Every year, more than 2 million people in the United States receive a new cancer diagnosis.
Scientists at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology are dedicated to tackling the toughest challenges in medicine. They’re taking lessons from nature to invent better cancer treatments, and better yet, prevent cancer altogether.
Help recognize Cancer Prevention Month this February by attending a memorable lecture devoted to exploring nature’s lessons for cancer treatment and prevention.
At this event, cancer researchers will cover:
Nutrition – Food is Medicine
Hormones in Our Bodies and the Environment
Nature-Inspired New Cancer-Fighting Medicines
The discussion starts at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, located at 120 Scripps Way; Jupiter, Florida.
Speakers
natural products to fight cancer
Ben Shen, Ph.D.
Chemist Ben Shen, Ph.D., founded the Natural Products Discovery Center at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute to explore how nature devises useful chemical matter. He has found many treasures within, including a possible new cancer treatment.
Donna Zhang, Ph.D., unravels how cells’ defense system against oxidative stress, controlled by a gene called NRF2, can be strategically activated to prevent disease — or disarmed to help destroy cancer cells.
Patrick Griffin, Ph.D., is an expert on hormones, nuclear receptors and cancer. He studies the structure of hormone receptors and their impact on gene programs to invent safer medications for patients.
Nutritionist Cora Best, Ph.D., researches kidney and bone health in aging populations, and contributes to UF’s Food is Medicine Initiative, which is helping to integrate food and nutrition assistance into cancer care at the UF Health Cancer Institute.
