When the center was founded, in 1898 by Dr. Roswell Park, it was with the belief that bringing together scientists and researchers of different backgrounds and specialties could be essential in finding new tools and treatments in the fight against cancer.
You didn’t expect to be outdoors all day but were caught unprepared and without sunscreen. Now you have a blistering red burn. Is there anything you can do to reverse the UV radiation damage to your skin that can potentially lead to cancer?
Headaches are a very common ailment that most of the time are not a sign of something more serious. A lack of sleep, loud noise, brightness, even changing weather can cause a headache that, for the most part, can be cured with some rest or over-the-counter medicine.
When radiation therapy is delivered from outside the body, it travels through the skin to the tumor, damaging healthy skin cells along the way. This can lead to radiation dermatitis (irritated skin), which can last several weeks after treatment ends.
What if doctors were able to identify, with a simple blood test, when a patient’s cancer was starting to make a return? Or that a person’s disease was so well treated it would not return?
“There are no limits to the career opportunities here. Someone can start as an aid, wherever they want to start, and go anywhere. You can always advance. There’s always another step ahead of you that you can reach for if you want. People will support you.”
For young adults who are being treated at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Young Adult team is standing by, ready to provide support and guidance through a tumultuous time.
“I’ve always wanted to do something like this but I never had the right idea,” she says. “Getting back into art is amazing and helpful. I always wanted to help people.”