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ABERDEEN, S.D. (May 26, 2017) Join the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce, Avera, Northern State University and South Dakota State University Extension as they present an evening of information about cancer and chronic diseases.

This free, educational event is open to all and will take place Tuesday, June 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., in the Northern State University Johnson Fine Arts Center.

Featured speakers for the evening are:

Brian Leyland-Jones, M.B. B.S., Ph.D., specializes in genomic medicine at Avera Cancer Institute Center for Precision Oncology in Sioux Falls. He is also a Consulting Professor in the Division of Oncology at Stanford University School of Medicine in Stanford, Calif. An internationally-known cancer researcher, Leyland-Jones works with national and international collaborators to find targeted treatments for cancer. By sequencing the DNA of the tumor, altered genes can be identified for more effective treatments. Most recently, he has been decoding human genetics for individualized breast cancer treatments.

Andrew Russell, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Northern State University. He will discuss the work being done on campus at NSU as well as offer information about professions in Biology and related sciences as they relate to cancer and other diseases.

Megan Jacobson, MS, LN, RDN, is a Nutrition Field Specialist with SDSU Extension. She will explain the Better Choices, Better Health chronic disease self-management program. This program is for all adults living with any type of long-term health condition.

“Everyone is different, and so are the diseases they are faced with throughout their lifetime,” said Todd Forkel, President and CEO of Avera St. Luke’s Hospital. “As researchers like Dr. Leyland-Jones discover new and innovative ways to approach how we treat cancer patients, finding those genetic components are key to finding a cure.”

NSU President Timothy Downs said the university is thrilled to host the symposium.

“Cancer and chronic disease affect almost everyone, and we’re honored to bring individuals to campus that can share expertise on these critical health topics,” Downs said.

Refreshments will be provided following the presentations.

For more information or to register, email the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce at info@aberdeen-chamber.com.

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