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Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity

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Welcome!

Welcome to the first edition of Simmons Cancer Center's COMMUNITY OUTREACH NEWS & EVENTS. In this monthly e-newsletter, our Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity will highlight information, programs, and research aimed at helping North Texans reduce their cancer risks and achieve the best health possible. We hope you'll share this newsletter with friends, family, and co-workers and partner with us in strengthening the health of our large, diverse community.

Colorectal Cancer: What You Need to Know

Colorectal cancer is a disease caused by cells that grow out of control in the lower parts of your digestive system, including the colon (the longest part of the large intestine) and/or the rectum (the passageway between the colon and anus). It's the third most common cancer found in both men and women, according to the CDC. And it is the third leading cause of U.S. cancer deaths. Recently, researchers have noticed an alarming rise in distant-stage, less-treatable colorectal cancer among younger adults, under age 55. And though this increase is occurring across all races and ethnicities, non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics have experienced the steepest upswings.

The best way to lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer, says the CDC, is to get regular screenings, starting at age 45. These screening tests allow your doctor to find and remove colorectal polyps before they turn into cancer. It’s also important to let your doctor know about family members with colon cancer and to discuss any unusual symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, bleeding, or abdominal pains that don’t go away.

Simmons Cancer Center’s Cancer Answer Line specialists can help you find screenings and resources available at UT Southwestern facilities across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Spanish-language patient navigation is available. Contact us at 833-722-6237 or CancerAnswerLine@utsouthwestern.edu.

To learn more about colorectal cancer and how healthy eating can reduce your risks, check out the learning opportunities in Community Events.

New Hope for Kidney Cancer Patients

Kidney cancer remains one of the top 10 cancers for men and women in the U.S., according to the CDC. Texas case rates have been historically higher than the U.S. average, particularly among non-Hispanic Blacks. In 2013, UT Southwestern made a formal commitment to kidney cancer research and treatment by launching a Kidney Cancer Program, founded on landmark discoveries made by UT Southwestern scientists beginning in the 1990s. With more than $120 million in funding since 2013, including a Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant from the National Cancer Institute, UT Southwestern’s Kidney Cancer Program has continued to advance the diagnosis and treatment of kidney cancer. In addition to developing a first-in-class tumor inhibitor drug that gained FDA approval in 2021, the program recently showed that highly focused radiation, delivered to aggressive metastases, could safely extend the effectiveness of ongoing drug treatments in kidney cancer patients.

Community Outreach at Simmons Cancer Center

Programs to raise cancer awareness and support community health

CANCER ANSWER LINE

We're here to answer your questions about cancer and

help you find resources for prevention, screening,

treatment, and survivorship.

Learn More

SPEAKERS BUREAU

You can help raise cancer awareness by inviting one of

our experts to speak at

your next event.

Learn More

NICOTINE CESSATION

We offer a variety of options

to help community members

stop smoking, vaping, or

using other forms of nicotine.

Learn More

You're Invited: Community Events

March 10, 7 to 8:15 p.m., on Zoom: UT Southwestern Science Café

Listen to UT Southwestern colorectal cancer experts and Cynt Marshall, Mavericks CEO and colorectal cancer survivor, discuss colorectal cancer trends, treatments, and survivorship. Register here.

March 14, noon to 1 p.m., on Zoom: Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Cancer Support Group

Learn how to keep your kidneys healthy and reduce your cancer risks. All are welcome to join this session featuring UT Southwestern nurses Vickie Lamb and Fatemeh Youssefi. Contact Bailey at btoma@ocbfchurch.org or 214-672-9100, extension 9152, to register and receive a Zoom link.

March 24, 1 to 2 p.m., on Zoom: Any Step Community Services, Nutrition & Cancer Prevention Webinar

Hear Simmons Cancer Center dietitians Michelle Hamilton and Shelli Hardy talk about the benefits of nutrition in reducing cancer risks and improving overall health, with shopping tips and recipes included! Register here.

Visit 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 or comments, email Renee.Barber@UTSouthwestern.edu.