Newswise — The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center returns March 7 to Sarasota, Fla., for the institution’s annual Making Cancer History® seminar at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Blvd. of the Arts. The patient-focused educational event includes presentations by leading oncologists and a question-and-answer session allowing audience members to ask about cancer-related topics.

The event opens at 8:30 a.m. with a breakfast buffet. Presentations begin at 9 a.m., featuring:

Thomas Burke, M.D., executive vice president for MD Anderson Cancer Network, professor in Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine• Kelly Hunt, M.D., professor in Surgical Oncology and chief, Breast Surgical Oncology Section

In addition, Bradenton, Fla. resident Alan Holtzman, a survivor of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and merkel cell carcinoma, will offer remarks on his experience as a patient at MD Anderson.

Admission is $20 per person, with limited seating. Registration is available at 866-262-9029 (press 5) or at [email protected].

Making Cancer History® for patients in Florida and beyond

Since 1944, almost a million people have registered as MD Anderson patients, including more than 26,000 people from Florida. In Fiscal Year 2014 (Sept. 1, 2013-Aug. 31, 2014) more than 1,300 new patients sought diagnostic, treatment or prevention services at MD Anderson in Houston. Currently, more than 560 physicians in Florida refer patients to the institution.

MD Anderson advances its mission to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation and the world through a number of local, national and international affiliations. For example, the institution is a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, which includes the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa and other leading cancer centers across the nation. Pensacola’s Sacred Heart Health System is a certified member of MD Anderson Cancer Network®. Certified members have direct access to MD Anderson faculty’s expertise, education and training, including protocols and best practices, treatment regimens and multidisciplinary treatment planning conferences. Approved medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons at member sites use MD Anderson evidence-based treatment guidelines to plan and deliver cancer care to patients. This allows patients to stay in their area while receiving the most advanced cancer treatments.