MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, Minn. (Feb. 7, 2005) — Why are zebrafish used in cancer research? What does cancer look like? How does a surgeon perform a minimally invasive cancer operation?

Twin Cities area residents can get answers to those questions and others about cancer at the fifth annual Cancer and the Human Body event. The University of Minnesota Cancer Center and the Science Museum of Minnesota have partnered to sponsor this informal educational event from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Science Museum, 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul.

"Cancer is now the leading health concern in Minnesota and throughout the United States, and our goal with this event is to provide adults, students, and children with an opportunity to learn more about cancer from people who work with it," says Marva Bohen, outreach education director at the cancer center.

Researchers, physicians, and nurses will staff exhibits and activities, including:

• Showing what normal and cancer cells look like under a microscope
• Providing a quiz about cancer and its risk factors
• Explaining the role of zebrafish in stopping blood vessel development and blocking tumor growth
• Demonstrating how radiation is focused directly on the tumor
• Using mirrors to show how minimally invasive surgery is done

The event cost is included with museum admission of $8.50 for adults and $6.50 for children and seniors. For more information, call the University of Minnesota Cancer Center at 612-625-4441.

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