Add science to your summer with STEM Cafe's 'Combating Cancer in the 21st Century'

Why have we not cured the diseases we call cancer after decades of intensive research? How much progress have we made? What is "precision" or "personalized" medicine, and how does it apply to the underpinnings of cancer biology?

These are just a few of the questions that will be addressed by Dr. Barrie Bode at the next NIU STEM Café, an encore presentation of "Combating Cancer in the 21st Century: Where Are We in the Fight Against Cancer." The talk will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 30 at Fireside Grille, 49 Sugar Lane in Sugar Grove.

"I would like to convey the complexity of the collection of diseases termed 'cancer' to the public," Bode says. "People may be surprised to learn that cancer is not a single disease, and that the historical concept of 'curing' all cancers is yielding instead to a management mindset by clinicians and cancer biologists."

Bode, chair of the NIU Department of Biological Sciences, has extensive experience with the complex nature of cancer biology and therapeutics because of his work researching cancer and teaching biochemistry, molecular biology and physiology. In 1990s, he helped set up and run the Surgical Oncology Research Laboratories at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School.

Since 1997, his research on the nutrient transporters in driving the growth of cancers has been funded by the National Cancer Institute. The importance of continued funding in all areas of cancer research will be another issue addressed by Bode.

"Federal funding has not kept pace given the budget challenges we face. The national cancer research budget is 1 percent of the national defense budget. We really need an honest conversation as a nation about how we will support progress in this area moving forward."

Guests are invited to join in the discussion and bring questions for Bode.

NIU's monthly STEM Cafés are one of many programs offered through NIU STEM Outreach, part of the Center for P-20 Engagement. In addition to STEM Outreach programs and events, the P-20 Center has developed the STEM Read, Economic Education and SmartSpace@NIU programs, which aim to engage the community in lifelong learning.

The next topics will be "Science of Music" on July 23 at The House Cafe in DeKalb; "Stargazing" on Aug. 12 at Bliss Creek Golf Course in Sugar Grove; and "Breakfast with the Buffalo" on Aug. 29 at Nachusa Grasslands in Oregon, Ill.

STEM Cafés are free and open to the public. Food and drinks are available for purchase from Fireside Grille. For more information, call (815) 753-4751 or email jdymond@niu.edu.