Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center

10/17/2025

As a teacher, Indira Engel understands the power of learning, and she brought that same dedication to her own healthcare journey. Diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2009, she actively participated in her treatment, translating conversations for her family members and taking notes to stay fully engaged. Seeking the best possible outcome and determined to make a difference, she chose to take part in a clinical trial.

Nearly 16 years later, Indira is a Clinical Trials Community Scientist at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, where she advocates for culturally appropriate communication and empowers patients to take an active role in their care at every stage of the cancer journey.

10/14/2025

Your health matters! Dr. Janelle-Cheri Millen is a surgical oncologist and an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, reminds us: regular breast cancer screenings save lives.

Most women diagnosed with breast cancer can be successfully treated, especially when caught early. Regular screenings are simple yet powerful—don’t wait. Talk to your doctor and schedule your screening today.

10/13/2025

Cancer is a leading health concern in Native communities, but detecting it early can result in better treatment outcomes and save lives. It’s important that we work together to build healthier communities. Please visit us or help spread the word about the upcoming One-Stop Cancer Shop screening event—a community collaborative event designed to make it easier for the communities and families to get screened, stay informed about cancer risks, and take proactive steps toward better health. bit.ly/register-here-one-stop-cancer-shop

10/08/2025

Are you keeping up with your breast cancer screenings? Annual screenings are recommended for all women starting at age 40—or earlier if you are at higher risk. Think of it as a way to care for yourself and your future, as early detection can make it easier to treat and recover from. Take a moment for yourself: Talk to your doctor if you are due or behind on your screening.

Visit our website to learn more: https://go.unmc.edu/breast-cancer

10/03/2025

Celebrating support for cancer research. Last night, the American Cancer Society (ACS) Meet a Researcher Night 2025, hosted in collaboration with the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, brought together a remarkable group of donors, advocates, and cancer researchers.

This event highlighted the critical role that philanthropy and grant funding play in advancing cancer research. For researchers, especially early-stage investigators, having access to dedicated resources and funding support can make all the difference in turning innovative ideas into impactful discoveries.

We are incredibly grateful for the generous support from ACS, whose contributions empower the researchers to pursue the transformative science and push the boundaries of what’s possible in cancer research.

10/01/2025

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we honor the courage and strength of every woman. We know you spend so much of your time caring for your family, friends and community, but taking care of yourself is just as important.

Women over 40, or those at higher risk, should talk to their doctor about screening for breast cancer. Regular screenings can help detect breast cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. Caring for your health means you can continue caring for the people who need you most. Visit our website to learn more: https://go.unmc.edu/breast-cancer

09/30/2025

🌟 Building Tomorrow's Cancer Research Leaders 🌟

We're proud to be a part of the Upper Midwest Emerging Scholars Exchange Program and the incredible early-career research it's empowering!

Jingjing Sun, PhD's story perfectly captures why this program matters: "The Upper Midwest Emerging Scholars Exchange Program completely transformed my opportunities."

This regional initiative connects rising cancer researchers across the Upper Midwest, fostering collaborations that accelerate breakthrough discoveries. By giving early-career faculty a platform to showcase their work and build meaningful connections, we're strengthening the entire cancer research ecosystem.

Later this year, Sandipan Brahma, PhD and Grinu Mathew, PhD from the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center will visit the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center and UW Health l Carbone Cancer Center, respectively. We will also welcome Ting Fu, PhD from UW Health l Carbone Cancer Center and Stefani Thomas, PhD from the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota to UNMC for seminars and collaboration opportunities.

Every connection made through this program brings us closer to life-saving treatments and cures. Together, we're building a vibrant community of cancer researchers united by fresh ideas and shared ambition.

Read the feature article here: https://www.unmc.edu/newsroom/2025/09/30/upper-midwest-emerging-scholars/

In the high-stakes world of cancer research, where every breakthrough can save lives, early-stage investigators often struggle to find their footing. When

09/27/2025

What an amazing day with the community! 💙The One Stop Cancer Shop kicked off its first cancer screening event of the year. Dr. Joann Sweasy, Director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, joined the event today to connect directly with community members.
Providing screenings, education, and resources all in one place—this collaboration between UNMC College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center - UNMC, Nebraska Medicine, local community partners, and the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center shows the power of community collaboration in cancer prevention.

Missed it this time? No worries! The next One Stop Cancer Shop is coming up on Saturday, November 1, at the Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition. Don’t miss your chance to get your screenings up-to-date.

For more details, visit: https://www.1stopcancerneb.com/

09/26/2025

Prostate cancer can often be detected early, even with few or no noticeable symptoms. While some signs to watch for include difficulty urinating, frequent urination (especially at night), blood in urine or semen, or discomfort in the lower back, hips, or pelvis, many men may not experience any symptoms. That’s why timely screening is so important. Talk with your doctor to decide which screening test is best for you.

09/24/2025

Today is World Cancer Research Day! 🧑‍🔬

This year's theme, "Cancer research needs us all," reminds us that every breakthrough is truly a team effort. We're honored to serve as Nebraska's only NCI-designated cancer center, and with more than 40 years in this fight, we have seen firsthand how powerful it is when researchers, clinicians, patients, families, and community organizations work together.

Our research teams are tackling some of cancer's greatest challenges – from pioneering bone marrow transplantation to improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pancreatic, breast, lung, and prostate cancers. Having researchers and doctors work side by side in our facility means discoveries move from the lab to patient care more quickly.

Whether we are training the next generation of scientists through our graduate program, conducting cancer education and screening activities in our community, or advancing novel treatments, we are driven by one belief: research should benefit everyone, and no Nebraskan should face cancer alone.

Thank you to everyone who supports cancer research in our community!