Letter of Hope from The Wu Research Group

Dear Patients and Families,

Every day, our goal is to prevent cancer. We create and test tools that patients, their families, and others can use to make cancer prevention a reality. We are a team of psychologists, behavioral scientists, health educators, navigators, research coordinators, and students of medicine, public health, and psychology. We come from different places, inside and outside of Utah. Together, we are united in our work to help prevent cancer and improve health for young people, their families, and communities.

By teaching young people and their families how to bring cancer prevention strategies into their daily lives, we are trying to move beyond the typical practice. Instead of telling patients, families, and others “what to do”, we work one-on-one with families and youths to teach them how to make their personal cancer prevention behaviors easier to carry out. Much of our work focuses on children and other young populations because they have a lifetime of cancer prevention ahead of them, and thus benefit greatly from starting life as healthy as possible. One of the cancers we are most focused on is melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Melanoma is particularly relevant here in Utah where we have the highest incidence of any U.S. state.

As you continue on your journey, please know that our team is continually working, collaborating, and innovating to prevent cancer. We are privileged to be part of the Huntsman Cancer Institute community, and the large team of researchers, providers, and others who are here to support you.

Sincerely,
The Wu Research Group