University of Florida Health Cancer Institute

04/15/2026

“This experience is so immersive and the perfect opportunity to really sink your teeth in," said Ryan Athay, a Master of Public Health student in the UF College of Public Health and Health Professions who is participating in our Public Service Internship this year.

Athay has long held an interest in health care access and was eager to put into practice the lessons he learned in the UF classroom. During his yearlong academic internship in the office of US Rep Darren Soto of Florida, Athay has been a trusted member of the congressman’s team, recognized for his health expertise. "I feel like I’m working on my career already,” he said.

Applications for our Public Service Internship are now open for the 2026-27 academic year! We're seeking one University of Florida graduate student to serve as an intern with the Federal Relations team in the university's Washington, D.C. office for a one- or two-semester internship.

The intern will primarily focus on legislative support related to cancer health and/or telehealth. The intern will gain unique exposure to the U.S. government's inner workings in advancing the university's education and research missions. These internships are an integral and vital part of the team charged with proactively supporting the University of Florida's agenda on a national level and ensuring UF is a leading expert voice on important issues.

Learn more and apply today: https://go.ufl.edu/yo9kam5

04/14/2026

"The rapid explosion of precision medicine and targeted therapies gives me immense hope," said Mina Shenouda, M.D. "I want my patients to know that they are the most important members of our treatment team. I treat cancer using the most advanced science and clinical trials available, but I never lose sight of the person sitting across from me."

Shenouda has joined the UF College of Medicine as a clinical associate professor in the Division of Hematology & Oncology, focusing on gastrointestinal oncology.

Read our new physician spotlight to get to know him!

Mina Shenouda, MD, strives to provide personalized, exceptional care to patients with gastrointestinal cancers. He’s advancing treatment options in the field…

04/13/2026

Did you know? Testicular cancer is the most common cancer found in men ages 15 to 44. The average age for a diagnosis is 33. Testicular cancer is highly curable and preventable.

To honor Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, we're encouraging you and your loved ones to stay informed and visit your primary care physician if you notice symptoms. 💜

Learn essential information on testicular cancer, including how to conduct a self-examination: https://go.ufl.edu/pm62jia

04/12/2026

Our team was proud to be part of the national conversation that's moving cancer care forward this weekend at the 2026 Florida Society of Clinical Oncology Spring Congress in Orlando.

The Congress brought together oncology professionals for two days of strategic and clinical insight addressing the evolving realities of cancer care. Our team participated in meaningful conversations about what's happening in oncology practice, what's changing and how to navigate it.

UF Health Cancer Institute member Aline Fares, M.D., who leads our Thoracic Oncology Disease Site Group, was a featured speaker during a session on recognizing and managing toxicities of antibody drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies.

We're honored to be part of such a great organization that's improving patient care for Floridians through innovation and education.

04/09/2026

What you eat matters. Diets high in processed meats and low in fiber are linked to higher colorectal cancer risk.

The good news? Small changes can make a big difference.

Our “Eat Right, Screen Right” study helps you:
- Try healthy recipes
- Set realistic goals
- Understand your personal risk

Join today from your laptop or desktop computer: https://go.ufl.edu/prevent

04/08/2026

Jessica Thornton, 41, has undergone chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation at UF Health's Medical Plaza to treat her stage 4 colorectal cancer. But according to her, she doesn't let these challenging treatments dull her creative spark ✨

"Having a creative outlet, and regular opportunities to create with Arts in Medicine, reminds me that my cancer treatment isn't all I do or all that I am," said Jessica of her art-making practice that she says supports her wellbeing.

Jessica also shared how important it is for people to know her age & diagnosis as an encouragement to get screened, because, she says, "if it's caught early, there is a lot that can be done to help."

04/08/2026

On National Public Health Week, we’re joining the American Public Health Association in spotlighting public health workers who make a difference at the UF Health Cancer Institute.

Our Community Outreach and Engagement team improves our communities every day by connecting patients with the healthcare services they need to thrive. ⭐ A big thank you to all our public health workers and advocates!

04/07/2026

Our Mobile Cancer Screening Connector is reducing barriers to care by bringing vital health care services directly to people in the communities where they live.

The mobile vehicle offers not only 3D mammograms to screen for breast cancer, but a range of other cancer screenings, cancer education and connections to UF research studies. We're making it easier for people to get the care they need, helping everyone live healthy, empowered lives.

Learn more about the Connector in our video below and visit our webpage for the latest news and events: go.ufl.edu/connector

04/06/2026

Congratulations to the nine UF Health Cancer Institute researchers who have been awarded pilot funding! Their innovative cancer research projects aim to advance our understanding of how cancer develops and resists treatment, as well develop novel strategies for preventing cancer and personalizing treatment.

Researchers will unravel cancer biology and disease mechanisms on the cellular and genetic levels, as well as explore novel strategies for drug delivery, cancer prevention and treatment. The projects address several types of prevalent and deadly cancers, including brain, colorectal, lung, pancreatic and pediatric cancers.

The pilot funding was awarded to researchers in all four of our research programs. The new projects are designed to collect preliminary data required to test novel ideas with the goal of creating a foundation for larger studies.

Learn about the research projects: https://go.ufl.edu/trbzk8c

04/03/2026

The look in her eyes and her next words would be etched forever in the mind of Dr. Elias Sayour.  Months earlier, the girl’s right leg was amputated, the best chance to rid her body of cancer. But the cancer came back anyway, this time in her lung.   The young teenager understood exactly what t...

04/02/2026

For Jeremiah McDougal, a research development strategist, the most rewarding part of working for the UF Health Cancer Institute is seeing how the support he provides for faculty and research programs positions researchers for success and impact.

As a member of our Research Development team, every day is different. Sometimes he's sifting through funding opportunities, coordinating mock study and pilot funding reviews, and creating presentations. Other days, you can find him moderating meetings and playing an essential role in Cancer Institute functions.

We're grateful to Jeremiah for his dedication to providing skilled support for researchers across all aspects of research project and publication development.

In our latest staff spotlight, he shares more about his career path, how he continues to learn and grow in the job, what he enjoys doing outside of work and more! Read the spotlight:

Learn more about Jeremiah McDougal, a research development strategist at the UF Health Cancer Institute.

04/01/2026