Save the date: The Pink Party Returns on September 25

This fall marks the 15th anniversary of the ribbon-cutting that launched Bonnie’s Bus. Gather some friends and join us from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 25 as The Pink Party pays homage to this special ruby anniversary! This year, we are redefining the Party yet again, bringing the beloved benefit to the new Cosmo venue at Suncrest Towne Centre. All proceeds from the event help Bonnie’s Bus continue to provide lifesaving breast cancer screening throughout West Virginia.

Mark your calendar now and visit wvucancerpinkparty.com to learn more. Registration will open online by Aug. 1. Contact Stephanie McCandless at SMcCandless@wvuf.org or 304-293-7585 with any questions.

We look forward to seeing you at Cosmo as we commemorate this special milestone for Bonnie’s Bus!

WVU Cancer Experts To Participate in FDA Panel on Cancer Disparities in Appalachia, July 25

What: The FDA Oncology Center of Excellence (OCE) presents "Conversations on Cancer: Cancer Disparities in Appalachia." 

When: July 25, 2:30-4:00 p.m.

Where: Virtual registration link (required):  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPRCBTR

Panelists: Our discussion will concentrate specifically on West Virginia. The panel will include cancer experts from The WVU Cancer Institute and the WVU School of Pharmacy.

Website: https://bit.ly/3NWS1lu

Various studies have revealed that where people live affects the disease burden they may face. About 46 million U.S. residents lived in rural areas in 2020 (14% of the U.S. population). A recent study revealed that Appalachia has higher mortality rates than the rest of the nation in seven of the nation's leading causes of death: cancer, heart disease, COPD, injury, stroke, diabetes, and suicide.

Despite advances in cancer prevention and precision cancer care, not all communities have benefited, and cancer disparities persist in the Appalachia community. The Appalachian Region has a cancer mortality rate of 184 per 100,000 population (10% higher than the national rate). Central Appalachia has the highest rate at 222 per 100,000 (32% percent higher than the national rate).

This Conversations on Cancer will focus on the Appalachia community to discuss the factors contributing to the cancer disparities but also focus on ongoing interventions and opportunities in bridging the cancer chasm in rural health inequity.

WVU Cancer Institute Hosts Biennial Lung Cancer Conference

The WVU Cancer Institute hosted its Biennial Lung Cancer Conference on Friday (July 14) at the Erickson Alumni Center in Morgantown.

About 100 individuals attended the event, which provided comprehensive, multidisciplinary updates on advances in lung cancer, including research, screening, diagnosis, and survivorship. There were also sessions on patient-centered care and the role that stigma plays across the lung cancer continuum.

Attendees had the opportunity to tour WVU Cancer Institute’s mobile Lung Cancer Screening Unit (LUCAS). And there was an inflatable lung exhibit that provided an interactive educational experience.

Many of the individuals attending the event wore white, as white is the color of the lung cancer awareness ribbon.

Below are some photos from the conference.