News Release

December 19, 2005

Contact: Carolyn Pennington, 860-679-4864
e-mail: cpennington@uchc.edu

Oncologist to Address Issues of Age & Cancer Treatment

FARMINGTON, CONN. – Nationally known geriatric oncologist, Lodovico Balducci, M.D., will speak at the University of Connecticut Health Center on January 4 and 5. Dr. Balducci, a professor of Oncology and Medicine at the University of South Florida College of Medicine, will explore the impact of aging on class and culture; the medical and social challenges of the aging population; and a perception of aging as an asset rather than a liability.

Dr. Balducci will be presenting two lectures:

Reaping the Fruits of a Lifetime on Wednesday, January 4, from 6 to 7 p.m. in Keller Auditorium.

Aging and Spirituality on Thursday, January 5, from 12 to 1 p.m. in the Onyiuke Dining Room.

Dr. Balducci’s work encompasses the importance of removing prejudices and misconceptions that prevent older individuals from receiving the most up-to-date care in the management of cancer. He has outlined a number of challenges that lie ahead, including the identification of the biological interaction of cancer and the aging process.

Along with his duties at the University of South Florida, Dr. Balducci is also the program leader of the Senior Adult Oncology Program at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa. He is active in a number of national organizations including the American Society of Clinical Oncology where he serves on the Task Force on Aging.

Registration is required for both programs by calling 860-679-4900. The programs are free and open to the public.

The presentations are sponsored by the Celebrate Aging program at the UConn Health Center, a free membership program for men and women, age 40 and older, designed to address the many issues of aging in a positive way. Other sponsors include the Health Center’s Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center and Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals.

The University of Connecticut Health Center includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, John Dempsey Hospital, the UConn Medical Group and University Dentists. Founded in 1961, the Health Center pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. To learn more about the UConn Health Center, visit our website at www.uchc.edu.

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