Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center

Patient Care
- Research Overview
- - Membership Directory
    Search a listing of full members of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, as well as directories of members by research program.
  - Membership Criteria
    Learn about the criteria for becoming a member of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
  - Become a Member
    Apply for membership in the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center by submitting a short form.
- - Shared Resources
    The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is home to state-of-the-art facilities and provides support to shared resources at UNMC.
  - UNMC Cores and Shared Resources
    Researchers also have access to shared resources through the UNMC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research.
  - Request Research Space
    Complete this form to request research space.
  - Research Funding Opportunities
    NCI-designated Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center supports Principal Investigators through pilot grants and seed funding to explore novel research ideas and engage in team science projects that address critical cancer care and treatment challenges.
- - Cancer Biology Program
    The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Cancer Biology Program represents a long-standing commitment to cancer mechanisms-focused research.
  - Translational Cancer Research Program
    This program develops and delivers small molecules to modulate validated cancer targets as eventual cancer therapeutics.
  - Cancer Prevention & Control Program
    This program aims at identifying and understanding the factors influencing cancer risk, with a special emphasis on disparities and rural populations in the catchment area.
- - Registries
    View registries that are currently enrolling subjects through iCaRe2.
  - Information for Patients
    Participation helps researchers understand specific cancer types, determine risk factors, advance treatment for patients and discover cancer prognostic markers.
  - Information for Researchers
    iCaRe2 aims to foster clinical and epidemiological studies and accelerate the secondary use of cancer and health related data for translational research.
  - Information for Sponsors
    Your gift will support the continuous system growth and improve strides in personalized medicine, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer.
- Community Outreach Overview
- Mission
  We are committed to reducing the cancer burden across Nebraska through strong partnerships, community-driven initiatives, and programs informed by community needs and priorities.
- Community Advisory Board
  This board advises on the direction of cancer center research, dissemination of evidence from ongoing research activities, and policy recommendations.
- Speaker's Bureau
  The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Speakers Bureau provides resources to community groups across Nebraska including experts to give presentations on cancer-related topics.
- Resources
  The Community Outreach and Engagement Office provides such resources as videos, infographics, reports and community needs assessments.
- Our Team
  Find members of the Community Outreach and Engagement Office team.
- Training & Education Overview
- Upper Midwest Emerging Scholars Exchange Program
  Learn about a new opportunity for Early Stage Investigators to share their research at peer institutions.
- Leadership Overview
- Director's Message
  Read a message from Joann Sweasy, PhD, director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
- About the Center
  Learn about the mission and vision of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.

Healthy Diet and Nutrition

How Healthy Eating Can Lower Cancer Risk

Making smart food choices is a powerful way to reduce your risk of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), at least 18% of all cancer cases in the U.S. are linked to excess body weight, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption (ACS). A balanced diet, combined with regular physical activity, can help prevent up to 30-50% of cancer cases.

Good nutrition helps by:

Maintaining a healthy weight: Excess body fat increases the risk of at least 13 types of cancer.

Reducing inflammation: Some foods protect cells from damage and slow cancer growth.

Lowering hormone levels: Certain cancers grow faster when hormones like estrogen and insulin are too high.

Boosting the immune system: A strong immune system helps the body fight cancer cells.

Build a balanced plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support overall health and help reduce cancer risk.

Key Components of a Cancer-Preventive Diet

Eating a plant-based diet is one of the best ways to protect against cancer. This means filling your plate with:

Foods to eat more of:

Vegetables & Fruits: Aim for at least 2½ cups daily (ACS). These are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins that help prevent cancer.

Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole wheat bread provide fiber, which helps digestion and may lower colorectal cancer risk.

Beans & Legumes: High in protein and fiber to support a healthy weight.

Garlic & Onions: Help reduce inflammation and support the immune system.

Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, which may lower the risk of prostate cancer.

Healthy Fats: Nuts, seeds, olive oil, and avocados help fight inflammation.

Foods to limit:

Red & Processed Meat: Linked to colorectal cancer (limit to 12-18 oz per week).

Sugary Drinks & Snacks: Can lead to weight gain and increase cancer risk.

Fried & Processed Foods: Contain unhealthy fats that cause inflammation.

Alcohol: Even small amounts raise the risk of breast, liver, and esophageal cancers (ACS).

Practical Tips for Healthy Eating

Fill half your plate with veggies and fruits.

Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

Choose whole grains instead of white bread or pasta.

Pick lean proteins like beans, fish, or tofu instead of processed meats.

Plan meals ahead of time to avoid unhealthy choices.