News Summary
The Moffitt Cancer Center recently conducted its second free cancer screening clinic in St. Petersburg, focusing on early detection of various cancers. Sponsored by the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, community partners contributed to this important event. Medical professionals emphasized the impact of early detection on treatment success rates. Unfortunately, Moffitt is currently facing funding challenges as budget negotiations continue in the Florida Legislature, which may affect future cancer research and treatment initiatives.
St. Petersburg, Florida – The Moffitt Cancer Center has successfully conducted a free cancer screening clinic in St. Petersburg, marking its second such event in just six months. Sponsored by the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, this outreach initiative saw participation from several community partners, including the Tampa Bay Community Cancer Network and the Child’s Park Neighborhood Association.
The screenings, which were carried out by experts from Moffitt’s Cutaneous Oncology Department (commonly referred to as the Mole Patrol) and The Head and Neck Endocrine Oncology Department, primarily focused on detecting neck, head, and skin cancers. Medical professionals highlighted the critical nature of early detection, emphasizing that it significantly increases the chances of effective treatment for various types of cancer.
Among those participating was Daniela Suarez, who took advantage of the free services to undergo both a skin cancer screening and a 3D mammogram. She underscored the importance of being vigilant about one’s health, recognizing the links between physical and mental well-being. Statistics reveal that about 1 in 8 women will encounter breast cancer in their lifetime, while lung cancer remains the deadliest cancer in the United States.
In addition to the screening clinic, Moffitt Cancer Center is currently facing challenges concerning its funding initiatives amid ongoing budget negotiations in the Florida Legislature. A bipartisan funding plan seeking to digitize cancer pathology at Moffitt may be impacted as the Legislature convened to deliberate on the state’s 2025-26 spending plan. The Senate has proposed granting $4.4 million for enhancing Moffitt’s diagnostic and operational capabilities; however, Senators Darryl Rouson and Representative Adam Anderson had initially requested $8.712 million specifically for this digital implementation.
The funding aims to modernize Moffitt’s cancer pathology services by incorporating advanced technologies for better diagnostics and patient care. This includes procuring state-of-the-art scanning systems, integrating new software, and hiring additional personnel. Moffitt has engaged with technology companies such as NVIDIA, Oracle, and Deloitte to support this ambitious initiative.
Moffitt Cancer Center is widely recognized for its contributions to cancer research and treatment, ranking as the 27th best cancer hospital in the nation and the second best in Florida according to U.S. News & World Report. The institution has also recently appointed Josh Carpenter as the president of SPEROS FL, its global innovation campus. Carpenter, who holds a doctorate in political economy from the University of Oxford and is a Rhodes Scholar, previously served as CEO of Southern Research, focusing on drug discovery and enhancing access to clinical trials.
SPEROS FL aims to advance cancer prevention and treatment through collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, including scientists, healthcare providers, and industry partners. As Moffitt continues to push the boundaries of cancer research and treatment, events like the free screening clinic play a crucial role in community outreach and early detection efforts. Through their ongoing initiatives, Moffitt remains committed to reducing the burden of cancer in Florida and beyond.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- NY1: Moffitt Cancer Center Provides Free Cancer Screenings
- Wikipedia: Cancer
- Florida Politics: Funding for Moffitt Cancer Center at Risk
- Google Search: Moffitt Cancer Center Florida
- TBBusiness: Moffitt Cancer Center Names President Speros
- Google Scholar: Cancer Screening Early Detection
- St. Pete Catalyst: Council Approves Redevelopment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mammography
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
