Department of Surgery
Congrats to Graham Colditz, MD, DrPH., chief of PHS, on receiving the Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction in Population Science at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. This award, in its inaugural year, is presented to a researcher who has made pivotal advancements in implementing science, cancer care delivery, health services research, epidemiology and/or developed […]
AI method spots subtle changes over time, enhances accuracy of determining 5-year risk. Read more
Making time to go for a walk has amazing benefits — providing a boost to energy and mood, and even helping with better sleep. Learn more
Cranberries are a holiday mainstay — but there are loads of reasons for them to remain in your regular diet rotation throughout the year, from yogurt parfaits at breakfast to cranberry-glazed grilled chicken at dinner. Learn more
Rain dampened the bike ride at Pedal the Cause this year, but it didn’t subdue enthusiasm to fund lifesaving cures. The nonprofit raised $5.2 million in 2024 – funds that will go to innovative research at Siteman Cancer Center and its pediatric program, Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Read more
The growing emphasis on demographic data collection among publishers and journals underlines the crucial need for responsible data management in scholarly publishing. As a follow-up to CSE’s webinar by Dr Beryne Odeny and Julia Robinson, this synopsis provides insights into dilemmas of, and considerations for, collecting and using demographic information in scholarly publishing. We focus […]
Swapping a traditional cheeseburger for a turkey burger is the healthier way to go — plus it can still satisfy that craving. Learn more
Just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many women will begin to see important new information about their breast health on their mammogram reports. Learn more
Dr. Graham Colditz leads PECaD, a program determined to reduce cancer rates in underserved communities. With Siteman’s new building, PECaD’s life-saving outreach efforts will expand, improving care across St. Louis. Learn more
Garlic, onions, leeks, shallots: If you’re looking to infuse a dish with some piquancy, all of these vegetables will do the trick — and all of them are alliums. “Alliums are fundamental in adding depth, complexity and flavor to a vast array of dishes. They are often the foundational ingredient in many cuisines around the […]
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month! Take a few minutes to assess your disease risk: https://siteman.wustl.edu/prevention/ydr/
Danielle Schulte a Grant Specialist for the Division of Public Health Science has received the Wellness Champion Fund Award for her project titled Boosting Wellness One Day at a Time. The Wellness Champion Fund awards startup funds for projects that promote innovative, personalized solutions for unique work groups. The HR Well-being team is focused on enabling healthy minds and bodies using […]
The average American eats between one and three snacks every day, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Here’s how to make the most out of your snacking in a healthy way.
In his latest For Your Health column, Dr. Graham Colditz features insight from Dr. Aimee James on multi-cancer detection tests. These screening tests may one day help reliably detect multiple cancers with a simply blood draw. “It’s not news that cancer screening is important. Recommended screenings can catch cancer early when it’s more treatable – […]
Did you know… #YourDiseaseRisk is a helpful tool to assess your risk and help prevent diseases such as lung cancer. Learn more
Classic iced tea is a great refresher for these hot summer months, but there are benefits to others teas as well.
In an article recently made available online ahead of print in ACS Journal Cancer, Feng Gao, MD, PhD, MPH, MS, and WashU Oncology and Duke Cancer colleagues address the changing landscape of small cell lung cancer.
Su-Hsin Chang, PhD, collaborated with WashU Cardiothoracic Surgery researchers and trainees to examine the relationship between lobe-specific lymph node sampling and long-term outcomes for non-small cell lung cancer cancer recurrence
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Yin Cao, ScD, MPH, and a team of international colleagues conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of red flag signs and symptoms for patients with early-onset colorectal cancer.
Dr. Bettina Drake, professor in the Division of Public Health Sciences, was announced as the inaugural director of WashU’s St. Louis Confluence Collaborative for Community-Engaged Research, Teaching and Practice. Read full announcement.
Yin Cao, ScD, MPH, joined oncologists and hematologists from Siteman Cancer Center to determine if plasma proteomic signature might predict myeloid neoplasm risk. Read more
Piling your plate with cheerful citrus fruits will bring a load of color and a heap of nutrition to even the grayest winter day. Plus, if adopting healthier habits is on your to-do list for 2024, adding more citrus is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to accomplish your goal. “A new year means […]
Oats and oatmeal have enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, as overnight oats and granola bowls turned trendy seemingly out of nowhere. But Yin Cao, ScD, MPH, associate professor of surgery at Washington University School of Medicine, points out that humans have been incorporating oats into their diets since the Paleolithic era. “Packed with complex […]
It’s the time of year when we’re drawn to comfort foods. As the days get shorter and hats and coats take center stage in the closet, many of us seek out dishes that warm us up. While comfort foods vary, they commonly include casseroles, soups, stews and noodle dishes, among others. They’re often familiar foods […]
In new research led by scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, researchers have delved into the workings of the epigenome across 11 cancer types and revealed important roles for this regulatory system of the genome in the way cancer forms, grows and spreads.
Beryne Odeny, MD, MPH, PhD, is a physician-implementation scientist and a passionate health equity advocate in global health. She recently joined the Division of Public Health Sciences as an assistant professor of surgery this July. Odeny earned her medical degree from the University of Nairobi in Kenya, and both her MPH and PhD in Implementation Science from […]
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified four important signs and symptoms that signal an elevated risk of early-onset colorectal cancer. These red flags may be key to earlier detection and diagnosis of early-onset colorectal cancer among younger adults. The number of young adults with colorectal cancer has nearly doubled in recent years.
A new brief from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) adds further momentum to movements recommending a single dose of the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine. Originally recommended as a three-dose series when first approved and made widely available, the CDC currently recommends two doses of the HPV vaccine for 9 – 14 year […]
The Center for Collaborative Care Decisions (CCCD) is home to a team of researchers and community collaborators with an admirable mission: to improve the quality of health decisions and advance health equity. Led by members of the Division of Public Health Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, the Center engages patients and the public using clear communication, quality evidence and patient-centered goals of care.
Adetunji T. Toriola, MD, PhD, a professor of surgery in the Division of Public Health Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has been named a William H. Danforth Washington University Physician Scholar. He is the second physician-researcher named as part of the School of Medicine’s new Physician-Scientist Investigators Initiative, which supports pioneering physician-scientists whose work already has transformed their fields.
July 5, 2022 It’s likely no surprise to read that what we choose to eat and drink can have a large impact on our health, including our risk of cancer. Practically from the time we can sit up at the kitchen table, we’re reminded of the importance of eating our vegetables. And although some of the messages […]
If you’ve finally reached that age when you’re officially an adult and starting to branch out on your own for work, school or another adventure, you’ve likely received a lot of advice from the older adults in your life. Some of it you may have sought out. Most of it, probably not. And, yes, as […]
With the surprise and tragic news that the actor Chadwick Boseman had passed away of colon cancer at age 43, there’s been a spotlight on the disease as people look for information and answers. While colon cancer is a disease that many people have heard of, they may not know a great deal about it. […]
PECaD would like to remember and celebrate the life of Leon E. Ashford, PhD, a prostate cancer survivor and longtime member of the Disparities Elimination Advisory Committee, the Prostate Cancer Community Partnership, and the Prostate Cancer Coalition, who passed away in March at the age of 90. Dr. Ashford was a fierce champion of prostate […]
On Thursday, May 14th, PECaD held a Virtual Town Hall to address COVID-19 and Cancer Disparities. The event was a great success, with over 100 people in attendance and many important questions asked and answered, like: “question,” “question,” and “question.” For answers to these questions and more, you can view the event in full below. […]
On Friday, February 28th, PECaD hosted “Breaking Barriers: Reducing Disparities, Increasing Access,” an education event for doctors, nurses, and other care providers focused on reducing breast cancer disparities. The event emphasized the role providers can play in reducing breast cancer disparities in the St. Louis region. Participants provided an overview of the barriers to breast […]
Osteoporosis drug investigated in premenopausal women to see if it reduces breast density
PECaD has started working with the Siteman Mammography Van at screening sites to provide breast cancer education to women. Through this partnership, PECaD staff are able to reach women who have not scheduled a mammogram to answer their questions, help dispel any concern they have around cancer screening, and assist them with getting a mammogram […]
In December, Ashley Housten, OTD, MSCI, assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Public Health Sciences and Siteman Cancer Center, presented her research project, Breast Cancer Screening: Priorities and Attitudes of Diverse Women under 50, to the Breast Cancer Community Partnership (BCaP). Her project compares the intersections and differences between how racially and ethnically […]
PECaD, The Breakfast Club Inc., Hatz4Hearts, and the Pink Angels Foundation will be hosting a healthcare provider education event on February 28 from 2:00-5:00 pm in the Paul Detrick Atrium of Christian Hospital. The event is titled “Breaking Barriers: Reducing Disparities, Increasing Access,” and will focus on the role providers can play in reducing breast […]
Implementation Science Center for Cancer Control will benefit from researchers on Danforth and Medical campuses
PECaD faculty and staff attended the 2019 International Cancer Education Conference in Salt Lake City from September 18-20. In a panel discussion, Dr. Bettina Drake presented “Community-based Prostate Cancer Education and Screening,” Dr. Vetta Sanders Thompson presented “Education to Support Community-based Participatory Cancer Research,” Marilyn Wilson presented “Community Outreach and Education Strategies: The Effectiveness of […]
In our last newsletter, we reported that PECaD staff and community partners were filmed for a Susan G. Komen Center for Public Policy advocacy video about barriers to care during breast cancer treatment. The video, featuring PECaD coordinator Marilyn Wilson and two of our community partners, Dr. Nicole Robinson and Chantelle Nickson-Clark, is now available. […]
The Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities (PECaD) at Washington University in St. Louis and Siteman Cancer Center held their fifth annual Smart Health Community Education Event in East St. Louis, IL on Saturday, August 24th. More than 40 participants, volunteers, health experts, and health fair vendors took part in the event. Smart Health […]
Congratulations to the 27 graduates of the fifth cohort of the Community Research Fellows Training (CRFT) program, a community training program offered through the Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities (PECaD). A certificate ceremony was held on August 22nd for the trainees and their families. The event included a silent auction of photos taken […]
In development with our community partners, PECaD has created a new guide to the resources available to breast cancer patients and healthcare providers in the St. Louis area. The guide was created in response to concerns among Breast Cancer Community Partnership members that many patients and providers were unaware of all the resources available and […]
Mary C. Politi, PhD, was awarded a three-year, $1.2 million Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) R18 grant titled “Implementing a Breast Reconstruction Decision Support Tool in Diverse Practice Settings.” The project is a multi-site study using an evidence-based tool called BREASTChoice that was previously developed and tested at Siteman Cancer Center and implementing […]