MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, Minn. – Familial cancer, cancer myths and genetics and cancer will be the topics discussed at the spring 2005 Cancer U: Ask The Experts series sponsored by the Masonic Cancer Center.

The free community education series is an opportunity to talk with University cancer doctors, researchers, nurses and counselor about cancer prevention, detection, treatment and research. The programs in the series will include:

•  April 2: Familial Cancer – what it means and when should a family talk with a counselor about their risks will be discussed by Patrick Gaffney, M.D., medical oncologist and familial cancer researcher, and Mary Ahrens, genetic counselor.

•  April 16: Cancer Myths – the facts and myths about cancer will be sorted out by Melissa Geller, M.D., gynecologist oncologist; Kristin Anderson, Ph.D., epidemiology researcher; and Ruth Bachman, survivor.

•  May 14: Genetics and Cancer – the role genetics play in cancer will be explained by David Largaespada, Ph.D., cancer genetics researcher, and Paul Orchard, M.D., hematologist and bone marrow transplantation specialist.

Each program will be held from 9-11 a.m. in Room 450 at The Masonic Cancer Center, 425 East River Road, East bank campus, Minneapolis.

There is no cost, but pre-registration is requested by calling

1-612-624-2620 or 1-888-CANCER MN.

To learn more about the program and to download a flier, click here (PDF)

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Media Contact: Mary Lawson, Public Relations Director, Masonic Cancer Center, 612-624-6165, 612-363-6971 (cell), mlawson@umn.edu.