Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity | | |
Early-onset colorectal cancer team explores reasons for rise in disease among younger populations
Colorectal cancer in young people has been rising at alarming rates. Today, about a third of the patients being treated for colorectal cancer at Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center are in their 30s and 40s. Some are in their teens.
Experts at Simmons Cancer Center’s Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Clinic, which specializes in treating younger patients with colorectal cancer, have been exploring reasons why people under 50 are experiencing higher rates of the disease. Some of the known risk factors for early-onset cancer include:
- Having a family history of colorectal cancer
- Being overweight or obese
- Lack of exercise
- Eating a diet low in fiber and high in fat or processed meats
- Smoking
- Alcohol use
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Inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease)
Simmons researchers are also examining whether environmental factors, such as water and air quality, or possibly early-life exposure to antibiotics can impact colorectal cancer risk.
Read more about early-onset colorectal cancer and how it is diagnosed and treated at Simmons Cancer Center.
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Community Advisory Board member Jackie Rakowski aims to link more people with lifesaving cancer services
Jackie Rakowski joined Simmons Cancer Center’s Community Advisory Board (CAB) in June 2024 out of a desire to bridge the gap between community-based health care and cancer prevention. Her end goal is to help underserved populations achieve better access to cancer screenings and early detection of cancer.
Rakowski serves as Executive Director of Woven Health Clinic, a nonprofit primary care clinic dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable health care to underserved communities. Its services include preventive care, chronic disease management, mental health support, and nutrition counseling, with no insurance required for eligibility.
“As the Executive Director, I’m proud to lead the Woven Health team to ensure our commitment to whole-person care, patient education, and building community partnerships that expand access to essential health services,” Rakowski says.
One partnership Rakowski has nurtured over the past year is the relationship between Woven Health and UT Southwestern’s Moncrief Cancer Institute. This month, Rakowski has invited Moncrief to bring its mobile mammography unit to Woven Health’s Carrollton clinic to provide convenient, no-cost breast cancer screening. (See details in the Community Events section below.) Rakowski says the partnership with Moncrief helps her team reach more individuals who might otherwise face barriers to early detection.
“Cancer screenings are a critical part of our preventive care approach,” Rakowski says. “They help us detect potential issues early and improve long-term health outcomes. When a screening indicates further evaluation is needed, we guide patients through the next steps, connecting them with diagnostic care and treatment through Moncrief Cancer Institute’s referral system.”
In the coming year, Rakowski would like to see Simmons’ Community Advisory Board strengthen partnerships that connect more individuals to lifesaving screenings and treatment. In addition, she hopes to see the CAB expand its outreach efforts and improve health literacy around cancer prevention.
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Fact or fiction: Does sugar feed cancer?
Perhaps you’ve heard the rumor: Eating too much sugar can cause cancer to grow. This is an oversimplification, according to nutrition experts at Simmons Cancer Center. Sugar doesn’t “feed” cancer any more than it feeds other cells in the body that need glucose for energy. But having too much simple sugar in your diet can lead to unwanted weight gain. And being overweight or obese can increase the risk for several types of cancer, as well as cancer recurrence.
The oncology nutrition team at Simmons Cancer Center has created a helpful guide that explains the role of obesity in cancer risk and offers tips on managing your sugar intake. Get your copy of the guide here.
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For an educational workshop on obesity and cancer risk, contact
Simmons Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity at OfficeofCOEE@UTSouthwestern.edu or 833-722-6237.
Presentations are available in English and Spanish.
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UTSW scientists find energy pathway that fuels spread of kidney cancer
About 80,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with kidney cancer every year. A new study by UT Southwestern researchers shows that a particular energy-producing pathway is much more active in kidney cancer tumors that have metastasized, or spread, than in tumors still growing in the kidney. This discovery could help scientists predict which cancer tumors, of various types, are most likely to spread and, ultimately, design new medicines to block the process.
Ralph DeBerardinis, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Pediatrics and Director of UTSW’s Center for Human Growth and Development, explains these new “renal revelations” in this 60-second video.
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Cleaning for a Reason expands free home cleaning opportunities for DFW cancer patients
Cleaning for a Reason provides free home cleaning services to DFW cancer patients through its network of trusted residential cleaners and community volunteers. The network has recently expanded, and Cleaning for a Reason currently has openings for patients in Celina, McKinney, Anna, and Melissa, Texas. (See ZIP codes here.) Any man, woman, or child recovering from cancer surgery, in cancer treatment, or in hospice care can apply for a home cleaning. Friends and family members can also apply on a patient’s behalf. Learn more and apply here.
| | Upcoming cancer screenings and community events | | | | | |
Moncrief Cancer Institute – free mobile cancer screenings
UT Southwestern’s Moncrief Cancer Institute is offering free cancer screening tests at the following locations in the coming weeks. To learn about screening qualifications and to schedule an appointment, call 800-405-7739. To find out about future screening events, visit Moncrief’s Event Calendar.
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Mammogram clinics
Thursday, March 20, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Woven Health Clinic
4325 N. Josey Lane, Plaza 3, Suite 111, Carrollton, TX 75010
Saturday, March 22, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Bob Duncan Center
2800 S. Center St., Arlington, TX 76014
Saturday, March 29, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church, McKinney
2000 W. White Ave., McKinney, TX 75069
Prostate cancer screening clinic
Saturday, March 29, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Ben Thanh Plaza
1818 E. Pioneer Pkwy., Suite 100, Arlington, TX 76010
Prostate cancer screenings are for men ages 40 through 69.
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Parkland Health – no-cost breast cancer screenings
Parkland’s Moody Center for Breast Health is providing no-cost screening mammograms for women living in certain Dallas County ZIP codes. If you are age 40 or older and have not had a mammogram in the past 12 months, check out the event below and register online. Or visit the Parkland Health website for future events. For more information, call 214-266-3333.
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Thursday, March 27, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Moody Center for Breast Health
5151 Maple Ave., Dallas, TX 75235
Register here
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Cancer Support Community North Texas:
Clinical Trials Discussion with
Simmons Cancer Center
Friday, March 28, 10-11 a.m.
Cancer Support Community Dallas Clubhouse
8196 Walnut Hill Lane, LL10, Dallas, TX 75231
Cancer Support Community North Texas is hosting Simmons Cancer Center Clinical Trials Navigators D’Angelo Grant and Fabian Robles for a discussion of facts versus misconceptions about cancer clinical trials. Beverages and snacks will be provided. Register here or by calling 214-345-8230. Please register by March 27.
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Simmons Cancer Center
Cancer Answers Virtual Lunch and Learn:
‘Zap the Cancer and the Fear: What to Expect with Radiation Treatment for Cancer’
Friday, March 28, noon-1 p.m. | Zoom
In this free live webinar, David Sher, M.D., Medical Director of UTSW Radiation Oncology, and Asal Rahimi, M.D., Chief of the Breast Radiation Oncology Service, will explain how radiation is used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. They will also address common questions and concerns about radiation treatment. Register for the webinar here.
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GO2 For Lung Cancer 5K Walk/Run
Saturday, March 29, 7:30-11 a.m.
The Katy Trail at Reverchon Park
3500 Maple Ave., Dallas, TX 75219
Step out with UT Southwestern and GO2 for Lung Cancer to help raise funds for lung cancer screening, support services, treatment navigation, and new cures. We'll have activities for the whole family, including a kids dash. All ages and abilities are welcome. Learn more and sign up here to join Team UT Southwestern.
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National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) Annual Conference
April 22-25 | Washington, D.C.
The NCUIH conference provides a platform where Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs), health care professionals, policymakers, community leaders, and advocates can meet to discuss critical issues related to urban Indian health. Learn more and register here.
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PanCAN PurpleStride DFW 2025
Saturday, April 26, 8 a.m.
Fair Park - Court of Honor
1300 The Midway, Dallas, TX 75210
UTSW looks forward to seeing you at this year’s walk to support those affected by pancreatic cancer and help bring an end to the disease. Learn more, register, or join Team UT Southwestern here.
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Head and Neck Cancer Alliance
3rd Annual Head and Neck Cancer
Move-A-Thon
Virtual | Throughout April
Get moving to help raise awareness and fund research for head and neck cancers. Walk, swim, play pickleball, or move in any way you want throughout April and track your minutes. Fundraising is appreciated but not required. All proceeds go to Head and Neck Cancer Alliance programs as well as patient education and research. Learn more and register here.
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Black Men’s Wellness Day 5K Walk & Run
Saturday, May 3, 7 a.m.-noon
Reverchon Park
3505 Maple Ave., Dallas, TX 75219
Black Men’s Wellness Day is a community-driven movement making its way across 24 cities to champion health, strength, and resilience in Black men and their families. Bring the whole family and go all in for activity, health screenings, live entertainment, and community resources for all ages. Register here.
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15th Annual North Texas Head for the Cure 5K
Saturday, May 3, 8 a.m.
Red Tail Pavilion
2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway,
Plano, TX 75074
Register here to help raise funds, awareness, and hope for the North Texas brain tumor community. Race proceeds will benefit UTSW brain tumor research, Grey Matters North Texas Brain Tumor Support Group, Brains for the Cure, and other brain cancer initiatives.
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UT Southwestern Carnaval de Salud
Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thomas J. Rusk Middle School
2929 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX 75235
Join UTSW medical students, faculty, and staff at this free community health fair for all DFW residents. The fair offers free health screenings, sports physicals, cooking demonstrations, interactive health education, science exhibitions, and a carnival of games. Local community and business leaders help make this a wonderful day full of fun, learning, and prizes. Learn more and see how to visit or volunteer.
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‘Together We Win’ Symposium 2025
Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
DeSoto Senior Activity Center (New location)
204 Lion St., DeSoto, Texas 75115
Mark your calendar for a day of inspiration and insight about prostate and breast cancer early detection and screening. Lunch is provided. Enjoy free door prizes and giveaways. Learn more at the We Can Win website or by calling 972-816-9588. Admission: $5
| | | | | For newsletter questions, comments, or suggestions, email Renee.Barber@UTSouthwestern.edu. | | | | |
