Being overweight or having obesity is linked with a higher risk of getting 13 types of cancer. These cancers comprise 40% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States each year. In this episode of the Bench to Bedside podcast, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, speaks with Dr. John Thyfault, professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology and in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Genetics, as well as director of the University of Kansas Diabetes Institute and co-leader of the Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research (KC-MORE), a new research hub based at the University of Kansas Medical Center to study human obesity and obesity-related disease. They discuss the significant impact of obesity on cancer incidence and mortality, as well as Dr. Thyfault’s work developing translational research to improve patient outcomes. The discussion also explores how hormonal disruptions caused by obesity affect tumor growth, the potential of pharmacologic interventions like Ozempic, and the importance of maintaining physical activity and a healthy diet in cancer prevention and management.

Do you have questions about cancer? Call our Bench to Bedside Hotline at (913) 588-3880 or email us at benchtobedside@kumc.edu, and your comment or question may be shared on an upcoming episode! If you appreciated this episode, please share, rate, subscribe and leave a review. To ensure you get our latest updates, For the latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

Links from this Episode:

• Learn more about KC-MORE
• Read about KC-MORE’s research into obesity and cancer
• Learn more about Dr. Thyfault

In this episode of the Bench to Bedside podcast Joseph Hines, II, MPH, senior director of research operations at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, joins Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director, to discuss the launch and success of the CAREERS in CLINICAL RESEARCH PROGRAM (C-CLEAR Program). This groundbreaking initiative is designed to introduce college students in the region to the dynamic and impactful field of clinical research. Hines, along with students Mariah Slaughter, Hilary Tallman, and Angel Tchamnou, share their experiences and the program's impact on their understanding of clinical research and oncology. The conversation covers the program's objectives, the challenges of its inception, as well as the achievements of its first cohort. The students also offer advice for future participants and express gratitude towards their mentors. Future developments and application details for the program are also highlighted.

Do you have questions about cancer? Call our Bench to Bedside Hotline at (913) 588-3880 or email us at benchtobedside@kumc.edu, and your comment or question may be shared on an upcoming episode! If you appreciated this episode, please share, rate, subscribe and leave a review. To ensure you get our latest updates, For the latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

Links from this Episode:

• Learn more about the C-CLEAR Program
• Watch “A Day in the Life” with the C-CLEAR student interns
• Learn more about high school and undergraduate programs at KU Cancer Center

In this episode of the Bench to Bedside podcast, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer center, speaks with Dr. Jamie Myers, an advanced practice oncology nurse with more than 40 years of experience and Research Associate Professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center’s School of Nursing. Dr. Myers’ research is focused on cognitive changes related to cancer and cancer treatment therapy. In this conversation, she shares more about this topic - often referred to as “chemo brain” – and how these cognitive changes affect memory, concentration and daily activities. Dr. Myers’ shares insights into her research on interventions to manage these cognitive changes and emphasizes the importance of physical activity and diet in aiding brain health, as well as offering resources for listeners wanting to learn more.

Do you have questions about cancer? Call our Bench to Bedside Hotline at (913) 588-3880 or email us at benchtobedside@kumc.edu, and your comment or question may be shared on an upcoming episode! If you appreciated this episode, please share, rate, subscribe and leave a review. To ensure you get our latest updates, For the latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

Links from this Episode:

• Learn more about Dr. Myers
• Read “Lifting the Fog on Chemobrain” by Dr. Myers on the KU Cancer Center blog
• Watch Dr. Myers’ talk more about her research and nursing background