Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity | |
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March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Time to take charge of your colon health
Colorectal cancer – often called colon cancer for short – is one of the most common cancers in men and women, and it’s a leading cause of cancer deaths. Scientists are currently exploring reasons for an alarming rise in colorectal cancer cases in adults under age 50. Though people of all races and ethnicities can have colorectal cancer, Black men and women have an increased risk of developing the disease.
In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, our Community Outreach Office is sharing reminders to:
- Get screened for colorectal cancer, starting at age 45 (or earlier if you’re at higher-than-average risk for this cancer).
- Learn the warning signs.
- Develop lifestyle habits that can protect your health.
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What should you know about diet and cancer?
Good nutrition plays a role in cancer prevention, cancer treatment, and lowering the risk of cancer recurrence. Bailey Irvin, RD, LD – a cancer dietitian on Simmons’ oncology nutrition team – explains the relationship between diet and cancer and shares which foods to eat or avoid in this Ask the Dietitian Q&A.
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Apply to be a DREAM intern at Simmons Cancer Center
Simmons Cancer Center is now accepting applications for the Designing Research Experiences and Mentoring (DREAM) Internship Program, a 10-week summer internship program funded by the American Cancer Society. DREAM is designed to build knowledge and connections for undergraduate students interested in exploring cancer research and pursuing biomedical careers. The program will take place June 3 to Aug. 9. Apply here by April 1.
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You’re invited to participate in a study about cancer patients and heart health
Patients with healthier hearts are more likely to complete cancer treatment and have better long-term outcomes. However, many patients are not aware of short- and long-term cardiovascular risks of specific cancer treatments. Moreover, racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular diseases and deaths are heightened after cardiotoxic cancer therapies. Simmons researchers hope to learn about survivors’ knowledge of their own cardiovascular risks, and their learning preferences for this information, to improve health and reduce disparities.
To take part in a survey aimed at enhancing cancer patient care, scan the code to the left with your smartphone or use this link.
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Free 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 mammograms at the following locations in the coming weeks. To learn about qualifications and schedule an appointment, call 817-288-9970.
Mammogram clinics
Friday, March 22, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mercy Clinic Fort Worth
775 W. Bowie St., Fort Worth, TX 76110
Thursday, March 28, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Como Community Center
4660 Horne St., Fort Worth, TX 76107
Prostate cancer screening clinics*
Saturday, March 23, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
New Fellowship Church
5420 Flamingo Road, Fort Worth, TX 76119
Wednesday, March 27, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Dan Dipert Career & Technical Center
2101 Browning Drive, Arlington, TX 76010
*Prostate cancer screenings are for men between the ages of 40 and 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 following events and register online. For more information, call 214-266-3333.
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Saturday, March 23, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Moody Center for Breast Health
5151 Maple Ave.
Dallas, TX 75235
Register here
Saturday, April 6, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
South Dallas Faith Coalition
Exline Recreation Center
2525 Pine St., Dallas, TX 75215
Register here
Saturday, April 13, 7 a.m. to 2 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 to End Colon Cancer
Saturday, March 23, 7 a.m.
Trinity Park, Pavilion No. 1
2201 West Seventh St., Fort Worth, TX 76107
Join the Colon Cancer Coalition and UTSW’s Moncrief Cancer Institute to celebrate, honor, and remember those in our lives affected by colorectal cancer. Learn more and register here. Colorectal cancer survivors and patients register for free.
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Urology Research & Education Foundation’s
Dan Fulgham Memorial Symposium
Saturday, March 23, 2 to 4 p.m.
Texas Health Presbyterian Dallas
Fogelson Auditorium
Join Pat Fulgham, M.D., a prostate cancer survivor and surgeon, to learn about prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and the latest treatment options. Find out how health disparities related to race can be improved. Hall of Famer Chris Arnold will emcee, and appetizers will be served. Register here or by emailing aclark@urologyfoundation.org. Call 214-695-1830 for more information.
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14th Annual Dallas 5K Walk/Run
Saturday, March 30, 7:30 a.m. CDT
Virtual or in person at the Katy Trail at Reverchon Park
3505 Maple Ave., Dallas, TX 75219
Join GO2 For Lung Cancer and UTSW as we step out for everyone impacted by lung cancer. This year's 5K returns to the Katy Trail, a special course winding through some of the most beautiful parts of Dallas. At the end of the race, celebrate with us at the post-race party! Register or donate here.
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Bring Your Whole Body (BYWB) Wellness Event
Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Exline Recreation Center
2525 Pine St., Dallas, TX 75215
This annual wellness extravaganza, sponsored by the South Dallas Faith Coalition, offers a wide range of health resources, including mammograms, COVID-19 vaccinations, and free family health screenings. Stop by for a morning dedicated to health, fitness, and fun.
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UT Southwestern’s Power in Partnership Community Engagement Symposium
Thursday, April 11, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
300 Pegasus Park Drive, Dallas, TX 75247
UTSW’s Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program is bringing together community leaders, scientists, students, and anyone interested in health equity for a day of learning, dialogue, and collaboration around community health needs and research. Check out the agenda and register here to join us.
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¡Vive tu Vida! Get Up! Get Moving! Health Fair
Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Jaycee Zaragoza Recreation Center
3114 Clymer St., Dallas, TX 75212
Join The Concilio and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health for a day of family fun, free health screenings, and exciting activities. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to prioritize your health and well-being. Learn more
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UT Southwestern Carnaval de Salud
Community Health Fair
Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thomas J. Rusk Middle School
2929 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX 75235
UTSW students and faculty are busy preparing for our annual Carnaval de Salud, a health fair offering:
• Free glucose (diabetes), blood pressure, and cholesterol screenings
• Sports physicals
• Eye and dental exams
• Healthy cooking demonstrations and lifestyle education
• Science games, giveaways, and prizes
Learn more: Carnaval de Salud (utswuts.com)
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Awakenings Educational Seminar
Saturday, April 13, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship
1660 W. Camp Wisdom Road, Dallas, TX 75232
Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and Making Chemo Bearable are teaming up to provide breast cancer education and support for the African American community. Breakfast will be served, and tickets are free. Learn more and RSVP here by April 1.
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PanCAN PurpleStride DFW
Saturday, April 27, 8 a.m.
Fair Park – Hall of State
3939 Grand Ave., Dallas, TX 75210
Simmons Cancer Center is proud to be a sponsor of this year’s PanCAN PurpleStride walk, which brings together pancreatic cancer survivors, families, caregivers, researchers, and supporters to raise awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research and patient programs. Please stop by our booth, or consider joining a UTSW team: Rad Onc Purple Beam Team, Team Watch Me Whipple, or Team Purple Love Potion.
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Wendy & Emery Reves International Breast Cancer Symposium
Friday, May 3, to Saturday, May 4
T. Boone Pickens Biomedical Building
UT Southwestern Medical Center
6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX 75235
Breast cancer providers, scientists, students, patient advocates, and interested individuals from industry and the community are invited to attend the Wendy & Emery Reves International Breast Cancer Symposium. Interdisciplinary experts from across the country will discuss recent progress in breast cancer research and clinical care. Learn more and register here.
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North Texas Prostate Cancer Coalition (NTxPCC)
Prostate Cancer Symposium 2024
Saturday, May 18, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cooper Hotel & Conference Center
12230 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230
This free annual NTxPCC event offers education, resources, and connection for prostate cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. UTSW physicians will join other medical experts to share the latest advances in prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Attendees will also hear from a motivational speaker and enjoy a continental breakfast and box lunch. Vendors will showcase products and services of interest to the prostate cancer community. Register here.
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We Can Win Foundation’s
“Together We Win” Prostate and Breast Cancer Symposium 2024
Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Life Center United Methodist Church
220 S. Cockrell Hill Road, DeSoto, TX 75115
The “Together We Win” Symposium is back with a panel of doctors from the fields of radiology, oncology, and urology sharing the latest information on breast and prostate cancer technology, treatment, and resources. This year’s event will also feature a national expert discussing sexual health during cancer treatment. Reserve a seat for lunch, education, and giveaways here. Ticket price: $20
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14th Annual Joining FORCES Against
Hereditary Cancer Conference
June 13–15 | Philadelphia, PA
The Joining FORCEs Against Hereditary Cancer Conference is an international event designed to empower individuals and families facing hereditary cancer. Sessions address important issues for survivors and previvors, their relatives, supporters, and health care providers. Learn more and register. Early bird rates end on March 31.
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Visit the 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, comments, or suggestions, email Renee.Barber@UTSouthwestern.edu. | | | | |
