This is Cancer

Room to Breathe: An Open, Honest Conversation about Lung Cancer

It can be scary, difficult and complicated, but it doesn’t always have to be. … Lung cancer is the No. 1 cause of cancer deaths — not just because of its aggressive nature, but because it’s also frequently diagnosed late. But why? Hear from two survivors about their experiences and the importance of screening, which can catch lung cancer earlier, when it’s more treatable. 
 
“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/lung-cancer/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/lung-cancer/treatments/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/lung-cancer-screening/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/prevention/smoking-cessation-program/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/prevention/ydr/
https://www.smokingpackyears.com/
https://smokefree.gov/
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/saved-by-the-scan

This is(n’t) Cancer: Advances Against Brain Tumors, Benign or Not

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/

Making the Case for Clinical Trials at All Stages of Treatment

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/

NHL’s Kelly Chase Drops the Gloves Against Cancer: “I don’t mind fighting anybody. I just like to see the size of him.”

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
 

Sidelined by Sarcoma: A teen athlete’s determination to get back on the field

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/

Stage 4 Endometrial Cancer: "You Have Cancer; It Doesn't Have You"

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/

It’s Cancer: Now What? Finding Direction After the Diagnosis

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/
 

Caring for the Caregiver

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/

Mind Over Cancer: Mental Health Support for Patients and Families

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/

The Complex World of Survivorship: What does it Really Mean?

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/