WVU Cancer Institute

11/16/2025

💙 Living life to the fullest.

When Debra “Pepper” Coles walked into the WVU Cancer Institute, she brought with her a smile, a deep love for family, and an unwavering strength that has carried her through life’s toughest moments.

After being diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer, Pepper chose to participate in a clinical trial — not just for herself, but for others.

And her decision is already making a difference. Thanks to innovative treatments and the support of her care team, Pepper saw her tumor respond after her very first cycle of chemotherapy. She recently celebrated a major milestone by ringing the Cancer Center bell and dancing her way into the next phase of treatment: immunotherapy.

This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we honor patients like Pepper who inspire us, uplift others, and help advance the future of cancer treatment.

💙 Read Pepper's story: https://bit.ly/4oE7yYe

11/14/2025

A few of our WVU medical students are trading their textbooks for beard brushes this month — all for a good cause. Shout out to Charlie Gish, George Edwards, and Zach LeBlanc for showing their support! 💙🩺

By taking part in No Shave November, they’re raising awareness for men’s health and prostate cancer, reminding our community that early detection and prevention save lives.

Support their mission, grow it out, and help spark conversations that matter.
🔗 give.wvu.edu/NSN2025

11/13/2025

Growing up in rural West Virginia, Nicholas Baker, MD, saw two options: drive a coal truck or go to college.

Encouraged by his mother — and supported by the Health Sciences and Technology Academy (HSTA) — he chose college, a decision that set him on a path to become a national leader in robotic thoracic surgery.

Now, Dr. Baker has come full circle — returning home as a thoracic surgeon to care for patients and inspire the next generation of West Virginians to dream big.

💛 “You don’t have to come from a background of physicians,” Baker says. “There are programs in West Virginia that can help anybody get to where they want to be — as long as they put in the work.”

🎥 Watch Dr. Baker’s story:

Nicholas Baker, M.D., associate professor of thoracic surgery in the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at the WVU School of Medicine, is a pr...

11/11/2025

The newest episode of Cancer Close-Up is here to help you “Breathe Easier" during Lung Cancer Awareness month! 💙

Thoracic surgeon Nida Bham, MD, and medical oncologist Mohammed Almubarak, MD, share what you need to know about lung cancer risk, early detection, and treatment options that can save lives.

🎧 Tune in and take a deep breath for your health: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfAPV5JbHbI

11/10/2025

Brandon Arruda, APRN, AGNP-C, CUNP, with WVU Cancer Institute Urologic Oncology team is serious about supporting his patients by joining the beard brigade for No Shave November!

By throwing out his razor for the month, he's saving time and money to raise awareness for men's health – a cause close to his heart. By getting a little scruffier, he's helping shine a light on prevention, early detection, and the importance of screenings.

Join Brandon in making your month matter – grow it out, donate, or simply spread the word!
➡give.wvu.edu/NSN2025

11/10/2025

Nick Baker, MD, thoracic surgeon at WVU Cancer Institute and United Hospital Center, is letting it grow for a good cause – and he sure is off to a great start!

This No Shave November, Dr. Baker is joining colleagues across several specialties to raise awareness for men's health and prostate cancer. By putting down the razor, he's helping spark conversations that save lives – because early detection and prevention matter.

Show your support, grow it long, and make your month matter!
🔗give.wvu.edu/NSN2025

11/10/2025

🚛💙 Hope on the move.

Through its LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit, WVU Medicine is delivering early detection and life-saving care to rural communities across West Virginia.

“Since launching, we’ve diagnosed more than 80 cancers — not just lung, but thyroid, breast, and pancreatic,” says Kyle Chapman, MD, of the WVU Cancer Institute. “Every early diagnosis means a life saved.”

🔗Read more about how WVU Medicine is driving change this Lung Cancer Awareness Month: https://bit.ly/3JOrk4b

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and WVU Medicine is highlighting major strides in lung cancer prevention and early detection through its growing screening initiatives, particularly the lung cancer screening (LUCAS) mobile program, which brings life-saving technology directly to communities....

11/07/2025

Give up the grooming to support men's health – it's No Shave November! 🧔‍

Join Phil Pifer, MD, PhD, radiation oncologist and Raheel Siddiqui, MD, medical oncologist, in tossing that razor to help us raise awareness for prostate cancer, along with many of their colleagues across the WVU Cancer Institute!

Looking for other ways to support the cause? Join us in the fight against prostate cancer by supporting the WVU Cancer Institute's research, education, and advocacy efforts.

🔗Donate here: give.wvu.edu/NSN2025

11/06/2025

It's officially No Shave November – and Ali Hajiran, MD, is leading the charge! 💙

As chief of Urologic Oncology, Dr. Hajiran knows firsthand how important early detection and research are in the fight against prostate cancer. This month, he's putting down the razor to raise awareness for men's health and support prostate cancer care across WV!

🔗Join us by growing your beard, raising awareness, or donating to the cause here: give.wvu.edu/NSN2025

11/04/2025

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month 💙

Lung cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms until it’s advanced, but with regular screenings, it can be found early — when treatment is most effective.

The WVU Cancer Institute’s LUCAS Mobile Screening Unit helps make that possible by bringing advanced lung cancer screening technology directly to communities across West Virginia, ensuring more people have access to this potentially life-saving test.

Together, we can take steps toward a future where lung cancer is found earlier and outcomes are better for all West Virginians.

🔗 Learn more about LUCAS: wvucancer.org/LUCAS

10/31/2025

🎃 Happy Halloween from the WVU Cancer Institute! 👻
Our team got into the spirit with creative costumes — from the Lorax to Alvin and the Chipmunks and so many other fantastic characters!

Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun and brought a little extra joy to the day. 💛💙

10/31/2025

We’re honored to announce that the WVU Cancer Institute has been named to the Becker’s Healthcare 2025 list of Hospitals and Health Systems recognized for excellence in oncology! 🎉

This recognition highlights our team’s dedication to advancing cancer care through innovation, research, and compassion — right here in West Virginia. From cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials to mobile early-detection programs serving rural communities, we’re committed to bringing world-class care close to home.

Thank you to our patients, providers, and partners who make this possible every day. 💛💙

🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/4oiQMOs