Inova Schar Cancer

07/29/2026

Changes in sexual desire after a blood cancer diagnosis are common. Sage B., PhD, LCSW, CST, FAOSW, Chief Philanthropy Officer and President, Inova Health Foundation, joins Blood Cancer United for a conversation on sexuality and intimacy, sharing practical, supportive strategies to navigate changes in desire, body image and communication, while redefining intimacy in ways that feel authentic and meaningful.

📽️ Watch:
Navigating Connection with Cancer: Sexuality, dating and identity for young adults https://bit.ly/4vVz32s
Living Fully with Cancer: intimacy, confidence and connection for older adults https://bit.ly/4pK7GqL

07/28/2026

We're proud to bring another innovation to ovarian cancer care. Inova is the first health system in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region to use a new FDA-approved fluorescent imaging technology that helps light up ovarian cancer during surgery, enhancing surgeons’ ability to see and remove cancer in real time. 🔬

Gynecologic oncologist Dr. Leslie Randall, who helped develop the CYTALUX® (pafolacianine) injection, teamed up with colleague Dr. Annette Bicher to perform the first ovarian cancer surgeries at Inova using this innovative technology.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4vX4z03

07/17/2026

How is gene therapy changing the future of sickle cell disease care? In this Black Health Matters article, Inova hematologist Dr. Sheinei Alan, Director of the Adult Sickle Cell Program, discusses gene therapy, the importance of comprehensive, multidisciplinary care, and the need to increase awareness, while addressing barriers to access.

The article also follows one patient's inspiring gene therapy journey. https://bit.ly/3R16Hpd

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

07/15/2026

For many cancer survivors, healing isn't only physical – it's emotional, relational, sexual and deeply personal. Survivorship isn't about "bouncing back" to who you were before, but about learning how to move forward with honesty, courage, compassion, curiosity and genuine self-care. ✨

Sage Bolte, PhD, LCSW, CST, FAOSW, Chief Philanthropy Officer and President, Inova Health Foundation, shares insights on how survivors can reconnect with themselves and rebuild confidence in a recent Breast Cancer Wellness by The Pink Fund article: https://bit.ly/4pm0Pn3

Volume 20, Issue 2

06/15/2026

Cancer affects more than the body, but you don't have to navigate it alone. 💖

Inova Peterson Life with Cancer, a program of Inova Schar Cancer, provides free counseling, support groups, wellness programs, and more for anyone impacted by cancer – patients, survivors, caregivers, families and children – regardless of where treatment is received.

These programs are made possible through the generosity of donors, including the Peterson family and our philanthropic community.

Learn more: LifeWithCancer.org

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