Healthcare leaders come together to celebrate 5 years of helping Hampton Roads live healthier lives.
Hampton, VA – August 27, 2026 – The Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute (Hampton Proton) will host its Fifth Annual Prostate Cancer and Health Awareness Fair on Saturday, September 12, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 40 Enterprise Parkway, Hampton, Virginia 23666. For the last four years, Hampton Proton has partnered with Sentara and the Hampton Roads Prostate Health Forum (HRPHF) to bring this event to the community.
This year’s event marks five years of bringing cancer screenings, health education and resources to Hampton Roads — with a special “5 for 5” focus featuring five cancer screenings.
Five Years. Five Cancer Screenings.
What began five years ago as an effort to connect men with prostate cancer screenings has grown into a community-wide health event serving hundreds of Hampton Roads residents each year. In 2025, more than 500 community members attended, with 274 individuals pre-registered and 276 men receiving early detection prostate cancer screenings—up from 195 pre-registrants and 136 screenings in 2024. The year-over-year growth reflects the community’s continued interest in accessible opportunities to prioritize their health.
For the first time, this year’s health fair will offer five early detection cancer screenings:
- Prostate
- Breast
- Colorectal
- Head and Neck
- Skin
The event is free and open to the public, with eligibility requirements varying by screening.
Hampton Roads Healthcare Leaders Come Together
This year’s health fair brings together several of the region’s leading healthcare organizations, allowing Hampton Roads residents to connect with trusted medical professionals and resources in one place. Participating organizations include Sentara, VCU Massey Cancer Center, EVMS Medical Group and Old Dominion University, Hampton University and other community health partners.
Expanding Access to Health Resources
The Hampton University School of Pharmacy will provide blood glucose screenings and BMI checks as part of its health and wellness offerings at the fair. Through its collaboration with Walgreens, it will also offer flu and COVID-19 vaccines, giving attendees additional opportunities to prioritize preventive care and overall health.
Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, a biopharmaceutical company, will participate in this year’s event, sharing information about clinical trials and why representation matters in clinical research. Attendees are encouraged to visit the Merck table to learn more and find resources to support informed conversations with healthcare providers about clinical trial participation.
The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank will host a farmers’ market-style experience, offering fresh produce and shelf-stable dry goods to support individuals and families with access to nutritious foods. Attendees will also receive simple recipe ideas featuring the ingredients provided and highlighting quick, balanced meals.
“Five years ago, we created this health fair to make important health resources more accessible to the Hampton Roads community, and we’re proud to see it continue to grow,” said Tiffany Rodgers, director of marketing at Hampton Proton. “This year, we’re bringing together five cancer screenings, leading healthcare organizations and resources that address the many factors that contribute to good health. We hope this event encourages people to get checked, ask questions and take proactive steps toward healthier lives.”
The event is made possible through the support of community partners and sponsors, including the Langley Federal Credit Union, Merck, GC Commercial, AstraZeneca, Towne Insurance, Sandmarks Marketing, the Urban League of Hampton Roads and Hampton University.
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ABOUT HAMPTON UNIVERSITY PROTON CANCER INSTITUTE
The Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute is the first proton therapy center in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the eighth in the United States, and the only proton therapy center owned by a Historically Black College and University. Since opening in 2010, Hampton Proton has treated more than 5,000 patients from across the country and around the world. The Cancer Institute is committed to delivering exceptional patient-centered care while advancing cancer research, education, advocacy, and access to innovative treatment.
Media Contact
Lourdes Hernandez Clark
Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute
lourdes.hernandez@hamptonproton.org
