Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity | |
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Brother2Brother prostate cancer event kicks off Black History Month
UT Southwestern volunteers were on hand as nearly 300 men and women filled Light of the World Church of Christ in Dallas on Saturday, Feb. 1, for Brother2Brother: A Black Men’s Day of Health, Love, and Life.
The event began with breakfast and a word of welcome from radio host Keith Solis, who invited everyone to join in unison for “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” After a spirited rendition of the anthem, attendees settled in for a special screening of the documentary The Silent Killer: Prostate Cancer in the African American Community. Filmmaker Landi Maduro (pictured) was in attendance to share her personal motivation for shining a light on a long-taboo subject and encouraging Black men, and the women who love them, to take charge of their health.
As a follow-up to the movie, two panels of experts addressed specific questions from men and women. Panelists included Simmons Cancer Center physicians, prostate cancer survivors, supportive care providers, and caregivers.
“It was an amazing event,” said one attendee. “Incredibly valuable.” Other attendees said they felt educated by the different perspectives shared by the panelists, as well as empowered to prioritize their health and advocate for optimal care.
UT Southwestern’s Moncrief Cancer Institute was on-site with its mobile cancer screening unit, while a team from Texas Health set up a screening station in the church gym. The two organizations, combined, screened nearly 170 men for prostate cancer during the event. Additionally, members of UTSW’s HealthStreet program conducted blood pressure and chronic kidney disease screenings for more than 60 attendees.
Simmons Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity was proud to sponsor Brother2Brother alongside the South Dallas/Fair Park Faith Coalition, UTSW’s Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, UTSW’s Clinical and Translational Science Award Program, Moncrief Cancer Institute, Texas Health, Light of the World Church, the North Texas Prostate Cancer Coalition, and The We Can Win Foundation – all under the direction of event producer Toska Medlock Lee.
Brother2Brother helped get the word out about a “silent killer” that usually doesn’t have early warning signs. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis during their lifetime. Risk for the disease is higher in Black men.
Learn more about prostate cancer and talk with your health care provider about prostate cancer screening tests. If you are Black or have a family history of prostate and other cancers, discuss screening starting at age 40; otherwise, beginning at age 45.
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UTSW clinical psychology student shares advice for building healthy habits
According to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts and Figures 2025, nearly half of U.S. cancer deaths could be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle. That includes avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and staying at a healthy weight. Sounds like a simple three-point checklist, but these recommendations top New Year’s resolution lists year after year. What can you do if you’re struggling to make a change? Natalie Noebel, a doctoral student in UT Southwestern’s clinical psychology program, suggests focusing on habits to build structure for reaching your goals.
“Goals are outcomes, such as learning to speak a new language,” Natalie explains. “Habits, on the other hand, are lifestyle changes made to achieve your goal. For example, learning 10 new words per week is a habit that can be a step toward speaking a new language.”
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Start your walking journey with
UT Southwestern and North Dallas Shared Ministries
Ready to take steps toward improving your health and lowering your cancer risk? You’re invited to join UT Southwestern’s Department of Family and Community Medicine and North Dallas Shared Ministries for Walk with a Doc, a monthly walking and health education program.
Each walk takes place at Bachman Lake Park on the third Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to noon. The group meets at the park’s pavilion near the intersection of W. Northwest Highway and Lakefield Boulevard. Following a short talk about a current health topic, led by a UTSW provider, participants enjoy a healthy walk at their own pace and distance.
Walk with a Doc is a great way to get outside, get active, and experience the many benefits of walking. Learn more about the program and sign up for the March 15 Walk with a Doc here.
To stay updated on future walks, follow @utsw_wwad on Instagram or @utswmed on Facebook.
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Simmons community outreach team offers vaping prevention education for youth
Team members from Simmons Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity are certified to deliver CATCH My Breath vaping education to schools and youth groups.
CATCH My Breath is a free, evidence-based youth vaping prevention program with published evidence of reducing students’ likelihood to vape. Aligned to national and state education standards, CATCH My Breath equips youth in grades 5-12 with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about e-cigarettes and resist social pressures to vape.
To schedule a presentation for your group, email OfficeofCOEE@UTSouthwestern.edu or call 833-722-6237. If you or someone you know is ready to kick the nicotine habit, learn more about free support available through UT Southwestern.
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College students, there’s still time to apply for the 2025 ACS DREAM Internship Program at Simmons Cancer Center
Simmons Cancer Center is committed to developing the next generation of scientists by offering individuals from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to explore potential careers in cancer research. Our Designing Research Experiences and Mentoring (DREAM) Internship Program, funded by the American Cancer Society, is a 10-week summer program that allows college students to take part in:
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Mentored research experiences tailored to the needs and interests of individual scholars
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A formal curriculum, taught by Cancer Center members, on concepts and fields in cancer research
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Social activities and peer mentorship that create a sense of community
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Career development and networking opportunities in a variety of scientific fields
The program runs from June 2–August 8, 2025. Applications are due March 1, 2025.
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Try a turkey chili packed with cancer-fighting nutrients
Erin Clarke’s healthy turkey chili recipe from her Well-Plated website is brimming with cancer-fighting ingredients, including phytochemicals, or plant nutrients, such as beta carotene from sweet potatoes and carrots and lycopene from tomatoes.
Oncology dietitian Darienne Hall suggests adding a can of pinto or kidney beans for extra fiber and compounds beneficial to gut health. Make a batch to serve a crowd or freeze the leftovers to have on hand for a busy weeknight.
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Upcoming cancer screenings and community events | | | |
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Moncrief Cancer Institute free mobile cancer screenings
UT Southwestern’s Moncrief Cancer Institute is offering free prostate cancer screening tests at the following location in February. 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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Prostate cancer screening clinic
Friday, Feb. 28, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Bob Duncan Center
2800 S. Center St., Arlington, TX 76014
Prostate cancer screenings are for men ages 40 through 69.
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National Comprehensive Cancer Network
Friday, Feb. 28, 9-10:15 a.m. CST
Free Webinar: Why Should I Consider a Clinical Trial?
Hear patient advocates and experts from two leading cancer centers explain the role of clinical trials in cancer treatment, how to decide if a clinical trial is right for you, and how to access trials. Learn more and register here.
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Living with Melanoma Patient Symposium
Saturday, March 1, 8:30 a.m.-noon CST
UT Southwestern Medical Center
6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75235
Join UTSW and the AIM at Melanoma Foundation at this year’s patient symposium to hear about the latest melanoma treatments, gain practical tips for managing side effects, and connect with a supportive community. Register here.
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The Prostate Health Education Network
Dallas Prostate Cancer Community Rally
Saturday, March 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. CST
Cedar Crest Church of Christ
2134 Cedar Crest Blvd., Dallas, TX 75203
Virtual option available
Prostate cancer survivors, caregivers, and medical professionals are invited to attend this free event, virtually or in person, to learn more about valuable, lifesaving prostate cancer resources. Free prostate cancer screening blood tests will be available. Lunch is provided (in person). Register here.
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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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Saturday, March 8, 7 a.m.-noon
Moody Center for Breast Health
5151 Maple Ave.
Dallas, TX 75235
Register here
Saturday, March 22, 7 a.m.-noon
Mark Cuban Heroes Center
1800 Bonnie View Road
Dallas, TX 75216
Register here
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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Get Your Rear in Gear – Fort Worth 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, March 8, 8 a.m.
Trinity Park, 2201 W. 7th St.
Fort Worth, TX 77107
Join the race to help provide colorectal cancer screening, patient support, and educational resources for our local community. Register here.
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MDS Patient and Family Forum
Saturday, March 15, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. CST
Aloft and Element Dallas Love Field,
West Love Ballroom I
2333 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75235
Attend this free, in-person event to connect with others living with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and to hear leading experts, including UTSW physicians, discuss current and emerging therapies. Parking, breakfast, and lunch are complimentary. Learn more and register here.
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National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
Dallas Rejuvenate Day Retreat
Saturday, March 29, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. CST
UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center
6202 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75235
Hosted by the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition - Central Region, this free, one-day event allows ovarian cancer patients and survivors to relax and renew through self-expression, reflection, and healing experiences led by Simmons Cancer Center providers. Learn more and register here.
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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 (UIO), health care professionals, policymakers, community leaders, and advocates can meet to discuss critical issues related to urban Indian health. Learn more and register here. A discounted rate is available through March 7.
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PanCAN PURPLESTRIDE DFW 2025
Saturday, April 26, 7-10:30 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 support a team here.
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2025 Susan G. Komen Advocacy Summit
April 28–30 | Washington, D.C.
Join fellow breast cancer advocates for advocacy training, community connection, and a day of meetings with congressional offices. Learn more and register here. Registration closes Sunday, March 16.
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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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“Together We Win” Symposium 2025
Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m.
Life Center United Methodist Church
220 S. Cockrell Hill Road, DeSoto, TX 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 is $5.
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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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For newsletter questions, comments, or suggestions, email Renee.Barber@UTSouthwestern.edu. | | | | |
