Since opening in 2017, the Nebraska Medicine | Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center has been committed to bringing hope and support to Nebraskans by making cancer education and resources, prevention, diagnosis, and patient care accessible across the state. Founded through a partnership between the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine, it’s Nebraska’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center.

“The NCI designation prompted a renewed commitment and organized approach to statewide community outreach,” says Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, PhD, UNMC College of Public Health professor and associate director of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) for the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. “We expanded our statewide presence by building partnerships and strengthening relationships with organizations and communities across Nebraska. This foundation supports deeper, sustainable engagement across all 93 counties.”

Partnering with purpose: Reaching people where they live, work, and gather

The Community Advisory Board (CAB) is a vital link between the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and the communities it serves. 

“We have working groups that focus on different areas,” says Dr. Watanabe-Galloway. “This is to ensure we are actually engaging with various community members to co-create activities and share the results. I’m particularly proud of how we’re getting numerous people involved in creating something together.”

Through meaningful two-way communication, community leaders and stakeholders partner with the COE team to inform cancer prevention, research, and outreach efforts. These partnerships strengthen local relationships and help ensure the work reflects community needs and remains relevant, effective, and impactful.

The COE team brings together people with diverse backgrounds, including a breast surgeon, who listen to community needs and engage community members. Their work helps guide research, provide education on cancer prevention, and connect people with screening, clinical trials, and follow-up care. Their goal is to support earlier detection and better outcomes.

“The COE team has really blossomed in the past five years,” adds Dr. Watanabe-Galloway. “These are passionate people who not only do great work, but also represent their own communities while they do it.”

Through these partnerships, the team delivers care to neighborhoods via health fairs, local events, and trusted community spaces. To date, people have been served across 93 Nebraska counties, including 14 urban, 48 rural, and 31 frontier communities.

Supporting communities through strategic initiatives

“Our commitment to coordinate with existing networks like Nebraska Extension, local health departments, hospitals, and primary care helps us engage with communities throughout Nebraska,” says Dr. Watanabe-Galloway. “For example, our community scientist initiative works with community members, cancer survivors, and caregivers. People can interact with faculty and researchers to advise on research and screening.”

Cancer education

Through in-person events and online programs, participants learn about cancer risk, prevention, and recommended screenings. Community groups and organizations can request speakers for educational sessions.

Navigation and support 

Personalized support is offered to understand cancer risk, determine eligibility for recommended screenings, and connect to services. The team helps schedule screenings, navigate follow-up care and results, and assist people with transportation, interpretive services, and resources.

Cancer screening and prevention services

Services are offered in community settings, including mammograms, colorectal screening (at-home stool kits), low-dose CT scans for lung cancer, PSA blood tests for prostate cancer, and HPV vaccination.

Community research opportunities 

The COE team partners with community members, local organizations, and researchers to help ensure studies are respectful and meaningful. Participation in research is guided by community needs, education and screening initiatives, or clinical trials, helping improve cancer prevention and care for all.

The COE team currently partners with 150 organizations across Nebraska, including:

• Community-based organizations
• Faith-based organizations and places of worship
• Tribal and Indigenous communities and health organizations
• Schools, colleges, and universities
• Local businesses, employers, and chambers of commerce
• Federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, critical access hospitals, and community hospitals
• Sororities and fraternities
• Coalitions and collaborative networks

Looking ahead, Dr. Watanabe-Galloway anticipates building on a strong foundation of coordination and collaboration, and expanding the network of partnerships and events throughout Nebraska.

“What keeps me going as director is knowing that what we do makes a real difference. As a researcher, I know that everyone is affected by cancer. Let’s talk about it openly enough so people aren’t afraid to get screened. We are here to serve you and your community.”