The association between tobacco use and cancer is well known. But there are other risk factors for cancer that are less recognized, including the link between cancer and certain viruses.
To enlighten the public about these risks, the Prevent Cancer Foundation, in collaboration with Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC), is sponsoring “Think About the Link,” a seminar to be held July 20, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Millennium Maxwell House Nashville, 2025 Rosa L. Parks Blvd.
The event is in conjunction with the Tennessee Cancer Consortium’s annual conference and the “Think About the Link” forum is part of a multi-year prevention and education campaign to promote awareness of the connection between viruses and cancer. The conference and the forum are designed for cancer survivors, health professionals and members of community organizations and are open to the public.
Tony Award-winning actress and cancer survivor Marissa Winokur is the keynote speaker for the event, and she will be joined by Carolyn (Bo) Aldigé, founder and CEO of the Prevention Cancer Foundation and a member of the VICC Board of Overseers.
Three Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) investigators are among the speakers for the event. Ronald Alvarez, M.D., MBA, Betty and Lonnie S. Burnett Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology and chair of the department, will discuss the association between human papillomavirus (HPV) and cancer. HPV infection is known to cause cervical cancer in women and head and neck cancer among women and men.
Pam Hull, Ph.D., assistant professor of Medicine, will present research about HPV incidence in the population.
Krystle Lang Kuhs, Ph.D., MPH, assistant professor of Medicine and Otolaryngology, will discuss the increasing incidence of human papillomavirus-driven oropharyngeal cancer as well as potential methods for early detection.
Kelly Moore, M.D., director of the Tennessee Immunization Program in the Tennessee Department of Health, will present the latest information about HPV vaccination efforts for boys and girls in Tennessee.
In addition to the morning seminar on cancer and viruses, there will be afternoon sessions focused on cancer prevention and control.
Attendance at the conference is free for up to 75 cancer survivors but registration is required. For more agenda and registration details and the fee schedule for participants and students, visit http://cancertn.org/cancer-conference/.
