Huntsman Cancer Institute

01/30/2026

After a meaningful Hockey Fights Cancer night in November, the Utah Mammoth is continuing the momentum by spotlighting one of our patients once a month for the rest of the season, creating space for their stories to be seen and celebrated. In December, that spotlight belonged to Zach Proctor, who was recognized during the game for his journey through a rare and aggressive bone cancer. Moments like this mean so much to our patients and families, and we’re deeply grateful to the Utah Mammoth for their continued commitment to compassion, community, and connection beyond the ice.

01/28/2026

“The ability to help others, learn new things, and collaborate with colleagues is my favorite part of the job.”

That mindset has guided Ju-Fen Zhu’s work since she joined the Ben Myers lab in 2018 as its first staff member. Ju-Fen is deeply involved in day-to-day lab life, from conducting and monitoring experiments to keeping the lab safe and organized, and supporting and training fellow researchers.

With more than 20 years of experience in cancer research, Ju-Fen brings curiosity, generosity, and collaboration to everything she does, contributing to discoveries that move science forward at Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Congratulations to Ju-Fen on receiving a University of Utah Staff Excellence Award! It is a well-deserved recognition of the impact she makes every day.

01/27/2026

"I wish that everybody could see that cancer research is for everyone, no matter where you live or who you are. Access to amazing cancer care and the research that goes into advancing the best care possible is meant and intended for everyone."

Kaila Christini is a PhD student in the College of Nursing Research Science and a researcher in the Deanna Kepka Lab. Her research focuses on improving access to HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening. Growing up in rural Utah shaped the questions she asks and the work she’s passionate about: making prevention and early detection easier to reach, so fewer people face cancer later on.

01/26/2026

“What I like best is seeing our group flourish and watching researchers receive grants that lead to breakthroughs.”

We’re proud to recognize Carla Lloyd and the work she’s been committed to for nearly a decade. Carla serves as chair of our Breast and Gynecologic Cancers Research Advocate Committee, a volunteer group she co-founded to make sure patient perspectives are meaningfully included in research. The group partners with researchers on grant applications, abstracts, and clinical trial development, strengthening the work at every stage.

As a Stage 3 breast cancer survivor, Carla’s connection to this work is deeply personal. She also leads our annual Project Next Symposium, supporting trainees as they grow and collaborate.

Receiving a Staff Excellence Award from The University of Utah is a well-deserved recognition of Carla’s leadership, collaboration, and lasting impact. Please join us in congratulating her for this honor.

01/23/2026

We are proud to serve as the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Mountain West, providing care and research support across five states. This designation reflects the highest national standards in cancer care and research—and, most importantly, our commitment to the patients and families who rely on us.

To maintain this designation, we undergo a rigorous renewal process every few years, and our teams are in the midst of that work now. Recently, researchers spent the weekend reviewing submissions from across the institute, sharing thoughtful feedback and expertise. This collaborative effort helps ensure we continue advancing cancer research while delivering compassionate, high-quality care, prevention, education, and community engagement. We are deeply grateful for their dedication to the patients and communities we serve.

You can learn more about what this designation means for our patients and community through the link below.

01/22/2026

“I’ve always wanted to do something in healthcare. I love the idea of helping people.”

That passion led Megan, a sophomore at The University of Utah, to join our Community Outreach & Engagement team as an intern.

Through research, statewide cancer planning with the Department of Health and Human Services, and a community education project designed to reduce anxiety around cancer screenings, Megan discovered a wider range of her capabilities and benefited her community in doing so.

We appreciate everything Megan brought to our team and the community!

01/20/2026

Cancer survival rates continue to improve across the United States, reflecting meaningful progress for patients and families. In a recent interview with KSL Newsradio’s Maria Shilaos, Dr. Clark Gamblin discussed the latest cancer survival statistics from the American Cancer Society’s annual report and shared perspective on what these trends mean for patient care today and continued advancement in the years ahead.

University of Utah Department of Surgery

01/19/2026

01/16/2026

It’s National Blood Donor Month, and we’re highlighting the real people who make a difference for our patients. Meet Abby, one of our amazing Health Care Assistants who also donates blood.

Abby works on our Bone Marrow Transplant unit, where blood products are a vital part of cancer treatment every day.

“I’m very aware of how important blood products are in cancer care,” she says. “Our unit gives more transfusions than any other unit here or at University of Utah Health. It’s powerful to see patients respond in real time. Plus, when I donate at ARUP, I get to chat with the cool technicians and eat snacks.”

All of the blood products used to care for our patients come from ARUP Blood Services / Utah Blood, and every donation truly matters.

Thank you to everyone who donates. Your generosity gives our patients strength, healing, and time.

01/15/2026

Kerri Robbins never imagined her home could make her sick. A stage four lung cancer diagnosis seemed to come out of nowhere. It wasn’t until a conversation with Dr. Wallace Akerley that she first learned about radon and discovered that high levels in her home were likely responsible. Kerri chose to turn her experience into advocacy Today, she’s traveling, staying active, and speaking out so more families understand why radon testing matters. Read her story through the link below.

01/14/2026

We are continually inspired by the generosity of our patients. Recently, Ellie donated handmade macramé earrings to share with fellow patients. She began making them after losing her hair, searching for ways to feel feminine, confident, and joyful during her cancer journey.

What started as a personal creative outlet became a meaningful act of generosity. These earrings are now finding new homes, bringing moments of confidence, creativity, and self-expression during treatment.

We are grateful for Ellie’s kindness and for the reminder that healing comes not only from medicine, but also from community, creativity, and compassion.

Thank you, Ellie, for giving back and for trusting us to be part of your story.

01/13/2026

"These connections remind me why I love my job so much and fuel my determination to do better for every patient who comes after."

What does hope look like in cancer care today?

In his Letter of Hope, Dr. Manni Mohyuddin reflects on caring for people with multiple myeloma, the meaningful relationships that guide his work, and the steady progress made through research and thoughtful treatment. He also shares why improving quality of life today is just as important as advancing long-term discoveries. Read his letter through the link below.