CINJ experts available for discussion on cancer

April marks National Cancer Control Month, which focuses on the importance of prevention, treatment and research in the fight against cancer. The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) is making experts available to discuss varied topics relating to these areas, including a vaccine strategy for pancreatic cancer, which aims to harness the body's own immune system through direct tumor injection; a comprehensive overview of genetic testing and counseling; the benefits of early detection through cancer screening; and how to make nutritional lifestyle changes aimed at cancer prevention. CINJ is a Center of Excellence of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

CINJ experts available for comment include:

Edmund Lattime, PhD, is the deputy director and associate director for education and training at CINJ. Dr. Lattime, who is also a professor of surgery at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, is currently leading research that investigates the possible treatment of pancreatic cancer through vaccine therapy and can discuss the recent advances in the development of cancer vaccinations in general.

Hetal Vig, MS, CGC, is a certified genetic counselor, who provides services through CINJ's Hereditary Oncology Prevention and Evaluation - or HOPE - program, which offers genetic counseling and risk assessment. For those with cancer in their family history, genetic counseling is one option they can consider which may allow them to better weigh their risks and options. Ms. Vig helps individuals navigate through this process.

David A. August, MD, is the chief of surgical oncology at CINJ and a professor of surgery at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. August is also the co-director of CINJ's Gastrointestinal/Hepatobiliary Oncology Program, which is a multidisciplinary clinical and scientific program that provides comprehensive services to patients with pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions involving the gastrointestinal organs. He can discuss the importance of early detection of cancer through screening.

Kristin Waldron, RD, is a registered dietitian at CINJ who is able to comment on the importance of nutrition while dealing with cancer. She works with cancer patients on developing a proper diet to complement their treatment regimen to help avoid common side effects such as nausea. She also works with patients who have completed treatment to develop a diet that would help prevent a recurrence of cancer. Ms. Waldron also can discuss the role nutrition plays in the overall prevention of cancer.

Source Cancer Institute of New Jersey