Tampa Bay Community Cancer Network

11/18/2025

Our recent Patient Researcher Forum brought together patients, caregivers, and researchers for an inspiring conversation on the caregiver experience and the impact of research in our community.

Hosted by Dr. Martine Extermann, Dr. Karen Mann, and Dr. Stuart Maudsley alongside the Patient Family Advisory Council under the guidance of Ms. Jacqueline Beaushaw, the PRF brings together community, patients, caregivers with faculty researchers and clinicians to directly share with one another in the hopes of inspiring connecting the work they are doing to the community.

A very special thank you to Mrs. Cathy Tack, who shared her incredible caregiver’s story that honored the love and legacy of her late husband Ralph, with her words reminding everyone why this work matters:

“You are the unsung heroes of Moffitt Cancer Center. You are hope in the dedication of finding cures and treatments. Thank you for the researchers for what you are doing right now in finding cures and instilling hope and light in the dark world of cancer”

To learn more about Cathy and her story, visit: https://www.moffitt.org/about-moffitt/podcasts/in-it-together/cathy/

11/11/2025

Join the Largest Study on Black and African American Men’s Health!

Your voice and experience can help transform the future of healthcare.

We’re building the largest-ever dataset on heart and cancer health among Black and African American men — and we want you to be part of it.

💬 Take a quick 20-minute survey to share your story about lifestyle, health, access to care, screenings, and more.
Your input will:
✔️ Help us understand the unique factors impacting Black men’s health
✔️ Drive better prevention and screening programs
✔️ Strengthen patient–provider relationships
✔️ Ensure future generations get the care they deserve

👥 Who can join: Black/African American men ages 18 and older
Together, we can make a lasting impact on our community’s health.

"

https://redcap.aws.moffitt.org/surveys/?s=YXXHE4PWFKM8Y9EC

11/06/2025

It was a busy but impactful Breast Cancer Awareness Month. COE provided educational and awareness workshops, highlighting the need for regular breast self-exams, annual medical checkups, and mammograms, and encouraging the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits, such as maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding alcohol and to***co.

• Our annual Ladies Night event co-hosted by Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa Inc. was a huge success, with 31 mammograms provided by MammoLink. With this year’s theme of “Spillin the T”, our panelist provided the truths, traumas, and testimonials of all things surround breast cancer survivorship, mental health, clinical trial studies, and caregiving.

• Our friends at Sisters Network Inc. - Tampa Bay Chapter stopped by Moffitt Cancer Center McKinley Campus to provide care bags to women in the waiting room currently receiving breast cancer treatment

• Around town, we continued the tea party theme with our community partners from Children’s Board, Hispanic Outreach Center Centro de Apoyo Hispano Hispanic Services Council . Attendees were able to take time to focus on themselves surrounded by their fellow community members.

We look forward to continuing the conversation all year long and are excited to bring Ladies Day to the Kissimmee community on Dec 20, which will offer a variety of health services and free screenings to the community.

To learn more about upcoming COE events, email us at coe-office@moffitt.org

11/04/2025

🩵November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Lung cancer touches millions of lives—but with early detection, powerful research, and community support, we can change the story. Don't Wait!

🚭 If you’re 50–80 and a current or former smoker (quit within 15 years), smoked a 20 pack year, screening might be 100% covered by your insurance.

No Insurance- we've got you covered! Pre-registration is required at Moffitt.org/LungCare or by calling 813-745-6635

Give yourself peace of mind this November. Check out our Tampa Bay community locations and get screened early

Liberty Park City of Inverness Market at the Depot and Cancer Prevention Awareness Day Moffitt Cancer Center Miles for Moffitt

10/30/2025

Are you a young adult colorectal cancer survivor aged 20–44?

Your story matters. Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center want to hear from YOU in a one-hour interview to help shape future health education programs for CRC awareness.

✅ Must be at least 6 months post-treatment or on maintenance therapy

✅ Must speak and read English

🎁 Participants receive a $30 gift card

📩 Interested?
Contact claudia.jimenezroman@moffitt.org or call 813-745-1374

Let your experience make a difference

10/23/2025

Are you a parent of or know of any kids in elementary or middle school who display interest in health and wellness education, chronic disease and illness prevention, cancer and medical research, or just want their family members and friends to live healthy fulfilling lives?

Front Porch Community Development Association, Inc. in partnership with Moffitt Cancer Center is presenting the Youth Ambassadors Reaching Out (YARO) Program to Pinellas County youth residing in zip codes 33705, 33711, and 33712.

This extraordinary program consists of three 1.5 hour curriculum sessions-Health Disparities Overview; Cancer Risk and Prevention; and Careers in Cancer/Roadmap to Success.

The three sessions will be held November 5, 6, and 7, 5pm to 6:30pm at The Community Tech House, a collaborative partner, located in south St. Petersburg.

Online registration is presently open until Friday, October 31. Please refer to the attached flyer for additional detailed information, and for the registration QR code.

Note: Parent or guardian of participating youth must complete registration form.

There are 20 seats available on a first registered basis.

Don't allow this wonderful opportunity to pass by. Register your youth today!

10/16/2025

Did you know that National Mammography Day is observed annually on the third Friday of every October

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, but early detection and access to quality care can save lives.

This month, we honor the strength and resilience of breast cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. We raise awareness to promote early screening, support ongoing research, and advocate for equitable access to care for all communities.

💗 Early detection matters — Talk to your healthcare provider about mammograms and self-exams.

💗 Support matters — Reach out to someone affected by breast cancer and let them know they’re not alone.

💗 Education matters — Learn more about breast cancer risks, symptoms, and prevention.

💗 Clinical Trials – Learn more about breast cancer clinical trials that are available to you.

Moffitt Cancer Center is currently recruiting participants for breast cancer clinical trials—helping to drive innovation and offer hope for new treatment options.

To help the community understand clinical trials and why they are important, ACT WONDER2S, which focuses on providing education on cancer clinical trials in English and Spanish throughout Central and Western Florida.

Please reach out to ACTWONDERS@moffitt.org or 813-745-2829 for more information.

10/09/2025

Join us on October 28th for our annual Ladies Night event in partnership with the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa Inc., for a powerful gathering to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention and screenings.

This year’s theme will be a “Spillin’ the Tea”: an intimate conversation will enable participants to tell their tales, traumas, testimonials, truths, triumphs, and transparency around breast cancer, survivorship, and the role of being caretakers.

MammoLink 3D Mobile Mammography will be available and information on mobile lung screening as well.

Come spill the tea, share your journey, and connect in a space of empowerment and support.

To register for the event, screening, or to learn more about how you can attend this special empowering program visit:

https://www.cdcoftampa.org/events-1/ladies-night-2025-10-28-17-30

10/02/2025

The Moffitt Cancer Center Office of Community Outreach and Engagement was pleased to host Dr. Amelie Ramirez, Director of the Institute for Health Promotion Research, Chair of the Department of Population Health Sciences at UT Health San Antonio, Associate Director of Cancer Outreach and Engagement at the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio , and Director of SaludAmerica! for our recent Health Disparities Grand Rounds.

Dr. Ramirez’ talk, “More Than Medicine: Changing the Conversation on Latino Cancer & Health,” spotlighted Latino cancer disparities while sharing powerful insights and innovative uses of community toolkits to support groundbreaking studies such as Caminos—the first Latino cancer survivorship cohort study.

Thank you to those who helped create this special event and to those who participated in the sharing of knowledge relevant to reducing cancer health disparities for all communities.

09/25/2025

Virtual education session!

Join The Stephanie A. Wynn Foundation, Inc. this Saturday, September 27 at 11:00 AM EST via Zoom with Dr. Martinez for: Inside IBD: What You Need to Know About Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

This session covers practical strategies for managing IBD beyond basic definitions.

To reserve your spot, register at: https://thestephanieawynnfoundation.org/

Many people confuse Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Understanding the difference is crucial for proper treatment.

What is IBD?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a chronic condition causing inflammation and damage in the digestive tract. It requires specialized medical treatment and shows visible damage on colonoscopies and CT scans.

What is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a functional disorder where the bowel looks normal but doesn’t work properly. Symptoms include cramping, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain without inflammation or tissue damage.

Key Differences:

IBD: Inflammation causes bleeding, diarrhea, fever, and pain. Visible on medical tests.

IBS: Bowel sensitivity with abnormal movement patterns. No inflammation, bleeding, or fever. Not visible on tests.

Why this matters: The right diagnosis determines treatment plans and long-term health outcomes. Too many patients spend years without proper answers.

Join us Saturday, September 27 at 11:00 AM EST via Zoom with Dr. Martinez for: Inside IBD: What You Need to Know About Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

This session covers practical strategies for managing IBD beyond basic definitions.

Register at: thestephanieawynnfoundation.org

09/23/2025

Community Spotlight: Brevard County Outreach!

Our outreach team recently partnered with the Brevard County Public Libraries Melbourne Public Library, leading an interactive and informative presentation on nutrition as a cancer risk factor, highlighting the practical habits that support cancer prevention, followed by Nutrition Bingo.

This interactive session reinforced healthy eating habits, portion control, and simple nutrition tips — while also introducing participants to Moffitt’s services and the importance of cancer screening.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in making healthy living a community priority!

Are you an organization in Brevard county that would like for us to provide educational workshops and outreach collaborations? Let us know and we'll work to make it happen.