Longevity, Cancer and Diet Connected

Using worms that share similar genetics to humans, scientists from Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) identified a previously unknown link between two genes- one associated with aging, the other with certain types of cancer. The research also indicates calorie intake can affect how these genes operate, possibly increasing lifespan in animals, an effect which has been previously observed but is not yet fully explained. The paper appears today in the journal Current Biology. Press Release

Inherited Melanoma Risk: What You Do Know Does Help You

When people know the results of genetic tests confirming they have inherited an increased risk of developing melanoma, they follow skin cancer screening recommendations more proactively—much like those who have already been diagnosed with the potentially deadly disease, according to results of a study completed at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Cancer Institute and published in the June issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Press Release

Free Screening Finds Suspected Skin Cancers

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. In an effort to find skin cancer early, Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah held its eighth annual free skin cancer screening Saturday, May 3, 2008. HCI, University of Utah (U of U), and community dermatologists examined a total of 411 patients, many of whom had never been examined by a dermatologist. Press Release

Mary Beckerle, Huntsman Cancer Institute Executive Director, Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

The American Academy of Arts & Sciences, one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious honorary societies and independent policy research centers, today announced the election of a new class of members. Among those elected is Mary C. Beckerle, Ph.D., Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) executive director and distinguished professor of biology at the University of Utah. Press Release

Huntsman Cancer Institute Announces Expansion

Officials of the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) today announced the highlights of plans to significantly expand the cancer specialty hospital. Press Release

New program at Huntsman Cancer Institute may offer more years to patients afflicted with myeloma

Patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an often deadly bone marrow cancer, rarely live more than three years after diagnosis if treated with conventional chemotherapy or even some of the newer drug therapies. However, a new program at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah provides another treatment option that offers hope to multiple myeloma patients—a chance to live 10 or more years following diagnosis.

The Myeloma Program is headed by Guido Tricot, MD, PhD, who recently joined HCI from the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock. While at UAMS, Tricot and his colleagues pioneered the use of a treatment technique using tandem autologous transplantation that has increased the median survival for newly diagnosed myeloma patients from 2.5 years to 10 or more years. More Information / Press Release

Glenn Beck talks to Jon M. Huntsman on CNN Headline News

On Friday, December 7, 2007 CNN's Glenn Beck talked to Jon M. Huntsman about his career, his values, and his goal to conquer cancer. "Because one man can't do it all," Mr. Beck also appealed to his viewers to help by donating to cancer research being conducted at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI). If you would like to donate to HCI, you can go online at www.huntsmancancerfoundation.org or call (801) 584-5800. Thank you for your support.

Steps to Early Breast Cancer Detection

Learn the steps to early breast cancer detection and ways to reduce breast cancer risk. More Information

 

Free Live Chat on Gastrointestinal Cancers

Huntsman Cancer Institute has an online gastrointestinal (GI) cancer message board. This virtual community provides an opportunity for online discussion. Participants can view what others have posted or post their own questions and share comments. The GI message board serves as a virtual support group; it is open to all patients and the public. To ensure safety and integrity, the site is monitored. More Information

Named among "America's Best Hospitals"

University Health Care and Huntsman Cancer Hospital (HCH) were named among America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News and World Report. Cancer care at HCH ranked 32nd in the country, up from 34th last year. The honor is no small achievement. According to U.S. News, they first evaluated 5,462 hospitals. Then, qualifying institutions were ranked among the top 50 in 16 different medical specialties. To rank among the top 50 in a specialty, a hospital had to meet one of two requirements: it must have treated a minimum number of Medicare or Medicaid patients who had specific conditions or underwent certain procedures during a three-year period, or it had to be named among the best by at least one physician in the latest three annual surveys. Finally, hospitals were rated on three more factors for each specialty: reputation, mortality rate, and patient care factors. More Information

Share Stories with Future Generations

YourStory helps cancer patients, their families, and the public document tales of their lives. Created by Meg Brady, University of Utah English and ethnic studies professor and folklorist, the program includes recording sessions with trained facilitators. The first two hours of recording are free with a nominal charge for additional sessions. Sessions take place at Huntsman Cancer Institute, or facilitators with portable recording equipment visit homes or patients in rooms at Huntsman Cancer Hospital. To make an appointment call the Huntsman Cancer Institute Wellness Center at (801) 587-4585.

Free Nutrition Counseling for Patients

HCI offers a great new service to patients. The Wellness Center's dietitian is available to answer questions about nutrition, weight loss, treatment side effects, and more. No appointment is necessary.

Nutrition counseling is available in the Wellness Center Monday through Friday. Service is free of charge for patients. The dietitian will also visit with patients in infusion or clinic rooms upon request. Please contact Amanda Luekenga RD, CD, at 587-4586.

Discover Your Family Medical History

Your family tree can become a gift of medical knowledge to future generations. An accurate medical family history may help you and your family identify potential health concerns and risks. This information can contribute to better preventive care. More Information

Volunteer for the New Huntsman Cancer Hospital

Huntsman Cancer Hospital: Help make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families at the new Huntsman Cancer Hospital. We can use your skills for a multitude of tasks, including patient assistance, nurse assistance, business center, information desk, and beauty salon.

Volunteers are also needed at the Huntsman Cancer Institute team. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities contact Volunteer Services at 587-7961. More Information

Questions About Cancer?

Call 581-6365 for accurate answers.

Cancer information specialists available by phone to answer your cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment questions. Toll free: (888) 424-2100. Open business hours, Monday-Friday, with answering machine available for after-hours messages. More information

Visit Free Cancer Learning Center

Huntsman Cancer Institute, First floor.

Cancer information specialists available by phone to answer your cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment questions. Toll free: (888) 424-2100. Open business hours, Monday-Friday, with answering machine available for after-hours messages. More information

Free Booklet to Help Your Spouse or Child Stop Smoking.

Prepare to support your loved one throughout the quitting process, including information on health risks, smokeless tobacco, secondhand smoke, and an explanation of why quitting is so hard. Download PDF