A Sister’s Journey: The Cancer Diagnosis

Cassandra Hogue (left) with her sister, Caroline at LIVESTRONG event.“This was never supposed to happen to her, I remember thinking, outraged, as if she and I had been given some kind of special exemption from sickness and suffering.”Joan Didion wrote those words in her recent memoir, Blue Nights, about her 38-year-old daughter who was seriously ill. Those, too, were my thoughts when my 58-year-old healthy sister was diagnosed with an advanced form...

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Walkabout Program for People with Cancer and Caregivers

Collage artwork by a Walkabout program participantWalkabout: Looking In, Looking Out is an innovative survivorship program at the Joan Karnell Cancer Center at Pennsylvania Hospital that addresses the normal psychological and physical changes that come with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. The goal of the program is to support participants with developing a strong view towards living well.“Walkabout is a program that allows participants to move...

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Do I really need to get a colonoscopy?

Vinay Chandrasekhara, MD, is a gastroenterologist at Penn Medicine. Here, he discusses the one cancer screening you shouldn’t avoid. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the few cancers that can be prevented with screening. In the United States, it is recommended that everyone over the age of 50 be screened for CRC. If you have a family history of colon polyps, cancer at an early age or certain chronic medical conditions you may be encouraged to be...

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A Team Approach to Treating Colon and Rectal Cancer

Cary B. Aarons, MD, is an assistant professor of surgery in colon and rectal surgery. In this blog, he discusses surgical treatment of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer diagnosed in the United States. Fortunately, the overall prognosis for treating colorectal cancer is quite favorable if it is discovered early. In fact, up to 90 percent of patients whose colorectal cancer is diagnosed and treated in the...

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Program Connects Patients to Colorectal Screenings

Carmen E. Guerra MD, MSCE, Michael L. Kochman, MD, FACP, Alicia Lamanna, Medical Assistant and patient liaison for the program and Josh Ramos, a Penn junior who was awarded a grant to work on the navigation project.Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Although studies prove that screening reduces colorectal cancer morbidity and mortality and is recommended for everyone over the...

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From A Sister's Point of View - Meet Cassandra

Cassandra Hogue (left) with her sister Caroline at a LIVESTRONG eventCassandra Hogue is a new contributor to the Focus On Cancer blog. Cassandra’s sister is a cancer survivor who was treated at Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center. Through her sister’s surgery, several rounds of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and most recently, proton therapy, Cassandra has been a solid source of support and comfort for her sister. Cassandra recalls Caroline’s observation...

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Cancer-fighting Recipe: Savory Moroccan Soup

This delicious recipe is low in fat and rich in cancer-fighting ingredients like tomatoes, chickpeas, artichokes, herbs, spices and whole grains. Perhaps the best thing about this recipe is that it is quick and easy, which is perfect for someone who doesn’t have a lot of energy or time.  Savory Moroccan Soup Cook time: 15 minutesPrep Time: 8 minutesServings: 4Ingredients3 c low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock1 can(14.5 oz) no-salt-added...

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Colorectal Cancer 101: Increase Your Awareness

Cary B. Aarons, MD, is an assistant professor of surgery in colon and rectal surgery. In this blog, he discusses colorectal cancer, it’s causes, screening and treatment options, including surgery. Among adults, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. It is also the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths every year. These statistics generally mean very little to the average person until they are faced with...

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Learn the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

March is colorectal cancer awareness month, and it is a good time to review the symptoms of colorectal cancer. Catching colorectal cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage offers patients better outcomes and chance for a cure. While colon cancer is often combined with rectal cancer and referred to as “colorectal cancer,” it is important to know about the two different types, their location and their symptomsAbout Colon Cancer Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in both men and women, and is the second leading cause of death...

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Cancer-fighting Recipe: Multi-grain Scones

This cancer-fighting recipe for scones is healthy because it is made form whole grains, is lower in fat and is high in protein. These are a great, make ahead and freeze breakfast item, and are also great for a snack or with a cup of tea.Multi-grain sconesMakes 6 to 9 sconesIngredients1 egg                            ½ cup oats½ cup sugar   ...

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Prevent Colorectal Cancer with These Nutrition Tips

Carly Roop RD, CSO, is a registered dietitian at the Joan Karnell Cancer Center (JKCC). She provides nutrition education and support to patients while addressing nutrition-related side effects from chemotherapy and radiation. Dietitians at JKCC provide educational nutrition programs that are open to patients as well as the community.March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. While some risk factors for colon cancer such as genetic predisposition...

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How Good are Do-it-yourself Genetic Tests?

Do you wonder if you have a gene mutation that put you at higher risk for certain types of cancer? Today, direct-to-consumer genetic testing is available for anyone who is interested in knowing their risk for certain cancers like melanoma and breast cancer. In some cases, ordering an at-home test is just a few clicks away from your home computer. While these tests may be easy to order online, deciphering the results are not as easy. Not every company...

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Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Approximately 90 percent of colorectal cancers are thought to be preventable. With that in mind, Pennsylvania Hospital’s Joan Karnell Cancer Center is focusing on colorectal cancer awareness with an educational program 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, the week of March 19 in the Elm Garden Cafeteria at Pennsylvania Hospital. Open to hospital staff, patients and visitors, the program focuses on nutrition, genetics, prevention and screening for colorectal cancer....

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Patient Turned Advocate Promotes Awareness

John Turino was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1996. A South Jersey resident, John is married with an 18-year-old son and is chairperson of the tri-state chapter of the Colon Cancer Alliance.My story begins on May 15, 1996. I was experiencing extreme pain on my left side. I was sent to a radiologist for a barium enema, and X-ray to look at my colon, but the liquid was unable to pass through. A tumor had blocked off the descending colon and broken...

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Grab These Foods When Fatigue Sets In

Carly Roop RD, CSO, is a registered dietitian at the Joan Karnell Cancer Center (JKCC). She provides nutrition education and support to patients while addressing nutrition-related side effects from chemotherapy and radiation. Dietitians at JKCC provide educational nutrition programs that are open to patients as well as the community.Fatigue can be an overwhelming side effect of chemotherapy and is probably one of the most common complaints I hear....

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Helping Patients and Families Cope With Advanced Cancer

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming.  For patients diagnosed with an advanced form of cancer, the issues and concerns can be particularly challenging.  To help patients and their loved ones cope with an advanced or late stage cancer diagnosis, the Joan Karnell Cancer Center has developed the Supportive Care Clinic. “One of our goals is to help patients and their loved ones begin the conversation about the impact of a cancer diagnosis,...

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Recommended Screening Tests for Cancer

A cancer screening is a test that can detect cancer in its early stages or abnormalities that may lead to cancer before symptoms are present. When cancer is detected early, it may be easier to treat and its treatment may have better outcomes. If you have a genetic predisposition to certain types of cancer, you may need to be screened more often or at an earlier age than the general population.Some examples of screening recommendations are:Yearly...

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Screening for Colorectal Cancer (Video)

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and it is the perfect time to schedule a screening for colorectal cancer.Screening tests for colorectal cancer can detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage. Here, Greg Ginsberg, MD, director of endoscopic services at Penn Medicine, and physician at the Abramson Cancer Center, talks about screening for colorectal cancer. Get screened for colorectal cancer. Schedule an appointment with a Penn physician today. brightcove.createExperiences();...

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Join the Abramson Cancer Center on Twitter

Today, Penn Medicine is live tweeting from three Focus On Cancer conferences.      Focus on Gastrointestical Cancer ConferencePenn’s Focus On Gastrointestinal Cancer Conference provides patient-focused information about the latest advances in gastrointestinal cancer risk, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, symptom management and psychosocial issues; as well as the opportunity to network and gain support from other gastrointestinal...

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