Best Siteman Cancer Center Podcasts (2025)

1
Men & Cancer: Talk it Out vs “Tough it Out” 56:06

Play Pause

25d ago56:06

56:06

Humor, silence, avoidance and isolation — each is a common response to a cancer diagnosis. But these traits, particularly common in men, can harm their mental health as they fight the disease. This episode thoughtfully explores the experiences of co-host Patrick, two-time cancer survivor Mellve and other men who have shared their stories on our pod…

1
Skin in the Game: Outsmarting Melanoma with Immunotherapy 40:46

2M ago40:46

40:46

After Dean first had a melanoma removed from his leg, he thought his cancer story was over. But when it returned and spread, everything changed. With the help of his WashU Medicine medical oncologist Alice Zhou, MD, PhD, and groundbreaking immunotherapy, Dean fought through life-threatening side effects — and won. Now healthy and in remission, Dean…

1
Testicular Cancer: “If you find something, say something.” 51:43

3M ago51:43

51:43

At 49, Jeremy never imagined testicular cancer — but experiencing sharp pain sent him to the doctor, and a Stage 3 diagnosis prompted him to change providers and go to Siteman. He and his wife, Robyn, open up about the grueling treatment journey, the tough side effects, and how WashU Medicine oncologist Dr. John Visconti adapted care to keep Jeremy…

1
Go With Your Gut: Colorectal Cancer Merits a Second Opinion 43:48

4M ago43:48

43:48

Morgan had not turned 45 yet, so she hadn’t received a screening colonoscopy for colorectal cancer. But when she noticed blood in her stool at age 41, she did exactly what she should have and sought medical evaluation. After months of missteps became years of dismissive care, she realized it was time for a second opinion at Siteman Cancer Center. W…

1
Room to Breathe: An Open, Honest Conversation about Lung Cancer 35:08

8M ago35:08

35:08

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, w…

1
This is(n’t) Cancer: Advances Against Brain Tumors, Benign or Not 48:45

9M ago48:45

48:45

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,…

1
Making the Case for Clinical Trials at All Stages of Treatment 41:40

9M ago41:40

41:40

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. F…

1
NHL’s Kelly Chase Drops the Gloves Against Cancer: “I don’t mind fighting anybody. I just like to see the size of him.” 44:27

10M ago44:27

44:27

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 ch…

1
Sidelined by Sarcoma: A teen athlete’s determination to get back on the field 39:29

10M ago39:29

39:29

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 …

1
Stage 4 Endometrial Cancer: "You Have Cancer; It Doesn't Have You" 42:37

11M ago42:37

42:37

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 w…

1
It’s Cancer: Now What? Finding Direction After the Diagnosis 44:20

11M ago44:20

44:20

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 experien…

1
Caring for the Caregiver 37:29

12M ago37:29

37:29

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…

1
Mind Over Cancer: Mental Health Support for Patients and Families 41:01

12M ago41:01

41:01

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 b…

1
The Complex World of Survivorship: What does it Really Mean? 42:40

1+ y ago42:40

42:40

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…

1
The Physical and Mental Toll of Breast Cancer: Part 2 33:49

1+ y ago33:49

33:49

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. Sh…

1
Hearing, Processing, and Sharing “the News” 1:07:30

1+ y ago1:07:30

1:07:30

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, …

1
3x Cancer Survivor: “I adjusted my attitude, my pace and my face.” 33:24

1+ y ago33:24

33:24

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…

1
Fertility and Cancer: What to Expect When You’re (Not) Expecting 43:33

1+ y ago43:33

43:33

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…

1
A “PSA” on PSA Tests for Prostate Cancer: Saving Men’s Lives 38:19

1+ y ago38:19

38:19

“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 t…

1
Addie’s Buckets of Joy: A Siteman Kids Journey 50:17

1+ y ago50:17

50:17

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 th…

1
Nurses: Teachers, Counselors & Friends in Cancer Care 31:10

1+ y ago31:10

31:10

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. …

1
It Takes Two: One Diagnosis Becomes a Journey for Partners 38:15

1+ y ago38:15

38:15

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 t…

1
A Shot at Prevention: HPV and Head & Neck Cancers 29:35

1+ y ago29:35

29:35

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 Universit…

1
The Physical and Mental Toll of Breast Cancer: Part 1 36:10

1+ y ago36:10

36:10

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…

1
Season 2 Trailer 0:43

2y ago0:43

0:43

"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…

1
Bonus Episode: Cancer Treatment is Never One-Size-Fits-All 12:54

2y ago12:54

12:54

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…

1
Bonus Episode: Differentiating Leukemia and Lymphoma 9:54

2y ago9:54

9:54

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 Washingto…

1
Bonus Episode: The Agony of the Biopsy Wait 22:55

2y ago22:55

22:55

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 …

1
”Keep Choosing Positivity” 1:07:38

2y ago1:07:38

1:07:38

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 inspir…

1
Losing a Loved One 52:14

2y ago52:14

52:14

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 c…

1
Tour de Force 1:00:44

2y ago1:00:44

1:00:44

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 throu…

1
Family Matters 52:21

2y ago52:21

52:21

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 gen…

1
Impossible is Nothing 45:19

2y ago45:19

45:19

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 gastroente…

1
Surrender to Your Situation 57:32

2y ago57:32

57:32

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…

1
And Now, Your Hosts… 34:15

2y ago34:15

34:15

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 …

1
Series Trailer 1:00

2+ y ago1:00

1:00

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 Hospita…