Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention
At the interdisciplinary Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention, our mission is to support groundbreaking research that develops and implements novel methods, technologies, and tools to further the translation of cancer prevention work into clinical and public health practice. We are dedicated to prevention education and research across the cancer continuum.
FXB Building
651 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115
World Cancer Month 2026
World Cancer Day, a campaign of the Union of International Cancer Control, is officially February 4th. Over time, we have expanded our commemoration of the day beyond that specific date. This year, we are observing World Cancer Month with programming throughout February. We will also focus on health and hydration.
There is often confusion about whether or not alcohol offers health benefits, and how those potential benefits weigh against cancer risk. Experts from within and beyond the Harvard system will examine the role of alcohol in a healthy lifestyle and discuss related policy issues in a livestreamed panel discussion co-sponsored with the Harvard T.H. School of Public Health Office of Communications.
For more information about alcohol and cancer risk, refer to Alcohol and Cancer from the World Cancer Research Fund and Alcohol Use and Cancer from the American Cancer Society.
Researchers are studying how sugary beverages like soda influence cancer risk beyond increasing one’s risk for obesity. Check out Do sugary drinks increase colorectal cancer risk? by journalist Gina Van Thomme for MD Anderson Cancer Center. The American Heart Association offers tips for reducing your sugary drink intake.
Water is generally an accessible way to quench your thirst. But how much water should you drink per day? What about alkaline water, carbonated water, and bottled water? Read all about water at The Nutrition Source.
For alternatives to water, try healthy drinks like this Sparkling Iced Tea with Lemon, Cucumber, and Mint.
Explore the flavorful world of mocktails! To learn about the science behind the mixology, read this article from Serious Eats. For mocktail recipes, see this Food Network piece.
Sebastian’s Cafe, Harvard School of Public Health
Experts in cancer prevention, fitness, alcohol and food from across the Harvard University system will be on hand during the lunch hour to answer cafe patron questions.
Martin Breslin, Director of Culinary Operations, Harvard University Dining Services (specializing in questions about dining)
Christina Dieli-Conwright, PhD, MPH Associate Professor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School and in the Division of Population Sciences of the Department of Medical Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (specializing in questions about fitness)
Edward Giovannucci, D.Sc., M.D Professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (specializing in questions about nutrition)
Eric Rimm, Sc.D, Professor in the Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (specializing in questions about alcohol)
Look for the following structures to be illuminated in the blue and orange of the World Cancer Day campaign colors on Wednesday, February 4th.
- Museum of Science Tower
- The Prudential Tower
- Atlantic Wharf Spire
- The Hub on Causeway
- 100 Federal Street
Presented jointly by The Studio and the Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention at Harvard Chan School.
In this timely event, a panel of experts will explore and unpack potential links between alcohol and cancer risk specifically and health more generally. They will debunk myths, review policy considerations, and provide clear, evidence-based information.
Join us in person or for the livestream. Register here.
Speakers:
- Eric Rimm, Professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- David Jernigan, Professor, Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University
- Anna Grummon, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Stanford Food Policy Lab (joining remotely)