Message from Hannah Hazard-Jenkins, MD
As the holidays draw near, I am reflecting on all that has been accomplished this year. Our successes here at the Institute were only possibly because of team members like you. I am grateful for each one of you and all that you continually give to help bring high-quality care to those in and around the state.
To express my appreciation for your hard work and dedication, I would like to offer an opportunity for a get-together of sorts on December 20th at 7 p.m., when the WVU men’s basketball team takes on Radford. We have secured tickets to the game and will make them available to you all on a first-come, first-served basis, targeting two tickets per employee. Because this is a limited opportunity, we ask that anyone interested please register by November 27th.
Should additional tickets become available beyond the initial allotment, we will be sure to notify this group immediately. In addition, each employee will be automatically entered into a raffle for tickets to other games. Two raffle drawings will occur on November 27th, and both winners will receive two tickets to other games during the 2023-2024 season. Winners will coordinate with Cory Chambers at cchambers@wvuf.org for game selection. There is much for us to be proud of this year. I look forward to celebrating all that we have achieved together.
WVU Cancer Institute Supports Pancreatic Cancer Awareness with Events in November
The WVU Medicine Cancer Institute came together this year on November 14 to observe Pancreatic Cancer Awareness. “Pancreatic cancer is a formidable foe, but it is not invincible,” Brian Boone, M.D., WVU Cancer Institute surgical oncologist, said. “With early detection, aggressive treatment, and the unwavering support of loved ones, we can turn the tide against this disease and give hope to those who face it.”
Alicia Avila shared her patient story on Tuesday at the WVU Cancer Institute’s Pancreatic Cancer Awareness luncheon. Diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer at the age of 49 was shocking. However, Ms. Avila found strength in the human connection she felt with her providers, Dr Brian Boone, Dr Shyam Thakkar and Dr Joanna Kolodney, at the WVU Cancer Institute. Ms Avila refers to herself and fellow survivors as "thrivers"- taking each day as a gift and one that should be cherished.
The day also included the 2023 Laurence S. and Jean J. DeLynn Lectureship featuring Vikas Dudeja, M.D., the James P. Haynes, Jr., Endowed Professor in Gastrointestinal Cancer and director and professor of surgical oncology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
WVU Cancer Institute researchers and providers joined others from around the county to increase awareness of pancreatic cancer and raise funds that support the research organization, The National Pancreas Foundation (NPF). Dr. Brian Boone, MD organized the event which raised over $3,000. The NPF is unique in that it is the only organization to tackle pancreatic disease in every form. The team of 45 from WVU had the most participants and was the overall leader for donations for the annual event.
A team from WVU Cancer Institute participated in the Annual National Pancreas Foundation Bowling event on Sunday November, 12.
Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program Visits LUCAS
Lisa McGovern, executive director of the Congressional Families Program, and Charles Capito, husband of Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and member of the Program’s Executive Council, represented the Program at the site visit to call attention to these vital resources.
“West Virginia has one of the highest lung cancer rates in the United States, and only about 5 percent of those eligible have been screened,” Mr. Capito said. “WVU’s mobile screening vehicle helps reach West Virginians in the most rural areas of the state who otherwise might not be able to access this state-of-the-art screening that’s recommended for people at high risk. Early detection of lung cancer can mean less extensive treatment, more treatment options, and better chances of survival.”
This summer, the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s community grants program announced its support of WVU and 11 other projects nationwide dedicated to increasing cancer prevention and early detection in rural and urban communities across the U.S. The projects were selected through a competitive grants process of previously awarded organizations focused on best practices and evidence-based strategies.
Each project will receive a one-year, $25,000 grant. The Prevent Cancer Foundation is proud to support WVU with this second grant to improve access to lifesaving screenings in rural communities.
With the Foundation’s support, LUCAS is partnering with two existing clinic systems to identify those at high risk for lung cancer and use an evidence-based messaging campaign to increase lung cancer screening in rural West Virginia. To achieve this, the project uses patient navigation, patient reminders, and provider recall and works to reduce financial barriers and improve access to screening in the most rural parts of southern and northern West Virginia.
To find out if you are eligible for lung cancer screening and to view a list of upcoming LUCAS locations, visit WVUCancer.org/LUCAS.
Pictured from left, are Lauren McCauley-Hixenbaugh, LUCAS program coordinator; Hannah Hazard-Jenkins, MD, director of the WVU Cancer Institute and breast cancer surgeon; Charles Capito, member, Congressional Families Program; Anna Baker, LUCAS tech; Lisa McGovern, executive director, Congressional Families Program; Eric Reed, LUCAS driver; and John Trembly LUCAS tech.
Inaugural Cancer Collaborative
The Inaugural Cancer Collaborative held on Monday, November 6, offered a thoughtful platform for learning, discussion, and collaboration among providers at eight sites. Providers from Medical, Radiation and Surgical Oncology, General Surgery, Cancer Prevention & Control, Genetics, nurses, and administrators were present or online to discuss, in-depth, metastatic colorectal cancer. Some of the attendees commented:
The attendees appreciated the opportunity to connect. Some volunteered to lead future collaboratives and events, while others felt a renewed sense of motivation to continue improving treatment options and access for patients.
We plan to hold 3-4 collaboratives a year, each focusing on different cancer types, and intend to rotate locations around the state to make this program as accessible as possible to all our providers.
Are you interested in hosting one of our cancer collaboratives or have suggestions for future collaboratives? Please contact Amy Romano at amy.romano@wvumedicine.org
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