News

To recognize National Minority Health Month, we spoke to two of our staff about their on-the-ground work to address health disparities, and why they value diversity in cancer research and care.

Huntsman Cancer Institute contributed to two research studies involving how microbes living in and on our body play a role in the development of colorectal cancer.

Each year around 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and more than 50,000 die from it. The good news is that colorectal cancer is highly preventable through screening. And you can lower your risk for developing the disease by making some lifestyle changes.

Taryn Palmer lost her father to stage IV colorectal cancer. As she and her family tried to find some way to reconcile their grief with celebrating his life, Taryn discovered Dress in Blue Day, a way to increase awareness about colon cancer risk and encourage early screening. Dress in Blue Day has meant so much to her and her family as they honor their father and fight back against this devastating disease.

By unraveling the link between obesity and gastrointestinal cancers, researchers hope to develop effective treatments and strategies for lowering cancer risk. A team of scientists at Huntsman Cancer Institute published a wide review of findings on the biological links between obesity and gastrointestinal cancers. They also examined studies on how diet, exercise, and other weight-related interventions may help reverse this connection.

Post-doctoral fellow Andreana Holowatyj, PhD, received an award for her work studying colorectal cancer in young adults from the Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

On September 7, 2016, National Cancer Institute (NCI) Acting Director Douglas Lowy, MD, accepted the recommendations of the Cancer Moonshot Blue Ribbon Panel (BRP) on a set of scientific approaches to accelerate progress in cancer research. An overview of the report was published in the journal Science.

Everybody age 50 or over should talk to their doctor about a colonoscopy screening. If your doctor has recommended you get a colonoscopy but you’re dreading it, check out these myths and facts. Remember, a colonoscopy could save your life.