Circle of Hope

Multiple myeloma is a rare cancer with many treatment options, though it currently has no cure. We asked our experts at Huntsman Cancer Institute to weigh in on frequently asked questions about multiple myeloma, including how the disease works and how treatment looks.

Our CEO Mary Beckerle is sharing regular updates to explain the steps Huntsman Cancer Institute is taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus.

There are times surgeons have to remove part of the face, such as a nose or an ear, in order to save a life. These patients are referred to HCI anaplastologist Paul Tanner, who makes facial prostheses — hand-sculpted and hand-painted artificial parts of the face. HCI is one of the few hospitals in the country that has an anaplastologist and prosthesis lab onsite, making it easy for patients and their care team to meet with Tanner.

Ruth Centurier-Harris and her family came to Salt Lake City from South Africa in 2015, expecting to be here for a short time. Two years later, Ruth received a devastating cancer diagnosis - multiple myeloma. With her husband and three daughters, Ruth embraces the joy of today and making each day special.

There are many challenges having a blood cancer with no cure. But we just try to enjoy the time we have. After his multiple myeloma diagnosis in 2015, Kenneth Henderson has approached cancer the way he has approached his life–with his whole heart and soul. In 2018, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with seven others to raise awareness for blood cancers. The Huntsman Cancer Institute difference, he says, is in the way he was treated: always with kindness and a smile.

It’s essential to care for not only our physical health but also our mental health. In the current climate (COVID-19, earthquakes, and other life factors), much is out of our control. It’s important to do your best to find balance and take care of your whole self.

In an effort to express HCI’s support for those on the front lines of our COVID-19 challenge, HCI’s Beacon of Hope will run in white for the next several days. This reflects our deep appreciation to the staff at HCI, University of Utah Health, Intermountain Healthcare, the Utah Department of Health, and many, many other organizations across our region, the nation, and the world. We appreciate the sacrifices each of you are making and want you to know we recognize your incredible service.

Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of cancer deaths for women in the United States. Now, thanks to the development of early screening techniques, that’s no longer the case. Yet every year, there are still around 13,800 new cases of cervical cancer. To learn more about cervical cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, we spoke with Kate Harris, MD, a gynecologic oncologist.