Why We Built OncoKind
Cancer brings complexity — medical records, pathology reports, clinical trials. We saw families struggling to understand what their doctors were saying and which questions to ask. OncoKind was built to bridge that gap.
The gap we fill
Pathology reports are written for specialists. Terms like "adenocarcinoma," "T2N1M0," and biomarker statuses can feel opaque. We translate that into clear language — without oversimplifying — so you can prepare for conversations with your oncologist and explore relevant clinical trial options with confidence.
Our commitment to responsible AI in healthcare
We use AI to support understanding, not to replace medical judgment. Every summary passes our Empathy Filter: no survival statistics, no fear-based language, no deterministic claims. OncoKind is designed to help you prepare — your oncologist remains your primary guide.
Not a replacement for oncologists
OncoKind is a preparation tool. We help you understand your report and suggest questions to ask. We do not diagnose, treat, or advise. We believe better understanding leads to better conversations with your care team.
Mission-driven and scalable
We're building technology that serves families and professional advocates alike. Our architecture is designed to scale — from individual caregivers to concierge health services — while keeping security and compassion at the core.
Our Principles
Compassion First
Every word we output is designed to support, not scare.
Clinical Boundaries
We respect the role of oncologists and never overstep.
Security by Design
Zero raw PHI retention. Encrypted storage. HIPAA-conscious architecture.
Transparency
We explain what we do and how we protect your data.
Meet the Founder
Mike Nielson, Founder, OncoKind
“When the woman who cared for you your entire life receives a terrifying prognosis, you understand very quickly what is missing.”
My name is Mike, and I built OncoKind because cancer has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.
I lost my grandmother to cancer when I was 9. My grandfather passed when I was 15. At 16, my dad had a kidney removed due to kidney cancer. At 28, I lost my cousin — who was more like a brother — just one month after his diagnosis. And now, my mom is battling a rare Stage 4 metastatic cancer with a prognosis that has changed everything.
Each of these experiences prepared me in ways I didn't ask for but couldn't ignore.
My career started in software after graduate school, where I worked as a Sales Engineer and Project Manager before moving into sales as an Account Executive. More recently, I've worked as a consultant — where I learned that the most powerful thing you can offer someone isn't a product, it's a partnership.
When my mom was diagnosed, I became her primary caregiver. And in that role, all the other challenges I'd faced became small. When the woman who cared for you your entire life receives a terrifying prognosis, you understand very quickly what is missing — not just in the medical system, but in the tools built to support it. Pathology reports written for specialists. Information delivered without context. Families left to navigate alone.
I built OncoKind to change that. Not to replace doctors — but to make sure no family ever sits in a waiting room without understanding what they're facing and what questions to ask.
This is personal. Every feature, every word, and every design decision is made with that in mind.
Moments that shaped this work
- Age 9 — Grandmother
- Age 15 — Grandfather
- Age 16 — Father (kidney cancer)
- Age 28 — Cousin
- Now — Mother, Stage 4