for clarity, support, or simply a place to start, Ardynn is here. Because cancer care should be personal. And no one should face it alone
To get started with an advocate, contact Ardynn member services at 737-307-0077 or click here to schedule an introductory call.
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