The University of New Mexico Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams and the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center are combining forces to remind New Mexicans to get screened for cancer.
In addition to reminding people to get screened, the games are a chance to recognize cancer patients, survivors and their families with a special ceremony during the game. They also are an opportunity to honor those we have lost.
The first chance to show some love for cancer patients and cancer survivors will be Thursday, Feb. 13, when the women host the Boise State Broncos at The Pit.
The men follow suit on Saturday, March 1, when the Air Force Falcons land in Albuquerque.
According to the American Cancer Society, the mortality rate for many types of cancer is declining, but the incidence of cancer is on the rise.
“Early detection is key to fighting cancer, so scheduling screenings is a crucial first step in any cancer treatment,” said Yolanda Sanchez, PhD, Director and CEO of the UNM Cancer Center.
In New Mexico, breast, prostate, lung and colorectal cancers make up the top four diagnosed cancers in the state, according to the American Cancer Society. Zoneddy Dayao, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the UNM Cancer Center, recommends that people talk to their doctors about when to start screening for cancer and which tests are best for them.
Tipoff for the Women’s game is 7 p.m., Feb. 13.
Tipoff for the Men’s game is 12 p.m., March 1.
Please consider wearing purple to show your support for all cancer survivors and patients.
You can find tickets at www.lobos.com
UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center
The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center is the Official Cancer Center of New Mexico and the only National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in a 500-mile radius. Its 136 board-certified oncology specialty physicians include cancer surgeons in every specialty (abdominal, thoracic, bone and soft tissue, neurosurgery, genitourinary, gynecology, and head and neck cancers), adult and pediatric hematologists/medical oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, and radiation oncologists. They, along with more than 600 other cancer healthcare professionals (nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, navigators, psychologists and social workers), provide treatment to 65% of New Mexico’s cancer patients from all across the state. And they partner with community health systems statewide to provide cancer care closer to home. In 2024 they treated more than 15,000 patients in almost 105,000 ambulatory clinic visits in addition to in-patient hospitalizations at UNM Hospital. A total of 2,075 patients participated in cancer clinical trials to study new cancer treatments that include tests of novel cancer prevention strategies and cancer genome sequencing. The more than 123 cancer research scientists affiliated with the UNM Cancer Center were awarded $38.3 million in federal and private grants and contracts for cancer research projects.
Website: unmhealth.org/cancer
UNM Cancer Center Clinic: 505-272-4946
UNM Cancer Center Community and Media Relations: 505-548-0927