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November News & Updates ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
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November 2024 News & Updates
Welcome to the November issue of the UF Health Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach & Engagement (COE) newsletter! November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month! This month’s newsletter will focus on prevention and early detection strategies used to reduce the burden of lung cancer in the communities we serve.
There are two types of lung cancer: Non-small cell and small lung cell. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common form and has multiple subtypes. The most common subtypes are adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Although small cell lung cancer is less common, it is often associated with smoking and can be more aggressive than non-small cell lung cancer.
Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for about 85% to 90% of all lung cancer cases and is generally less aggressive than small cell lung cancer. Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of small cell lung cancer and it tends to grow more slowly than other types of lung cancer. Although it occurs in smokers, it also particularly occurs in women and non-smokers.
Squamous cell carcinoma most commonly occurs in smokers and also progresses slowly. Large cell carcinoma can occur in any part of the lung, typically grows rapidly, and spreads quickly, making it more challenging to treat. It's often diagnosed when the tumor is large, as it may not cause symptoms early on. Small cell lung cancer grows and spreads rapidly to other parts of the body, which can make it difficult to treat. Treatment for both small cell and non-small cell lung cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy.
Risk factors for lung cancer include first and secondhand smoke, genetics, exposure to asbestos, and previous lung disease. Reducing smoking and minimizing exposure to environmental toxins remain the most effective ways to prevent lung cancer. Early detection, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies have improved outcomes for many lung cancer patients.
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Cancer Survivorship
An individual is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis through the remainder of life, including those living with cancer and those free of it. It encompasses the physical, emotional, and psychosocial aspects of living with a history of cancer. These vary based on the cancer type, stage, treatment received, and individual circumstances. Some of the key aspects of cancer survivorship include managing late effects of cancer and treatment, regular follow-up visits and screenings to monitor for recurrence or secondary cancers, and adopting behaviors like exercise, healthy eating, and avoiding tobacco to improve overall health and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Cancer survivorship programs are designed to address the needs and challenges faced by individuals after completing cancer treatment. These programs aspire to enhance the quality of life and provide support across the different aspects of survivorship. They provide counseling, support groups, and resources to help survivors cope with emotional challenges, self-care, and ongoing health needs, as well as financial assistance. They may support research efforts to improve survivorship outcomes.
Nancy’s List is a survivorship program that offers financial assistance, retreats and adventures for families impacted by cancer, diagnosis support, survivor stories of hope and gratitude, and many other resources. More information.
The American Association for Cancer Research's Believe in Progress Podcast features conversations with cancer survivors, patient advocates, and leading researchers and physician-scientists. Watch the conversation.
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Data Highlight
Lung cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the UF Health Cancer Center's 23-county catchment area. The rural counties are the most impacted, demonstrating rates 20% higher than the catchment area overall.
The catchment area has a higher smoking rate (21.4% in 2019) than the statewide smoking rate (11.3% in 2022), and 15 out of the 23 counties have adult smoking rates higher than 20%.
When comparing late-stage diagnosis rates (when cancer is caught at stage 3 & 4), the catchment area has rates nearly 25% higher than those of Florida overall and more than 80% higher than U.S. rates.
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Research Highlight: Kava and tobacco
The goal of this research, led by Ramzi Salloum, Ph.D., is to test a safe and carefully prepared kava supplement, free from potentially harmful ingredients, to determine whether it can help people stop smoking and reduce their risk of lung cancer. The specific form of kava being tested, known as AB-free kava, has shown promising results in lab studies and an initial small human trial.
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Research Highlight: Advancing treatments for advanced lung cancer
The main goal of this study, led by Devika Das, M.D., is to determine whether people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who receive pembrolizumab and ramucirumab treatment live longer than those who receive the usual treatments offered in clinics. This could make this drug combination a new choice for people who have few options left.
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Team Highlight: Mel Hernandez
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Mel Hernandez is a public health navigator for Project CONTINUITY in the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement. Their role primarily involves patient-facing public health navigation, colorectal/breast/cervical cancer screenings, and collaboration with colleagues and local health care facilities, providers, and researchers, bridging the gap between underserved populations and accessible medical care. Their role also includes distribution and result analysis of medical tests for the UF Health Cancer Center catchment area, providing vulnerable populations with thorough care, and acting as a liaison for disadvantaged groups when additional testing is needed.
When Mel is not working, they are engaging with Gainesville's queer and LGBT+ community: coordinating events and fostering opportunities for queer joy. They also love spending time outdoors, especially relaxing at one of North Florida's countless springs. Mel also enjoys playing guitar, songwriting, reading, and trying out new herbal teas.
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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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By the Numbers
Here's a look at recent COE activities. |
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Partnership Highlight
The COE collaborates with a variety of community health organizations. |
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Rural Women's Health Project
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The Rural Women’s Health Project’s (RWHP) mission is to use evidence-based strategies to build sustainable and replicable community programs and policies to strengthen communities’ capacity to overcome health and social justice barriers. Its primary focus is on immigrants and women living with HIV. It seeks to build the capacity of emerging leaders, create advocacy opportunities, build coalitions, and improve linkages to health protective services.
RWHP and COE have built a strong, collaborative partnership. Both organizations are deeply committed to their communities and aim to provide support in a comprehensive, culturally competent manner.
When RWHP identifies people who need assistance accessing cancer screenings, they can turn to COE for support. In return, RWHP helps us connect with underserved populations that might otherwise be overlooked by the health care system. COE works alongside RWHP to enhance its efforts, providing access to critical resources and strengthening its impact.
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Event Highlight: Teaming up for prostate health
Through a partnership with Man Cave Health and the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the UF Health Cancer Center provided more than 60 men with prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, blood tests to screen for prostate cancer at Gator Fanfest on Nov. 16.
UF Health Cancer Center and UF Health Urology staff provided the tests on the Mobile Cancer Screening Connector. The team, which included nurses and advanced practice providers, also provided education and answered men's questions on prostate health before the Florida-LSU game.
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Upcoming Events
National Rural Health Day
Where: UF Health Archer Family Health Care | 16939 SW 134th Ave, Archer, FL 32618
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21
Christmas Celebration of Life
When: Dec. 7
Where: Bahama Breeze, 1540-Rinehart Rd, Sanford, FL 32771
Beautiful Gate Cancer Support & Resource Center
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.
Where: Online via Zoom
Where: 7-8 p.m. last Thursday of every month
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Stay Connected
Sign up for the CONNECT registry to stay updated on research studies and learn about upcoming community events.
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