Pulitzer-Winning Photographer David Swanson Returns to Work After Cancer Treatment
David Swanson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, has returned to reporting in Los Angeles following treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. He was diagnosed on November 14, 2025, and underwent two months of radiation and chemotherapy, resulting in a weight loss of 60 pounds. Since late April, he has captured significant events, including the premiere of "Lord of the Flies," Jane Fonda's endorsement of Tom Steyer for California governor, a gubernatorial debate, anti-ICE protests, and the Sandy Fire in Simi Valley on May 18. An enhanced imaging scan is scheduled for early June to check his cancer status. Swanson moved to Los Angeles in 2019 after 33 years at The Philadelphia Inquirer, where he contributed to a Pulitzer Prize-winning series on school violence. His extensive career includes covering major global events and conflicts, and he was embedded with U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he sustained an arm injury. Before his diagnosis, he initiated a podcast series, "Just the Photographer," to document his career for his daughter.
Key facts
- David Swanson returned to work in Los Angeles after cancer treatment.
- Diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue on November 14, 2025.
- Underwent two months of radiation and chemotherapy, lost 60 pounds.
- Since late April 2026, covered film premiere of 'Lord of the Flies', Jane Fonda endorsing Tom Steyer, gubernatorial debate, anti-ICE protests, and wildfires.
- Scheduled for enhanced imaging scan in early June 2026 to determine if cancer-free.
- Moved to Los Angeles in 2019 after 33 years at The Philadelphia Inquirer.
- Part of team that won 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for series on violence in city schools.
- Covered global conflicts, Hurricane Katrina, 2010 Haiti earthquake, Ground Zero, Jerry Sandusky trial, California wildfires.
- Embedded with 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan (2003) and U.S. Marines in Iraq (2004), shot in arm.
- Work honored by World Press Photo.
- Launched podcast 'Just the Photographer' prior to diagnosis.
- His October 28, 2025 photo of NASA's supersonic aircraft featured in Reuters' Pictures of the Week.
Entities
Artists
- David Swanson
Institutions
- The Philadelphia Inquirer
- Reuters
- World Press Photo
- NASA
- 10th Mountain Division
- U.S. Marines
- Penn State University
- The Associated Press
- Gannett
- Scripps College of Communication
- Outdoor Advertising Association of America
- York (PA) Daily Record
Locations
- Los Angeles
- California
- York
- Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia
- Afghanistan
- Iraq
- Haiti
- Simi Valley
- Palmdale
- Silver Spring
- Maryland
- Tallahassee
- Florida