Imagine discovering cancer early—potentially saving your life—simply because you attended a basketball game where cancer screenings were offered.
That would be an incredible story a powerful reminder of how important outreach events can be. Early cancer detection dramatically improves survival rates, and offering screenings in unexpected but accessible places, like a sports arena, breaks down barriers for people who might not otherwise seek care.
On Wednesday, January 29, as thousands of UConn Huskies fans filed into the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut to watch the men’s basketball team take on DePaul, they probably weren’t thinking about cancer. However, as the official healthcare provider of UConn Athletics, UConn Health teamed up for the annual Coaches for Cancer game to provide fans with free education and access to cancer screenings.
Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide initiative that empowers basketball coaches, their teams and their local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer. The main goal is to increase cancer awareness, promote healthy living, and fundraise through activities.
“It’s not just about the medical aspect; it’s about meeting people where they are and creating opportunities for proactive health care. This kind of initiative combines community engagement with life-saving interventions—it’s a win for all,” says Omar Ibrahim, director of Interventional Pulmonary at UConn Health.
Before the doors opened at 6:30 p.m., where fans would find Andrea Hurley, wife of head coach Dan Hurley, creating memorial buttons to wear during the game, doctors, medical students, and residents from UConn Dermatology and the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at UConn Health (Cancer Center) offered skin cancer screenings in the XL Center Atrium.
Once in the arena, doctors and medical professionals were on hand to provide information about colon, lung and breast cancer while determining the need for potential screenings. Fans were encouraged prior to and during the game to take the opportunity to learn more about cancer prevention and protecting their health.
“Regular cancer screenings are crucial for early detection, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment and survival by identifying cancers before they develop symptoms, allowing for timely intervention and potentially life-saving care,” says Kim Hamilton, program coordinator, Community Outreach and Engagement at the Cancer Center.
Kateri of Southbury emphasized the importance of events like this in raising awareness, sharing that early detection allowed her to receive treatment and reach one year in remission. “After my diagnosis, I made it my mission to spread awareness—that’s why events like this matter.”
“The Community Outreach and Engagement team at the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center was thrilled to join Andrea Hurley’s cancer screening initiative at the Coaches vs. Cancer game. Hundreds of fans and staff stopped by for information and to schedule screenings for skin, lung, breast, and colon cancer. We’re proud to be the official healthcare provider of the UConn Huskies,” said Julie Dudek, academic administrative manager, Cancer Center.
“UConn Health’s Cancer Center was excited to partner with UConn Athletics and Andrea Hurley to provide cancer screening education and skin cancer checks at the American Cancer Society Coaches vs Cancer game. We look forward to continuing this partnership with Mrs. Hurley and at other UConn Athletics sporting events,” says Hamilton.
