EngagementXChange - June 2025

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO CANCER CENTER

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT

JUNE 27, 2025

COE Team (left to right): Lexi Lewis, Ayo Olowu, Ale Soto Mendoza, Jan Lowery, Jeanette Waxmonsky, Sonja Blazekovic, Daniel Pacheco, Evelinn Borrayo, Karely Villarreal Hernandez, Sindy Gonzalez, Carlo Caballero, Adam Warren, Samantha Garcia, Tatiana Gerena

LATINO CANCER TASK FORCE

SERVING THE COMMUNITY

1338 radon test kits distributed

BILINGUAL CANCER CARE

The Latino Cancer Task Force, part of the Colorado Cancer Coalition, is dedicated to improving the lives of patients, survivors, caregivers, and loved ones grieving cancer by providing culturally and linguistically appropriate education, services, and emotional support.

With a focus on underserved communities in more than 20 Colorado counties, our bilingual and bicultural team of survivors, caregivers, and community health workers addresses disparities in cancer care through early detection, stigma reduction, and resource discovery.

Since its launch, we have directly supported more than 400 people, provided information and resources to more than 3,000 individuals at health fairs, and connected hundreds of people with mental health resources and financial assistance. Our vision is a Colorado where all communities have equitable access to quality cancer support throughout the entire cancer process.

More information: Cancer Group in Spanish Contact us: latino@coloradocancercoalition.org | 303-724-0893

46 presentations given about sun protection and skin cancer

836 FIT kits distributed

174 events attended in 96 unique zip codes

347 signups on the 2Morrow tobacco/vaping cessation app

16,584 people reached at events with information on cancer education and prevention

RESEARCH ROADSHOW BRINGING RESEARCH TO COMMUNITY

On June 13, COE partnered with the CU Multidisciplinary Center on Aging to bring a Research Roadshow to Pueblo. The event featured 18 research teams from CU and partner campuses, all working on studies related to cancer and healthy aging.

Community members had the chance to learn about current research, like a study exploring how exercise can reduce fatigue in rural cancer survivors, and another examining how heavy metals in Pueblo’s soil may lead to cancer.

The goal of the Roadshow is to connect researchers and community members: researchers share their work and look for participants, while residents learn about ongoing studies and how they can get involved. By participating in research, community members help ensure that findings are applicable to everyone.

The Roadshow will travel next to Greeley on August 15 and Steamboat Springs in October--we hope to see you there!

LEARN ABOUT CANCER DAY EDUCATING YOUTH ABOUT CANCER

Learn About Cancer Day was a resounding success! COE was thrilled to participate in this important event on April 18, held at the Elliman Conference Center on campus.

Our interactive station focused on sun protection and skin cancer, where we had the pleasure of engaging with six groups of enthusiastic high school students. It was inspiring to see their curiosity and active participation in the hands-on activities, especially using the Sunface app to visualize the effects of sun exposure.

Tatiana Gerena talks to high school students about cancer risk at the CU Cancer Center’s Learn About Cancer Day.

Many students expressed an interest in healthcare and research careers, and their motivation was truly energizing. We were also happy to provide UV-sensitive keychains and sunscreen to each student, reinforcing the importance of sun safety. It was a privilege to be a part of their learning journey, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these bright young minds will have on the world.