Each May, we recognize National Cancer Research Month, a time to reflect on the critical role research plays in improving cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship.

At the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, research is central to our mission. It fuels everything from groundbreaking therapies to better screening strategies, all aimed at one goal: reducing the burden of cancer in the communities we serve and beyond.

This month, we’re celebrating the progress made and looking toward what’s possible. On May 10, nearly 150 researchers, clinicians, staff, and trainees gathered for our fourth annual Cancer Research Retreat. The event reaffirmed our Cancer Center’s focus on three research priority areas: tobacco-related cancers, hormone-related cancers, and hematologic malignancies chosen for their relevance and impact across our region, along with our research strengths.

The retreat featured nearly 20 scientific presentations and 67 research posters, sparking new conversations and collaborations that will shape the future of cancer research. Attendees shared studies ranging from early lab discoveries to real-world clinical applications, underscoring our commitment to innovation, teamwork, and translational science.

But research doesn’t happen in isolation. Our Community Outreach and Engagement team works year-round to assess the cancer burden across our 10-county catchment area spanning southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southeast Indiana. These findings guide our research efforts and ensure they address the real needs of the populations we serve, from increasing screening rates to closing care gaps. In turn, we bring research insights back to the community through education, outreach, and collaboration.

With over 280 members from 33 UC departments and 10 colleges, and in partnership with Cincinnati Children’s and UC Health, the Cancer Center supports a collaborative and cross-disciplinary research environment. Our members lead cutting-edge studies in immunotherapy, early detection, disparities research, and more, contributing to a 12.7% increase in peer-reviewed funding and a 9% growth in interventional treatment trial accrual over the past year.

This National Cancer Research Month, we recognize and celebrate the passion of our research community. Their work is not only shaping the future of cancer care but also offering hope to everyone impacted by cancer today and for generations to come.