Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center

11/21/2025

For lung cancer patients and survivors, quitting smoking can lead to better outcomes. It also reduces the chance of the cancer coming back. And it’s not just for you—quitting gives you more moments with the people who love you. No matter how long you’ve smoked or where you are in your lung cancer journey, quitting is always worth it.

One of the most accessible and effective resources for Nebraskans looking to quit is the Nebraska To***co Quitline by To***co Free Nebraska (DHHS)

The Nebraska To***co Quitline is available at:

• 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) - English
• 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569) - Spanish
• QuitNow.ne.gov to connect to a web-based coaching option
• Quitting Resources for Healthcare Providers – QuitNow.ne.gov/providers

Healthcare providers can connect patients to additional quit support through a referral to the Quitline.

***coFreeGeneration

11/20/2025

TOMORROW: Don’t miss Let’s Chat Cancer hosted by the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
We will have experts Michael (Tony) A. Hollingsworth, PhD; Kelsey Klute, MD; and Nicholas Woods, PhD.

The conversation will focus on:
• The importance of early detection of pancreatic cancer
• Insights from current research, advocacy, and community engagement efforts

Zoom Meeting ID: 95675705609 | Passcode: 000128
Facebook Live: /FredPamelaBuffettCancerCenter

Contact: lauregarcia@unmc.edu

11/19/2025

Bioinformatics and machine learning expert Shibiao Wan, PhD, is leading an NSF-funded project to develop a novel AI framework that combines multi-omics data integration and transfer learning to provide a deeper understanding of breast cancer biology. Using advanced computational and statistical methods, the team is identifying molecular markers that can predict diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S., with Black women disproportionately affected by higher mortality rates. This project aims to reduce these disparities by improving the accuracy, equity, and personalization of breast cancer detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

By integrating diverse genomic data, the AI framework will enhance model generalizability and address variability in cancer outcomes—bringing us closer to more equitable, precise care for all patients.

11/18/2025

Lung cancer survival rates may be lower than some other common cancers, but there is more hope today than ever before. New research and treatment advances are improving outcomes every year.

A lung cancer diagnosis does not define your future—especially when it’s caught early. Talk with your doctor about what to expect on your lung cancer journey and the options that can help you move forward with strength and confidence.

11/17/2025

Meet Levelle Wells (Big Elk)! Research Community Scientist at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. Levelle is dedicated to making cancer care more accessible, inclusive, and community-centered.

Having seen his father, grandmother, and auntie face cancer, Levelle understands the importance of care that truly listens and respects patients’ backgrounds. He is turning that experience into action. In collaboration with the cancer center, Levelle’s working to advancing cancer research, increasing access to screenings, and building trust between healthcare systems and Indigenous communities.

His message is simple: everyone deserves care that honors who they are and where they come from.

Levelle hopes to inspire more of his tribal members to engage in cancer prevention, research, and early detection efforts, because culturally supportive care saves lives.

11/14/2025

Over 100 community members served! 🌟 This fall, the One-Stop Cancer Shop brought vital cancer screenings and flu shots directly to the community—at Mount Calvary Community Church and the Nebraska Urban Indian Health Center. 💙

Thanks to the partnership between UNMC College of Nursing, Nebraska Medicine, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and local community organizations. Residents had access to breast, lung, prostate, colon, and skin cancer screenings in a welcoming, local setting.

Special shoutout to the volunteers who made this possible. Read more: https://www.unmc.edu/newsroom/2025/11/11/127573/

More than 100 people received valuable cancer screenings during events at Mount Calvary Community Church and Nebraska Urban Indian Health Center.

11/11/2025

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month 💜 Pancreatic cancer often shows few symptoms early on, which makes awareness and understanding risk factors so important. While some risks can’t be changed, others can be managed to support your health.

Hear from our experts about what you can do to stay informed and proactive about your pancreatic health.

11/10/2025

Dr. Joann Sweasy, director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and new President of the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI), spoke in a recent interview with KETV about her national initiative to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality in rural communities in the United States.

Across the U.S., about 1 in 6 residents live in rural areas, making this work especially critical. Since most NCI-designated Cancer Centers claim rurality as part of their catchment areas, this initiative will not only expand access to cancer prevention, treatment, and research but also educate and guide member institutions on addressing rural cancer health effectively.

Key initiatives include:
• Mapping cancer service access and outcomes nationwide to identify care gaps
• Creating a national profile of rural cancer burden to understand who is most affected
• Analyzing social determinants of health to tackle the root causes of disparities
• Hosting a 2027 Rural Cancer Summit to share best practices with health leaders
• Establishing a permanent oversight committee to give rural communities a voice in shaping care

Ensuring that no community is left behind in the fight against cancer.

11/05/2025

Lung cancer screening can catch cancer early when it is most treatable. Yet awareness of who is eligible remains low. In , only 21% of those who qualify are getting screened. Hear from our experts about who should get a low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening and why it matters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiGMiABC2II&t=120s

Mindi Coleman, BSW, RN, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center ...

11/04/2025

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer remains one of the most common cancers in the U.S., but awareness and early detection can make a real difference. When found early, lung cancer is often more treatable—and lives can be saved. This month is an opportunity to learn about screening, make healthy choices, and support those affected. Every step toward awareness is a step toward prevention and hope.
Learn more: https://go.unmc.edu/lung-cancer-screening

11/01/2025

Happy National Native American Heritage Month! The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center honors and celebrates the Native American community in Nebraska. We are committed to providing compassionate, equitable care and supporting initiatives that improve health outcomes for all Native Americans. Through dedicated outreach, research, and culturally responsive programs, we strive to reduce cancer disparities and ensure every member of this community has access to the best possible prevention, treatment, and support.

10/31/2025

🎃 This Halloween, let's talk about something that's NOT scary: breast cancer screening!

Did you know there are multiple ways to screen for breast cancer?

Mammography is the most common screening test. It uses a machine to take a picture of the inside of the breast. This picture is called a mammogram. We recommend getting 3D mammograms—the pictures are taken at more angles and can be better at detecting cancer! If you are high-risk, your doctor might also recommend an MRI for screening.

Take action: Talk to your doctor about breast cancer screening and what option is best for you.