Celebrating a Cancer-versary

Wedding anniversaries, birthdays, remembering the day you first did something special… these anniversaries are annual reminders of special dates, cherished memories, or proud accomplishments.

However, for people with cancer, there are dates they might want to forget-getting a diagnosis, experiencing a first treatment, or getting bad news.

In this blog, Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN, discusses her own “cancerversary” and how she faces the annual reminder of her cancer diagnosis.

How do you cope with your own cancerversary?

Read more about Carolyn and her story here.

Read More

Dress In Blue Day for Colon Cancer Awareness

This blog post was written by the Colon Cancer Alliance. The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is a community that provides hope and support to patients and their families, while saving lives through screening, access, awareness, advocacy and research.

Why should you wear blue? That’s the question the Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) wants communities, businesses and individuals across the country (and even the world) to answer during its 5th annual Dress in Blue Day™ program on Friday, March 1st.

The CCA’s National Dress in Blue Day takes place every year on the first Friday in March as the official kickoff to National Colorectal Cancer Month. The program promotes awareness of colon cancer, encourages people to get their colon checked and ultimately, is working to put an end to this often preventable disease. On this special day, thousands of people throughout the United States will be showing their support by dressing in blue and talking to people about colon cancer and screening.
“Support for Dress in Blue Day has grown tremendously since we took this program to the national level in 2009,” said Andrew Spiegel, CEO of the CCA. “Each year, we are inspired to hear about more and more communities, individuals and businesses who are taking great strides to support Dress in Blue Day. Our goal is to have the entire country going blue so everyone knows that this a cancer they can do something about – whether it’s by wearing blue, holding an event or taking charge of their health by talking to their doctor.”

Facts About Colon Cancer

Currently, colon cancer affects 1 in 20 people.

More than 143,000 Americans will be diagnosed with the disease this year and 51,690 people will lose their battle with the disease.

But there is good news: Colon cancer is often beatable when detected and treated in its early stages or can be prevented altogether when polyps are removed before they develop into cancer. Dress in Blue Day works to make sure everyone knows this – encouraging local communities, businesses and the general public to support awareness of colon cancer by dressing in blue and hosting educational events.

For more information about Dress in Blue Day and to access these free resources, visit www.dressinblueday.com. And this March, help us spread colon cancer awareness – it could save someone’s life!

Register for the 2013 CANPrevent Colorectal Cancer Conference

The CANPrevent Colorectal Cancer Conference is free and open to the public. Come and learn the latest information on colorectal screening and managing the genetic risk for you and your family. Gain knowledge and take action by getting important information from our experts. Breakfast will be provided.

Date: Friday, March 22
Time: 7:30 am to 10:30 am
Location: Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Register for this free event here.

Register for the 2013 Focus on Colorectal Cancer Conference

TheFocus On Colorectal Cancer conference dedicated to colorectal cancer education. Come and learn the latest information on colorectal screening and managing the genetic risk for you and your family. Gain knowledge and take action by getting important information from our experts. Breakfast will be provided.

Date: Friday, March 22
Time: 7:30 am to 2 pm
Location: Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Register for this free event here.

Make an appointment for a colonoscopy at Penn

 

Read More

Healthiest Things to Eat to Prevent Lung Cancer

February is Cancer Prevention Awareness Month. Here at the Abramson Cancer Center, we are committed to providing outstanding comprehensive cancer care and cancer information including ways to prevent cancer. Further, cancer researchers at Penn are at the forefront of learning new ways to prevent and detect cancer.

In this article, dietitian Carly Roop, RD, discusses foods that can lower your risk of lung cancer. Carly 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.

What is the healthiest thing to eat when trying to prevent lung cancer?

When thinking about cancer prevention, many people want to know, "What is the healthiest thing to eat?" 

The American Institute of Cancer Research found compelling evidence that a diet high in fruit can lower lung cancer risk as much as 36% of those U.S. lung cancer cases not caused by tobacco. The AICR recommends eating at least 5 servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day!

This may seem hard to do, but the AICR makes it easy by suggesting you rethink your plate.

As a dietitian, my mantra is food first; there is convincing evidence that high-dose supplements of beta-carotene can actually increase lung cancer risk. Therefore, it is better to get your beta-carotene from vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potato.

In the food form, the phytochemical beta-carotene neutralizes free radicals, which may damage cells. The anti-cancer compounds found in cabbage and kale such as indole-3-carbinoles and isothiocyanates have also been linked to a lower incidence of lung cancer.

Sauerkraut anyone?

Read More

Get Answers to Your Questions about Pancreatic Cancer

Jeffery Drebin, MD

On Wednesday, February 27, from 4 to 6 pm, Penn Medicine's pancreatic cancer experts will be answering your questions about pancreatic cancer and pancreatic cancer treatment and research.

Submit your questions to Penn Medicine's James Metz, assistant professor of radiation oncology, and Jeffery Drebin, the John Rhea Barton Professor of Surgery, and chairman of surgery at Penn.

They will be conducting an online video chat this Wednesday, 2/27 from 4 to 6 pm to answer your questions about pancreatic cancer treatment.

James Metz, MD

Submit your questions about pancreatic cancer and pancreatic cancer treatment here. 

About Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is cancer that develops within the pancreas, the gland about six inches long that is responsible for making hormones, including the enzymes responsible for the digestion of food and control of blood sugar.

Pancreatic cancer develops when cells within the pancreas begin to grow out of control. It may spread, or metastasize, to nearby lymph nodes and organs such as the liver and lungs.

As the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, pancreatic cancer remains one of the most deadly forms of cancer. More than 90 percent of patients die within the first year of diagnosis. Recent advancements have had little impact, and a new approach is desperately needed.

About Pancreatic Cancer Treatment at Penn Medicine

At Penn Medicine, patients with pancreatic cancer receive their care from a multidisciplinary team of nationally recognized experts in the diagnosis, treatment and research of gastrointestinal cancer.

Penn Medicine's multidisciplinary approach to cancer diagnosis and treatment provides better outcomes and gives patients access to the most advanced treatment, surgical techniques and clinical trials.

The Stand Up to Cancer Dream Team at Penn is actively researching better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat pancreatic cancer. Together, members of the Pancreatic Cancer Dream Team are working to translate scientific breakthroughs into new treatment options faster than ever before. Their research focuses on developing tests using advanced imaging technology to understand pancreatic cancer cells and developing new, personalized pancreatic cancer treatments based on their research.

Learn more about pancreatic cancer treatment at Penn.

Read More

Help Prevent Cancer With These Lifestyle Modifications

Some risk factors for cancer are modifiable, meaning they are things you can change. Modifiable risks for cancer include smoking and using tobacco products, being obese or overweight, not eating a healthy diet or using a tanning bed.

Some risk factors for cancer you cannot change, such as your family history; these are called unmodifiable risk factors. Some risk factors increase the likelihood of one type of cancer, while others can increase the risk of several types.

A tool like Oncolink’s “What’s My Risk” is designed to identify your personal risk factors, both modifiable and unmodifiable, and help you focus on those you can change, providing resources and tips to make those changes.

Lifestyle Changes that Decrease Cancer Risk

Regardless of your personal risk, age, gender and race, there are some modifiable risks - risks that increase as a result of lifestyle - you can change or modify today to help prevent cancer.

• Stop smoking or use tobacco. Need help quitting? Learn about Penn Medicine's Comprehensive Smoking Treatment Program.
• Use sunscreen. Stay sun safe with these tips.
• Do not use tanning booths.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity has been linked to an increased risk for cancer.
• Do not drink alcohol, or limit alcohol use.
• Limit sexual partners. The sexually transmitted disease, HPV, has been shown to increase risk for head and neck cancer, as well as cervical cancer.  

February is Cancer Prevention Month, and this month we are featuring blogs all about cancer prevention. "Like" the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania on Facebook to get cancer prevention tips, cancer education and cancer research news throughout the whole year.

Read More

Create Your Personal Emergency Kit

 

What if something happened to you tomorrow? Would your loved ones know where you keep your important papers, information about accounts, how to access your phone?

Join Oncolink TODAY at Noon ET for a webchat about planning for the unexpected.

There is more to consider than just the legal aspects of getting your affairs in order.

Get prepared! You never know when you or your family may need it.

Register for this OncoLink webchat here. 

Read More

Cancer-fighting Foods: Roasted Cauliflower Curry Soup

The evidence is clear that maintaining a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes/beans plays a large role in cancer prevention. Unfortunately, on cold January days a salad or a homemade smoothie can seem less than appealing, which is why I propose making your own soup.

One cup of soup can provide 1 to 2 servings of cancer-fighting vegetables that can help you warm up from the cold and fill up, which helps to prevent overeating and weight gain. I recommend making your own soup, the canned, frozen, or packaged varieties found in the grocery store can often have as much as a 700 mg of sodium per serving. This is a ¼ of your daily recommended intake of salt in one cup of soup!

There are low sodium varieties on the shelves as well as low sodium vegetable or chicken stock if sodium is a concern of yours. If you have an immersion blender, vegetable soup can be a one pot production that requires little chopping ahead of time, which is my kind of cooking!

This is one of my favorite soups to make; all you need is one pot, 5 ingredients and an immersion blender! Make sure you subscribe to this blog, and "like" our Facebook page for more cancer-fighting recipes.

Roasted Cauliflower Curry Soup

• 1/4 cup raw sunflower kernels (optional)
• 3 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk, divided
• 3 teaspoons mild curry powder, divided, more to taste
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 5 cups (about 1 pound) cauliflower florets

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a medium bowl, toss sunflower kernels with 1 teaspoon almond milk and 1 teaspoon curry powder. Spread out on a small parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake, tossing once or twice, until toasted and fragrant, 6 to 8 minutes; set aside.

Meanwhile, heat 1/2 cup almond milk in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 10 minutes. Add cauliflower, remaining 2 teaspoons curry powder and almond milk, cover and simmer until cauliflower is very tender, about 40 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning with more curry powder if you like. Use an emulsion or handheld blender to puree until smooth, or transfer to a blender and puree until smooth.

Garnish each bowl with sunflower seeds and serve.

Nutritional information per serving: 140 calories, 7g total fat, 200mg sodium, 6g dietary fiber, 5g sugar, 6g protein

Read More

How A Colonoscopy Can Save Your Life

February is Cancer Prevention Awareness Month. Here at the Abramson Cancer Center, we are committed to providing outstanding comprehensive cancer care and cancer information including ways to prevent cancer. Further, cancer researchers at Penn are at the forefront of learning new ways to prevent and detect cancer.

In this article, we discuss colonoscopy, and how a colonoscopy can actually prevent cancer. 

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 screened starting at an earlier age.

Although the incidence of CRC and cancer-related deaths is decreasing, colon cancer screening remains underutilized. Consequently, CRC remains the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer deaths.

One of the main barriers to CRC screening is the lack of awareness of the disease. CRC tends to not be discussed as openly as other conditions such as breast or lung cancer. Furthermore, the thought of undergoing a colonoscopy is not appealing to anyone. This is compounded by the fact that there is a general misperception about the study.

Colonoscopy can detect early tumors, and more importantly pre-cancerous growths of tissue called polyps. Polyps can be removed at the time of the procedure, thereby preventing you from ever developing cancer.

Know What to Expect at a Colonoscopy

Preparation for a colonoscopy involves using a prescription laxative the day before the procedure to clear the colon. Prior to the study, anesthetic medications providing “twilight” sedation are given through an IV. You are able to follow commands under twilight sedation, but remain comfortable if not asleep during the entire exam.

Once sedated, a long thin flexible tube with a light and a high-definition (HD) camera at the tip is inserted through the rectum and advanced to the end of your colon. The total length of the exam is typically 20 to 30 minutes.

For most patients, the hardest part of the exam is the preparation the day before the procedure. Many patients wake up from the sedation unaware that the test has already been performed. At Penn the preparation has been improved so the standard laxative solution is no longer a gallon of fluid, but is a more palatable combination of Miralax® dissolved in Gatorade®.

Roughly 80 percent of CRCs can be prevented with adequate screening and colonoscopy screening saves lives. I encourage everyone to begin the dialogue about CRC screening with their physicians. While no screening test is 100 percent perfect, colonoscopy remains the best method of screening for most individuals.

Are you 50 years old or older? Make an appointment at Penn Medicine for your routine colonoscopy by calling 1-800-789-PENN (7366).

Learn More About Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Register for a free conference about colon and rectal cancer prevention.

The CANPrevent Colorectal Cancer conference is FREE and open to the public. Come and learn the latest information on colorectal screening and managing the genetic risk for you and your family. Gain knowledge and take action by getting important information from our experts. Breakfast will be provided.

Date: Friday, March 22
Time: 7:30 am to 10:30 am
Location: Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Register for this free event here. 
 

Read More

Exercise and the Prevention of Chronic Disease, Cancer

February is Cancer Prevention Awareness Month. Here at the Abramson Cancer Center, we are committed to providing outstanding comprehensive cancer care and cancer information including ways to prevent cancer. Further, cancer researchers at Penn are at the forefront of learning new ways to prevent and detect cancer. 

Exercise and maintaining a healthy weight is one way a person can decrease their risk of cancer and aid in the prevention of chronic disease.

A person’s risk for developing cancer is based on several risk factors for cancer. However, just because someone has one or more risk factors for cancer does not mean they will develop cancer.

Exercise, Prevention of Chronic Disease Including Cancer

While cancer research has come a long way to help identify ways in which people can prevent certain types of cancer, cancer researchers are still looking for new, effective cancer prevention strategies.Obesity, or being overweight has been shown to increase cancer risk. Cancer researchers at Penn Medicine are testing to see if women who are at higher-than-average risk of developing breast cancer during their lifetimes may be able to reduce their risk with exercise.

Research has already proven that female athletes have reduced estrogen levels as a result of exercise. There is also evidence that lower estrogen levels can reduce breast cancer risk over a woman’s lifetime. The hypothesis of the study is that if estrogen levels can be reduced through exercise, the risk of a future breast cancer diagnosis may be lower as well.

February is Cancer Prevention Month, and this month we are featuring blogs all about cancer prevention. "Like" the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania on Facebook to get cancer prevention tips, cancer education and cancer research news throughout the whole year.

Read More

Yoga for Patients with Cancer

As a patient undergoing proton therapy for prostate cancer I have found the Yoga program to be most beneficial during my treatment process. Yoga with Tali has been an invigorating and helpful experience. Tali’s individual attention to individual medical and physical issues is most welcomed and appreciated. Her knowledge and sensitivity in providing the best of Yoga’s exercises, breathing techniques and meditation skills is evident. For men in the prostate program you can learn much to lessen the potential for incontinence issues and other matters while you undergo treatment. Yoga with Tali is something you should experience during your treatment process. It is a free program offered by HUP to patients and caregivers.- John R. Vincenti, Patient

Yoga Classes at the Abramson Cancer Center

Relax and renew the body, mind and spirit with free yoga sessions at the Abramson Cancer Center.

We are pleased to announce that free yoga sessions will be at the Abramson Cancer Center every Tuesday and Thursday from 2 to 3 pm in the Patient and Family Services Conference Room at the Perelman Center.

Also, private one on one sessions are being held on Wednesdays by appointment

All levels are welcome from beginners with no experience to those who have practiced yoga for years.

This is a very gentle and supportive class designed to support patients currently in treatment as well as post treatment.

Caregivers are also welcome.

Please contact Fern Nibauer-Cohen at 215-662-3919 for more information.

Read More

Schedule Your Mammogram at Penn Medicine

February is Cancer Prevention Awareness Month. Here at the Abramson Cancer Center, we are committed to providing outstanding comprehensive cancer care and cancer information including ways to prevent cancer. Further, cancer researchers at Penn are at the forefront of learning new ways to prevent and detect cancer.

In this article, we discuss mammograms. And how a new type of mammogram offered at Penn may improve accuracy.

The mammogram remains the most important screening device in the detection of breast cancer and it likely saves thousands of lives every year.

Beginning at the age of 40, all women should have an annual mammogram to check for breast cancer. Depending on a woman’s personal risk, her physician may recommend she begin annual mammograms before the age of 40.

A revolutionary way to perform mammograms combining traditional mammography with 3D technology, called digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), allows for more accurate pictures of breast health.

Like traditional mammogram, the breast is compressed for about four to five seconds while a series of low-dose X-rays are taken to capture high-resolution images of the breast. These images are then digitally “stacked” to construct a total 3D image of the breast. This 3D image allows radiologists to scroll through, and “peel apart” the layers of the breast to view the breast tissue at different depths and angles. Radiologists can also magnify images to reveal minute details.

Women who get their mammograms using the new DBT technology may find they are called less often for follow-up visits and more tests.

Learn more about DBT at Penn, and how you can schedule your DBT mammogram at Penn.

Read More

Valentine's Day Chocolate Recipe

Valentine’s Day is known for gifts of flowers and a box of chocolates. If you are like so many on Valentine's Day, you are thinking about a special dinner and a special Valentine's Day Chocolate Recipe.

The cocoa bean itself contains minerals, vitamins and powerful antioxidants.

In fact, the cocoa bean has more antioxidants than green tea, black tea and blueberries. Here is the catch. Most cocoa powers are overly processed and have lost much of the antioxidant capacity or they are a sprinkling within high saturated fat foods like butter, lard or sugars. If you love chocolate but would like to conserve on calories, here is a delicious dessert alternative.

Yes, this recipe does have cholesterol and sugar. But it can be made with TLC (tender loving care) and the small serving size if savored and eaten mindfully, can provide more pleasure than a box of chocolates. So choose quality over quantity this Valentine’s Day.

Chocolate Pot De Crème 

Makes 6 – 3 oz servings

• ¼ cup Dutch-process cocoa power, sifter
• ½ cup plus 1 Tbs. skim milk
• ¼ cup evaporated milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg white
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 pinch of salt
• Confectioners’ sugar, for sprinkling

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Line a shallow baking pan with a cloth towel, and set aside.

Place cocoa power in a medium mixing bowl.

In another bowl, combine skim milk and evaporated milk.

Slowly whisk about 3 tablespoons milk mixture into cocoa powder until it forms a thick paste. Whisk in remaining milk mixture until thoroughly combined, and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine eggs, egg white, granulated sugar, and salt, and whisk together until thoroughly combined. Whisk in cocoa-milk mixture until completely combined.

Divide the mixture among six 3-ounce pot de crème molds or six 3-ounce ramekins, and place in a prepared baking; fill the baking pan halfway with hot water.

Transfer to the oven to bake until the puddings are set and leave no residue on your finger when lightly touched, about 25 minutes. Remove the baking plan from the oven, then remove the puddings from the water bath. Transfer the puddings to a wire rack, and let cool 20 to 30 minutes.

When ready to serve, dust the puddings with confectioners’ sugar.

Serve warm.

Source: www.marthastewart.com
Per serving: 64 calories, 3 g fat, 72 mg. cholesterol, 4 g carbohydrate, 134 mg. sodium, 5 g protein

Compare to: Chocolate Mousse Cake (1 slice)
490 calories, 35 g fat, 150 mg. cholesterol, 41 g carbohydrate, 210 mg. sodium, 7 g protein

Debra DeMille, MS, RD, CSO is a nutritional counselor at the Joan Karnell Cancer Center. Debra has worked at Pennsylvania Hospital since 1988 with the last 12 years specializing in oncology. Debra guides individuals receiving chemotherapy and radiation as well as addressing survivorship issues including the use of integrative therapies.


She conducts cooking programs and group counseling sessions for cancer survivors.

Read More

Know how Knowing Your BRCA Status May Help Prevent Cancer

February is Cancer Prevention Awareness Month. Here at the Abramson Cancer Center, we are committed to providing outstanding comprehensive cancer care and cancer information including ways to prevent cancer. Further, cancer researchers at Penn are at the forefront of learning new ways to prevent and detect cancer.

In this article, we discuss breast cancer, mutation of genes, specifically, the BRCA mutation, and how knowing your own BRCA status could impact the health care decisions you make in the future. 

BRCA1 and BRCA2 stand for breast cancer 1 and breast cancer 2. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are present in all individuals. Everyone has two copies of each of these genes - one from each parent.

Mutations of genes are like spelling errors in the genetic code of a gene. Those who have a gene mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA 2 gene are at higher than average risk for developing certain cancers.

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are responsible for the repair of certain types of DNA errors that may occur each time a human cell makes a copy of itself. Without a gene mutation, functional BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes help ensure the stability of cell's genetic material, or DNA, and help prevent uncontrolled cell growth. BRCA1 and BRCA2 can be genes causing cancer if they have a gene mutation.

Having mutations of genes, or an inherited gene mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 does not mean a person is guaranteed to develop cancer, but the chances are significantly higher than for someone who does not have a gene mutation.

The lifetime risk of developing certain types of cancer is greatly increased for women and men who inherit a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.

Women and men who test positive for a BRCA gene mutation may refer to themselves as “previvors.”

A previvor is a survivor of a predisposition to cancer. Previvors have unique needs from people with cancer such as active surveillance and screening tests and often need to make treatment decisions based on their risk for inherited cancer.

Increasingly, women at high risk for breast cancer are choosing prophylactic mastectomy to greatly reduce their chance of getting breast cancer. While prophylactic mastectomy stories often make the front page, many women at increased risk for breast cancer choose other methods of managing their risk like enhanced breast cancer screening or risk-reducing medications. Jessica Long, CGC, a genetic counselor at Penn’s Basser Research Center for BRCA explains that “this is generally a very personal decision for each woman, even within the same family.”

Men and women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation may:

• Choose to start screening for breast cancer at age 25
• Receive specialized breast screening that includes regular mammography and breast MRI
• Participate in screening studies that offer cutting-edge technologies
• Be screened for ovarian cancer
• May choose to have ovaries or healthy breast tissue removed to reduce risk of developing cancer
• Also be candidates for other specialized types of enhanced screening
• Receive personalized medical recommendations for overall health

Mutations of Genes, and Cancer Research at Penn

The Basser Research Center for BRCA supports research on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, harmful forms of which are linked to greatly increased risks of developing breast and ovarian cancer. The Center is named in honor of Mindy Gray’s sister, Faith Basser, who died of ovarian cancer at age 44.

The Basser Research Center was established with a $25 million gift to the University of Pennsylvania from alumni Mindy and Jon Gray.

Emphasizing outreach, prevention, early detection, treatment and survivorship, the Basser Research Center will contribute to all stages of research and clinical care relevant to BRCA-related cancers.

Learn more about the Basser Research Center.

Read More