May 2024 News & Updates

Welcome to the May issue of the UF Health Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach & Engagement (COE) newsletter! May is skin cancer and melanoma awareness month. This month’s newsletter will focus on prevention and early detection strategies used to reduce the burden of skin cancer and melanoma in the communities we serve.

The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma.

BCC is the most common type of skin cancer. It typically develops in areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck and hands. BCC usually grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it can cause local tissue damage if left untreated.

SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer. It also often develops in sun-exposed areas but can arise from pre-existing conditions like actinic keratosis or chronic wounds. SCC can grow more aggressively than BCC and has a higher risk of spreading to other parts of the body if left untreated.

Melanoma is less common than basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma but is more likely to be fatal if not detected and treated early. Melanoma develops in the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of the skin, hair and eyes. Melanoma occurs when melanocytes grow uncontrollably and form tumors. It typically occurs in the skin but can also develop in other pigmented tissues, such as the eye or mucous membranes. Melanoma often starts as a new mole or a change in an existing mole. Any suspicious changes in moles or pigmented areas should be evaluated by a health care professional.

Risk factors for skin cancer include excessive sun exposure, indoor tanning, a history of unusual moles or a family history of melanoma, having a weakened immune system and genetic factors. To prevent skin cancer, individuals should limit sun exposure, wear sunscreen when exposed to the sun, maintain a well-balanced diet, regularly exercise and perform self-examination of their skin. Full-body skin examination annually by a dermatologist or health care professional is recommended. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in skin cancer.

Data Highlight

Research Highlight: Investigating advanced melanoma treatment

In the ongoing quest to enhance treatments for melanoma, a type of skin cancer, the 02B study is delving into experimental drug combinations alongside pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA®). Pembrolizumab, an FDA-approved for advanced melanoma, serves as the baseline for comparison. The study aims to:

• Assess the safety and efficacy of study drugs when combined with pembrolizumab versus pembrolizumab alone.
• Evaluate participants' tolerance to study drugs in combination with pembrolizumab.
• Investigate if study drugs contribute to improved patient survival.
• Analyze drug movement within the body and its impact.
• Examine the immune system's response to the study drugs.
• Identify biological markers, like genes, to potentially predict optimal treatments for individual patients.

Participants in this research undergo thorough screening and may be assigned to different treatment groups receiving various drug combinations. While the study encompasses several phases, participants can withdraw at any time without penalty. Regular visits to the study site involve diverse tests, including blood and urine samples, imaging scans, and medication administration.

By leveraging genetic and biomarker testing, the study aims to understand treatment mechanisms better and tailor therapies to individual needs. Through meticulous analysis and patient collaboration, this research strives to pave the way for more effective and personalized melanoma treatments, offering hope for improved outcomes and quality of life.

Team Highlight: Easton Wollney, Ph.D.

Easton Wollney, Ph.D., is the program evaluator for the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement. She works closely with COE’s senior leadership and community needs assessment & evaluation team to understand the population served by the UF Health Cancer Center, as well as the impact of COE’s various initiatives on our communities.

Her role also includes strategic planning and integration of evaluation efforts into all COE initiatives, ensuring that we are continuously improving and adapting to community needs, as well as celebrating successes.

Outside of work, Easton enjoys playing tennis with her husband, reading books and traveling. Although she has lived in Gainesville for seven years, she is a native Texan and goes back to visit family and friends often. She is also passionate about animals and has four dogs and two cats.

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.

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• Get to appointments and medications
• Pursue their treatment plan
• Navigate the health care delivery system

Power Over Colorectal Cancer empowers community

Drawing about 150 members of the Gainesville community, the UF Health Cancer Center’s Power Over Colorectal Cancer Gathering on Saturday, May 18 at Springhill Church was an inspiring day filled with opportunities to learn about colorectal cancer, from prevention and early detection through treatment and survivorship.

The Community Outreach and Engagement team, which organized the event with the Community-Partnered Cancer Disparities Research Collaborative, provided FIT tests and health education during the gathering.

Children Beyond Our Borders health fair expands services

The UF Health Cancer Center joined with its community partners Children Beyond Our Borders and the UF Equal Access Clinic to host a successful health fair on Saturday, May 18 at Parkview Baptist Church. Services included on-site mammograms and colorectal cancer screenings. About 80 people received health services.

Upcoming Events

Being A Woman virtual breast cancer support group
When: May 30 | 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.

Blossoming Butterfly’s PinkFest
About: Get ready for an unforgettable experience at PinkFest, Blossoming Butterfly’s fourth annual cancer awareness event hosted by Celebration Pointe. Please join this free event to uplift and educate our community while having a blast!
When: June 1 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Celebration Pointe of Gainesville | 4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608

Stay Connected

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