Circle of Hope

If someone in your family has had pancreatic cancer, you may be at a greater risk of also developing the disease. Learn about genetic testing from Huntsman Cancer Institute genetic counselor Cathryn Koptiuch, CGC, MS, and how it guides treatment decisions, future screenings, and risk-reducing options.

Your family’s health history may be the last thing on your mind at holiday get-togethers. But if you know you have a family history of cancer, you can take actions to reduce your risk. The genetic counselors at Huntsman Cancer Institute encourage you to take advantage of family gatherings to learn your health history.

Ben Graham was an Army National Guardsman veteran that succumbed to metastatic melanoma in April 2021. His sister, Becky Davis, recounts what made him so special and the amazing tribute HCI employees gave him after his passing.

Trudy Oliver, PhD, discusses her decision to become a cancer researcher at Huntsman Cancer Institute, why researching lung cancer in so challenging and what the future holds in terms of treatments in the latest Talks with Docs.

Huntsman Cancer Institute patient, Jan Bates, describes the difficulties of being diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. As soon as it was made available to her, she received the COVID-19 vaccine. Jan talks about the importance of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine for those around you who may be immunocompromised.

Genetic counselors play a key role in various aspects of patient care. With increased knowledge about one’s biological makeup and history, counselors advise patients on what to look for during screenings, how to reduce cancer risks, and how to effectively treat possible cancer diagnoses.

By working with pharmacies and insurance companies, medication access coordinators help patients receive the best care for the lowest price. Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Shawn Newton describes his role and gives us an in-depth look at the role medication access coordinators play.

Cassidy Kotobalavu faced cancer on a daily basis while working as a nurse educator at HCI. In 2015, it hit home when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. The support she received from HCI staff allowed her to get a rare glimpse at the important roles played in one person’s cancer journey.