The WVU Cancer Institute, in partnership with the Mountains of Hope Cancer Coalition, supports community groups, public health professionals, healthcare organizations, survivorship networks, and others in promoting cancer awareness. Each toolkit below offers evidence-based strategies, ready-to-use messages, communication materials, social media content, and shareable graphics to help reach and engage communities.
Cancer Awareness Toolkits
During the months of October and November engage with your community to promote breast and lung cancer awareness. Breast and lung cancers are two of the most common and deadliest cancers in the United States. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, while lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths nationwide. Screenings for both breast and lung cancers, through mammograms or low-dose CT scans, can help prevent the development of the diseases.
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer and it occurs most often in people over 30 years of age. The main cause of cervical cancer is a long-last infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Routine cervical cancer screening is the best way to find pre-cancerous cells when it is easier to treat and cure.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women combined in WV and is one of the most preventable cancers. Screening tests can find polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer. Several screening tests can be used to find polyps or colorectal cancer.
The WVU Cancer Institute Mobile Cancer Screening Program delivers cutting-edge care to West Virginia’s most rural residents, eliminating the need for extensive travel. By partnering with local clinics, businesses, and healthcare providers, Bonnie’s Bus Mobile Mammography Unit and LUCAS, our lung cancer screening unit, traverse the state to provide critical screening services.
The Mobile Cancer Screening Program is honored to serve your community and deeply values your organization’s dedication to driving change in Appalachia. The Mobile Community Partners toolkit is designed to expand our reach and invites everyone to join us in promoting mobile cancer screening events within our local communities, including local health departments, senior centers, schools, county extension offices, and other community organizations.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American males. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the American Urologic Association (AUA) panels both support Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testing for the early detection of prostate cancer in informed, healthy individuals in certain age groups.
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month. This toolkit builds upon the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s Melanoma Monday® initiative which works to increase awareness and screening for melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer within the United States. About six million people in the country are treated for the disease every year. Self-screening skin exams and screenings with a dermatologist can help detect skin cancer early, and sun protection efforts can help prevent development of the disease.