Cancer Free Futures

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UROC Building
Cancer Free Futures Hero Image
View the event flyer in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong

The goal of this conference is to empower Minnesotan communities affected by cancer health disparities to take an active role in cancer prevention. By creating a welcoming environment for education and support, this event will enhance access to essential information and resources, addressing fears and other obstacles that may get in the way of reducing cancer risk for you and your loved ones. Through personal stories and interactive panels, you will gain the tools needed to overcome barriers to cancer screening and prevention.

This event is free and open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend. You belong here!

While registration is encouraged, it is not required. Spanish and ASL interpreters will be present. If you have different translation requirements, please note this in your registration. Interpreter availability may be limited within two weeks from the event, but we will do our best to accommodate. 

Registration for this event has now closed, but day-of registrations will be accepted if the room is available. 

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What are cancer health disparities?

Cancer affects all population groups in the United States, but due to social, environmental, and economic disadvantages, certain groups bear a disproportionate burden of cancer compared with other groups, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Cancer health disparities are the preventable differences in how often people get cancer, how well they survive, how they are treated, and other elements. You can learn more about cancer disparities at the website here.

This event’s goal is to work together, as community members and cancer research and health professionals, to help address cancer disparities so that we can overcome them. 

Where can I get more information on cancer prevention?

We recommend exploring our Resource Library here. You can also reach out to our Access Nurseline at [email protected] or 612-624-2620.

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Conference Agenda

 
8:30 AM - Registration & Breakfast 
9:00 AM - Welcome | Rebekah Pratt, PhD
9:15 AM - Keynote Address | Rahshana Price-Isuk, MD; moderated by Rebekah Pratt, PhD
10:15 AM - Break
10:20 AM - Survivor Panel: Overcoming Fears of Cancer Screening | Carolyn Best, Deisy Lovera, John Reed, Carol Hernandez; moderated by Nikkia Hines
11:20 AM - Lunch & Exhibitor Time
11:50 AM - Listening Session: Addressing Access, Barriers, and Cultural Implications to Cancer Prevention | Kiara Ellis, MSW, Silvia Balbo, PhD & Mike Van Keulen, PhD
12:35 PM - Break
12:40 PM - Breakout Sessions (Choose One to Attend) 
  • Understanding Women's Cancer Screening Guidelines | Madhuri Rao, MD and Alice Lee, MD; moderated by Lyntaii Thao
  • Understanding Men's Cancer Screening Guidelines | Chris Warlick, MD, PhD & David Hamlar, MD, DDS; moderated by Eric Ortiz
1:25 PM - Break
1:30 PM - Translating Knowledge into Actionable Change | Karim Sadak, MD, GayLynn Richards, DNP, RN, MPH
2:15 PM - Closing Remarks | Amna Hussein, MBS
2:20 PM - Exhibitor Time
3:00 PM - Adjourn
 

The day will begin with breakfast, followed by an official welcome and an introduction to the day. Attendees will hear from community health experts, who will set the stage for discussions on common cancers in Minnesota and existing screening and prevention efforts.

The agenda includes panels on what makes it hard to get screened for cancer, featuring personal stories from survivors. Interactive listening sessions will allow you to share your experiences and ideas with a group and anonymously so we can brainstorm and have thoughtful discussions on cancer prevention strategies. 

Later you can choose to attend smaller breakout sessions that will discuss cancer screening guidelines. The event will also offer ample opportunities for chatting with health professionals, non-profit organizations, and neighbors to support ongoing work in cancer prevention for your community.

View Speaker Bios

What's included in attending?

Attendees will receive access to all sessions on the agenda, a light breakfast and boxed lunch, as well as access to resources and professionals.

Location & Parking

Location: Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC), 2001 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411

Parking: Complimentary parking is available in the lot connected to UROC, just off of Plymouth Ave N. 

Find additional resources, a map, and directions on 
UROC’s website here.

Contact: 
Contact Elsie Aldrich with questions or comments at [email protected] or 612-626-2805.