What A 14-Year-Old Cancer Patient Can Teach Us All About Self-Advocacy

A Kentucky teen, Jessi Buchanan, was diagnosed at 13 with a very rare mucinous adenocarcinoma after doctors found a large ovarian mass.

As specialists debated treatment options, she asked to be included in the discussion and weighed the tradeoffs herself.

After understanding the risks and benefits, she chose to proceed with chemotherapy.

Her case underscores how pediatric patients can meaningfully participate in care decisions and strengthen shared decision-making.