MUSC Hollings Cancer Center

04/26/2026

It's Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month and Hollings' Dr. Trisha Amboree has a message for all the ladies out there. Plus, one thing you can do to help prevent several types of cancer.

04/26/2026

Too many cooks in the kitchen – that’s one way to think about how cancer begins.

When different proteins compete over the same stretch of DNA, some activating genes while others attempt to repair damage in those same genes, that conflict can trigger genomic instability, a key step in cancer development.

Funding from the American Cancer Society is supporting Hollings researcher Dr. David Long as he studies how these DNA errors drive ovarian cancer.

“DNA is essentially the cell’s instruction manual,” Long said. “If those instructions get disrupted or misread, cells can start behaving abnormally.”

By understanding how this process begins, Long aims to uncover more precise ways to treat and potentially prevent cancer.

Learn more:

Hollings researchers are investigating how breakdowns in the ways cells read and repair DNA can lead to ovarian cancer.

04/25/2026

What a great interactive session last weekend with the women of Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE) in Charleston, who had many questions for Dr. Andrea Abbott about breast cancer risk factors and genetic testing.

Dr. Abbott talked about general risk factors, like age and estrogen exposure, and about genetic risk factors. People of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage have a much higher risk of carrying a BRCA gene mutation, which leads to a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women.

We also appreciated connecting with Sharsheret, a nonprofit that provides specialized support to Jewish women and families affected by breast and ovarian cancer while maintaining an open door to any breast or ovarian cancer survivor in need of personalized support.

04/25/2026

Our team had a great time representing Hollings and MUSC at the recent SC Immunization Coalition 2026 Immunization Summit celebrating 20 years of HPV immunization. It was a fantastic event with great representation from the South Carolina Department of Public Health, American Cancer Society, Head and Neck Cancer Alliance, and many more.

04/24/2026

By studying healthy breast tissue, researchers led by Hollings’ Dr. Peggi Angel uncovered subtle changes that may signal early cancer risk. Factors like body weight and breast density shaped an environment where cancer was more or less likely to develop.

The findings are an early – but important – step toward detecting risk sooner and preventing cancer before it starts.

A Hollings researcher is mapping healthy breast tissue to understand how cancer begins.

04/23/2026

Our team had a great time at the AACR Annual Meeting in San Diego. This meeting is the focal point of the cancer research community, where scientists gather to share the latest advances in cancer science and medicine.

Hollings director Ray Dubois, M.D., Ph.D., chaired the Presidential Select Symposium and led a dynamic discussion on Cancer Prevention Research, the journal he serves as Editor-in-Chief. Ben Toll, Ph.D., also played a key role, hosting a collaborative session focused on expanding training opportunities alongside associate directors of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination.

04/23/2026

Thank you to Ann McGill - Live 5 News for hosting Dr. Marvella Ford and spreading the word about the Sea Islands Community Health Celebration!

Join us April 25 at St. John's High School for "Building Bridges Through Research," featuring health experts, the latest research findings from research conducted in collaboration with Sea Islanders, gospel artist Desmond Pringle and more!

Be sure to RSVP so you can get a box lunch! https://redcap.musc.edu/surveys/?s=KA83PH8C9C4CK8JX

https://www.live5news.com/video/2026/04/16/video-sea-islands-community-health-celebration/

04/22/2026

Our team is excited to take part in the PurpleStride event this Saturday! It’s a day where families, survivors, caregivers, and supporters come together to honor loved ones, celebrate survivors, and fight for a cure for pancreatic cancer.

"This year is extra special because my mentor, Dr. Aaron Hobbs, will be a speaker and will share some of the research happening in pancreatic cancer," said Hollings' Rachel Burge, Ph.D.

"This event, sponsored by Hollings, lets me step outside the lab and directly into the heart of the fight. Funding for research and support for patients and their caregivers is more important than ever. This event is where science meets stories. I get to hug survivors like my friends Chris and Rick, who inspire me with their strength and positivity, and walk alongside families who are there to honor someone they’ve lost. It’s about bringing that hope not only to those who are walking with us, but also to future patients who will benefit from the research we’re doing today.

It’s not too late to join us or donate! Let’s keep showing up, fighting hard, and making a difference together. Join us to WAGE HOPE with the Hollings Cancer Center at James Island County Park on April 25th!"

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4ehWEFB

04/22/2026

If you're 45 or older, this one's for you! April is Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month, and Dr. Maggie Westfal is breaking down what you need to know about colonoscopies – yes, THAT screening! It's quick, it's easier than you think, and it could catch cancer early when it matters most.

04/21/2026

Pancreatic cancer is one of the toughest cancers to treat. At Hollings, researchers are working to change that.

With the support of a grant from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Dr. Aaron Hobbs is studying a rare gene mutation that could reveal new ways to target the disease.

“Once we understand how pancreatic cancer survives, we can identify new ways to treat it,” he says.

Learn more:

Hollings researcher Aaron Hobbs, Ph.D., received the Research Recovery Grant from PanCAN.

04/21/2026

Join us this Saturday on John's Island for a fun event featuring health experts, the latest research findings, gospel artist Desmond Pringle, door prizes and more. Learn more and register for this free event: https://bit.ly/3OAwnHY

04/20/2026

They are the heart of our team and we know how important nurses are to you too. Have you met one at Hollings that was an extra special part of your treatment? Next month is Oncology Nurses Month and we'd love to show our appreciation by sending a "shout out" to some of your favorite nurses. If you'd like to share why you're thankful for your nurse, please tell us about them here: https://bit.ly/4c6wzpW