Engage with Experts at Karmanos' Community Conversations on Cancer 2026
The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute's Office of Community Outreach and Engagement is excited to present the 2026 Community Conversations on Cancer series, in collaboration with the Detroit Public Library. This initiative aims to enhance public understanding of cancer through informative discussions, engaging both local residents and those from across Michigan. The sessions, which occur both in-person at the Main Branch of the Detroit Public Library and virtually via Zoom, are set to run from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
This year's series will begin on March 18 with a session focusing on colorectal cancer, followed by an examination of implicit bias in health care on April 22, and culminating with a discussion on multiple myeloma on June 17. Dr. Hayley Thompson, who is the associate center director for Community Outreach and Engagement and a professor of oncology at Wayne State University, highlighted that last year’s sessions yielded an impressive average attendance of 80 participants. She expressed her anticipation for this year's events, emphasizing the importance of knowing ongoing studies, available treatments, and the crucial dialogues between patients, healthcare providers, and the community.
The first session, titled "The Road Ahead - Understanding a Colon Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment," will be led by Dr. Anthony Shields, who will discuss the procedures following a colon cancer diagnosis and the most effective treatment options available. Highlights of Dr. Shields’ presentation will include the significance of screening, the factors influencing colon cancer risks, and the extensive variety of treatment possibilities, including cutting-edge therapies emerging from clinical trials.
Following this, on April 22, Dr. Lauren Hamel will investigate how implicit bias can affect clinical communication in her session titled "Unintentional Harm - How Provider Implicit Bias Can Influence Clinical Communication and Related Outcomes." With wealth of knowledge in population studies, Dr. Hamel will present research findings, detailing the negative consequences of bias on patient care, especially for historically underserved groups. She aims to provide attendees with strategies to counteract these biases and foster better outcomes for patients.
The last seminar in the series will take place on June 17, led by Dr. Craig Cole alongside Dr. Lara Sucheston-Campbell, who will address understanding a multiple myeloma diagnosis. This session will delve into treatment options and genetic counseling and will equip attendees with current research insights.
The Detroit Public Library plays a crucial role in this initiative by providing a trusted space for community members to learn more about cancer. Kalana Gates, manager of Business, Science, and Technology at the library, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the library’s mission to deliver high-quality educational resources to enhance personal growth and community health.
Advance registration is essential for both in-person and virtual attendance at all sessions. For those interested, registration information can be found in the Upcoming Events section on the Karmanos website, or by contacting their office directly. Sessions will also be interactive, allowing attendees to engage with specialists and gain vital knowledge regarding cancer prevention and treatment pathways.
The Karmanos Cancer Institute has over 75 years of experience as a leader in transformative cancer care and research. Affiliated with McLaren Health Care, it is the largest cancer care provider of its kind in Michigan and has earned a comprehensive cancer center designation from the National Cancer Institute. Together with local institutions like the Detroit Public Library, Karmanos is committed to enhancing community health and raising awareness about cancer.
This year's series will begin on March 18 with a session focusing on colorectal cancer, followed by an examination of implicit bias in health care on April 22, and culminating with a discussion on multiple myeloma on June 17. Dr. Hayley Thompson, who is the associate center director for Community Outreach and Engagement and a professor of oncology at Wayne State University, highlighted that last year’s sessions yielded an impressive average attendance of 80 participants. She expressed her anticipation for this year's events, emphasizing the importance of knowing ongoing studies, available treatments, and the crucial dialogues between patients, healthcare providers, and the community.
The first session, titled "The Road Ahead - Understanding a Colon Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment," will be led by Dr. Anthony Shields, who will discuss the procedures following a colon cancer diagnosis and the most effective treatment options available. Highlights of Dr. Shields’ presentation will include the significance of screening, the factors influencing colon cancer risks, and the extensive variety of treatment possibilities, including cutting-edge therapies emerging from clinical trials.
Following this, on April 22, Dr. Lauren Hamel will investigate how implicit bias can affect clinical communication in her session titled "Unintentional Harm - How Provider Implicit Bias Can Influence Clinical Communication and Related Outcomes." With wealth of knowledge in population studies, Dr. Hamel will present research findings, detailing the negative consequences of bias on patient care, especially for historically underserved groups. She aims to provide attendees with strategies to counteract these biases and foster better outcomes for patients.
The last seminar in the series will take place on June 17, led by Dr. Craig Cole alongside Dr. Lara Sucheston-Campbell, who will address understanding a multiple myeloma diagnosis. This session will delve into treatment options and genetic counseling and will equip attendees with current research insights.
The Detroit Public Library plays a crucial role in this initiative by providing a trusted space for community members to learn more about cancer. Kalana Gates, manager of Business, Science, and Technology at the library, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the library’s mission to deliver high-quality educational resources to enhance personal growth and community health.
Advance registration is essential for both in-person and virtual attendance at all sessions. For those interested, registration information can be found in the Upcoming Events section on the Karmanos website, or by contacting their office directly. Sessions will also be interactive, allowing attendees to engage with specialists and gain vital knowledge regarding cancer prevention and treatment pathways.
The Karmanos Cancer Institute has over 75 years of experience as a leader in transformative cancer care and research. Affiliated with McLaren Health Care, it is the largest cancer care provider of its kind in Michigan and has earned a comprehensive cancer center designation from the National Cancer Institute. Together with local institutions like the Detroit Public Library, Karmanos is committed to enhancing community health and raising awareness about cancer.
Topics Health）
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