UCA will present its second annual Cancer Research Symposium featuring a lecture by Dr. Linda deGraffenried at noon on Friday, March 6 in room 100 of the Lewis Science Center on the UCA campus. Students and faculty are invited to hear deGraffenried talk about “Diet, Lifestyle and Cancer Progression: Making the Molecular Connections,” which will include an update on current research, prevention, and treatment options for breast cancer.
Dr. deGraffenried also will present a public lecture entitled “Cancer and Diet: Charlie Tuna vs. Elsie the Cow” at 7 p.m. in Doyne Health Science Center Auditorium. This lecture will focus on treatment options, hormone therapy, as well as the role of nutrition and diet in preventing and controlling breast cancer.
The UCA Cancer Research Symposium series presents nationally recognized scientists who are researching the prevention and cures for cancer. Last year’s speaker focused on prostate cancer; this year’s focus is on breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women nationally. Women in Arkansas rank among the lowest in the nation for the diagnosed incidence of breast cancer, but they have among the highest mortality rates. As part of the ongoing education needed to empower women to have regular check-ups and to seek appropriate treatment for breast cancer, the lectures will present current information about treatment, prevention, and current medical advances.
Dr. deGraffenried is an associate professor at the University of Texas in Austin and is active in breast cancer research. The focus of her research is on nutritional intervention using omega 3 fatty acids and fish oil in breast cancer prevention and management. Working with oncologists, she helps by bringing laboratory discoveries to the patient. Dr. deGraffenried has received federal and private funding for breast cancer research from the National Cancer Institution, the American institution for Cancer Research, the US Department of Defense, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
