Come celebrate 50 years of cancer discovery with us

UW Carbone is partnering with UW’s Science Expeditions to highlight the cutting-edge cancer research being done here in Madison, raise awareness of new cancer trends and prevention, and encourage kids to dream of careers in science with hands-on activities and lab tours.

This free event welcomes children and adults from 12-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, at the Health Sciences Learning Center, 750 Highland Ave. The day’s activities tie into several campus-wide activities celebrating the 175th anniversary of UW being founded as Wisconsin’s first public university.

UW Carbone recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, having been established in 1973 as one of the first National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the U.S. We’re Wisconsin’s only academic research center with this status.

“We are the community’s cancer center, and we want people to feel connected to and proud of the dedicated scientists and health care providers who are committed to saving more lives from cancer,” said UW Carbone Director Dr. Howard Bailey. “A key part of our mission is education and outreach, and we are excited to give a firsthand look at how new discoveries are made — ideas tested in the lab all the way to new technology and treatments in the clinic.”

During the Open House, Bailey will lead a panel of experts in answering questions from the public about topics such as new cancer trends, prevention tips, efforts to close health disparities and the most promising areas of research on the horizon.

This panel spans several areas of expertise and includes:

• Dr. Lisa Barroilhet

• Dr. Mark Albertini

• Dr. Robert Hegeman

• Dr. Kaitlyn Kelly

• Dr. Marina Sharifi

• Dr. Sam Lubner

• Dr. Saurabh Rajguru

Albertini will also give a talk highlighting new research and clinical care advancements in treating melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

“Laboratory insights have improved survival and changed the standard of care for metastatic melanoma patients,” Albertini said. “Our roadmap for continued treatment advances is clear: transformative insights in the lab will continue to guide progress in the melanoma clinic. While progress is being made, much more work still needs to be accomplished for patients with metastatic melanoma.”

Dr. Ashley Woodfin, a surgical oncologist, will give an overview of breast cancer surgical treatments that are improving outcomes and quality of life for patients. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in women in the U.S.

In addition to these talks, UW Carbone scientists will provide tours of their lab facilities and explain their work in advancing life-saving medicine. Spark your creativity with hands-on learning stations, get active with yoga classes, and enjoy a live cooking demonstration as well.