In this episode of Captivating Health Insights, host Maddison Bezdicek sits down with Kris Atkins, President of Cancer CARE for Life & INTERLINK, and Ashley Urzendowski, MSN-L, RN, CCM, of Cancer CARE for Life & INTERLINK, to explore the growing impact of cancer on employer health plans. With decades of oncology and transplant experience, Kris and Ashley share how specialized cancer management supports employees through one of life’s most difficult diagnoses while helping employers manage rising costs.

The conversation covers high-cost oncology drugs, site-of-care optimization, evidence-based treatment review, Centers of Excellence coordination, and the critical role of early detection and prevention. Through real patient stories, they illustrate how the right oversight can prevent unnecessary treatment, reduce complications, and improve return-to-work outcomes. A powerful discussion on delivering compassionate, clinically sound cancer care that protects both people and the plan.

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - Pembrolizumab and Keytruda in cancer
• (00:00:53) - Health Insights Podcast: Managing Cancer Spend
• (00:01:14) - Chris and Ashley Discuss the Cancer Care for Life Program
• (00:08:41) - One patient's advocate for his cancer treatment
• (00:10:30) - Chris, Ashley on If We Really Knew You
• (00:13:07) - Cancer Spend in an Employer's Plan
• (00:16:01) - Immunity drug cost discussion
• (00:23:03) - BRACCA Networks and Cancer Spend Management
• (00:25:12) - Local oncology versus transplant care
• (00:30:49) - Big Barriers for Cancer Patients
• (00:35:26) - MS, Cancer Management Program Success metrics
• (00:37:20) - Prevention and Engagement in the Cancer Care
• (00:43:49) - Cancer Care for Life