Learn About Cancer at the Library on March 25

In just eight days, the St. Louis Public Library and our partners will present the first of our panel discussions in "Can I Catch That? The 2014 Consumer Health Information Speaker Series." Join us at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25 in the auditorium at Central Library for "Cancer: Risks, Prevention, and Intervention." The event will feature local health experts Dr. Bettina Drake, Janelle Mann, Pharm.D., and Monique Norfolk discussing the risk factors and treatments of cancer, as well as preventative measures you can take to decrease your risk of cancer. For more information about our speakers, read on:


Dr. Bettina Drake is an Assistant Professor at Washington University School of Medicine and Siteman Cancer Center. Her research has focused on identifying preventive strategies to reduce cancer disparities. The objectives of her research program are: to identify the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for cancer as well as the at-risk groups for these factors; to utilize community-based approaches to design, implement and disseminate research information; to promote education and awareness of research and research participation in minority communities. Currently she is conducting community-based research through the Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities (PECaD) on minority recruitment into biorepository studies. In addition, she co-leads the Prostate Cancer Community Partnership, a community partnership of PECaD, which seeks to reduce prostate cancer disparities in the region.


Janelle Mann, Pharm.D., BCOP, is an assistant professor of pharmacy practice at St. Louis College of Pharmacy. In addition to her teaching duties, she is a clinical oncology pharmacist at the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine. Mann is a 2009 graduate of St. Louis College of Pharmacy. She completed a PGY-1 pharmacy residency and PGY-2 oncology specialty residency at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, Wis.

Monique A. Norfolk, MPH is a Program Coordinator/Community Health Educator at Washington University School of Medicine. She coordinates outreach efforts for The Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities (PECaD) of the Siteman Cancer Center of Barnes-Jewish Hospital. In her role, she ensures collaboration between the university and community stakeholders. Her background is in public health education and health behavior. She received her master’s degree in public health from Saint Louis University School of Public Health. Mrs. Norfolk is a St. Louis native and has worked with the community since finishing her degree. Currently, Mrs. Norfolk coordinates PECaD community partnerships and expansion of PECaD education and outreach, disseminates findings and locally/regionally developed resources, identifies new community partners, and seeks ways to better integrate research partners.

The "Can I Catch That? 2014 Consumer Health Information Speaker Series" is held in partnership with HealthStreet, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, and Washington University's Bernard Becker Medical Library.