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Today’s Forecast

38º | Party cloudy | 11% chance of sleet | Sunrise 7:11 a.m. | Sunset 5:10 p.m.
 

Today’s lesson: oncology

Back to class, Madison. Today’s lesson - oncology with Dr. Noelle LoConte
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February is Cancer Prevention Month. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons | Wikimedia Commons
In our new series, Back to Class, we’ll learn a thing or two from local intellectuals. Whether it be about solar flares or sociology; animal husbandry or psychology; botany or why Beethoven’s symphonies continue to inspire, we’ll have brief Q+As with local leaders in their fields.

Today, in honor of Cancer Prevention Month, we’re in conversation with Dr. Noelle LoConte. She is an Associate Professor of Medicine at UW School of Medicine and Public Health, and an oncologist at UW Health’s Carbone Cancer Center.

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Dr. Noelle LoConte is an Associate Professor of Medicine at UW School of Medicine and Public Health, and and oncologist at UW Health’s Carbone Cancer Center. | Photo via UW Health

Q: What is your involvement in cancer prevention?

A: My research is in the area of cancer control. Specifically, I am interested in how to get all patients access to cancer screening as well as alcohol control to limit alcohol-associated cancers.

Q: What contributions have been made by UW-Madison?

A: UW has pioneered many incredible advances in cancer – just a few are creating the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) for sunscreen; doing the first successful bone marrow transplant for cancer; doing the phase 1 study for tamoxifen (a key medicine for breast cancer prevention and treatment); and the discovery of 5-fluorouracil (or 5-FU) which is one of the most commonly used chemotherapy drugs globally for gastrointestinal cancers.

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A slide of breast cancer under a microscope.| Photo via Wikimedia Commons

We also designed some of the earliest targeted radiation therapy equipment. This kind of work continues every day at UW Carbone Cancer Center.

I’m particularly excited about some unique clinical trials we have with drugs that help our own immune systems fight cancer.

Q: Is there anything that Wisconsinites in particular should be aware of?

A: One area where Wisconsin lags significantly is alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a carcinogen and causes about 5% of all cancers, including head and neck cancer, some esophageal cancers, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer. We are almost always at the top of all “drunkest” lists and high-risk drinking lists. This consumption has worsened with the pandemic.
Learn more and how you can help
Asked

What school subject would you like to learn more about?

A. Math
B. Science
C. History
D. Art
You get an A+
Events
Friday, Feb. 2
  • Free Tax Filing | Friday, Feb. 2, Wednesday, Feb. 7, Friday, Feb. 9 | Times vary | Lakeview Library, 2845 N. Sherman Ave., Madison | Free | Tax season doesn’t have to be so taxing.
  • Dexter Gordon Centennial Tribute Concert | Friday, Feb. 2 | 7 p.m. | UW-Madison, 1207 Seminole Hwy., Madison | $15-$25 | Celebrate the musical stylings of one of our country’s greatest saxophonists.
Saturday, Feb. 3
  • Kid Disco | Saturday, Feb. 3 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company, 357 Price Pl., Madison | $6-$20 | A family friendly afternoon for dancing queens, kings, princes, and princesses.
  • Groundhogs In Love | Saturday, Feb. 3 | 2:30 p.m. | Tenney Park Beach, 1300 Sherman Ave., Madison | Free | Nothing says sweet sweet love like groundhogs and naturalist-led nature strolls.
  • Madison Choral Project | Saturday, Feb. 3-Sunday, Feb. 4 | Times vary | First Congregational Church, 1609 University Ave., Madison | $12-$34 | Be immersed in Wisconsin’s only professional choir with the world premiere of “Hope Eats You Alive.”
Sunday, Feb. 4
  • Norse Afternoon of Fun | Sunday, Feb. 4 | 1:30-4 p.m. | Stoughton High School, 600 Lincoln Ave., Stoughton | $5-$10 | What’s fun? A Norse Afternoon of Fun, of course.
  • Yid Vicious 28th Anniversary Klezacular | Sunday, Feb. 4 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Harmony Bar and Grill, 2201 Atwood Ave., Madison | $10 | Yiddish music mayhem at its finest.
Monday, Feb. 5
  • Monday Movies Presents “Courage Under Fire” | Monday, Feb. 5 | 1-3:30 p.m. | Alicia Ashman Library, 733 N. High Point Rd., Madison | Free | City Editor Jonathan thinks Denzel Washington is the greatest living actor. Also, this movie has, of all people, Bronson Pinchot in it.
Tuesday, Feb. 6
  • Chop With A Cop | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 2:30-4 p.m. | Goodman South Madison Library, 2222 S. Park St., Madison | Free | Bring your kids to meet and interact with local cops.
  • Piano Man - A Tribute to Billy Joel | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 6 p.m. | High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison | Free | It’s still rock and roll to us.
Events calendar here
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News Notes
Civic
  • A dollar for your thoughts. The city is sending dollar bills to 5,000 residents to incentivize citizens to help the city shape its vision for the future of parks. Included with the dollar is a request to fill out an online survey for the Park and Open Space Plan. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Environment
  • If you can hear over the din, the Madison community can weigh in on the city’s F-35 fighter wing. Listening sessions about the fighter jets are occurring today and tomorrow from 9-10:30 a.m. in room D1630 at Madison College-Traux. (WKOW)
Community
  • February is Black History Month. There are a plethora of family-friendly events throughout Madison. Meanwhile, there are plenty of Madisonians to celebrate who shaped Wisconsin history. (Madison Mom, UpNorthNews)
Travel
  • Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation is driving you to weigh in on the next edition of the Official Wisconsin Highway Map that will be published next year. Public comment is open until Thursday, Feb. 29. (WTAQ)
Development
  • The coming Wisconsin History Center just got infused with another $10 million. Philanthropist W. Jerome Frautschi donated the money for the new five-story, 100,000-sqft history center at the top of State Street on Capitol Square. It is set to open in early 2027. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Outdoors
  • Aldo Leopold’s classic book “A Sand County Almanac,” where he introduced to the world his vision of a “land ethic,” has its 75th anniversary this year. The UW-Madison Arboretum is celebrating with “Madison Reads Leopold,” taking place on Saturday, Mar. 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Arboretum Visitor Center.
Family
  • Families can choo-choose to go to a model train show soon. The 56th annual Mad City Model Railroad Show runs Saturday, Feb. 17-Sunday, Feb.18 at the Alliant Energy Center. Enjoy over 100,000 sqft of model railroads in all scales, exhibits, vendors, and more.
Announced
  • Congratulations to our survey winner, Rachel M., for winning $500! Thank you to everyone who took the time to take our survey. We’re excited to continue providing positive news and events in our free newsletter.
Arts
  • Proclaimed as “one of the best pianists of his generation,” Canadian pianist Stewart Goodyear will perform with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra on Friday, Feb. 16. Featuring performances of Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 27 in B flat” and the US Premiere of Christopher Blake’s “Night Journey to Pawarenga,” Goodyear Returns is a can’t-miss event.*
 
Food

Hot for tots

Madison is hot for tots
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There are plenty of places in Madison for tasty tots. | Photo by 608today
We love cheese curds, but today we’re spotlighting the curd’s crispy cousin for National Tater Tot Day.

Some hot spots for tots:

Chicken Licks, 5508 County Hwy. N. #3, Sun Prairie
Tots with a dry rub? Yes, please.

Flight Wine and Bourbon Bar, 4893 Lacy Rd., Ste. 101, Fitchburg
You had us at truffle tots.

Lazy Oaf Lounge, 1617 N. Stoughton Rd., Madison
The ranch tots are recommended.

Side Door Grill and Tap, 240 W. Gilman St., Madison
Tots are made in-house with different topping options.

Vintage Brewing Company, locations in Madison, Capitol East, and Sauk City
Earnest, honestly good tots.

Some fast facts:
  • 70 million pounds of tater tots are consumed annually by Americans every year.
  • Tater Tots were invented in Ontario, Oregon, in 1953 by Ore-Ida, a frozen foods company.
  • The name Tater Tot is actually trademarked. If you’re not eating an Ore-Ida Tater Tot, you’re just eating a potato nugget, or a potato gem, or an oven crunchy.
The Buy

The Buy 2.02.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
A portable phone charger that’s credit card-sized and fits right on the back of your smartphone. Choose your color and store the slim, lightweight device in your pocket or bag.
Member’s Corner
Happy birthday, 608today member Jeffrey Davel. We hope your special day is filled with your favorite things in Madison! — 608oday team
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The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Jonathan
From the editor
I imagine most everyone’s life has been touched by cancer in some form or other. My dad is recovering from kidney cancer. For those going through it, Wisconsin’s National Kidney Foundation is here.
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