Since the “War on Cancer” was declared more than 30 years ago, there have been major advances in cancer detection, prevention, and treatment. UNMC continues to be on the leading edge of those advances with breakthrough research and therapy developments.
In April, UNMC and co-sponsors in 15 cities across Nebraska invite the public to participate in a free health educational series titled, “Cancer: Discovery, Development and Delivery: From the Laboratory to the Community.” The series will run on Tuesdays, April 5, 12, 19 and 26, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (central time).
The series will be broadcast live from the UNMC Durham Research Center Auditorium in Omaha, via satellite to: Chadron, Columbus, Grand Island, Hastings, Holdrege, Kearney, Lincoln, Norfolk, North Platte, O’Neill, Red Cloud, Rushville, Sidney, Scottsbluff and Wayne. The series will be transmitted on Nebraska Satellite System 2, channel 102. In addition to the Durham Research Center site it Omaha, it also will be broadcast in Omaha to Clarkson West Medical Center, 144th & Center.
The goal of UNMC Mini-Medical School is to educate Nebraskans on health issues that affect them, as well as highlight the strides being made in research and treatment. During the four-week program, UNMC’s experts will provide an overview of what health professionals and scientists are doing in cancer detection and treatment.
Participants will learn about the latest in treatment options and improvements, such as breast cancer vaccines, genetic and molecular analyses of tumors to customize treatment, and drugs that disarm cell defenses to break through resistance. Information also will be shared on how to manage cancer-related fatigue, innovative screening techniques for colon and lung cancers, and who may benefit from genetic testing.
UNMC’s cancer research and treatment programs are recognized nationally. In addition, the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center is one of only 61 National Cancer Institute-designated clinical cancer centers in the country and the only such center in the five-state area between North Dakota and Texas. It also is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a coalition of 19 of the world’s leading cancer centers dedicated to making high-quality, cost-effective care available to cancer patients across the country.
Through the collective expertise of its member institutions, the NCCN develops, updates and disseminates a complete library of clinical practice guidelines. These guidelines are the standard for clinical policy in oncology.
Seating for Mini-Medical School is limited. Registration is required. To get more information about the series or to register, go to: http://www.unmc.edu/minimed/. While the program is free to the public, continuing education credits are available to some health professionals at a cost.
Nebraska and Iowa nurses who wish to receive eight contact hours of continuing nursing education credits can do so at a cost of $40. Credits are awarded through the UNMC College of Nursing. For Physicians, Physician Assistants & Nurse Practitioners, the cost also is $40. The UNMC Center for Continuing Education designates this educational activity for a maximum of eight category one credits toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award.
UNMC Mini-Medical School dates, topics and presenters:
April 5: Cancer Update
“The War on Cancer – 30 years later,” Kenneth Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UNMC Eppley Institute and UNMC Eppley Cancer Center; “New Drug Developments,” Alexander Kabanov, Ph.D., D.Sc., professor, UNMC College of Pharmacy and director of the Nebraska Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine; and “Research in Symptom Management,” Ann Berger, Ph.D., associate professor, UNMC College of Nursing and clinical nurse specialist-oncology.
April 12: Lung Cancer – The Whole Story
“Managing your Illness,” Rudy Lackner, M.D., UNMC associate professor, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery; “Improvements in Screening,” Jud Gurney, M.D., Charles A. Dobry Professor, diagnostic radiology; “Radiation Therapy,” Weining (Ken) Zhen, assistant professor, radiation oncology; and “Innovations in Treatment,” Anne Kessinger, M.D., UNMC professor, oncology/hematology and associate director for clinical research, UNMC Eppley Cancer Center.
April 19: Colon and Gastrointestinal Cancer – The Complete Picture
“Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders,” Tim McCashland, M.D., UNMC associate professor, gastroenterology and medical director of liver transplantation; “Screening for Colorectal Cancers,” Mark Mailliard, M.D., UNMC associate professor, internal medicine, interim chief, Gastroenterology and Hepatology; and “Colon Cancer Screening: Why, How, and When,” Jean Grem, M.D., professor, oncology/hematology and associate director, translational research, UNMC Eppley Cancer Center.
April 26: Breast Cancer – Covering All Angles
“Advances in Research,” James Shull, Ph.D., Ardith and Anna Von Housen UNMC professor and chairman, Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy; “New Surgical Approaches,” James Edney, M.D., professor, surgery and chief of surgical oncology; “Genetic Factors and Counseling Issues,” Gwendolyn Reiser, cancer genetics counselor, UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation; and “Treatment Options,” Elizabeth Reed, M.D., UNMC associate professor, oncology/hematology and medical director, breast cancer program.