The University of Kansas Cancer Center

03/12/2026

For the Dunn family, giving has always been personal. Inspired by their own experiences with cancer, their newest gift, called a Garden of Hope, will be a beautiful green space at The University of Kansas Cancer Center’s new cancer center facility where patients, caregivers and family members can find moments of peace amid difficult days.

Learn more ➔

A generous contribution will help patients and families find comfort at our new facility.

03/11/2026

Sickle cell disease is curable. Thanks to "gene editing," Ian Wilhite said goodbye to the disease.

(Footage courtesy of Ian Wilhite)

03/10/2026

We’re proud to share that John Thyfault, PhD, a member of The University of Kansas Cancer Center's Obesity, Metabolic Health and Cancer Research Program, has been named KU’s winner of the 2025-2026 Big 12 Faculty of the Year Awards. His work explores how exercise and metabolic health influence chronic disease, advancing our understanding of how lifestyle factors shape long‑term health outcomes.

John Thyfault’s curiosity led him from the gridiron to a career in research at KU, where he drills down to the cellular level to understand how exercise affects disease.

03/09/2026

If you or someone you know has muscle invasive bladder cancer and cisplatin isn’t an option, a clinical trial at The University of Kansas Cancer Center may be available. This study is testing a new approach before surgery. Details here: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06493370

03/09/2026

Kristen Hatfield credits watching a Morning Medical Update with prompting a self-check that led to an early breast cancer diagnosis.

03/08/2026

Happy International Women's Day! Today and every day, let's celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of women around the world. Here's to breaking barriers, shattering glass ceilings, and empowering future generations of women.

03/06/2026

📅 It's Dress in Blue Day! 💙

Today, we're raising awareness for colorectal cancer by sporting our favorite shades of blue. Early detection saves lives, and together, we can fight this disease. Remember to get screened and encourage your loved ones to do the same.

Share a photo of your blue outfit and tag your friends to spread the word!

03/06/2026

Kathy Kirby shares how a routine trip, a delayed surgery and a second opinion led her to beat stage 3 colon cancer—and why listening to your body matters.

03/05/2026

Obesity is one of the most significant — and preventable — risk factors for cancer, linked to 13 cancer types and poorer outcomes after diagnosis. Nearly 70% of people in KU Cancer Center’s region are overweight or have obesity, making this a critical priority for our community.

In 2025, we hosted our first Obesity, Metabolism and Cancer Conference, bringing together researchers, clinicians and community partners to explore how metabolic health impacts cancer risk, treatment and survivorship. Across our center, teams are advancing research from the lab to community-based prevention programs.

Learn how we’re tackling the cancer–obesity connection ➔ https://bit.ly/4tUsZHR

Nearly 70% of people in our region have obesity or are overweight.

03/04/2026

At The University of Kansas Cancer Center, survival is more than an outcome, it’s a milestone in a lifelong journey. That’s why we launched the Center for Survivorship and Patient-Oriented Research in 2024 — to help patients move beyond treatment and thrive with the best possible quality of life. Guided by the belief that patients come first and care should be accessible to all, the center is already advancing innovative research and patient-centered support.

Learn how we’re redefining survivorship ➔

Program helps patients achieve the best quality of life after treatment.

03/04/2026

Community support continues to drive meaningful progress in ovarian cancer research. We’re grateful to the OVERRUN Ovarian Cancer Foundation for supporting Dr. Andrew Godwin’s ovarian cancer research at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. This year’s $100,000 gift from their annual 5K run/walk will establish a new OVERRUN postdoctoral fellowship, expanding opportunities for emerging scientists dedicated to preventing, detecting and treating ovarian cancer.

03/02/2026

A volunteer opportunity turned into a calling.

When Levi Arnold, PhD, first stepped into a KU Cancer Center lab in 2015, he was building his resume for medical school. With mentorship and support, that experience led to a master’s degree, a PhD studying how to stop tumor spread — and in 2025, the start of medical school.

His journey reflects KU Cancer Center’s commitment to developing the next generation of cancer researchers and physicians.

Learn more about this inspiring path from rural Kansas to medicine ➔

Researcher Levi Arnold reflects on his journey to medical school.