Preventing Cancer Through Awareness and Action

Each year, nearly two million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer, and over 600,000 lose their lives to the disease. Research shows that more than 40% of these cases and nearly half of cancer-related deaths are linked to preventable factors, such as smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity, and excessive sun exposure. By raising awareness, improving early detection, and addressing disparities, we can reduce cancer risk and improve health outcomes in our communities.

In the Community: Expanding Education and Access

The University of Cincinnati Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach & Engagement (COE) works to connect researchers and clinicians with the community, ensuring that prevention and early detection strategies reach those who need them most. Through education, advocacy, and partnerships, the COE team is helping reduce the overall burden of cancer in the region.

One such partnership is with We Engage 4 Health (WE4H), a community health project supported by the NIH. WE4H creates graphic-style health stories that simplify complex health information, making it accessible for all ages. The Reducing Your Risk story, for example, illustrates how healthy choices—such as quitting smoking, staying active, and getting vaccinated—can lower cancer risk. These resources are shared at community events alongside Cancer Center staff and volunteers, providing education and connection to services.

The Cancer Center’s collaboration with the 513 Relief Bus has also made a significant impact over the past year, ensuring that underserved communities have access to critical health services. Events like the Everything Hamilton County resource fair bring cancer prevention strategies directly to residents, increasing awareness and access to support programs.

Additionally, the Lung Cancer Screening Program, in partnership with COE, launched a lung cancer pre-screening initiative in 2023. This program has administered 106 pre-screenings in the community, resulting in 29 referrals for lung cancer screenings and 57 referrals to smoking cessation programs.

In the Laboratory: Advancing Cancer Prevention Research

Alongside community outreach, cutting-edge research is critical in advancing cancer prevention strategies. One key study, led by Dr. Amanda Jackson, focuses on reducing ovarian cancer risk in individuals with BRCA1 mutations.

The study compares two surgical procedures:

1. Removing only the fallopian tubes
2. Removing both the fallopian tubes and ovaries

Researchers aim to determine whether removing the fallopian tubes alone provides similar protection against ovarian cancer while preserving ovarian function. This is significant because women with BRCA1 mutations face a 39-58% lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer—much higher than the 1.1% risk in the general population. The study’s findings could shape future recommendations for cancer prevention in high-risk individuals.

A Commitment to Prevention

Through research, education, and outreach, the Cancer Center remains committed to reducing preventable cancer cases and deaths. From engaging with the community to advancing scientific discoveries, these efforts contribute to a future where more people can take proactive steps toward cancer prevention.