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Kingston high school students are visiting Queen ������ý ’s to talk about cancer.

Together with the Queen ������ý ’s Cancer Research Institute (QCRI), , and the Kingston branch of the Canadian Cancer Society ������ý ’s Research Information Outreach Team (RIOT), students will spend the day learning about cancer biology and research.

Organizer Mathieu Crupi hopes the Let ������ý ’s Talk Cancer symposium will inspire students to take an interest in cancer research.

“Students in high school are often not exposed to the topic of cancer, even though it ������ý ’s a disease that likely has or will affect them directly or indirectly at some point,” says Mr. Crupi, a PhD candidate in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine. “Let ������ý ’s Talk Cancer will give the students first hand exposure to cancer research and some of the work that goes on locally. It might even inspire them with a possible career path.”

As part of the symposium, students will hear from representatives of the local Canadian Cancer Society and Queen ������ý ’s Cancer Research Institute, as well as cancer survivor Emma MacLean. This will be followed by a keynote address on cancer biology and childhood clinical trials from Dr. Janet Dancey, Director of Clinical Translational Research at the NCIC Clinical Trials Group and Professor of Oncology at Queen ������ý ’s.

In the afternoon, students will participate in sessions focused on cancer subtypes, led by a panel of cancer researchers from Queen ������ý ’s. Students will also hear about the transition from high school to post-secondary education and a variety of career paths at a workshop, where a panel of researchers with a wide range of experiences will speak. Lastly, students will receive a tour of the Anatomy Museum.

“We want to reinforce to the students that there are many different subtypes of cancer and each one is a different disease in itself which may have different implications and treatments” says Mr. Crupi. “This is also a great chance for students to ask any questions they might have and perhaps get involved in volunteer work. Forming these relationships early on is so important, especially with young researchers.”