EngagementXChange - July 2026

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO ANSCHUTZ CANCER CENTER

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT

JULY 7, 2026

From left to right: Karen Cohn, Kim Pasco, Becky Haddad, Evelinn Borrayo, Maria Foy, Annette Martinez, Debra Hesse, Jeanette Waxmonsky, Amanda Pedrianes, Ale Soto Mendoza, Nikki Chandler On TV: Miguel Rueda, Faith Getty, Laurie Cardin, Tracey Drayton

BEHIND THE SCIENCE WHERE VETERINARY AND HUMAN ONCOLOGY MEET

On April 14, members of Community Advisors for Research Equity in Science (COE CARES) visited the Flint Animal Hospital at Colorado State University and got a behind-the-scenes look at animal cancer research, learning how cancer treatment and trials are conducted.

The visit included two presentations from veterinary faculty in CSU’s Department of Clinical Sciences that highlighted cancer research, challenges in the field, and opportunities for community engagement.

Jacob Cawley, MS, CVM, DACVIM presented on “Cancer Plasticity: A Hidden Driver of Treatment Failure” where he explained his lab’s research on how lineage plasticity influences cancer progression and resistance to treatment. He also highlighted how comparative medicine is being used to advance the development of new therapies designed to target these mechanisms and improve cancer treatment outcomes. Dan Regan DVM, PhD presented on “From dog to human: Comparative oncology to accelerate new treatment options for osteosarcoma patients” where he shared the tumor microenvironment holds potential as a promising area of research that could lead to new ways to address the spread of this disease. COE CARES members said they appreciated the tour and presentations, noting that the experience provided valuable insight into how cancer research impacts animal health.

PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM SKIN CANCER What is skin cancer?

Most common type of cancer in the U.S. 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime UV rays damage DNA in cells, causing them to mutate and become cancerous Colorado is 1 of 10 states with the highest death rates for melanoma, the most severe type of skin cancer How can I protect my skin?

Avoid mid-day sun exposure (between 10 AM - 4 PM) Wear sunscreen year-round (SPF 30+, broad-spectrum, and water-resistant) Check your skin regularly (self-exams save lives)

SCIENCE FOR EVERY AGE BIG RESEARCH MEETS YOUNG CURIOSITY

In July 2025, CU Anschutz Cancer Center interim director James DeGregori, PhD, published a paper titled “Respiratory viral infections awaken metastatic breast cancer cells in lungs.” The paper, featured in Nature, explores how respiratory viral infections may influence the reactivation of dormant metastatic breast cancer cells in the lungs. Following publication, DeGregori was invited to adapt the paper into a version accessible to younger audiences.

With support from both CU Anschutz Cancer Center Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination and the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement, the work was translated into a child-friendly format.

In May 2026, the adapted paper was published in Science Journal for Kids, a nonprofit open-access academic journal designed to make complex scientific topics engaging for children and teenagers. This effort represents an exciting opportunity to bring cutting-edge cancer research to younger audiences and help them better understand the links between respiratory infections and cancer.

Read the original publication on Nature’s website and explore the adapted version on the Science Journal for Kids website.

CELEBRATING IMPACT IN PATIENT CARE COE PATIENT NAVIGATOR NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED

Carlo Caballero, LPC, CCM was recently recognized for his work as a bilingual patient navigator in Cancer Health 25. In his role, Carlo play s a vital part in the CU Anschutz Cancer Center’s mission by helping community members navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and connecting them with the resources they need. His bilingual support helps ensure patients and families can access care and information with greater clarity and confidence.

Read the full feature on the Cancer Health website.

Carlo Caballero, LPC, CCM