WVU Cancer Institute to host Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Walk

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The WVU Cancer Institute will host its annual Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Walk at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28, at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, located at 1061 Tyrone Road in Morgantown. Participants can follow on-site signage to join the event.  

The walk will raise awareness and funds for the WVU Gynecologic Cancer Support Fund, which provides resources and support for patients diagnosed with gynecologic cancers at the WVU Cancer Institute. Registration and donations can be made online at give.wvu.edu/gyncancerwalk.  

Gynecologic cancers include cervical, ovarian, uterine (endometrial), vaginal, and vulvar cancers. West Virginia faces some of the nation’s highest rates of these cancers, with West Virginia leading the nation in endometrial cancer. Risk factors for endometrial cancer include obesity, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy, and genetic syndromes like Lynch Syndrome or Cowden Syndrome.  

Kentucky and West Virginia lead the nation in HPV-associated cancers, including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. HPV vaccination in childhood can prevent many of these cancers.  

Those unable to attend the event may still support the cause by donating at give.wvu.edu/gyncancerwalk.  

For more information about gynecologic cancers and the WVU Cancer Institute, visit WVUCancer.org.