Huntsman Cancer Institute

Huntsman Cancer Institute Proudly serving Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, & Wyoming.

The Mountain West’s only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center—Delivering a Cancer-Free Frontier™ through groundbreaking research and world-class patient care.

If you’re a teen or young adult facing cancer, you might be wondering if anyone else really understands what you’re goin...
04/09/2026

If you’re a teen or young adult facing cancer, you might be wondering if anyone else really understands what you’re going through.

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

Our HIAYA (Huntsman–Intermountain Adolescent and Young Adult) program is here for people ages 18–39, created to support you in ways that actually fit your life. In partnership with Intermountain Health this program is open to all AYA patients—and the people who care for them—no matter where you receive care.

Whether it’s meeting others your age, joining a low-key event, finding helpful resources, or simply being in a space where you feel understood, HIAYA is here for you.

Because cancer at this stage of life can feel different. And you deserve support that meets you where you are.

If you’ve been looking for people who get it, this is a place to start.

“Cancer, to me, was a loss of choice and a loss of control. I lost my hair. I lost the majority of my body weight. I los...
04/09/2026

“Cancer, to me, was a loss of choice and a loss of control. I lost my hair. I lost the majority of my body weight. I lost my o***y. I lost my autonomy. Fertility preservation is hard, but it brings back the choice to potentially be a parent if my body does not allow me to be. And I want everyone to have that option.”

For Dawn Ritzwoller, her role as an AYA Patient Navigator is deeply personal. Diagnosed with ovarian germ cell cancer at just 13, she underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and surgery to remove part of her reproductive system. At the time, no one spoke with her about how treatment might affect her fertility. That conversation didn’t happen until years later, after she transitioned to adult care.

Today, as an AYA Patient Navigator, Dawn works alongside our oncofertility experts to ensure other young patients have the information she didn’t—so they can understand their options and make informed decisions about their future.

Read her story and learn how we are supporting AYA patients through the link below.

Meet Brittany and Jarom, a devoted young adult patient and caregiver pair who have faced cancer side by side.We asked th...
04/08/2026

Meet Brittany and Jarom, a devoted young adult patient and caregiver pair who have faced cancer side by side.

We asked them what they wish others understood about being a young adult patient or caregiver, and their answers were both heartfelt and helpful.

Brittany shared that being young doesn’t mean she doesn’t understand what’s best for her. What she needs most is a supportive, encouraging listener—not constant opinions or assumptions. She also hopes others remember that while she may look physically unwell, she is not as mentally fragile as people might think, and that expressions of pity can make it harder to cope.

Jarom reflected on how experiences like this can reshape how you see the world. He hopes others can respect those changes, even if they don’t fully understand them.

Their story reminds us that every young adult facing cancer, and those who support them, carry perspectives shaped by resilience and lived experience.

Read their full story in our HIAYA program newsletter linked below.

One year ago, we broke ground on Huntsman Cancer Institute in Vineyard, marking an important step toward expanding acces...
04/08/2026

One year ago, we broke ground on Huntsman Cancer Institute in Vineyard, marking an important step toward expanding access to cancer care and research.

Tulips and daffodils, symbols of hope and new beginnings, were planted by patients, caregivers, researchers, and community members. Today, they are blooming at our Salt Lake City location, a living reminder of what we’re building together.

When the Vineyard location opens, they’ll return home—rooted in the same purpose: bringing hope and healing to more people, closer to where they live.

04/07/2026

At a time when life is already full of change, a cancer diagnosis can feel especially isolating for our adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) patients.

Our AYA patient navigators, Dawn and Karlie, are here to make sure no one has to face it alone. They walk alongside our patients ages 15–39—offering support, connection, and a sense of belonging when it’s needed most.

Whether it’s finding community, sharing resources, or simply listening, they are here for every step of the way.

At just 23 years old, Connor went from skiing and studying to hearing the words, “You have cancer.” His treatment for te...
04/07/2026

At just 23 years old, Connor went from skiing and studying to hearing the words, “You have cancer.” His treatment for testicular cancer included surgery, chemotherapy, and days where even simple things felt out of reach.

He found small ways to keep going, he took up cooking, went on short runs, and leaned on his family, who never left his side.

Weeks after finishing treatment and just five weeks after another surgery, Connor stood at the start line of a marathon. Crossing that finish line wasn’t about time—it was proof he could return to the life he loves.

Today, he’s cancer-free and training for what’s next. Read his story through the link below.

This week is AYA Awareness Week—an opportunity to learn about the unique challenges adolescents and young adults face an...
04/06/2026

This week is AYA Awareness Week—an opportunity to learn about the unique challenges adolescents and young adults face and how we’re supporting them.

AYA patients (ages 15–39) often navigate cancer alongside school, careers, relationships, and mental health concerns. It can feel overwhelming, but no one has to go through it alone. Our HIAYA program surrounds patients, survivors, caregivers, and loved ones with care, connection, and understanding.

Through dedicated patient navigators, community events, and peer support, we’re here to help make this experience feel less isolating and more supported.

Some days feel heavier than others. And in those moments, it’s okay to struggle.In his Letter of Hope, Sean Strope, PA-C...
04/06/2026

Some days feel heavier than others. And in those moments, it’s okay to struggle.

In his Letter of Hope, Sean Strope, PA-C, reminds us that what you’re facing is real and you don’t have to carry it alone. You are loved, and your presence matters deeply to the people around you.

Even the smallest acts—a smile, a kind word, letting someone lend a hand—can bring light into someone’s day. And sometimes, allowing others to support you is its own kind of strength.

Read his complete letter through the link below.

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. Nearly 10,000 men are diagnosed each year, making it the leading cancer in m...
04/04/2026

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. Nearly 10,000 men are diagnosed each year, making it the leading cancer in men aged 15–44.

This weekend, the Beacon of Hope glows orchid in recognition of those affected by testicular cancer. We light the Beacon for our patients and their loved ones, and for the clinical and research teams committed to improving outcomes.

Research helps move us closer to earlier detection and more effective treatments. We’re grateful to the donors, partners, and federal support that make this work possible and help sustain progress.

Macy, a senior at Skyline High School, turned compassion into something truly impactful. Inspired by loved ones affected...
04/03/2026

Macy, a senior at Skyline High School, turned compassion into something truly impactful. Inspired by loved ones affected by cancer, she thoughtfully collected books, games, art projects, and more for our patients through a service project for the National Charity League and National Honor Society. Each item is a small moment of comfort, and we are so grateful for the care and kindness she shared with our community.

04/02/2026

In 2019, Beth was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Under the care of Dr. Theresa Werner, she continues treatment while maintaining a full and meaningful life.

Recently, Beth was recognized as part of the Utah Mammoth Hockey Fights Cancer patient spotlight series—sharing her story and the impact of compassionate, team-based care.

We are honored to be part of Beth’s care and grateful to the Utah Mammoth for their continued support of our our patients, staff, and the care and research happening here every day.

Completing cancer treatment is often seen as the finish line—but for many, it marks the beginning of a new and complex p...
04/02/2026

Completing cancer treatment is often seen as the finish line—but for many, it marks the beginning of a new and complex phase.

Dr. Kevin Byrne, part of our Supportive Oncology and Survivorship team and a psychiatrist at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, shares how emotional challenges like identity changes and fear of recurrence can emerge after treatment.

With continued support, counseling, and survivorship programs, we are able to help people move forward with greater confidence, connection, and clarity. Read more at the link below.

Address

2000 Circle Of Hope Dr
Salt Lake City, UT
84112

Telephone

+18015850100

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Huntsman Cancer Institute posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Huntsman Cancer Institute:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category