WVU Cancer Institute

05/07/2026

Wonderful to hear from one of our newest WVU School of Medicine doctoral candidates about his experience in research for brain cancer treatment with Dr. Chris Cifarelli. Kent shares his story about personal connections and drive to improve care for fellow West Virginians.

Congrats to all of our graduates who will be shaping the future of healthcare, including cancer care.

💛💙🎓

05/07/2026

In the latest episode of Cancer Close-Up, Patrick Tomboc, DO, and Laurel Lyckholm, MD, discuss how the WVU Cancer Institute’s Adolescent and Young Adult Program supports patients through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery — addressing not only medical needs, but the emotional and life challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis at a young age.

Learn how specialized care is helping younger patients navigate cancer with the support they need — every step of the way. 💛

🎧 Watch episode 6:

1 like. "Cancer Close-Up: Episode 6 - Adolescent and Young Adult Program (Part 2)"

05/06/2026

Tag a nurse you know and help us thank them for all they do. 💛

This National Nurses Week, May 6-12, we proudly celebrate the dedicated nurses of the WVU Cancer Institute and across our communities.

Every day, nurses bring compassion, expertise, and strength to the front lines of patient care. They are often the first to comfort, the steady voice in uncertain moments, and the constant presence guiding patients and families through some of life’s most difficult journeys.

While we honor their incredible impact, we also recognize the very real challenges nurses face — long hours, emotional demands, and the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare. Their resilience and commitment do not go unnoticed.

To every nurse: thank you for the care you give, the lives you touch, and the difference you make every single day.

05/05/2026

A major milestone in advanced cancer care: WVU Medicine has completed its 250th transoral robotic surgery (TORS) case. 🎉

This minimally invasive, through-the-mouth approach helps treat head and neck tumors with greater precision, fewer complications, and faster recovery times. Since launching in 2017, the program has grown into one of the nation’s highest-volume head and neck robotic surgery programs.

Bringing leading-edge care close to home for patients across West Virginia and the surrounding region. 💛

Read more 🔗 https://wvumedicine.org/news/article/WVU-Medicine/Press-Releases/through-the-mouth-surgery-offers-minimally-invasive-treatment-for-head-and-neck-cancers1

05/04/2026

Skin cancer is the most common cancer — but early detection and advances in melanoma treatment are saving lives every day. This month, take a moment to check your skin and know the signs.

Explore how you can be part of progress — learn more about our clinical trials and help shape the future of cancer care ➡health.wvu.edu/cru/current-clinical-trials/melanoma-and-other-skin-cancers/

05/03/2026

💛 You’re not alone — and you don’t have to go through it alone.

This month, our Multiple Myeloma Support Group is opening its doors to all cancer patients, care partners, family members, and friends for a special community event focused on connection, support, and shared strength.

Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for a space to connect with others who understand — you are welcome here.

📅 Tuesday, May 12
⏰ 4 – 5:30 p.m.
📍 Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, Conference Room 3A

Come as you are. Leave with support. 💛

05/01/2026

You know your skin better than anyone — but you don’t have to navigate changes alone.

A dermatologist can help you look closer, providing a full skin exam and identifying spots that may need attention before they become something more serious.

🧴 Routine skin checks are a simple, powerful way to protect your health.

At the WVU Cancer Institute, we’re here to support you with expert care and guidance every step of the way.

Find a dermatologist near you by visiting https://find-a-derm.aad.org/

04/30/2026

Did you know? Many head and neck cancers are linked to HPV — and in many cases, they’re preventable.

Your health matters. Small steps today can make a big difference for your future:

✔️ Talk with your provider about the HPV vaccine
✔️ Avoid to***co and limit alcohol
✔️ Stay up to date on checkups
✔️ Listen to your body — don’t ignore symptoms that don’t go away

If something doesn’t feel right, you deserve to be heard — and cared for.

At the WVU Cancer Institute, we’re here for you every step of the way, with compassionate, personalized care close to home.

🧡 Prevention and early detection can make all the difference.

Learn more: wvucancer.org

04/30/2026

🔬 Groundbreaking discoveries start in the lab.

WVU Cancer Institute researcher Ivan Martinez, PhD, is leading innovative studies on HPV-related head and neck cancers, exploring how newly discovered molecules called glycoRNAs may unlock new ways to diagnose and treat disease.

By advancing research today, we’re creating hope for better treatments and outcomes tomorrow. 💛

Read more about Dr. Martinez: https://wvumedicine.org/our-care/institutes/cancer/our-research/highlighted-researchers/ivan-martinez/



04/29/2026

💙 Marion County, let’s take care of our lungs.

The WVU Cancer Institute provides advanced lung cancer screening close to home using a low-dose CT scan designed to detect cancer before symptoms appear.

For eligible high-risk individuals, screening can reduce lung cancer deaths and improve quality of life.

You may be eligible if you:
• Are 50–80 years old
• Have smoked the equivalent of a pack a day for 20 years (or more)
• Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years

No referral? No problem.
Use our simple self-referral form to get started.

👉 Learn more and see if you qualify: https://wvumedicine.org/our-care/institutes/cancer/our-care/cancers-we-treat/lung-cancer/

04/29/2026

Today we proudly celebrated the launch of a second Bonnie’s Bus mobile mammography unit with a ribbon cutting and first clinical stop in Saint Albans. 🎀🚍

This new unit means even greater access to life-saving breast cancer screenings for communities across West Virginia — especially in rural and underserved areas where care can be harder to reach.

Since 2009, Bonnie’s Bus has provided more than 30,400 mammograms and helped identify at least 180 cases of breast cancer, making early detection possible for thousands of West Virginians.

With the addition of this second Bonnie’s Bus, the WVU Cancer Institute’s Mobile Cancer Screening Program now has three units delivering preventive care directly to communities across the state.

Together, we’re driving hope, access, and early detection forward. 💛