March 2024 News & Updates

Welcome to the March issue of the UF Health Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach & Engagement (COE) newsletter!

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Risk factors associated with colorectal cancer include increased age, a family history of colorectal cancer, low fiber intake and high intake of red meats, excessive alcohol use, and sedentary lifestyle.

Routine colorectal cancer screening is recommended for everyone ages 45 to 75. For individuals at higher risk, based on the factors described above, talk to your provider about when to start and how often to receive your screening. Early detection, through timely and evidence-based screening, is the best way to improve health outcomes of colorectal cancer.

The office of COE can assist in obtaining recommended colorectal cancer screenings. Contact the navigation team at 352-359-5184 to learn more.

Data Highlight

Research Highlight: ROSANNA 

The ROSANNA Energy Drink Study, led by Thomas George, M.D., FACP, aims to investigate whether regular consumption of energy drinks over a short period leads to an increase risk in colorectal cancer (CRC). Historically, CRC was more common in individuals over 50, without a familial history of the disease. However, there has been a troubling rise in CRC cases among those younger than 50, prompting recommendations for earlier screening. The underlying reasons for this trend, known as early-onset CRC, are unknown, but one theory suggests alterations in the colonic microbiome, the bacteria that normally lives in our digestive systems, of young adults may play a pivotal role.

Certain bacteria in our digestive system can produce a chemical called hydrogen sulfide (H2S) during the digestive process of certain substances, potentially contributing to inflammation and tumor development. Taurine, an amino acid abundant in energy drinks, is a major energy source for these H2S-producing bacteria. While most Americans consume only modest levels of taurine, taurine can be found at high levels in energy drinks, which may increase the presence of these types of bacteria.

This study seeks to test the hypothesis that consuming energy drinks with high levels of taurine might potentially contribute to a higher risk of colorectal cancer, particularly among younger individuals, and provide insights for developing early-onset CRC prevention strategies.

Team Highlight: Tae Webb

Tae Webb is the administrative specialist supporting the COE team. Her role is to provide administrative support, improve efficiency and collaborate effectively across teams to contribute to the overall success of the organization. Proper management of the administrative tasks provides our remarkable team members more bandwidth to excel at their roles in COE. By working together, we can bring awareness, education and services to reduce the cancer burden in the areas we serve.

When it’s time to remove the work hat, she puts on the mommy hat for her three sons Marcus, Zaedyn and Stoney (her Pomeranian puppy). She enjoys girls’ trips with her best friend, servicing her hair clients, spending time with family and reading.

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.

Mobile Outreach Clinic

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Black Family Wellness Expo

Our community outreach and engagement team joined our community partners to provide a variety of health screenings and health education services at the Black Family Wellness Expo hosted by The Gainesville Chapter of The Links, Incorporated on March 2.

The event at Greater Bethel AME Church provided nearly 30 women with 3D mammograms to screen for breast cancer. In addition, 18 patients received care from the UF Mobile Outreach Clinic. The event also included a seminar on eating healthy on a budget, a Zumba demonstration, vendors and prizes, a food distribution and more.

We are proud of our team for their commitment to reducing the burden of cancer in our community through early detection services. Thanks to our community partners, including The Beautiful Gate Cancer Support & Resource, who helped make this event a success and to all who attended!

Upcoming Events

Being A Woman virtual breast cancer support group
When: March 28 | 7 p.m.
Where: Online
About: Karen Russell will share breast health education, provide helpful information about Susan G. Komen Patient Care Center's vast resources and answer any questions you may have. All newly diagnosed, survivors, thrivers and caretakers are welcome to join this support group meeting and ask questions. 

Health Fair
When: April 6 | 12 – 4 p.m.
Where: Iglesia Adventista Hispana De Trenton | Trenton, FL 32693
About: The UF Health Cancer Center will join its community partners, including the North Central Florida Cancer Control Collaborative and the UF Mobile Outreach Clinic, to provide a variety of health screenings and services. Experience a giant, inflatable walk-through colon to learn about colorectal cancer and why screening is important. Get a free FIT test to screen for colorectal cancer. You can also receive a Pap smear, mammogram and more. Appointments for Pap smears and mammograms are required. Call Project CONTINUITY at 352-359-5184.

ARTSPEAKSgnv: Swamp Berry Jam: Cancer Awareness Poetry Slam
When: April 13 | 2 – 4 p.m.
Where: Oakview Park | Gainesville, FL 32609
About: Local and regional slam poets from Florida and the Southeastern United States are invited to compete in this Inaugural event. This event and event themes will specifically focus on aspects of cancer such as testing, prevention, coping and care.

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

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

Stay Connected

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