The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center will continue its Let’s Chat Cancer forums on May 20 with a discussion by UNMC’s Nicole Shonka, MD, a cancer center member, on the impact of brain cancer in Nebraska.
The Let’s Chat Cancer forums promote a conversation between researchers and local community residents, partners and advocates about disease-specific topics such as colon, breast and prostate cancer. The events share research in cancer prevention and highlight risk factors present throughout the region.
Events are hosted in various locations throughout the state and online to ensure the forum reaches people where they are.
The first Let’s Chat Cancer forum, held in August 2024, featured Joann Sweasy, PhD, director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
Edward Peters, DMD, ScD, chair of the UNMC Department of Epidemiology, led a discussion on the role of environmental exposures in cancer risk and how health policy influences care delivery. That was held at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center – Kearney.
In March, Jungyoon Kim, PhD, associate professor in the UNMC Department of Health Services Research and Administration, discussed the importance of early detection in colon cancer and the BEAT Cancer research initiative on colorectal cancer. That was held at the Village Empowerment Center in north Omaha.
Upcoming Let’s Chat Cancer forum
- Who: Nicole Shonka, MD, professor in the UNMC Division of Oncology and Hematology and member of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center
- What: Dr. Shonka will discuss the prevalence and impact of brain cancer in Nebraska. She will address the difference between primary and secondary brain cancer and her research as it relates to the understanding and treatment of brain cancer.
- When: Tuesday, May 20, from 5:30-7 p.m.
- Where: Online via Zoom. Register for the forum at this link.
A Let’s Chat Cancer forum will be scheduled for July with Gargi Ghosal, PhD, associate professor with the UNMC Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, to discuss her research on Sarcoma. More details will be available on the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center website.
Keyonna King, DrPH, assistant director of research integration in the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center’s Community Outreach and Engagement Office, said it’s critical for people to understand which cancers affect their communities and what researchers are doing to address them.
“This is one way to have open dialogue with residents statewide about cancer concerns, research and treatment,” Dr. King said. “We must have the community’s input if we expect to create more effective cancer treatments and improve outcomes.”
Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, PhD, associate director of the Community Outreach and Engagement Office, added: “This forum is an important step in building trust and collaboration between researchers and our communities. By creating a space for open dialogue, we can understand the unique challenges faced by Nebraskans and work together to reduce the impact of cancer across our state.”
To learn more about the upcoming Let’s Chat Cancer schedule, check the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center website.