The Journey of Morgan Newman: A Cancer Survivor’s Struggles and Triumphs
In 2015, Morgan Newman, then a 24-year-old dental assistant in Des Moines, Iowa, faced a serious challenge. She was aiming to become a social worker, balancing work and her studies. However, an unexpected cancer diagnosis altered her path drastically. After receiving abnormal Pap smear results, her doctor scheduled further tests. Initially, she was unconcerned, as abnormal results were common among her peers and often resolved without issue.
However, during a critical exam, excessive bleeding halted the procedure, prompting a referral to a gynecologic oncologist. Newman’s diagnosis of cervical cancer followed soon after. She had recently embarked on a new phase, having moved into her first solo apartment. As cancer cases increase, survival rates improve, both in Iowa and nationally, with over 18 million survivors in 2025 and projections of 22 million by 2035, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Despite physical recovery, many survivors grapple with mental health challenges post-treatment. Newman underwent six weeks of both radiation and chemotherapy, which initially cleared her cancer. However, three months later, doctors discovered troubling lung nodules, necessitating further chemotherapy. The physical toll was significant, compounded by emotional distress as her friends advanced in personal goals.
Newman had previously sought therapy for anxiety and depression but financial strain from medical bills forced her to quit. Her full-time job and academic commitments left little time for mental health care. By 2017, she secured a position with better health benefits, enabling her return to therapy. Yet, emotional hurdles persisted, especially around infertility resulting from radiation damage. Despite these challenges, she remains cancer-free nearly a decade on.
Her battle with cancer fueled a passion for advocacy. She now serves as Iowa’s grassroots manager for the lobbying arm of the American Cancer Society and participates actively with other cancer organizations. Her journey continues with therapy addressing both the fear of recurrence and the lingering effects of past treatments.
“The fear of the unknown really takes over and can physically impact your body, as well as your mind,” Newman expressed about lingering fears.
Mental Health Challenges for Cancer Survivors
Research highlights that cancer survivors often endure prolonged anxiety and depression. A Cancer Nation survey showed that nearly one-third of survivors fear recurrence, and many struggle with a loss of identity. Despite this, only 20% of those surveyed consulted mental health professionals.
Shelley Fuld Nasso, CEO of Cancer Nation, points to a scarcity of mental health professionals with cancer expertise. This issue is particularly pressing in Iowa, where high cancer rates coincide with a shortage of mental health resources, notably in rural areas.
Addressing Mental Health in Oncology
The MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center, directed by Dr. Richard Deming, recognizes the need for comprehensive cancer care, incorporating services like yoga and counseling. These additions aim to help patients and survivors tackle mental health issues.
Therapists like Julie Larson, based in Des Moines, focus specifically on supporting cancer survivors. Her clients often initiate therapy long after treatment ends, seeking to reconcile physical changes and emotional losses. Larson, who has extensive experience in cancer care, aims to normalize the mental and emotional intensity associated with fighting cancer.
Dr. Patricia Ganz, from UCLA, emphasizes the lack of mental health focus in oncology. Although there is growing recognition of the need for psychological screening and support, practical implementation remains inconsistent.
The Richard Deming Cancer Center is taking steps to address these gaps, offering varied therapies to support patients beyond their physical symptoms. Deming urges oncologists to engage deeply with patients’ issues across all treatment stages, advocating for a holistic approach to cancer care.