Q&A with Mika Mokko

By IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
June 6, 2025

The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center has launched Cancer Decoded—a year-long Instagram series designed to demystify cancer, one term at a time. Each week, the series breaks down medical jargon into easy-to-understand language and everyday analogies, helping empower patients, caregivers, and advocates. Covering topics from diagnosis and research to treatment and survivorship, Cancer Decoded positions the center’s Instagram as a trusted source for accessible, reliable cancer education.

Cancer Decoded was created by Mika Mokko, PhD, social media and digital communications manager. She answers questions about the series and the cancer center’s social media initiatives.

I created Cancer Decoded to close the gap between complicated medical language and the real-life questions patients and families face. Having experienced the whirlwind of a cancer diagnosis, I remember how overwhelming it was—not just emotionally, but because so much of the language was unfamiliar. You’re processing life-changing news, and at the same time, trying to decode a new medical vocabulary.

This series is my way of helping others feel more informed, more confident, and more empowered in those moments. I wanted to make cancer terminology easier to understand by using plain language and relatable analogies that bring clarity to an often-confusing time.

My goal was to answer the questions people often have when they’re newly diagnosed or supporting someone through cancer—especially the ones that come up in appointments, scan and test results, research articles, and patient education materials. Many of these terms can be confusing or easy to misinterpret.

To keep the series structured and approachable, I grouped the terms into themes like diagnosis, research, treatment, and side effects. That allowed me to prioritize foundational terms first and gradually introduce more advanced ones. If a term felt too broad or wasn’t specific to cancer care or research, I left it out to keep the focus clear.

I start by reviewing the medical definition to build a baseline understanding. From there, I translate the term in plain, conversational language and use comparisons or analogies that make the concept more relatable. There’s a lot of revising and fine-tuning to make sure it’s both accurate and easy to digest. I also focus on explaining why the term matters and how it fits into the bigger picture of the cancer experience to make the information meaningful.

Social media is often the first place people turn for quick answers, relatable content, and reliable information, especially after a diagnosis or when supporting someone through one. Cancer Decoded meets them where they are: in their feed. This series delivers clear, bite-sized explanations that are easy to understand, easy to save, and easy to share. It’s cancer education made for how and where people learn today.

I want people to feel less overwhelmed by medical language and more confident navigating the cancer journey. Understanding the language of cancer helps you ask better questions, make informed choices, and advocate for yourself or a loved one.

I also hope this series helps ease the isolation that can come with a cancer diagnosis. When no one around you quite understands what you’re going through, clear, accessible information can offer comfort, connection and support. At its heart, this series is about giving people clarity, confidence, and a greater sense of control through education.