University of Florida Health Cancer Institute

11/21/2025

The culprits are silent genetic glitches in the blood system that occur naturally as people age.

11/20/2025

Krista Terracina, M.D., a colorectal surgeon at UF Health, was interviewed by Business Insider for this in-depth story on the costs of colon cancer for young people.

"The hidden cost to the epidemic of cancer in younger people is the lost years of productivity, socialization, and family formation," Terracina said. "It's all being sucked into a struggle to stay alive."

Read the story:

Business Insider's exclusive analysis shows colon cancer in your 30s can cost $45,000 in one year alone. We break it down, dollar by dollar.

11/19/2025

Surgical oncologist Patrick Underwood, M.D., FACS, was drawn to a career that allows him to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

“Personal experiences with illness in my own family showed me firsthand how deeply a physician can impact patients and their loved ones,” said Dr. Underwood, an assistant professor in the UF Division of Surgical Oncology. “That experience inspired me to pursue medicine. I chose surgical oncology because it combines technical skill with the privilege of guiding patients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. The opportunity to remove a cancer and give someone renewed hope is truly remarkable.”

At UF Health, he focuses on cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, liver and bile duct, with a particular interest in robotic approaches to pancreas and liver surgery. His research focuses on patient-reported outcomes in cancer care. He is especially interested in improving patient communication and is also passionate about surgical education.

Meet Dr. Underwood in our Q&A physician spotlight:

Patrick Underwood, MD, FACS, an assistant professor in the University of Florida Division of Surgical Oncology, focuses on cancers of the gastrointestinal…

11/18/2025

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of cancer care, and our Cancer AI Symposium earlier this month gave us a chance to see that future up close.

From surgical innovation and cancer genomics to veterinary medicine and data science, the symposium brought together researchers across disciplines to share how AI is transforming the way we study, diagnose and treat cancer. Read more:

The Cancer AI Symposium explored how AI is transforming the way cancer is studied, diagnosed and treated.

11/18/2025

Thank you so much for your support! Grateful to work alongside you to advance cancer research that's making an impact.🧡💙

In honor of Linda Bennett and Ovarian Cancer Awareness, we want to thank everyone who contributed during Linda’s Week. Together, we raised $2,000 for ovarian cancer research. We’re grateful for your generosity and for the incredible work of the University of Florida Health Cancer Institute in advancing research and hope. 🩵

11/17/2025

We're proud to share that Ramzi Salloum, Ph.D., our associate director for community outreach and engagement, has been elected vice chair of the Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council. The council creates a program for cancer control and research in the state. Read the full story:

The council creates and approves a program for cancer control and research in the state.

11/16/2025

Both science and ceramics are rooted in the idea that you’re going to fail. One day, the wheel is your friend. You’re able to mold the clay into something beautiful and balanced. In the lab, your experiment is going as planned, producing meaningful data that support your hypothesis. The next day...

11/14/2025

Congratulations to UF Health Cancer Institute member Daniel Araujo, M.D., who was selected to participate in the Florida Medical Association Karl M. Altenburger, MD Physician Leadership Academy! 👏

Dr. Araujo specializes in genitourinary malignancies — including renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, prostate cancer and testicular cancer — as well as melanoma and other skin cancers. His research involves early-phase studies aimed at optimizing cancer drug dosages, meta-analyses, trial design and systematic reviews, all aimed at improving treatment outcomes and pushing the field forward.

The FMA is proud to introduce the Karl M. Altenburger, MD Physician Leadership Academy’s class of 2026. We look forward to supporting these 26 dynamic physicians as they pursue their leadership goals in the new year. Learn more about them: https://buff.ly/Y1KSIz0

11/13/2025

Our inaugural Thyroid Cancer Symposium on Nov. 8 brought together experts from the University of Florida and Moffitt Cancer Center who share a common goal: improving outcomes and quality of life for patients with thyroid cancer:

Multidisciplinary collaboration is transforming the landscape of thyroid cancer care.

11/13/2025

From rural Georgia to groundbreaking cancer communication research, UF Health Cancer Institute researcher Naomi Parker, Ph.D., is helping make cancer clinical trials more accessible through the power of communication. She studies how patients understand their options, who they trust for information and how conversations with clinicians can empower their decision-making.

Read her story:

Naomi Parker studies how to make cancer clinical trials more accessible.

11/12/2025

11/12/2025

We can't wait to team up with Man Cave Health and the Prostate Cancer Foundation for a prostate cancer screening event before the Florida-Tennessee game on Saturday, Nov. 22! !

Tailgating and testing for prostate cancer. 🏈

We are teaming up with Man Cave Health and the University of Florida Health Cancer Institute for the Second Annual Tailgate & Testing Event where men can learn about prostate health, snag some cool gear, and get screened for prostate cancer with a free, simple PSA blood test.

Early detection through PSA screening saves lives. Take action for your health and join us!

Learn more about this event at https://bit.ly/TailgateandTestingNov22.