Cancer-Free Frontier Huntsman Cancer Institute

Discover how poverty acts as a carcinogen and join Dr. Dave Wetter's
groundbreaking mission. Engaging Huntsman Cancer Institute scientists, they're transforming
care for low-income communities, tackling cancer at its root.

As new immigrants to the United States from Mexico, Jose Hernandez’s family faced tough odds. His father was deported shortly after his birth, and his mother struggled to keep food on the table and raise him alone. Jose learned the power of resilience and determination at a young age, and when the opportunity arose to conduct research alongside some of the brightest minds in oncology, he jumped at the chance.

A special mentorship program gives bright students from tough circumstances a chance to work in the lab alongside cancer investigators. It also gives teachers the opportunity to learn creative ways to inspire their students. We talk with Don Ayer and Anna Marsden about the PathMakerprogram and how its breaking down walls and training the next generation of scientists.

Marcene Littledike and her team with Huntsman at Home know, “A liter of fluid is a lifeline.” The unique program brings the same high level of care to patients’ doorsteps.

Serving patients in rural and frontier counties comes with unique challenges and triumphs. Katie Kerrigan, oncologist at Huntsman Cancer Institute, and Megan Provost, rural patient outreach advocate, share their experiences.

Heather Simonsen interviews Jakob Jensen, PhD, member of the cancer control and populations sciences program at Huntsman Cancer Institute and professor in the department of communications and associate dean for research in the College of Humanities at the University of Utah.