April 2024 News & Updates

Welcome to the April issue of the UF Health Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach & Engagement (COE) newsletter! April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month. This month’s newsletter will focus on prevention and early-detection strategies to reduce the burden of head and neck cancer in the communities we serve.

Head and neck cancer refers to cancers that develop in the areas of the head and neck, including the mouth, throat, voice box (larynx), nose and sinuses. These cancers can affect different parts of the body, such as the tongue, tonsils or voice box. They can develop from cells in the lining of these areas and can affect how you eat, speak and breathe. Trends in head and neck cancer show a concerning rise in cases globally, with an increasing incidence observed across various age groups. Disparities in both incidence and outcomes persist, disproportionately affecting certain populations, including those with lower socioeconomic status and limited access to health care.

Data Highlight

Research Highlight: Treatments for HPV-Related Throat Cancer

Researchers are investigating new ways to treat HPV-related throat cancer by using lower doses of radiation therapy. The goal is to find treatments that are as effective but cause fewer side effects, improving patients' quality of life. The study will last up to five years.

Participants in the study will receive standard medical care, like blood tests and exams. In addition, they will be placed in one of three groups based on their blood test results. These groups will receive either the standard radiation therapy dose, a reduced dose or a very low dose. All participants will also receive weekly chemotherapy. After finishing treatment, participants will stay in touch with the research team for regular check-ins over the next five years to monitor their progress.

The study could lead to new, more effective treatment approaches for HPV-related throat cancer. This research aims to provide safer and more comfortable treatment options for people with this type of cancer.

For more information, please contact the Alesa Flewellen (primary coordinator) at 352-265-9723.

Team Highlight: Kathryn Pluta, Ph.D.

Kathryn Pluta, Ph.D., is the assistant director for community-engaged research in the Office of Community Outreach & Engagement. Her role involves collaborating with senior leadership at the COE to develop and execute strategic plans for community-engaged research initiatives that align with the UF Health Cancer Center's mission and goals.

She plays a pivotal role in promoting community-engaged research by acting as the liaison connecting researchers with an array of resources dedicated to fostering community engagement. Her role also involves developing and implementing evaluation strategies to assess the impact and effectiveness of community-engaged research initiatives.

When she is not at work, Kathryn enjoys spending time outdoors. You can typically find her at the beach or football games (Go Gators!) or hanging out with her husband and two their dogs, Gus (a goldendoodle) and Penny (a golden retriever).

Project CONTINUITY

The purpose of the COE’s Project CONTINUITY is to increase access to evidence-based cancer screenings, including cervical, colorectal and breast. Since it began, Project CONTINUITY has used its partnerships to extend health care services and increase the reach of screenings and health education through community outreach and engagement and clinical navigation services.

The team of clinical community navigators ensures high-quality care by partnering with health care providers and clinics. Our navigators increase capacity and provide tailored support to reduce barriers to care through community-based clinics, language services, transportation and at-home screening tests, all while helping individuals establish free and accessible primary care services.

To access Project CONTINUITY’s services, call 352-359-5184.

OneFlorida+ Clinical Research Network

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• Clinical trials
• Effective research/observational research
• Study implementation
• Cohort discovery

Small Town, Giant Colon

The COE team collaborated with community partners to host the Small Town, Giant Colon event in Trenton on April 6. Thanks to the North Central Florida Cancer Control Collaborative, who provided a giant inflatable colon to engage attendees.

Visitors strolled through this colon, leaning about colorectal cancer and the critical role of screening. We facilitated on-site mammograms for 27 women, delivered gynecology and primary care services to 13 patients through the UF Health Mobile Outreach Clinic, and distributed 16 FIT tests for colorectal cancer screening.

Palms Medical Group, The Rural Women’s Health Project and the Alachua County Florida Department of Health provided an array of health care services and resources.

We are so proud of our team and community partners that are dedicated to the burden of cancer in our community through early-detection services. We thank our community partners who helped make this event a success!

Cancer Awareness Poetry Slam

The UF Health Cancer Center joined ARTSPEAKSgnv to present the inaugural Cancer Awareness Poetry Slam on Saturday, April 13 in Gainesville. This captivating event was part of the annual four-day Bard & Broadside: North Central Florida Poetry Festival.

E. Stanley Richardson, the Alachua County Poet Laureate and a dedicated member of both the UF Health Cancer Center Citizen Scientist team and the Community Advisory Board, organized this event to serve as a platform to bring awareness to cancer-related topics, emphasizing the importance of early detection through screening.

Ten spoken-word poets from across the region came together for the poetry slam. They shared about dealing with the loss of loved ones to cancer, how
cancer affects the body, stories of surviving cancer, the journey to quit smoking, and the importance of getting regular checkups and screenings.

Upcoming Events

Being A Woman virtual breast cancer support group
When: April 25 | 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Online
About: The Beautiful Gate Cancer Support & Resource Center's Being A Woman online breast cancer support group is open to women who are newly diagnosed, survivors, thrivers and caregivers. The group provides a safe and confidential space to share information, feelings, provide and receive support and learn from one another while being surrounded by women who understand. Have questions about mastectomy bras, breast prosthesis, lymphedema compression, cancer wigs, mastectomy swimsuits and how prosthetics are made? Ashleigh Russell and Heidi Pederson will answer your questions and share helpful resources, tips and product updates on all mastectomy supplies they carry.

Chomp Melanoma: Free Skin Cancer Screening
When: April 27 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: HealthStreet | Gainesville, FL 32608
About: Chomp Melanoma in partnership with HealthStreet and the UF Health Cancer Center Office of COE offers free community skin screenings for melanoma and on-site sun safety education in both English and Spanish. Contact chompmelanoma@gmail.com for more information and to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcomed; appointments are preferred.

Power Over Colorectal Cancer: A Gathering for Men and Women Who Have or What to Prevent Getting This Cancer
When: May 18 | 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Springhill Church | Gainesville, FL 32641
About: The UF Health Cancer Center’s Community-Partnered Cancer Disparities Research Collaborative and the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement host a gathering focused on colorectal cancer. Learn about new colorectal cancer treatments, early detection and prevention from UF Health cancer experts. Get a free colorectal cancer screening kit. Talk with colorectal cancer survivors and their family members, oncologists, therapists, and a financial support navigator. Get your questions answered on colorectal cancer and how to support loved ones. Learn about UF research studies on various cancers and mental and physical health.

Children Beyond Our Borders Community Clinic and Health Fair
When: May 18 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Parkview Baptist Church | Gainesville, FL 32609
More information: For more information, contact Project CONTINUITY’s team of clinical community navigators at 352-359-5184. 

Stay Connected

Sign up for the CONNECT registry to stay updated on research studies and learn about upcoming community events.