Walter Reed Cancer Center Survivors Share Hope Stories

Melinda DeLoatch-Speight heard the words "Stage 3 ovarian cancer" in 2021, but her doctors at Walter Reed gave her something unexpected: hope.

"Stage 3 doesn't mean the end," DeLoatch-Speight told attendees at Walter Reed's Third Annual Cancer Survivors' Day Summit on June 9. Her multi-disciplinary team at the John P. Murtha Cancer Center provided what she calls "amazing" care throughout her treatment.

DeLoatch-Speight joined other survivors at the Bethesda, Maryland medical center to share their stories and help shape future cancer care. The summit celebrated survivors while focusing on how Walter Reed can better support patients, families, and caregivers beyond treatment.

The results speak for themselves. In 2025, Walter Reed diagnosed 807 new cancer patients and now follows thousands more for survivorship care at the only Cancer Center of Excellence in the Department of Defense.

Fred Cohrs represents one of those success stories. After a high-risk prostate cancer diagnosis, he underwent minimally invasive surgery at Walter Reed and now shows no detectable PSA levels.

"Doctors saved my life, and the support group saved my soul," Cohrs said. He now volunteers as a group leader, helping others navigate their own cancer journeys.

The center's approach combines cutting-edge research with holistic care. U.S. Navy Capt. Melissa Austin, Walter Reed's director, calls the survivorship program "the jewel in our cancer care crown" because it demonstrates their lifelong commitment to patients.

Research presented at the summit revealed how different age groups need different support. Younger breast cancer survivors use mental health services more often, dealing with concerns like family planning, while older patients more frequently need physical and occupational therapy.

Epidemiologist Rebecca Robbins shared research showing that small lifestyle changes add up over time. Smoking cessation consistently improves survivorship outcomes across all cancer types.

The Ripple Effect

The impact extends far beyond individual patients. Retired Army Col. Craig Shriver, who directs the cancer center, looks toward a future where cancer can be prevented or diagnosed before it develops.

Research teams are studying how clinical and lifestyle factors impact long-term survival. Other projects focus on improving quality of life after treatment, like pelvic floor therapy for colorectal cancer survivors who experience bowel dysfunction.

The summit brought together not just survivors and doctors, but social workers who help families navigate healthcare systems and connect with community resources. This comprehensive approach ensures no one faces cancer alone.

As the number of cancer survivors continues growing, Walter Reed's team sees it as a sign of progress. Each survivor represents improved treatments, better support, and renewed hope for the thousands of patients who will walk through their doors in the years ahead.