Cancer Outreach Across Mayo Clinic: November Impact

Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) team joins hands with communities across Arizona, Florida, and the Midwest to drive forward the mission of cancer education and prevention. Check out our latest updates in cancer outreach:

Community Collaboration and Prevention Efforts

Faith Missionary Baptist Church and Vessels of Possibility welcomed more than 115 community members to the fourth annual B.R.A.C.E.D to Fight Cancer event. The COE team played a key role by coordinating medical experts who presented on gastrointestinal, colorectal, breast, and other cancer topics. Attendees received vital information on prostate cancer, general screening guidelines, and learned about opportunities such as the Community Research Registry. By connecting participants with ongoing COE initiatives, the event strengthened the community’s capacity to fight cancer together.

The Winona Family YMCA became a hub for local leaders, advocates, and survivors during the Cancer Prevention Community Forum. Hosted by Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center and community collaborators, the event highlighted expert insights on cancer screening and prevention. Innovative programs like Cooking Matters and Pool Cool were introduced, and the launch of the Changemaker Retreat, a two-day leadership experience designed to empower community members to launch their own cancer prevention projects. This forum is a shining example of grassroots partnership, education, and culturally tailored outreach.

Screening and Education Events

In collaboration with Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Cancer Matters, Arizona Complete Health, and the Coalition of Blacks Against Cancer, our team supported a large-scale prostate cancer screening event. Over 101 men received free screenings, and the COE team provided cancer education materials, promoted research opportunities, and connected attendees with essential COE programs and resources. The event exemplified how shared commitment leads to lasting health impact.

In La Crosse, Wisconsin, the COE team hosted “The Genetic Clues of Cancer: From Early Detection to Precision Therapy.” Niloy Jewel Samadder, M.D. explained genomics for 150 attendees, showing how genetic insights are revolutionizing cancer understanding and treatment. The event fostered awareness about the power of early detection and precision therapy, connecting community members to cutting-edge research and resources.

Advocacy and Community Empowerment

Empowered by cancer advocacy training, Florida Cancer Advocates have been making waves throughout the region. Since September, ten advocates have participated in fourteen outreach events across Duval, Clay, Volusia, and Brevard counties. By sharing personal health journeys and providing education on breast, prostate, and uterine cancer, they’ve reached more than 200 individuals—underscoring the value of clinical trial participation and research engagement. Notably, C. Kimbrough’s “Pink Sunday” event spotlighted breast cancer awareness, while L. Melvin, an advocate and member of the Uterine Health Ambassador Board, offered ongoing support and feedback to researchers. Their dedication and lived experiences are instrumental in building trust and reducing the cancer burden for Florida communities.

The third annual Transforming Community and Rural Healthcare Symposium convened multidisciplinary leaders to discuss innovations shaping rural health. The COE team facilitated interactive sessions, shared the value of Community Engagement Studios, and introduced resources focused on rural wellbeing and community-engaged research. Attendees left equipped with practical strategies to improve health outcomes where they matter most.

Looking Ahead

From local church gatherings to community collaboration, these stories reflect the importance of building trust, fostering education, and empowering communities to reduce the burden of cancer. We thank every advocate, collaborator, and participant for their dedication and look forward to another year of collaboration and impact.