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COVID-19 Poses Extra Concerns For Patients In Cancer Treatment

Allie Smith
/
Unsplash
In light of COVID-19, patients with cancer are experiencing new challenges when it comes to care, including limited in-person support from loved ones while recieving treatment in a hospital.

Under normal circumstances, a cancer diagnosis can be life altering. But with cases of COVID-19 straining medical systems across the state and with new expectations for social distancing in place, the way in which cancer treatment is received and supported is creating new challenges for some Iowans.

On this episode of River to River, host Ben Kieffer talks with several Iowans disagnosed with cancer, medical director of Mercy Cancer Center in Des Moines Dr. Richard Deming and a representative from the American Cancer Society to find out what it looks like to live with, and fight cancer during a global health crisis.

If you or a loved one is seeking cancer-related resources, support or education, the American Cancer Society helpline is available to help: 800-227-2345

Guests include:

Dr. Richard Deming, radiation oncology specialist and Medical Director of Mercy Cancer Center in Des Moines, founder of Above and Beyond Cancer

Kristi Myers, currently receiving treatment for a reoccurrence of cancer

Krista Walsh, Director of Community Development in Iowa, American Cancer Society

Jonathon Thull, Iowan living with multiple myeloma

Nancy Hagen, caregiver for husband Jonathon

Katelyn Harrop is a producer for IPR's River to River and Talk of Iowa
Ben Kieffer is the host of IPR's River to River