This is Cancer

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 Ca...

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...

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 Ca...

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...

"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 a...

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 supp...

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 Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, an...

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 C...

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 use...

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 Si...

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 ste...

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 emp...

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 advance...

Sometimes, the best way to deal with a cancer diagnosis is to accept that we can’t always control it. In this episode, ovarian cancer survivor Larissa and Washington University radiation oncologist Lannis Hall, MD, MPH, reflect on their relationship and how they went from former coworkers at Siteman to cancer patient and doctor.   “This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barn...

In the pilot episode of “This is Cancer,” our hosts Laura and Patrick talk about the mission of the podcast and why this project is so close to each of their hearts. Patrick also shares his personal experiences as a lung cancer survivor.    “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 a...

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...