A Message from the Cancer Center

As we move through 2025, National Cancer Research Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder of the crucial role that research plays in saving lives and shaping the future of cancer care. Thanks to decades of scientific progress, cancer death rates in the United States have decreased significantly, falling by 34% since 1991. However, new challenges continue to arise, and our work is far from finished.

According to the Cancer Statistics, 2025 report published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, more than two million Americans are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year, with an estimated 618,000 lives lost. While advances in prevention, screening, and treatment – such as the HPV vaccine and declines in smoking – are making a difference, troubling trends persist.

One such shift is the rising incidence of lung cancer among women under 65, now surpassing rates in men. Similarly, colorectal cancer is increasing among younger adults, emphasizing the urgent need for early screening and healthy lifestyle habits. These changes underscore that cancer is not a static disease and that targeted research and outreach efforts are needed more than ever.

The American Association for Cancer Research notes that nearly 40% of all cancer cases could be prevented. This statistic underscores the importance of continued investment in research, not only for treating cancer but also for preventing it before it develops.

We are dedicated to advancing research, increasing access to care and ensuring that every voice is heard. Whether you are a patient, caregiver, survivor or advocate, your role is vital—and together, we can create a future where cancer is no longer a leading cause of mortality.

Featured Stories

Why Community Voices are Needed in Research

What is community engagement? Watch our third episode of Engage! to learn about the importance of community input in cancer research.

Engage! is a short-form video series about community-engaged research from the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center.

Awareness and educational resources are vital tools for reducing the cancer burden. In each Community Connections newsletter, you will receive information on different cancers, including screening information, its impact on our community, recent scientific discoveries and more.

May is National Cancer Research Month

This May, we recognize National Cancer Research Month, a time to reflect on the critical role that research plays in improving cancer outcomes, reducing disparities, and bringing hope to patients and their families. Cancer research isn’t just about lab discoveries and clinical trials. It’s about understanding the needs of our communities, developing better ways to prevent and treat cancer, and ensuring that these advancements reach everyone who can benefit. This work relies on the support and engagement of the community.

Bridging the Gap Between Research and Community

At the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, our researchers are committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by our local communities. Our Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) team serves as a bridge between researchers and the community, ensuring that our work reflects the needs and priorities of those we serve. By actively listening to community concerns, promoting awareness, and supporting access to screenings and preventive care, the COE team helps turn research insights into real-world impact.

Awareness Months: Turning Knowledge into Action

As we recognize National Cancer Research Month, we also look back at the cancers highlighted over the past few months:

March was Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., and incidence is rising among adults under the age of 50. At the Cancer Center, experts are developing innovative ways to improve screening rates and early detection, particularly in underserved communities where disparities are most pronounced. Learn more.

March was Kidney Cancer Awareness Month: More than 81,000 new cases of kidney cancer are expected in the U.S. this year, making it one of the 10 most common cancers. Researchers at the Cancer Center are advancing efforts in early detection, risk assessment, and treatment innovation. Recent studies have focused on refining post-surgical surveillance guidelines, improving patient outcomes through personalized medicine, and advancing combination immunotherapies. Learn more.

April was Esophageal Cancer Month: Esophageal cancer remains one of the most aggressive cancers, often diagnosed at advanced stages. Researchers like Davendra Sohal, MD, MPH, are testing new immunotherapy approaches to bring the benefits of these treatments to patients earlier in their disease journey, while our COE team works to ensure that every patient has access to multidisciplinary care. Learn more.

Community Advisory Board (CAB) Celebrates 1-Year Anniversary and Announces Co-Chairs

Image from CAB Meeting, February 2024. Pictured from left to right: William Barrett, MD (Senior Advisor for the Cancer Center), Jill Settlemyre, Tammy Mentzel, MPH (Executive Director of Center Administration), Asha Rone, Jada Davis, Courthney Calvin, Melinda Butsch Kovacic, PhD, MPH (Associate Director for Community Outreach & Engagement ), Colleen Murray, Artemio Castro,  Syed Ahmad, MD (Interim Director of the Cancer Center)

CAB Members not shown: Herschel Chalk, Casey Faber, Steve Sunderland

April marked the first anniversary of the formation of the Cancer Center Community Advisory Board (CAB). Established in 2024, the CAB brings together key community stakeholders with diverse expertise to inform and advise the Cancer Center, ensuring that outreach efforts align with the identified cancer needs of the communities we serve.

The CAB bridges the gap between the community and the academic world, uniting both groups to promote cancer prevention and strengthen clinical and research-community partnerships. It provides a platform for community concerns and priorities to be voiced and helps shape research strategies that are respectful, culturally appropriate, and community-informed.

The CAB is an essential part of building successful, ongoing partnerships to address community health concerns and ensure the community has a meaningful role in cancer research.

Translating Community Perspectives into Action

The CAB aims:

• Identifying Cancer Center priorities and holding the Cancer Center accountable for making progress in these areas.

• Connecting community members and community organizations directly to researchers and clinicians, creating opportunities for discussion and bidirectional learning.

• Strategizing outreach to ensure education is relevant and screening is accessible.

• Reviewing Cancer Center members’ research plans and protocols to ensure they consider patient perspectives and maximize the impact of the research.

In January 2025, Co-Chairs were appointed to serve as leaders and facilitators of the CAB. In this role, they provide coordination, guidance, and strategic direction to the Cancer Center while supporting the ongoing development of the board’s infrastructure and processes.

Co-Chairs:

Highlights from the Past Year

It’s been a successful first year, and we look forward to continuing this important work together!

PRAISE Awardees Announced at Annual Cancer Center Retreat

The University of Cincinnati Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach & Engagement (COE) and Office of Cancer Research Training & Education Coordination (CRTEC) collaborate annually to present the PRAISE Awards.

The PRAISE Awards recognize individuals who have led cancer-related projects or initiatives that address the cancer burden in our communities. Nominations are open to all students, community members, and researchers whose work embraces partnerships, research, advocacy, innovation, service, and education (PRAISE). There are three award categories: 1) Partnerships & Education, 2) Advocacy & Service, and 3) Research and Innovation.

At the 4^th Annual Cancer Center Research Retreat in April 2025, nine individuals were honored with a PRAISE Award.

Partnerships & Education:

The project or initiative is possible because of collaborations with key cancer community organizations and community members. The partnerships must be ongoing and mutually beneficial. The project or initiative prioritizes strategically educating various audiences on cancer-related topics.

Advocacy & Service:

The project or initiative has ongoing and thoughtful engagement with the community it intends to serve, and addresses a topic considered a priority by the community. The project or initiative must have an aspect that is focused on service (i.e., providing education, services, or goods to communities that are considered high-risk, using volunteers to carry out an event).

Research & Innovation:

The project or initiative understands the value of research and embraces a model that encourages others to learn more about or participate in research. The project could address the significance of research findings for the community and/or their practical application in patient care. The project or initiative uses a novel approach, creative solution, or new strategy in cancer research, education, or community engagement to address the cancer burden in our community.

Waltz Cancer Biology PhD Lab Trainees (Levi Fox, Angelle Jones, Zhixin Lu, Emily Watcher), University of Cincinnati College of Medicine: Led Cancer Center High School Student Tours to Share Research and Q&A Lunches

Undergraduate Student Summer CRSP Program

The University of Cincinnati (UC) with the support of the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, have collectively established the University’s first ever cancer-focused undergraduate summer research scholars’ program. The purpose of the Cancer Research Scholars Program (CRSP)  is to give undergrads experience in cancer research and encourage them to consider careers in cancer research and cancer care. Importantly, the program requires training and participation in community outreach and education events in partnership with the Hamilton County 513Relief Bus.

In its fourth year, CRSP welcomes its largest group of students yet. Twenty-six students from across the country will work across 22 labs this summer. Students will participate in an engaging 3-day off-site program orientation, weekly cancer curriculum, and cancer screening and education events. Students gain skills in and learn the value of basic, clinical, and population sciences during the program.

Evaluations from previous CRSP cohorts ranked community outreach events as a top experience for students. Many former CRSP students are still actively involved in outreach with the Cancer Center. Notably, Ela Kaya and Jack Spieser have collectively attended over 10 community events in the past year.

In the Community

Trainee Associate Membership (TAM) Award Community Event

The Office of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) is committed to developing the next generation of cancer researchers and healthcare professionals. As part of this mission, the Trainee Associate Membership (TAM) Award Program provides funding to support trainees in their research and professional development.

Keilan Johnson, Cancer Center trainee and medical student at the University of Cincinnati, was awarded a Trainee Associate Membership (TAM) Pilot Project Award in 2024. For her cancer research project, Johnson planned and hosted an engaging community outreach event this past March. The event was hosted in partnership with the Cancer Center, Center for Closing the Health Gap, and Cancer Justice Network. The organizations Cancer Support Community and Cancer Family Care were also in attendance.

The goal of the event was to create community and togetherness in Bond Hill and Roselawn, while eliminating the barriers that often stand between health care professionals and community members through access to free cancer screenings, educational resources, student artwork, and a meal. The event brought together community members, cancer researchers and physicians, and service organizations to address the cancer burden in those communities.

With the help of Brent “Mysta Bee” Billingsley, local artist and cancer survivor, and high school students from Woodward High School, Johnson supported the creation of a mural to honor their late classmate, Raven Morris, who recently passed from Leukemia. The mural commemorates Raven and raises awareness about the impact of cancer on the Black community and the importance of early detection.

Johnson’s event brought together key community stakeholders, supportive service organizations, and cancer physicians and researchers to discuss risk factors, signs/symptoms, and screening recommendations for cancer.

How to Get Engaged

Connect with the Community Outreach & Engagement Team

Community Outreach & Engagement works to establish and strengthen community partnerships throughout the region by connecting members of the community and community organizations directly to researchers and clinicians at the Cancer Center. Leveraging these partnerships, together we hope to better address the cancer-related challenges in our region, and over time, reduce the overall burden of cancer.

Interested in partnering with us? Reach out to the team at CancerOutreach@uc.edu.

Meet the Team

Community Liaisons

Community Liaisons serve as health champions and educators for Reducing Your Risk and other health outreach activities. Liaisons are trained to provide education on cancer prevention and screening.

Request Educational Materials

The Cancer Center has educational flyers and other materials available. Having a health-focused event? Email CancerOutreach@uc.edu to request educational materials.

Upcoming Community Events

Upcoming Events