UVA Cancer Center

The South Tower of UVA Health Medical Center is a symbolic beacon of hope for many in our community. For Breast Cancer Awareness month, the South Tower was lit up pink this past Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.?Recognizing these awareness months?demonstrates our commitment to providing high quality?care and instilling hope among?people across the Commonwealth and beyond.

Welcome to the Community Outreach and Engagement Team, Meagan Graham! We're thrilled to welcome Meagan as our new Outreach and Navigation Specialist for the New River Valley! Meagan will be working closely with partners across NRV to enhance cancer education, awareness, and prevention efforts, with a focus on rural communities and those impacted by tobacco and obesity-related cancers. We can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make! Help us give Meagan a warm welcome! Read more of our latest updates in our newsletter: https://lnkd.in/e5gyWvmT

UVACCC is committed to taking resolute and proactive measures to amplify Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across all levels of our organization, encompassing leaders, trainees, faculty, and staff. This steadfast dedication to DEI is woven into the very fabric of our institution, and it guides our mission in profound ways. The newly found partnership between minority- and woman-owned Agape Love Events and UVA Cancer Center Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Oncology Service Line provides us with the opportunity to not only beautify patient-facing spaces across the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center and Breast Care Center but allows us to remain steadfast in taking proactive measures to amplify diversity. Read more about Kathleen Scott's story here: https://lnkd.in/eqfvcytx

Family Medicine Chair Li Li MD, and his lab team are dedicated to advancing colorectal cancer research and care. They are currently building a biobank with samples from consenting UVA Health patients to study how colon cancer and its precursor, colon polyps, form. Collaborating with the University of Virginia School of Medicine’s Division of Gastroenterology and Department of Public Health Science, Li’s lab is not only working to publish their findings linking high-fructose corn syrup to increased colorectal cancer risk and neighborhood deprivation to racial disparities but also to take what they know and dig deeper into cancer risk for people living in rural communities, especially underrepresented populations. To learn more, click here: https://lnkd.in/eHiN7P6i #UVA #cancerresearch #colorectalcancer #colorectalcancerawareness

A recent study from the Cancer Center’s stem-cell transplant and cellular therapy program, led by Professor of Medicine Karen Ballen MD, found that blood cancer patients who receive umbilical cord blood transplants now survive equally well, regardless of race. Donated cord blood cells – drawn from the placenta and umbilical cord after birth – help restore cancer patients’ ability to produce their own blood cells after high-dose chemotherapy treatment. Cord blood does not need to be precisely matched to the recipient. Previous data indicated a survival gap for Black recipients of cord blood transplants. The new study found that survival rates for Asian, Black, Latinx and Caucasian recipients were comparable, suggesting that the survival gap has closed and that recipient survival has increased overall. Causes include better ability to identify appropriate patients, new matching techniques, improved antibiotics and other supportive care. Insights from this study hold the promise of improved care for people who need cord blood transplants and reinforce their importance for patients without matched donors in their families. To learn more, click here: https://lnkd.in/ezEY5NRN #UVA #CancerResearch #cancertreatment #cancerawareness

We are excited to share that Hematology/Oncology was well represented at the Annual APP Awards and Recognition Ceremony at Pinn Hall. Out of 72 nominees across the health system, our service line had nine nominees and two award winners! A special congratulations to: ?Aimee Strong DNP, winner of the Exceptional Advanced Practice Provider Award for her work with the thoracic surgery and lung cancer screening program ?Martha Thomas GC, winner of the Excellence in Leadership Award We also want to recognize our nominees for the Exceptional Advanced Practice Provider Award: ?Amelia Hodson NP ?Hania Bushnaq-Aloul NP ?Jenna Campo NP ?Jessica Kassay-McAllister DNP ?Kimberly Conrad NP ?Marie Thomas NP Thank you all for your commitment and excellence!

When a lump appears, fear follows. You need breast cancer specialists you can trust. From screening to treatment to prevention, you want?the best available options. At UVA Health, you'll find support from a whole team of people dedicated to giving you the care you need. Our support teams offer a range of cancer support services to help you and your loved ones feel informed and as comfortable as possible. Visit our website to learn more: https://lnkd.in/ea8qwnwZ

A team of Cancer Center staff members recently participated in the 2024 United Way of Greater Charlottesville Day of Caring, a day dedicated to volunteering on projects benefiting local schools, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations throughout Charlottesville and surrounding counties! The Cancer Center team helped at the Quarry Gardens at Schuyler this year! Volunteers first attended a presentation by David Bellangue from the Piedmont Discovery Center about the center’s ecosystem restoration and habitat modeling work. They then learned to identify invasive and non-invasive plant species and how to help native plant shoots thrive. Afterward, Cancer Center staff members divided into two groups: one removed invasive species and the other planted native ones. The team enjoyed learning about the local ecosystem and aiding in caretaking efforts. Quarry Gardens invites community members to explore the largest collection of native plant species in the state of Virginia, with planting opportunities available regularly. Thanks to Rachel Floyd, Director of Operations, Emma Stephens, Project Manager, and the entire Quarry Gardens team for making such a fantastic day possible! #UVA #DayofCaring #quarrygardens #EcosystemRestoration

Scott T. Hollenbeck, MD, FACS, utilizes his skills in reconstructive plastic surgery to battle disparities in breast cancer care. His expertise in advanced free tissue transfer, also known as free flaps reconstructive surgery, along with his research on accessible care for patients seeking breast reconstruction after cancer drive him. Dr. Hollenbeck hopes that the recovery journey of breast cancer patients will focus not only on frontline treatments but also on continued healing. Breast cancer reconstructive surgery is difficult for many patients to access due to factors such as the need for additional breast cancer radiation treatments, cancer type, and financial burden. Dr. Hollenbeck’s research seeks new solutions to overcome these hurdles so patients can receive the care they need. As a world-renowned surgeon, researcher, and educator, Dr. Hollenbeck has dedicated his life to fighting breast cancer alongside patients, in communities, and through teaching the next generation of plastic surgeons. Dr. Hollenbeck and his laboratory team also study inflammation in adipose tissue disorders such as lipedema, a disease affecting 11% of women worldwide. Understanding the development and progression of lipedema will allow researchers to develop biomarkers that will provide clinicians with enhanced treatment options for this devastating disease. To learn more about Dr. Hollenbeck, click the link below: https://lnkd.in/eXQZ45st #UVA #cancerresearch #breastcancerawareness #breastcancersupport #breastcancerresearch #lipedemaawareness

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 310,720 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. About one out of every eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. This October, we’ll share ways for you to learn, connect, and act. Stay tuned for more information about educational resources to support your breast health, hear from medical experts as they share vital information, and learn how you can make a difference right now. Say hello to some of our incredible Breast Cancer care heroes. -Sarah Groot | Access Associate Senior Breast Care Center Imaging -Diane Everett | Mammo/Breast Ultrasound Tech -Christine Shachtman | Mammography Technologist -Meg | RTRM Lead Technologist -Heather Bloodworth | Mammography Technologist -Thomas Redman | Director, Outpatient Imaging Special Projects -Emily Herndon | RN, BHCN, Clinician III Breast Imaging Nurse Navigator -Tracy OBrien | RN, C-EFM, Clinician II Breast Imaging Nurse Navigator Visit our website to learn more about the UVA Breast Care Center: https://lnkd.in/eEZYYFQp