Ballad Health, UVA Health enter partnership to support cancer survivors in Appalachian Highlands

One in four cancer survivors reports a low quality of life. A new partnership between Ballad Health and UVA Health aims to change that for cancer survivors in the Appalachian Highlands through a virtual study.

The weSurvive study, conducted by researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, aims to help cancer survivors thrive after treatment by empowering them to make choices that increase their quality of life. Studies show that cancer survivors in rural areas have higher rates of chronic disease that stem from unhealthful behaviors like poor diet and a lack of exercise. The free program aims to help survivors make personalized adjustments to their nutrition and physical activity, increasing their quality of life after treatment.

“Recovering from a disease like cancer is an incredible feat, and we want to make sure that our patients can fully enjoy their lives after treatment,” said Dwight Owens, vice president of oncology services at Ballad Health. “This partnership will be a great way for us to empower our survivors by giving them the tools they need to live healthier, happier lives in ways that work with their lifestyles.”

The weSurvive study invites survivors to participate for six months in a fully virtual format, meaning no travel is required to participate. The program includes group sessions, one-on-one coaching sessions and three 60-minute surveys totaling 15 hours of participation over the full year. Participants will receive a body weight scale after completing their first assessment for the program and will receive gift cards after completing six-month and 12-month assessments.

The study is open to survivors who are at least 18 years old, are considered cancer-free and have completed primary treatment within the past 10 years. Participants must live within or near the Appalachian Highlands and speak English to participate. Having a smartphone with internet capabilities is preferred but not required.

“Our patients might finish their treatment, we might finish our care plan for them, but we never stop caring about them,” said Dr. Tamara Musgrave, a hematology and oncology specialist at Ballad Health Cancer Care. “We’re excited for this opportunity to provide our patients with the tools they need to have a healthy life after their cancer journey.”

“We don’t want our patients to simply survive after treatment—we want them to thrive,” said Sherri Lawson, director of oncology navigation at Ballad Health Cancer Care. “Sometimes, returning to life after a cancer journey is overwhelming, and we think this is a great opportunity for our patients to improve their quality of life with helpful guidance.”

UVA Cancer Center received funding from the American Cancer Society to conduct the weSurvive study. Applications to participate are being accepted through Sept. 15. UVA has been running the study since early 2024 and has started or completed six other cohorts.

Cancer survivors living in rural communities are more likely to have worse cancer survivorship outcomes and chronic health conditions than those in other regions. They also encounter challenges accessing healthcare services during and after treatment, including extended travel for care.

“Having a program for rural cancer survivors like weSurvive that meets them where they are – both literally because survivors can take part in activities from their home and figuratively because participants set their own goals and plans to reach those goals – has the potential to meaningfully impact the health of cancer survivors,” said Dr. Kathleen Porter with UVA School of Medicine and UVA Cancer Center.

Over the past year, Ballad Health has made several key investments in cancer care services throughout the region. The health system recently celebrated the 26,000 square foot expansion of Ballad Health Cancer Care—Johnson City, in addition to a new partnership with Varian to implement leading-edge technology across the Appalachian Highlands. 

To participate in the study, interested cancer survivors should complete a brief eligibility screener here. Survivors of all cancer types will be considered for the study. Those with further questions should call 434-235-1112 or email kjporter@virginia.edu. To learn more about cancer care services provided by Ballad Health, visit www.balladhealth.org/medical-services/cancer-care.