The Reporter Turned Patient: CBS News Reporter Survives Esophageal Cancer

A Story That Hit Close to Home

For decades, Brian Banmiller, a national business news reporter for CBS News Radio, has made a career out of telling other people’s stories. From world markets to medical breakthroughs, he’s covered nearly every major business and economic event of the last 50 years.

But in early 2022, the man known for bringing stories to light suddenly became the subject of one. A routine endoscopy ordered by his physician, Dr. Rowe, uncovered something that would change his life: esophageal cancer.

“In post-op, when Dr. Rowe walked into my recovery room, his eyes said it all,” Banmiller recalls. “The endoscopy found cancer on my esophagus. It could have been deadly if it wasn’t caught in time. In my case, he found it by pure accident—and that saved my life.”

An Unexpected Diagnosis, A Lifesaving Team

Within hours of receiving the news, Dr. Rowe coordinated with Dr. Bela Kenessey, Banmiller’s primary care physician, to assemble a team of specialists. At the center of that team was Dr. Wilson Tsai, a world-renowned thoracic surgeon who led a seven-hour robotic operation at John Muir Hospital to remove the tumor.

The procedure was delicate and complex—shortening Banmiller’s esophagus and stomach—but it was successful. He recovered in just five days, far sooner than the typical two-week hospital stay. Still, the journey was far from over.

To prevent recurrence, Banmiller began a three-month course of chemotherapy under the care of Dr. Michael Sherman. He was no stranger to cancer’s toll—his parents and brothers had battled various forms of the disease—but this time, it was personal.

“The chemo sickness was horrible,” he admits, “but it was made bearable by the incredible care and compassion of my medical team.”

Life After Treatment

Today, Banmiller’s cancer is in remission. He continues follow-up PET scans and bloodwork every four months and credits his survival to early detection, advanced surgical techniques, and the unwavering support of his wife, Jennifer, and his care team.

“I’ve reported on thousands of stories in my life,” he reflects, “but none more important than this one. My message is simple: don’t ignore the warning signs. Listen to your body, and don’t delay getting checked.”

The Power of Early Detection

Esophageal cancer is often silent in its early stages, but symptoms such as chronic reflux, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained chest discomfort should never be ignored. For Banmiller, a routine test caught his cancer early enough to be treated successfully—a reminder of the life-saving power of vigilance.

At Gregory Rhodes MD Cancer Center, early detection and multidisciplinary collaboration are at the heart of every success story. With access to leading-edge radiation, medical oncology, and surgical innovations, the center continues to deliver personalized, compassionate care for patients across the Bay Area and beyond.