Every so often in healthcare, a mystery pops up that perplexes even the most skilled and acclaimed researchers. In 2026, doctors and researchers are trying to determine why so many more young people are being diagnosed with cancer — in particular, cancers that have traditionally been found primarily in older people. In our cover story in this issue of Kansas Medicine + Science, we talk to some of our scientists about why suddenly more younger adults are being struck down with cancer…and what can be done about it.

Elsewhere in this issue, we profile two of our most esteemed doctors and scientists — Jeff Burns and Russ Swerdlow — who have worked doggedly over the past decade to elevate our research around the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Their work has made our KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center among the most respected in the nation.

We also explore the progress our researchers are making around the treatment of muscular dystrophy, and we explain why our educators in the KU School of Medicine believe that the anatomy lab is still the best place for students to learn about the intricacies of the human body.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Kansas Medicine + Science. We always appreciate your feedback, so please drop us an email at kmands@kumc.edu. We look forward to hearing from you.

Steven Stites, M.D.
Executive Vice Chancellor
University of Kansas Medical Center