This is Cancer

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. W...

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 ...

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 i...

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 emotion...

“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 m...

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 radiatio...

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 Hospit...

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, M...

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, Ph...

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 c...

"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 ...

Resources, age, and mindset each play a key role in developing cancer treatment plans. Washington University radiation oncologist Lannis Hall, MD, MPH and former Siteman radiation therapist Larissa Bullock discuss how they take patients’ unique challenges, like food insecurity, transportation, fertility, and psychological health, into account. Both explain why expert cancer care includes real support for tangible needs. 

“This is...

Why are two dissimilar cancers so commonly confused? Washington University radiation oncologist Maria Thomas, MD, PhD, and Washington University medical oncologist Neha Mehta-Shah, MD explain the differences and similarities of leukemia and lymphoma.

“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washingt...

Host, Laura Susic, recently underwent genetic counseling - which resulted in her qualification for increased screenings. In this bonus episode, Laura shares the anxiety and stress she felt when Washington University physicians found a suspicious lump during her first breast MRI. Laura relates to co-host, Patrick, about the agony of waiting for the biopsy results and the fear of hearing, “This is Cancer.”

In Episode 8 of This is Cancer, we honor the life of our colleague and dear friend, Jenny Miller. In the summer of 2022, the 33-year-old mother of two was diagnosed with a rare, stage-4 adrenal cancer. While Jenny was in treatment, she wanted to share her story on the podcast. Sadly, she passed away just two months later. You'll hear Jenny's inspiring attitude and the unwavering positivity she used to face her diagnosis. Her collea...

In 2021, our host Patrick (a cancer survivor himself) lost his father, Paul, to skin cancer. Washington University medical oncologist Jesse Keller, MD, who cared for Paul for years, joins us to reflect on the relationships that form between doctors, patients and their families. We also explore the value of hospice care as another form of treating cancer. 

“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewis...

When Justin noticed a dip in his competitive cycling performance, a visit to the chiropractor led to the discovery of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Washington University radiation oncologist Maria Thomas, MD, PhD, and Washington University medical oncologist Neha Mehta-Shah, MD, recount Justin's elite perseverance and championship attitude that got him through a marathon of chemotherapy, radiation and a stem cell transplant.

“This is Cance...

Because Danielle has a strong family history of breast cancer, her doctor continuously pushed her to get genetic counseling. And it’s a good thing she did – Danielle’s assessment led to the discovery of breast cancer in its early stages, when it’s easier to treat. Now, Danielle is a survivor and eager to share her journey. Washington University geneticist Amy Cyr, MD, joins the conversation to emphasize the need for more awareness ...

Teri was training to qualify for the Ironman World Championship when she was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2009. Now, over a decade later, she is considered to have no evidence of disease. Teri shares her incredible story of resilience in the hopes of inspiring others and saving lives. She is joined by Washington University gastroenterologist Jean Wang, MD, PhD, to talk about advances in treatment and the importance o...