Private philanthropy is expanding resources to aid WVU Cancer Institute patients diagnosed with gynecologic cancers.
An anonymous donor’s recent $50,000 gift established the Gynecologic Cancer Support Fund to provide short-term financial assistance for gynecologic cancer patients to cover treatment-related costs and programmatic support to enhance the quality of care.
“We’re grateful for this newly established fund that will help our patients with out-of-pocket costs for gynecologic cancer care,” Krista Pfaendler, M.D., M.P.H., surgical gynecologic oncologist, said. “We plan to raise additional money for this fund at our fifth annual Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Walk on Sept. 28 at the West Virginia Botanic Garden.”
Gynecologic cancers begin in a woman’s reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, cervix, and vulva. Endometrial cancer, which forms in the lining of the uterus, is the most commonly diagnosed gynecologic cancer in the United States, followed by cervical cancer.
According to the most recent five-year data from the National Cancer Institute, West Virginia has the nation’s highest rate of uterine cancer (per capita) and the second-highest rate of cervical cancer.
Gynecologic cancers are often challenging to diagnose because many early symptoms, such as itching, irregular bleeding, pelvic pain, and more, may be familiar to women and overlooked or dismissed as something less serious. Women should consult a doctor about possible symptoms and risks for other gynecological cancers.
HPV vaccination can prevent most cervical and vaginal cancers and many vulvar cancers. Regular Pap screening can catch pre-cancerous changes so they can be treated before they become cancerous.
“We want to thank HPV-vaccinated West Virginians who are doing their part to help decrease our state’s incredibly high rates of HPV-related cancers,” Dr. Pfaendler said.
The WVU Cancer Institute is home to the largest gynecologic oncology team in West Virginia. They offer a full range of treatments — including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, clinical trials, and surgical management, including robotic-assisted surgery — to create individualized treatment plans for each patient.
The WVU Cancer Institute is also pursuing advanced radiation treatment options. Phillip Pifer, M.D., Ph.D., is the only radiation oncologist in the Mountain State using advanced vaginal hybrid interstitial high-dose rate brachytherapy to treat cervical, endometrial, and vaginal cancers. This state-of-the-art technique allows for higher doses of radiation to be delivered directly to the tumor while minimizing exposure to nearby organs.
“Our team of nurses, advanced practice providers, physicians, and physicists is using state-of-the-art MRI-guided hybrid interstitial brachytherapy techniques to offer the best treatment possible to our gynecological patients to increase the likelihood of cure and reduce toxicity,” Dr. Pifer said. “We are excited to offer this treatment so they can stay closer to home and not travel out of state for these services.”
Any cancer diagnosis can have a devastating financial impact for patients, who may face out-of-pocket costs, travel expenses, loss of income, and other challenges associated with treatment. The WVU Cancer Institute offers private support and other resources to help patients in need.
Visit WVUCancer.org/Giving to learn more about supporting the Gynecologic Cancer Support Fund and other funds that make a difference in patients’ lives by easing the financial burden.
The anonymous donor’s gift was made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities.
For more information on the WVU Cancer Institute, visit WVUCancer.org.
