News

Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Doug Fair, MD, and Center for HOPE team earned 2022 Cancer Community (C2) awards for their outstanding work and contributions to cancer research and patient care. Former Huntsman Cancer Institute researcher Charles Rogers, PhD, was also honored with an award. Alana Welm, PhD, and Kathi Mooney, PhD, RN were also featured as award finalists.

A brisk walk for 20 minutes a day may not sound like much, but it could make a big difference for colorectal cancer patients. Regular physical activity reduces inflammation by improving the gut microbiome of patients, including patients who are obese, scientists at Huntsman Cancer Institute found. They researched the impact of exercise on the gut microbiome, the trillions of bacteria that live in our digestive system. Investigators found moderate exercise improved outcomes in colorectal cancer, the third most common cancer in the United States, excluding skin cancers. Scientists explain why their findings are so significant.

Jeff Winegar was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 25 after noticing he was using the bathroom more than his pregnant wife. Winegar delayed a doctor’s visit until their baby was born; it was his wife who finally convinced him to go. When he did, his doctors recommended a colonoscopy. "Getting a colonoscopy turned out to be a huge blessing for me because that’s when they caught the tumor."

Huntsman Cancer Institute researchers Mary Playdon, PhD, MPH, Scott Summers, PhD, and Neli Ulrich, PhD, MS received a $5 million grant on September 1, 2022. This grant will be used to research how obesity causes colorectal cancer.

Huntsman Cancer Institute researchers discovered that people with a certain polyp syndrome, their first-degree relatives, and people with certain colon lesions are at an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Lead authors Karen Curtin, PhD, and Priyanka Kanth, MD, answer questions about the findings.

Shay Wright became a full-time caregiver to her husband, Tanner, when he was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer. A visit to her therapist helped her realize she was experiencing compassion fatigue and burnout. By asking for help, both Tanner and Shay improved their physical and mental health.

I don’t need a colonoscopy. It’s too expensive. It’s humiliating. Is it going to hurt? There are many myths about colonoscopies, but the experts at Huntsman Cancer Institute are here to tell you the facts.

Luke Martin, MD, discusses why he wanted to become a surgeon, common misconceptions about colorectal treatments, and what patients should expect from their care team at Huntsman Cancer Institute in the latest Talks with Docs