Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity | |
Are there things we can do to prevent cancer?
In its Cancer Progress Report 2023, the American Association for Cancer Research notes that 40% of all cancer cases in the U.S. are related to risk factors we can do something about. In honor of National Cancer Prevention Month, let’s take a look at some of these risk factors, along with steps we can take to protect our health.
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Meal kits vs. no-prep meals: UTSW researcher tests healthy eating solutions for food pantry clients
Kelseanna Hollis-Hansen, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor in the Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health and a member of Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, studies ways to ensure that under-resourced communities have access to nutritious foods.
“When people are food secure and able to eat a more balanced diet with greater variety and nutritious options, they are less likely to miss school, are able to be more engaged at work, and can improve their overall health and well-being,” she says.
Recently, Dr. Hollis-Hansen partnered with Crossroads Community Services, which provides food assistance to communities throughout Dallas, Ellis, and Navarro counties, to learn whether nutritious no-prep meals and healthy meal kits could be appealing options for improving food security and diet quality among Crossroads’ food pantry clients. The no-prep meals were ready to eat after thawing or microwaving. The meal kits bundled ingredients with a recipe on how to prepare a healthy meal.
Dr. Hollis-Hansen and her team found that both meal options improved clients’ food security and perceived diet quality. Participants liked both options but ultimately favored the meal kits as the study progressed.
Read more about the team’s research findings, which were recently published in the journal BMC Public Health.
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Celebrate Black History Month with Oldways' Sweet Potato Peanut Stew
Oldways is a food and nutrition nonprofit that embraces the healthy, sustainable joys of the old ways of eating. During Black History Month, we’re celebrating African food traditions with an Oldways recipe for sweet potato and peanut stew. The star ingredient in this savory dish is a nutritious vegetable used frequently in African heritage cooking.
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Separating nutrition myths from facts
During our latest Cancer Answers Virtual Lunch and Learn, oncology dietitians Shelli Hardy and Bailey Irvin addressed commonly asked questions about diet and cancer treatment. Does fasting improve treatment outcomes? Does sugar feed cancer? Is it safe to consume soy? Hear their research-based recommendations in the recorded presentation below.
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Knitted Knockers volunteers meet the needs of breast cancer survivors
Barbara Demorest was at a loss for what to wear to appear “normal” after a breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy in 2011. A fellow survivor warned that nothing would feel good against her scar for at least six weeks. And Barbara’s doctor shared that most women thought silicone breast prostheses were hot, heavy, and expensive.
“What am I going to do?” Barbara wondered. “I had work to get back to, life to live.”
“Do you knit?” asked her doctor, who showed her where to find a pattern for "knitted knockers." Barbara’s friend Phyllis quickly stitched a pair, which she gifted to Barbara in a Victoria’s Secret bag. As soon as Barbara tried one on, she knew she wanted to make these light, soft, shapeable "breasts" available to other breast cancer survivors.
Barbara began knitting free knockers for patients at her doctor’s office who chose not to have reconstruction surgery or had undergone lumpectomies and radiation, which can shrink the breast. After reaching her initial goal of supplying free prostheses to women living in her county, Barbara looked for ways to meet a much wider need. Today, Barbara and her growing Knitted Knockers registry of volunteers create free knockers for breast cancer survivors across the U.S. and around the globe.
To request free knockers or patterns, to volunteer your knitting skills, or to make a donation for supplies, visit knittedknockers.org.
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Free Cancer Screenings and Community Events | | |
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Simmons Cancer Answers
Virtual Lunch and Learn
"Insights into Cardiovascular Health for Cancer Patients"
Friday, Feb. 16, Noon-1 p.m. CST | Zoom
During this month’s webinar, cardio-oncologist Vlad Zaha, M.D., Ph.D., will talk about the importance of protecting the heart when you’re receiving cancer treatment, when you’re a cancer survivor, and when you’re a person with heart problems who’s been diagnosed with cancer. Register here.
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Moncrief Cancer Institute – free mobile cancer screenings
UT Southwestern’s Moncrief Cancer Institute is offering free mammograms at the following locations in the coming weeks. To learn about qualifications and schedule an appointment, call 817-288-9970.
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Bedford Senior Center/Old Bedford School
2400 School Lane, Bedford, TX 76021
Friday, Feb. 23, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Haltom City Public Library
4809 Haltom Road, Haltom City, TX 76117
Thursday, Feb. 29, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Link Recreation Center
6750 Baker Blvd., Richland Hills, TX 76118
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NCCN Patient Webinar: Advanced and Metastatic Bladder Cancer
Friday, Feb. 23, Noon-1:15 p.m. CST | Zoom
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network is offering a free, virtual webinar for those experiencing advanced and metastatic bladder cancer, their caregivers, and their families. Register here.
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Parkland Health – no-cost breast cancer screenings
Parkland’s Moody Center for Breast Health is providing no-cost screening mammograms for women living in certain Dallas County ZIP codes. If you are age 40 or older and have not had a mammogram in the past 12 months, check out the following event and register online. For more information, call 214-266-3333.
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Saturday, Feb. 24, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
C.V. Roman Health Center
3560 W. Camp Wisdom Road, Suite 100
Dallas, TX 75237
Register here.
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Tarrant County Commissioner Roy C. Brooks’
10th Annual Prostate Cancer Screening Event
Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Moncrief Cancer Institute
400 W. Magnolia Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76104
Reserve your spot for Commissioner Roy Charles Brooks’ 10th Annual Prostate Cancer Screening Event, a Healthy Lives Matter initiative. The event includes a free lunch, education, and a blood test to screen for prostate cancer.
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2024 ZERO Advocacy Summit
Feb. 25-27 | Washington, D.C.
This year's summit starts off with the prestigious Bold for Blue awards, recognizing individuals who have devoted their lives to prostate cancer causes. Attendees will also be able to engage in educational sessions, advocacy training, and networking. The final day includes a trip to Capitol Hill to advocate for essential funding in research, health screenings, and early detection. Register here.
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Conversations on Cancer Black History Month Program
“Real Talk: Our Stories as Black Oncologists at the FDA”
Tuesday, Feb. 27, Noon-1:30 CST | Virtual
In honor of Black History Month, the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence will discuss trends in representation of African Americans among medical oncologists, along with implications for the oncology workforce and delivery of quality cancer care. African American medical oncologists who work at the Food and Drug Administration will discuss their experiences, perspectives, and advice. Register here.
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Foundation for Women’s Cancer
2024 Patient & Advocate Education Forum
March 15 | San Diego, California
Learn about the most recent developments and breakthroughs in gynecologic cancers. Connect with other patients, survivors, advocates, and health care professionals. Learn more and register here.
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Get Your Rear in Gear
Fort Worth 5K Run/Walk to End Colon Cancer
Saturday, March 23, 7 a.m.
Trinity Park, Pavilion No. 1
2201 West 7th St., Fort Worth, TX 76107
Join the Colon Cancer Coalition and UTSW’s Moncrief Cancer Institute to celebrate, honor, and remember those in our lives affected by colorectal cancer. Learn more and register here. Colorectal cancer survivors and patients register for free.
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14th Annual Dallas 5K Walk/Run
Saturday, March 30, 7:30 a.m. CDT
Virtual or In Person
The Katy Trail at Reverchon Park
3505 Maple Ave., Dallas, TX 75219
Join GO2 For Lung Cancer and UTSW as we step out for everyone impacted by lung cancer. This year's 5K returns to the Katy Trail, a special course winding through some of the most beautiful parts of Dallas. At the end of the race, celebrate with us at the post-race party! Register or donate here.
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Visit the Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity to learn more about our mission to reduce the cancer burden in North Texas and promote equity in cancer prevention, care, and outcomes through research, education, and engagement, particularly for racially and ethnically diverse, rural, and other underserved communities.
See how you can join us!
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For newsletter questions, comments, or suggestions, email Renee.Barber@UTSouthwestern.edu. | | | | |
