Kentucky Cancer Program – UofL News

Kentucky invests to improve rural cancer care

UofL Health — Wed, 08 May 2024 14:35:12 +0000

UofL Health announced plans to expand the reach of its , building a new $25-million regional cancer center and Center for Rural Cancer ��ֱ�� and Research, with a specific emphasis on increasing access to comprehensive cancer care in south, central and western Kentucky. The cancer center will be located along the growing I-65 corridor on the campus of , in Bullitt County. The project is made possible with recent funding support from the Kentucky General Assembly.

“I want to thank our state leaders for recognizing the importance of investing to improve access to innovative cancer care, education and research,” said, University of Louisville President. “Building this new regional site for our Brown Cancer Center extends opportunities to benefit from our expertise, research and innovative clinical trials. Kentuckians, particularly in our rural counties and mid-sized cities, need better access to those resources.”

Kentucky has the highest death rate of cancer in the U.S. (182.8 deaths per 100,000 total population), and almost 10,000 Kentuckians die of cancer each year. Twice as many Kentuckians died of cancer than of COVID-19 during the past three years, and cancer rates are expected to increase by 50% in the next 20 years. Cancer health care costs in Kentucky are $2.74 billion per year, while productivity losses from morbidity and early deaths in Kentucky cost an additional $3.1 billion per year.

“This will make a great addition to the newly opened hospital here in Bullitt County providing cancer research, training and treatment for the whole state,” said Kentucky Sen. Michael J. Nemes. “This location, along the I-65 corridor, will mean much easier access to quality cancer care for thousands of Kentucky residents. This is one of those transformational projects that will lead to better health outcomes, some that could mean the difference in life-or-death treatment.”

“As the new representative for the 26th District, I was extremely proud to vote on this budget which included $25 million for the cancer center on the UofL Health – South Hospital campus,” said Kentucky rep. Peyton Griffee. “Bringing the cancer center here is a game-changer for Bullitt County and so many more rural counties that will now have closer access to cancer treatment and research. The health and well-being of our citizens will continue to be a priority for me and our General Assembly.”

UofL Health announced plans to expand the reach of its Brown Cancer Center, building a new $25-million regional cancer center and Center for Rural Cancer ��ֱ�� and Research to access to comprehensive cancer care in south, central and western Kentucky. UofL Health photo.

Subspecialty cancer care with comprehensive clinical trials programs and multidisciplinary clinics has been proved to reduce cancer deaths. Currently, there are no comprehensive cancer centers outside of Lexington and Louisville that offer multidisciplinary subspecialist care, clinical trials, access to state-of-the-art screening, and educational and support programs for cancer patients.

“Improving access to health care is our steadfast commitment to the commonwealth, especially in areas that are underserved,” said Tom Miller, UofL Health CEO. “I applaud our elected leaders for working with us to reduce barriers to cancer care for patients in our more rural communities.”

Patients from south, central and western Kentucky have relied on the Brown Cancer Center for a long time. In the last year alone, the Brown Cancer Center’s oncologists saw patients from nearly every Kentucky county, including more than 15,000 outpatient encounters from south, central and western Kentucky.

“The Brown Cancer Center has one unifying mission: To make cancer a disease of the past,” said , director of the Brown Cancer Center. “We are getting closer to that goal and this new regional cancer center brings cutting-edge cancer care and lifesaving clinical trials closer to more Kentuckians.”

The new cancer center will serve as a network base for clinical trials, enhanced nursing/physician educational programs, cancer screening and outreach with partnering oncologists throughout the region. These academic pursuits will be integrated with the Brown Cancer Center’s comprehensive and multidisciplinary programs which attract cancer patients come from all over the United States for second opinions and innovative and highly effective treatment options that are not available at any other cancer centers in our region.

“After my diagnosis of a rare form of melanoma, my close-to-home treatment options were very limited,” said patient Chris Sutton, from Eddyville in rural western Kentucky. “My physician in Paducah referred me to Dr. Chesney. I was fortunate to be able to make the 400-mile round trip every three weeks, but other rural Kentuckians are not. This new center is an important first step to bringing the Brown Cancer Center’s world-class care to more Kentuckians. It will truly save lives.”

Initial plans include space for 20 infusion rooms, five exam rooms, oncology pharmacy and a diagnostic imaging suite. An education space will include a lecture hall, video conferencing space and conference rooms; training for oncology nurses and physicians in clinics; and offer rotations with community oncologists from south central and western Kentucky. A research laboratory for specimen processing and research space for data collection will support cancer clinical trials and translational research.

“For more than 30 years, the has been UofL’s partner, the outreach and community screening arm of the Brown Cancer Center,” said interim dean of the UofL School of Medicine and UofL Physicians head and neck cancer surgeon. “��ֱ��, screening and outreach have always been an important part of our mission to serve the underserved. This new Center for Rural Cancer ��ֱ�� and Research will put us closer to community oncologists and underserved patient populations.”

A patient wellness center, in collaboration with the Kentucky Cancer Program, and a cancer screening program connecting primary care providers to innovative screening technologies will provide additional cancer outreach and education to south, central and western Kentucky.

Final design work is underway on the new cancer center, with a groundbreaking expected in the next 12 months. The anticipated opening will be in early 2026.

For more information on UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center visit, .

Horses and Hope celebrates 15 years of breast cancer education and screening

Betty Coffman — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 19:02:35 +0000

Horses and Hope will celebrate 15 years of cancer education and screening and honor breast cancer survivors with a special day of racing at Churchill Downs on Sunday, Nov. 19. Race day festivities will include remarks by Former First Lady Jane Beshear, founder of Horses and Hope, Gov. Andy Beshear, a performance by D’Corey Johnson, 2023 America’s Got Talent participant and emcee Heather French Henry, Miss America 2000 at 1 p.m.

“Britainy and I were honored to join Horses and Hope to celebrate 15 years of this amazing program,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Horses and Hope is close to my heart because it was created by my mom, Jane Beshear. I am so proud to see her mission to increase access to cancer screenings for Kentucky women being carried out. I want to congratulate everyone at Horses and Hope and celebrate the incredible survivors and warriors who are fighting and beating cancer. Together, we can make a difference in this fight.”

“We are so proud to join Horses and Hope to celebrate 15 years of amazing work on behalf of cancer survivors,” said First Lady Britainy Beshear. “Since Andy’s mom created this program, it has helped countless Kentucky women receive breast cancer screenings and saved lives. I’m so glad this important work will continue.”

Horses and Hope℠ began in 2008 to increase breast cancer awareness, education, screening and treatment referral among Kentucky’s horse industry workers and other special populations. The program has hosted screenings and events honoring cancer survivors across the state in collaboration with the Horses and Hope/UofL Health Brown Cancer Center Screening Van and the Horses and Hope Pink Ford Mustang. Former First Lady Jane Beshear and the at the University of Louisville were instrumental in the program’s launch, along with the Pink Stable, a committee of Kentucky horse owners, riders, trainers, farm owners, jockeys and others.

Operated by the UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center, the Horses and Hope van launched in 2016 has screened more than 17,000 women for breast cancer. Through breast cancer race days at Kentucky racetracks, Horses and Hope has reached more than a million racing fans.

Today, Horses and Hope has been expanded to offer cancer prevention and early detection programs along with screening and treatment referrals for many different cancers through the mobile van. Special events are held throughout the state to honor breast cancer survivors and to raise funds for Horses and Hope, including events at Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Ellis Park, the North American Championship Rodeo and others.

For more information, contact the Kentucky Cancer Program 1-877-326-1134 or email Horses and Hope.

Horses and Hope, charity partner for 2023 Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade, hosts racetrack clinic director Dedra Hayden as special ambassador

Betty Coffman — Thu, 04 May 2023 15:54:06 +0000

will be on the national stage once again as a charity partner for the Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade May 5 at Churchill Downs, and will receive a generous donation.

, UofL associate professor of nursing, director of the and cancer survivor is the Horses and Hope special ambassador at the Kentucky Oaks, and will walk in the parade as a volunteer.��Hayden is an advocate for racetrack workers and the lifesaving cancer screenings provided through UofL Health by Horses and Hope.

Horses and Hope is a project of the to increase cancer education, screening and treatment referral among Kentucky’s horse industry population and other groups. Screenings and events are held across the state in collaboration with the Horses and Hope Cancer Screening Van operated by the UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center. For more information, call 1-877-326-1134 or visit .

The Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade celebrates breast and ovarian cancer survivors and encourages those still fighting cancer as they march on Churchill Downs’ historic racetrack prior to the running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks. The 2023 Survivors Parade will honor 149 survivors and fighters.

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‘Think Pink’ event honors breast cancer survivors

Jill Scoggins — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 18:56:16 +0000

The at the University of Louisville James Graham Brown Cancer Center is teaming up with the Bullitt County Health Department to honor breast cancer survivors in October.

The “Think Pink” event begins at 5 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Paroquet Springs Conference Centre, 395 Paroquet Springs Dr., Shepherdsville.

Former Kentucky First Lady Judy Patton and breast cancer survivor Tabitha Spencer, RT,, R(M), of Baptist Health Louisville, will speak. Health information booths also will be set up on a variety of topics related to breast cancer.

The event is free but RSVPs are required by calling the Bullitt County Health Department at 502-955-5355.

Kentucky Cancer Program, UofL Women’s Basketball team up for pink out this Thursday

Jill Scoggins — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 16:05:05 +0000

The No. 4-ranked UofL Women’s basketball team will offer some health awareness during its match up with the University of Virginia Thursday at the KFC Yum! Center. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.

The Play4Kay Pink Out honors the late Kay Yow, a former University of North Carolina coach who died from cancer in 2009. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund is celebrating its 10^th anniversary of providing funding and support for cancer research.

The at the will be on hand at the game with giveaways and educational materials on the importance of early screening and detection of breast cancer. Louisville Women’s Basketball also will recognize breast cancer survivors on the court during halftime.

Fans are encouraged to wear pink, and representatives of Tom Drexler Plumbing and Remodeling will accept $5 donations for a breast cancer awareness t-shirt in the main concourse of the KFC Yum! Center. Proceeds will benefit Gilda’s Club of Louisville.

Fans also will get to check out the Mustang and Mobile Screening Unit, vehicles that are projects of Horses and Hope, an organization that brings cancer screening, detection and treatment services to workers in the equine industry in Kentucky.

Breast cancer survivors are eligible to receive one free ticket and a discounted ticket for $3 for all guests. Call the Louisville Cardinals’ Ticket office for this offer at 502-852-5151. Other fans can receive discounted tickets for $3 by visiting and using promo code PLAY4KAY.

Brown Cancer Center brings cancer detection unit on the road

Jill Scoggins — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 15:13:39 +0000

The same cancer screening services available at the University of Louisville’s James Graham Brown Cancer Center can be brought to workplaces, churches, schools or other organization – including UofL departments – with just a phone call to schedule.

The cancer center’s Mobile Screening Unit provides prevention and early detection services for breast and other types of cancers. People with private health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid will incur no additional charges for mobile services, and the cancer center will bill providers on behalf of the patients. Some co-pays may apply.

Services provided by the Mobile Screening Unit are furnished by staff at the cancer center and the Kentucky Cancer Program, the statewide cancer prevention and control program mandated by the Kentucky General Assembly.

For more than 25 years, the mobile unit has reached people wherever they are, first focusing on the provision of mammograms for breast cancer and later adding screening services for other types of cancer.

Business and organizational leaders who want to schedule the unit should contact Vera Hobbs at 502-562-4361, extension 4.

Let’s do the time warp again: Rocky Horror Halloween Party honors breast cancer survivors

Jill Scoggins — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 19:00:07 +0000

The Kentucky Cancer Program at the University of Louisville invites breast cancer survivors to do the time warp again in celebration of survivorship at “The Rocky Horror Halloween Party,” an event to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The event is Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Buckhead Mountain Grill, 707 W. Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville, Indiana. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Admission is free and open to breast cancer survivors only. Participants must register to attend by calling 502-852-6318.

Attendees are invited to dress for the occasion with prizes for the best Halloween costume and the best “Rocky Horror Picture Show” costume.

Rachel Platt of WHAS11’s “Great Day Live!” will emcee. The nonprofit theater company Acting Against Cancer will present “The Rocky Horror Halloween Party,” marking the fourth consecutive year the company has staged the production for Kentuckiana audiences.

The event is made possible with support from Buckhead Mountain Grill, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield and Rocky’s Italian Grill.

The Kentucky Cancer Program is the state mandated cancer control program jointly administered by the University of Louisville (West Region) and the University of Kentucky (East Region). At UofL, the program is sponsored by the James Graham Brown Cancer Center.

UofL goes blue for a day to raise colon cancer awareness

Alicia Kelso — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 16:27:07 +0000

This Friday, March 3, UofL employees are asked to do something that may make some Cardinals cringe: Wear blue. But there is a worthy cause behind the annual “Blue of L Day” — Colon Cancer Awareness.��

March marks Colon Cancer Awareness Month. For the occasion, the Kentucky Cancer Program, University Club and Get Healthy Now are teaming up in promotion of Blue of L Day, encouraging staff and faculty to dress in blue for prizes and to raise awareness.

On Friday, employees can stop by the University Club between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and pick up a free cancer colon screening kit, learn about Get Healthy Now healthy campus initiatives and take advantage of the U Club’s “open to everyone” lunch invitation.

Additionally, Connie Sorrell, director of the Kentucky Cancer Program, has put out a “Dress in Blue” challenge to each UofL department. The winning department will receive $250.�� Put on your blue and share your pic via KCP e-mail kycancer@louisville.edu and photos will be posted to KCP facebook page .

Encourage your family, friends, and colleagues to “like” your photo, as the photo with the most “likes” wins.��

Few cancers are as easily prevented as colon cancer. Yet in Kentucky, nearly 2,600 new cases will be diagnosed each year and more than 800 people will die. Colon cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women combined in the state.

Routine screening is highly effective. It is recommended that everyone age 50 and older be screened, as age is the most common risk factor. March is a good time to call your doctor and schedule an appointment.��

Free legal clinic for people with cancer set for Dec. 5

Jill Scoggins — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 20:50:15 +0000

Three area organizations are teaming up to sponsor a free legal clinic for people facing cancer and their families and caregivers on Dec. 5.

The Kentucky Cancer Program at the University of Louisville, Louisville Bar Association and Louisville Pro Bono Consortium are sponsoring the clinic, which will be held 6-7:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 5, at Gilda’s Club of Louisville, 633 Baxter Ave. Free parking is available behind the building and across the street from the club.

At the clinic, attorneys will be available to offer help with life-planning documents under Medicare Part D, including wills, powers of attorney, health care surrogacy and living wills. They also will provide guidance on employee benefits during illness and government assistance that is available such as Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security disability insurance.

Although admission is free, RSVPs in advance are needed at 502-852-6318. For additional information, email the Kentucky Cancer Program or call 502-852-6318.

Community health screenings available Friday at Omni Medical Center

Jill Scoggins — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 19:26:15 +0000

The Kentucky Cancer Program at the University of Louisville has brought together several groups to provide free and low-cost medical screenings to the community Friday, Nov. 18, at the Omni Medical Center practice of Eugene Giles Sr., M.D., 2746 Virginia Ave.

Kentucky African Americans Against Cancer, Horses and Hope, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, KentuckyOne Health and Partnership in Cancer Control have joined with the Kentucky Cancer Program to sponsor the screenings. The program is funded by the WellCare Community Foundation. The screenings will be provided by the Horses and Hope Cancer Screening Van.

The following will be provided from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.:

Mammograms for breast cancer screening
- For women age 40 and over
- No cost to women without insurance
- Advance appointments required by calling 502-776-117
Colon cancer screenings
- Take-home stool test (FIT Kits)
- For all men and women age 50 and over
- For African-American men and women age 45 and over
- No appointment needed
Blood pressure checks, health insurance information and free gifts

For additional information, contact Janikaa Sherrod, Kentucky Cancer Program, 502-852-6318.