Dr Liz O’Riordan on Self-Advocacy and Spotting BS Cancer Info Online

25 Mar

Liz:

What does it *really* mean to advocate for your healthcare—especially when you’re the expert?
In this powerful episode, Luan speaks with Dr. Liz O’Riordan—former breast cancer surgeon, patient, author, and award-winning advocate. Diagnosed with the very disease she once treated, Liz quickly realised that clinical knowledge doesn’t prepare you for the lived experience of being a cancer patient—or how hard it can be to find the right information and support.

When she turned to the internet for answers, she was shocked by the sheer volume of misinformation—information and statistics that don’t just fuel confusion and anxiety, but can have devastating consequences when patients are swayed to abandon evidence-based treatments in favour of unproven alternatives.

Since retiring as a surgeon, Liz has made it her mission to counter online BS with research-based, accessible education—so patients can make informed, confident decisions as part of their self-health advocacy.

Self-advocacy involves understanding the risks, benefits, and consequences of your health choices - this episode helps you do just that!

In this episode, Liz shares insights on:

Why self-advocacy is about quality of life—not just treatment
How to spot dodgy health advice online (and what to trust instead)
When and why to seek a second (or third) opinion
Managing your social media to protect your peace
The risks of relying on testimonials, influencers, and “natural” cures
Why it’s vital to talk to your team about supplements and complementary therapies
What relative risk really means—and how it impacts your health decisions

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