February 2005

Can genes help prevent cancer – or increase your risk?

NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers Science Writers' Seminar in Los Angeles

What: National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers Science Writers' Seminar Series in Los Angeles:
Knowledge about cancer genetics is rapidly expanding, with implications for all aspects of cancer management, including prevention, screening, and treatment. Please join us for an in-depth look at the latest scientific discoveries about cancer and your genes. The seminar will provide perspective on timely issues such as genetic counseling and related ethical issues, risk of cancer due to one's genetic makeup, and the latest gene tests for early detection of cancer.

Who: Peter Laird, Ph.D. (USC Norris) – DNA-based Early Detection of Cancer
Steve Libutti, M.D. (NCI) – The Latest on Gene Tests for Thyroid Cancer
Mark Pegram, M.D. (UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center) – Molecularly Targeted Therapies
Dennis Deapen, Ph.D. (USC Norris) – Genetics & Cancer Risk in Ethnic Populations
Joyce Seldon, M.S. (UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center) – Hereditary Cancers
Jeffery Weitzel, M.D. (City of Hope) – Ethics and Cancer Genetics and Counseling

When: Wednesday, February 23, 2005, from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Join us for talks that will begin at 11a.m., followed by lunch served at noon. Additional talks and a Q&A session will conclude at 1:30 p.m.

Where: USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, Calif.
1441 Eastlake Ave. (corner of Eastlake Ave. and Biggy St.)
USC Norris can be accessed via I-5, I-10 and the 101 (Hollywood Freeway). For directions, please go to http://www.usc.edu/about/visit/hsc/driving/. Free valet parking will be available.

For those outside of the L.A. area who cannot attend in person, an archived version of the seminar will be available at http://videocast.nih.gov/PastEvents.asp on Friday, February 25, 2005.

How: To register for the press briefing, please contact Dorie Hightower or Ann Benner in the NCI Press Office at (301) 496-6641 or at [email protected].