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HCC offers basic training sessions on cancer prevention, treatment New training through MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center (HCC) is offering state residents the opportunity to become health educators where they live. And while no one will leave the half-day sessions with a medical degree or a doctor of philosophy degree, participants will be able to carry a message of cancer prevention and wellness into their communities.   This training, called the Cancer Education Guide, was developed in 1998 by the South Carolina Cancer Alliance (SCCA). It targets all South Carolinians and aims to educate all ages about cancer prevention, early detection and treatment.   Jim Etheredge, coordinator for HCC’s Prevention and Control Program, said that via partnerships with SCCA, AT&T, and the American Cancer Society, Hollings has taken the lead on hosting these education sessions several times a year throughout the Lowcountry.   “The training is popular, and we see this as an excellent outreach tool that teaches participants how to lower their risk of cancer and lead healthy lifestyles. It also prepares them to teach these skills to their family, friends and commun-ities,” Etheredge said. “Our goal at Hollings Cancer is to identify other partners statewide, especially those working with the medically underserved, and broadcast the message that cancer is beatable and treatable.”   The sessions teach basic information about cancer, screening, prevention, and nutrition. Participants leave with training materials that will allow them to teach to groups ranging in age from first-grade through adults. Etheredge also has added special sections on prostate cancer and clinical trials.   HCC plans to hold at least one more session this year and four in 2009 throughout the state.   For information, call 792-8192 or e-mail etherjam@musc.edu.     Friday, July 4, 2008 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.