West Virginia Lung Cancer Project releases video series

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in West Virginia, killing more people each year than breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer combined, yet people don’t know a lot about what can be done to stop it. In light of this, the West Virginia Lung Cancer Project (WVLCP) has released a series of four short informational videos in preparation for Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November. 

The West Virginia Lung Cancer Project was established through a partnership between the WVU Cancer Institute’s Cancer Prevention and Control and the Patient Advocate Foundation in Hampton, Va., to address lung cancer disparities in West Virginia. The overall goal of the Project is to decrease lung cancer mortality and improve early diagnosis of lung cancer. The partnership was made possible by a three-year grant from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation’s Bridging Cancer CareTM initiative, which is part of a national strategy to promote health equity and improve the health outcomes of populations disproportionately affected by serious diseases and conditions. Specifically, the Foundation’s lung cancer program focuses on access to cancer education, prevention and early detection, treatment, and psychosocial support services.

The videos are a response to the lack of educational materials available to the public about lung cancer screening and how important it is for those at high risk to be aware that screening is available now.

“West Virginia residents are fairly aware that screening tests are available for cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers, but not lung cancer,” Stephenie Kennedy, Ed.D., associate director for Cancer Prevention and Control at the WVU Cancer Institute, said. “With approximately 27 percent of adults in the state smoking and smoking as the main cause for lung cancer, there are a lot of people that need to be made aware of the screening information.”

The videos are housed on the WVLCP webpage (http://www.wvucancer.org/cancer-prevention-control/wv-lung-cancer-project/videos/) and are being promoted through social media on partner pages, such as the Mountains of Hope Cancer Coalition’s Facebook page and the WVU Cancer Institute’s Facebook page, with the hope that others will share the information and spread the message. 

Hospitals, clinics, and other health settings are encouraged to show the videos in their waiting rooms and can obtain the videos by contacting WVLCP Project Director Jenny Ostien at 304-293-2370 or jostien@hsc.wvu.edu. 

In addition to the videos, the WVU Cancer Institute will host the “Screening to Survivorship: A New Look at Lung Cancer” conference for all healthcare team members and others who have an interest in optimal care for people undergoing the journey of lung cancer. The conference, which is free, will be held on Nov. 10 at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place. 

In addition to Dr. Kennedy, speakers include:

• Adrienne Duckworth, M.S.N., nurse practitioner at the WVU Cancer Institute;
• Catharine Grimes, M.B.A., director of corporate philanthropy at the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation; 
• Adam Hansen, M.D., thoracic surgeon at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center;
• Patrick Ma, M.D., co-leader of the Sara Crile Allen and James Frederick Allen Comprehensive Lung Cancer Program, Eminent Scholar in Lung Cancer Research, and associate professor of medicine at the WVU Cancer Institute;
• Malcolm Mattes, M.D., radiation oncologist and assistant professor at the WVU Cancer Institute;
• Jamie Studts, Ph.D., professor in the University of Kentucky College of Medicine Department of Behavioral Sciences; 
• Anne Swisher, P.T., Ph.D., professor and director of scholarship at the WVU School of Medicine Department of Human Performance.

The day-long conference begins with registration and continental breakfast at 8 a.m. Pre-registration is required as limited seating is available. To pre-register, call 304-293-2370. Additional information can also be found online at www.ce.wvu.edu/media/13390/111017-survivorship.pdf.