Inova Schar Cancer

06/09/2026

A preliminary study led by Dr. Timothy Cannon, Sheridan Director, Molecular Tumor Board, Co-Director, Gastrointestinal Cancer Program, Inova Schar Cancer, examined 94 runners (ages 35 to 50) who had completed multiple marathons or ultramarathons.

Nearly half had colon polyps, and about 15% had advanced polyps, which can sometimes develop into cancer. Dr. Cannon suggested extreme running may temporarily divert blood away from the gut to the legs, potentially affecting the intestinal lining over time.

A larger follow-up study is now underway to better understand the findings.

If you’re an endurance athlete and have persistent gastrointestinal issues like cramping or re**al bleeding, it’s important to see a doctor. 🩺

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Qrss10

A preliminary study found nearly half of a sample group of marathon runners had colon polyps, which can sometimes lead to cancer. Timothy Cannon, an oncologist and lead author on the study, suggests extreme running may divert blood from the gut to the legs, which deprives gut cells of blood and oxyg...

06/08/2026

🎉 Big congratulations to Dr. John Deeken, President of Inova Schar Cancer and Co-Director of the Inova Schar Head and Neck Cancer Program, for being named one of Modern Healthcare’s 2026 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives.

This national recognition celebrates leaders who are shaping the future of healthcare through visionary leadership, clinical innovation and meaningful impact on patient care.

Dr. Deeken has been instrumental in advancing Inova Schar Cancer’s multidisciplinary care model, an approach proven to help improve outcomes, accelerate treatment, and enhance the patient experience – serving as a blueprint for cancer centers.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/43Vbhbe

06/05/2026

From your 20s through your 70s and beyond, small steps today can make a meaningful difference in your future health. Knowing your risk, staying on top of screenings, and building healthy habits all play a role.

Not sure where to start? Use this guide as a reminder of what matters in each decade and talk with your doctor about what is right for you.

Prevention is lifelong. And it starts with a conversation.

Learn more: Inova.org/PrimaryCare

06/02/2026

We saw an amazing turnout at the Fifth Annual Inova Saville Cancer Screening and Health Fair, welcoming more than 1,200 community members – thanks to everyone who joined us! 💙

From cancer screenings and early detection resources to cancer prevention education and conversations about healthy living, it was a day of learning and connection. Philanthropic support expands access to these vital services. Thank you to our donors. 🙌

✨ Special thanks to Wegmans for generously donating 1,000 bags of fresh produce to support our community.

06/01/2026

As Saletta undergoes treatment for colon cancer, she's using her experience to raise awareness – especially among younger adults – to listen to their bodies and seek care if something feels off. Symptoms like stomach pain, abdominal discomfort or stool bleeding shouldn't be ignored.

🎵 A lifelong music lover, Saletta finds strength in music, calling her infusion room "Club Chemo." Thanks to live music played by an artist-in-residence through Inova Schar Cancer's Arts & Healing program – fully funded by Inova Foundation donors – treatment days become moments of comfort, connection, and hope.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4o1Gz9x

05/22/2026

Saletta turned her chemotherapy sessions into "Club Chemo," where the hum of infusion machines gives way to live music, rhythm and moments of joy after a Stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis.

Her story is made possible through Inova Schar Cancer's Arts & Healing program, funded entirely through philanthropy, and it carries an important reminder that colon cancer is rising in younger adults, and early screening can save lives.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4u83G4g via The Zebra Press - GOOD News in Alexandria, VA

Alexandria, VA -- At Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, the steady hum of infusion machines is often the soundtrack to long hours of cancer treatment. But in one

05/21/2026

What is Inova Schar Cancer's Stem Cell Transplant and Immunotherapy Program – and who is it for? 🧬

For patients with complex blood cancers and bone marrow disorders, the program offers personalized care that helps the immune system better target and fight cancer. With the integrated cell processing lab, cancer program, and hospital all under one roof, patients benefit from coordinated, multidisciplinary care and access to advanced therapies, including CAR T-cell therapy.

📽️ Learn more about Northern Virginia’s only FACT-accredited health system: https://bit.ly/47RacUV

05/19/2026

If you don't have symptoms, do you still need to get screened for colon cancer? That's one of the most common questions patients ask.

📽️ Chief of Inova Gastroenterology Dr. Ivan Harnden answers key questions about colon cancer screening, including:

🤔 Do I need screening if I feel fine?
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 If no one in my family has had colon cancer, am I still at risk?
😟 Does a colonoscopy hurt?
🗓️ When should screening start?

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4ukeVqJ

05/19/2026

7 things you may not know about cervical cancer screening and prevention 👇

Cervical cancer is often preventable, and screening is one of the best ways to protect your health. Dr. Shawn Davis-Wilensky, OB-GYN at Inova Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center, shares key insights – from the HPV vaccine to emerging at-home testing options.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4dodkJm

Here are seven things that may surprise you about cervical cancer screening and prevention, from an Inova OB-GYN.

05/15/2026

Cancer care doesn't only happen during appointments – it happens every day between visits. 🩺 Inova Schar Cancer has been approved for a funding award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute - PCORI to expand real-time symptom monitoring during cancer treatment.

Using electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs), patients can share symptoms like fatigue, pain and nausea as they happen – helping care teams respond faster, reduce hospital visits and improve quality of life.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Ra8hVf

Fairfax, VA – Inova Schar Cancer has been approved for a funding award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to implement electronic monitoring of patients’ self-reported symptoms during cancer treatment. Led by John Deeken, MD, President of Inova Schar Cancer, this proje...