February 2024 News & Updates

Welcome to the February issue of the UF Health Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach & Engagement (COE) newsletter! February is National Cancer Prevention Awareness month. Although our prevention efforts are ongoing throughout the year, the focus of this month’s newsletter is local prevention and risk reduction activities available to the communities we serve.

Tobacco use is a leading cause of multiple cancers, including lung, throat, mouth and esophageal cancers. COE’s clinical community navigators and health educators collaborate with Suwannee River Area Health Education Center (SRAHEC) to provide patients seamless access to tobacco cessation resources. Furthermore, COE partners with tobacco researchers across the state and nation to develop and implement high-impact tobacco cessation interventions.

Nutrition, physical activity and sun exposure are other modifiable factors that can reduce the risk of cancer in our communities. A joint initiative between COE and IFAS led to the development of Sun Safety Practices for Outdoor Workers (SPOT). SPOT provides opportunities to educate individuals about ways to safely engage in outdoor activities and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Last, high consumption of red meat, lack of physical activity and lack of a balanced diet are significant contributors to the following types of cancer: breast, colorectal, esophageal, kidney, gallbladder, uterine, pancreatic and liver. About 4% to 8% of all cancers are attributed to obesity. By raising awareness about the role of diet and exercise on reducing cancer risk, as well as providing resources to promote healthy body composition, COE supports our community to achieve and maintain improved health overall.

Below you will find details on how we are continuing our work in the community during National Cancer Prevention Month.

Data Highlight

Research Highlight: Ovarian cancer

The SOROCk Trial (NRG-CC008) is a clinical study for individuals with inherited BRCA1 mutations led by David Iglesias, M.D., a UF Health gynecological oncologist and UF Health Cancer Center researcher.

About the study:
The SOROCk trial focuses on pre-menopausal individuals ages 35 to 50 with BRCA1 mutations, testing the efficacy of two surgical procedures in reducing ovarian cancer risk. Specifically, the study investigates whether removing only the fallopian tubes, with the option to remove ovaries later, is as effective as the standard practice of removing both the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Rationale:
Researchers believe that many ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tubes. By testing the hypothesis that removing only the fallopian tubes can be as effective as the standard procedure, the study aims to prevent ovarian cancer while avoiding surgically induced menopause.

Eligibility:
If you are premenopausal, ages 35 to 50, with an inherited BRCA1 mutation, and planning surgery to reduce ovarian cancer risk, you may be eligible to participate.

Study options:
Participants in the trial will undergo surgery to reduce ovarian cancer risk. They can choose between two options:
• Simultaneous removal: Removing both ovaries and fallopian tubes, the standard of care.
• Staged removal: Removing only the fallopian tubes initially, with the option to remove ovaries later.

Impact on ovarian cancer prevention:
The study seeks to determine if the two surgical procedures are equally effective in reducing ovarian cancer risk for those with BRCA1 mutations after completing childbearing.

Quality of life considerations:
In addition to cancer risk reduction, the SOROCk trial will assess the impact on participants' quality of life after surgery, providing valuable insights into the overall well-being of individuals undergoing these procedures.

Team Highlight: Jamie Hensley

Jamie Hensley is the assistant director of health care administration with the COE. She is responsible for overseeing the work of our navigators and the services provided by Project CONTINUITY.

Her role focuses on increasing access to cancer screening services for all community members and navigating individuals through the health system for follow-up care, treatment, research and any other forms of needed social support. She works with an amazing team who share the goal of reducing the cancer burden among the communities we are privileged to serve.  Jamie has a passion for health equity and community-informed research design, and she is fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute to the Cancer Center's mission.

When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her three teenage stepdaughters, her husband Nate and their very spoiled dog, Sheeba. She also loves to cook and has a large collection of vintage cookbooks.

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.

Suwanee River Area Health Education Center (SRAHEC)

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UF Health Cancer Center Annual Research Showcase

The UF Health Cancer Center's annual Research Showcase on Jan. 31 at the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom draw a record number of abstracts featuring collaborative research across the University of Florida, including several from COE.

In addition, for the first time, three of our Citizen Scientists served as poster judges. Thank you to Carlos Maeztu, Stan Richardson and Kristie Hill!

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