Episodes
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After minor blurred vision prompted Ellen to get an eye exam, she was surprised to learn she had a mass in the middle of her brain near the nerve connected to her left eye. A referral to Siteman quickly led to the diagnosis of a brain tumor. Fortunately, it was noncancerous and had a surgical solution. Washington University neurosurgeon Albert Kim, MD, PhD, director of The Brain Tumor Center at Siteman, explains minimally invasive surgery techniques and other new treatments that speed recovery for benign tumor patients like Ellen and others facing brain cancer.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/thisiscancer/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/neuro-oncology/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/brain-tumor-center/
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When Byron was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he underwent surgery to have it removed. But when doctors noticed his PSA levels were still rising following the procedure, they offered him access to an open clinical trial. Byron shares his experiences from the 6-month trial along with his Washington University radiation oncologist Lannis Hall, MD. From upsides, to side effects, Byron and Dr. Hall use his story to illustrate the benefits of clinical trials, and how each trial's research furthers our understanding and potential cures for cancer.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/research/learn-about-clinical-trials/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/clinical-trials/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/clinical-trials/?path=gu-bladder-kidney-prostate-testicular-prostate
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/prostate/treatments/radiation-therapy-for-prostate-cancer/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/prostate/treatments/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/about/dei/
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Episodes manquant?
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Former NHL player Kelly Chase is known as one of the toughest guys to wear a St. Louis Blues jersey, racking up more than 2,000 penalty minutes in his career. But when his Washington University medical oncologist Dr. Ramzi Abboud diagnosed him with acute myeloid leukemia in 2023, Chase learned he was facing an opponent different than anything he challenged on the ice – one needing more than brute force.
Listen as Chase and Dr. Abboud share the intense and taxing treatment plan needed to overcome Chase’s rare cancer and what Chase learned about himself during his time at Siteman Cancer Center.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/thisiscancer/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/leukemia/
https://stlbluesalumni.com/Events/Puck-Cancer-Charity-Game
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In January of his senior year, Thomas was stretching and noticed a painless bump on the back of his hamstring. The 3-sport athlete thought nothing of it. But by the spring, the lump had grown to the size of a baseball. Thomas was immediately directed to Siteman kids where Washington University pediatric oncologist, Dr. Amy Armstrong, confirmed the mass was a sarcoma. Listen as Thomas, his mom Amelia, and Dr. Armstrong describe the long, intense treatment plan that delayed his plans for college football, and the mental grit it took to return to the sport he loved. Thomas also shares the advice he has for other young athletes.
After a diagnosis, every Siteman patient and their medical team develops a treatment plan, and every treatment plan becomes as unique as the patient it supports. Chuck learned how to tailor a treatment plan firsthand as he acted as a caregiver to his son, and again when he faced a cancer diagnosis himself. In this episode, Chuck shares his experience alongside Tate Rondot, Siteman’s Manager of Support Services. Both are involved in Siteman’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), a group dedicated to helping every patient create the plan they need during their cancer care. They offer considerations and resources that personalize patients’ treatment from diagnosis to hospice and every stage in between.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/specialized-programs/sarcoma/
https://www.stlouischildrens.org/conditions-treatments/childhood-cancer-survivorship-program
https://www.stlouischildrens.org/conditions-treatments/oncology-services/proton-beam-therapy
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/childhood-cancers/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/kids/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/doctor/armstong-amy/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/sarcoma/
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The early symptoms were not clear. But after feeling “off” for a few days following a trip abroad, Candice took herself to the ER. Soon after, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 endometrial cancer. She was just 41. With the guidance and expertise of Washington University gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Premal Thaker, Candice welcomes each day, meeting it with unrelenting tenacity and spirit. Dr. Thaker shares about the rise of endometrial cancers in the U.S. (and globally) and discusses the red flag every postmenopausal woman needs to know. Listen to Candice’s story and witness the powerful bond between patient and doctor with a common goal: fueling life with hope while facing cancer.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/uterus-endometrial/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/uterus-endometrial/symptoms-risks-and-diagnosis/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/uterus-endometrial/genetic-counseling-for-gynecologic-cancers/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/siteman-psychology-service/
https://getscreenednow.com/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/doctor/premal-thaker-md-ms/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/specialized-programs/gynecologic-oncology/
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After a diagnosis, every Siteman patient and their medical team develops a treatment plan, and every treatment plan becomes as unique as the patient it supports. Chuck learned how to tailor a treatment plan firsthand as he acted as a caregiver to his son, and again when he faced a cancer diagnosis himself. In this episode, Chuck shares his experience alongside Tate Rondot, Siteman’s Manager of Support Services. Both are involved in Siteman’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), a group dedicated to helping every patient create the plan they need during their cancer care. They offer considerations and resources that personalize patients’ treatment from diagnosis to hospice and every stage in between.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/about/committees/patient-and-family-advisory-committee-pfac/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/brain-tumor-center/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/prostate/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/siteman-psychology-service/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/survivorship/
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Caring for a cancer patient can be a daunting undertaking, but also a meaningful act of love. In this episode, Courtney shares her journey as a caregiver for her husband, Charlie. She supported him as he battled a brain tumor for 18 of their 19 years of marriage. Patrick and Laura also share their experiences of caring for their fathers. Washington University clinical psychologist, Dr. Jennifer Romo, offers her expertise in helping caregivers. Through Siteman’s support groups and individual sessions she helps them find balance in their lives, and validates their need to express and process the full spectrum of emotions.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/siteman-psychology-service/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/
https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/
https://annieshope.org/
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/caregivers.html
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/caregiver-support
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/survivorship/
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Cancer throws a lot of challenges - physical and mental - at patients. It can impact many areas of life, whether it’s deciding if or how to tell loved ones, how to navigate relationship changes or even dealing with depression or anxiety. Licensed clinical psychologist Jessica Vanderlan, PhD, returns to the show to discuss these effects and how to boost mental and emotional well-being. The head of psychological counseling at Siteman Cancer Center, she emphasizes the need to prioritize mental health and offers insight and hope for patients and family members alike.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/siteman-psychology-service/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/survivorship/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/coping.html
https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/
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A moment of joy and a moment of deep change converge as patients ring the bell at the end of their treatment. This shift often calls for a different kind of care. Jessica Vanderlan, PhD, a clinical psychologist and manager of Siteman Psychology Service, and Rochelle Hobson, RN, MSN, CHPN, manager of Siteman’s Survivorship Program, explain how their specialized training helps patients address the complexities of life after cancer treatment. And Jay, a Siteman Cancer Center patient, shares his first-hand experience navigating anxiety, change, and follow-up scans with help from the program’s free mental health services.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/survivorship/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/siteman-psychology-service/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/
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In Part 2 of our Season 2 premiere we hear from Chelsea, who was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer at age 37. She talks about why the one treatment she didn’t want – five months of chemotherapy before undergoing her mastectomy – became her only option. Chelsea also reflects on how daily life as a mom of three became much more difficult. She reached her lowest point but pulled through with support from family and friends. Washington University breast surgeon Katherine Glover-Collins, MD, PhD, and Washington University plastic surgeon Terence Myckatyn, MD, join to explain why Chelsea’s treatment plan required aggressive chemotherapy, and the strategy behind her reconstructive surgery.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/breast-cancer/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/prevention/8-ways/8-ways-to-prevent-breast-cancer/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/breast-cancer/patient-stories/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/siteman-psychology-service/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/survivorship/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/virtual-support-services/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/siteman-approach/chemotherapy/scalp-cooling/
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Aleta joins the show to share her battle with breast cancer. Her story begins with her diagnosis and what it was like to share the news with her family. She continues on to talk about going through treatment, only to have the cancer come back and eventually lead her to have a double mastectomy. Washington University radiologist Debbie Bennett, MD, chief of breast imaging, and Washington University clinical psychologist Jennie Romo shed light on the importance of mental and emotional support during those hard days, as well as the therapeutic resources Siteman offers.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/prevention/mammography/locations/mammography-van/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/siteman-psychology-service/
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Siteman Cancer Center patient, Cheryl, shares the motivation that helped her endure three separate cancer diagnoses, a stem cell transplant and CAR T-cell therapy. Her Washington University medical oncologist, Amanda Cashen, MD, joins to explain the scientific advancements that saved Cheryl’s life and allowed Cheryl to hold her first grandchild. Dr. Cashen also highlights new positive trends in treating all blood cancers.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/specialized-programs/stem-cell-transplant-and-cellular-therapies-center/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/lymphoma/
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Diagnosed with cervical cancer at age 28, Mindy faced the emotional turmoil not just of surviving her diagnosis but also of how treatment could affect her plans for making a family. In this episode, she sits down with her Washington University Physicians, gynecologic oncologist Lindsay Kuroki, MD, MSCI and reproductive endocrinologist Kenan Omurtag, MD, to discuss the surgery that saved her life, as well as the physical and emotional complexities of fertility preservation and options available to women and men who face cancer.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/cervical/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/specialized-programs/gynecologic-oncology/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/facts-about-hpv-cervical-cancer/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/survivorship/infertility-fertility-preservation/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/payment-information/
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“If I can save one man’s life, I’ll have done my job.” In this episode, Kevin, prostate cancer survivor, talks about his crusade to save lives through awareness, with Washington University surgeon and urologist Arnold Bullock, MD, and Washington University medical oncologist Russell Pachynski, MD. They talk openly about a topic that many men find taboo to dispel myths and lay out facts about the No. 2 cause of cancer deaths among men.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/prostate/our-approach/
https://getscreenednow.com/prostate-cancer/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/for-your-health-understanding-prostate-cancer-screening-and-prevention/
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In 2022, 11-year-old Addie traveled from central Illinois to Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital with a brain tumor so rare that the type wasn’t widely known anywhere. Addie and her mom, Ashley, are joined by Addie’s child life specialist, Nikki, to discuss the surgery, proton therapy and emotional support that saved Addie’s life – and the joy they found along the way.
Later in the episode, Washington University radiation oncologist Stephanie Perkins, MD, and Washington University hematologist-oncologist Margaret Shatara, MD, discuss childhood cancer, the latest advancements and the future of treating pediatric patients.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/childhood-cancers/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/kids/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/prevention/8-ways/8-ways-to-better-health-and-a-lower-risk-of-cancer-for-early-adults/
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When patients describe their nurse, they often use words such as caregiver, teacher, counselor or friend. Three nurses at Siteman Cancer Center (Shannon, Pam and Julie) join the podcast to share their passion for taking care of cancer patients. Hear what inspired each of these nurses to get into the field – and the advice they share with patients.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/patient-experience/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/siteman-approach/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/
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It wasn’t Pam’s first cancer diagnosis. In fact, because of a rare genetic disorder she has, Pam and her husband, Charlie, expected she would be diagnosed more than once. Together, they faced routine screenings and tests. But pancreatic cancer wasn’t expected. An evening call in the fall of 2021 began Pam and Charlie’s journey. While she received treatment, he supported her. Washington University medical oncologist Kian-Huat Lim, MD, PhD, and Washington University gastroenterologist Koushik Das, MD, explain how clinical trials, chemotherapy, surgery and new daily med
ication make surviving pancreatic cancer possible.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/pancreatic/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/research/learn-about-clinical-trials/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/prevention/genetic-counseling/
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Ron had referred patients for biopsies before, but the dentist didn’t expect the lump in his own neck to be cancer. As one of a growing number of people diagnosed with HPV-related head and neck cancer, Ron shares about his treatment and why he advocates children being vaccinated against it. Though these cancers are on the rise, Washington University Otolaryngologist, Chief of Surgery at Siteman Cancer Center, Sidharth Puram, MD, PhD explains how HPV vaccines are key for preventing them entirely.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/head-and-neck/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/head-and-neck/hpv-head-and-neck-cancer/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/prevention/8-ways/8-ways-to-better-health-and-a-lower-risk-of-cancer-for-early-adults/
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Do I need to have my breast removed? Will I lose them both? What about my nipples - will I get to keep them? How long before I can get reconstruction? Will I ever feel the same again? The unknowns women face after getting a breast cancer diagnosis are staggering. Our Season 2 premiere launches into the physical and emotional toll that breast cancer survivors endure. The experience and honesty they share took two whole episodes to convey. In Part 1, survivors Melanie and Tamara open up about their mastectomies, the challenges they were prepared for and the impact(s) they didn’t expect.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/breast-cancer/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/prevention/8-ways/8-ways-to-prevent-breast-cancer/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/breast-cancer/patient-stories/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/siteman-psychology-service/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/survivorship/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/ https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/virtual-support-services/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/survivorship/body-image/ https://psychiatry.wustl.edu/patient-care-3/services-treatments/
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"This is Cancer" returns for a second season - honest, compelling, and inspiring stories from cancer patients and the physicians who put forth miraculous efforts to treat them. This series is the perfect companion podcast - not only for people who’ve been touched by cancer, but for those of us who simply love the human experience. Brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, National Leaders in Cancer. "This is Cancer" premieres everywhere May 10th.
“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.
For more information, visit siteman.wustl.edu
- Montre plus
