A Great Day to Be a Quitter

Thinking about giving up smoking but not sure where – or when – to start? Today is your day! In celebration of World No Tobacco Day, we at Penn Medicine are here to help you stop smoking for good. Even giving up this dangerous habit for one day can dramatically improve your health. If you’re ready to stub the smokes and want to try to quit on your own, here are a few tips to helping you take the first steps towards successfully quitting.*Set a date:...

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Cancer-Fighting Recipe: Pan Roasted Baby Artichokes with Pistachios, Lemon And Black Quinoa Recipe

This is an easy, tasty, yet unique recipe packed full of cancer fighting phytochemicals. Artichoke hearts, named the 4th vegetable highest antioxidants, contain an antioxidant called rutin that can induce cancer cell death and reduce cancer cell growth.Pistachios are second on the list right under red wine for containing a significant amount of the cancer fighting and heart healthy phytochemicals.Lastly, all the hype about quinoa is for a good reason!...

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Pancreatic Cysts: Diagnosis and Treatment

Christine Wilson, cancer survivor, shares her experiences from the Abramson Cancer Center’s 2013- Focus on Pancreatic Cancer Conference. In this blog, she discusses pancreatic cysts. In recent years, the number of pancreatic cysts detected has increased significantly. Most of these are found “incidentally,” meaning that they show up on imaging studies done for other reasons, not because they are causing any symptoms. The question, according to...

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Cancer-Fighting Recipe: Asparagus with Curry Butter

This recipe is teaming with cancer-fighting ingredients which happen to fight aging as well. Asparagus contains glutathione, an important antioxidant found in all tissues of the body. This antioxidant helps to detoxify and eliminate toxins such as heavy metals and pesticides from the body, which can contribute to aging and toxin induced diseases such as cancer.Limonene a compound found in citrus fruits such as the lemons used in this recipe boosts...

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Genetic Risk and Pancreatic Cancer Prevention

Christine Wilson, cancer survivor, shares her experiences from the Abramson Cancer Center’s 2013- Focus on Pancreatic Cancer Conference. In this blog, she discusses genetic factors that may put someone at higher risk for pancreatic cancer. Anil Rustgi, MDOf the 40,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed each year, approximately 10 percent, or 4,000 of these have a hereditary or familial basis, according to Penn expert, Anil Rustgi, MD, chief...

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Does Insurance Cover BRCA Genetic Testing?

Last week’s op-ed piece by Angelina Jolie has brought to the forefront BRCA testing, and choices women make regarding their BRCA status and preventative measures against breast and ovarian cancer. It also raises the question: Is BRCA testing only for men and women who are of means? Who can afford genetic testing for BRCA? Is BRCA testing covered by insurance?BRCA testing is usually covered by insurance if the patient meets certain criteria. There...

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CNN.com, People Magazine Interviews Susan Domchek, MD for Angelina Jolie Piece

Basser in People Magazine:Susan Domchek, MD executive director of the Basser Research Center for BRCA in the Abramson Cancer Center, was interviewed by People magazine  regarding Angelina Jolie’s BRCA news.The article highlights "seven things to know" about the BRCA gene mutation from information on survivorship, genetic inheritance, testing and treatment options.We invite you to read the article in full at People.com here.Basser on CNN.com:Dr....

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May Awareness Month: Brain Cancer, Melanoma, and Skin Cancer

May is brain, melanoma, and skin cancer awareness month. Be sure to subscribe to the Focus On Cancer blog and like the Abramson Cancer Center Facebook page for more information on brain, Melanoma, and skin cancer throughout the entire month. At a Glance: Brain CancerBrain cancer is an umbrella term for several different forms of cancer, including tumors and metastases. About 2 percent of all newly diagnosed adult cancers are brain cancer; the average age of patients with brain cancer is 50. Exposure to radiation has been linked to certain types...

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The Angelina Effect (Video)

"The genes that you're born with don't change over the course of your lifetime, however, genetic testing techniques [does]..." Susan Domchek, MD executive director of the Basser Research Center for BRCA in the Abramson Cancer Center, was interviewed on MSNBC about the news that actress Angelina Jolie carries the harmful BRCA 1 mutation, which led her to undergo a prophylactic mastectomy to reduce her risk of developing breast cancer.Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economyFor the latest information on BRCA research, screening...

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Cancer-Fighting Recipe: Simple Snap Peas with Cucumber and Ginger

Sugar snap peas are rich in Vitamin C.This pea with an edible pod is half the calories of regular peas and high in fiber, vitamin C, K, A and folic acid. Cucumbers have a compound called lignans which provides nourishment to your gut bacteria and has anti-inflammatory properties. Adding lemon juice and ginger to vegetables are great ways to spark your taste buds as well as obtain great cancer fighters called limonene and gingerol.This salad...

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Media Coverage Recap: Basser Center and BRCA in the News

A special edition of the Basser Center for BRCA Research quarterly email newsletter, the BRCA-Beat, went out this week. The message focused on recapping recent Basser Center news coverage around Angelina Jolie's New York Times Op-Ed, "My Medical Choice."Excerpt from the BRCA-Beat:Susan Domchek, M.D., Executive Director, Basser Research Center for BRCA, is a nationally recognized expert in breast cancer genetics, breast cancer risk and prevention as well as breast cancer treatment, and along with other Basser Center experts, was interviewed by a...

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How the Basser Research Center for BRCA at Penn is Helping People with BRCA like Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie announced in a New York Times op-ed piece titled “My Medical Choice” she had a preventative (prophylactic) double mastectomy earlier this year. A mastectomy is a procedure that removes part, or all of the breast. Jolie, 37, announced she had the procedure after learning she carries a mutation of the BRCA1 gene, which sharply increases her risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer.From her op-ed piece in the New York Times,...

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Bloomberg, Philly.com, 6ABC turn to Basser for BRCA Information

The Basser Center for BRCA Research and executive director Susan Domchek, MD made headlines this week as major news outlets turned to Penn Medicine for an expert opinion. Read the headlines and quotes below:Bloomberg News quoted Susan Domchek, MD, executive director of the Basser Research Center for BRCA in article on Jolie’s decision:Jolie Mastectomy Fuels Debate on Breast Cancer TreatmentThose two paths, each with risks and benefits, can leave patients confused and conflicted over how best to protect themselves, said Susan Domchek, a breast cancer...

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Basser in the New York Times: Jolie’s Disclosure of Preventive Mastectomy Highlights Dilemma

Susan Domchek, MD, executive director of the Basser Research Center for BRCA is quoted in a New York Times article on Jolie’s decision: "It is generally considered safe to wait long enough to have children before having the ovaries removed, but the operation should be done by age 40," said Dr. Susan M. Domchek, an expert on cancer genetics at the University of Pennsylvania and the executive director of its Basser Research Center, which specializes in BRCA mutations.We invite you to read the article in full at the New York Times here,...

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Collaborative Science Brings New Approaches to Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Christine Wilson, cancer survivor, shares her experiences from the Abramson Cancer Center’s 2013- Focus on Pancreatic Cancer Conference. In this blog, she discusses Stand Up To Cancer, and the pancreatic Dream Team at Penn Medicine. Jeffrey Drebin, MD, PhDJeffrey Drebin, MD, PhD, recently spoke about the pancreatic cancer initiative funded by Stand Up To Cancer at the 2nd Focus on Pancreatic Cancer Conference. This grant from Stand Up To Cancer...

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Angela Jolie- My Medical Choice: BRCA beat Special Edition

The Basser Research Center for BRCA sends a Special Edition BRCAbeat e-news blast to recap coverage of Angelina Jolie’s recent op-ed piece:Angelina Jolie announced yesterday in a New York Times op-ed piece that as a BRCA1 carrier, she had a double mastectomy to decrease her chances of developing breast cancer."We often speak of ‘Mommy’s mommy,' and I find myself trying to explain the illness that took her away from us.  They have asked if the same could happen to me.  I have always told them not to worry, but the truth is I carry...

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At Penn, Care for People with Cancer From All Specialties

A cancer diagnosis is unexpected and often devastating. Shock can quickly give way to fear. But for Kathy Brandt, these emotions were followed immediately by a practical resolve.“It’s truly terrifying," says Kathy. "After that initial diagnosis when you feel like you’ve been hit by a ton of bricks, the decision needs to be made where you’re going to seek treatment.”Kathy was diagnosed with lung cancer, and chose to be treated at the Roberts Proton...

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Cancer-Fighting Recipe: Cream of Watercress Soup

This vitamin and phytocehmical rich soup is so fresh and light in taste and doesn’t have any cream in it at all!Watercress can have a radish taste but mellows when cooked and is considered a cruciferous vegetable. Cruciferous vegetables have many cancer-fighting properties and may boost the immune system as well.Thyme has the essential oil thymol in it which may have antiseptic and antifungal properties.Parsley is usually used as a garnish to cleanse...

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The Benefits of Being an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center

The Abramson Cancer Center has been designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of only 40 such centers in the country. The NCI recognizes cancer centers around the country that meet rigorous criteria for world-class, state-of-the-art programs in multidisciplinary cancer research. The NCI supports cancer centers that have dedicated significant resources into developing research programs, faculty, and facilities that will lead to better approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer....

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Funding for Cancer Research Saves Lives and Dollars

Christine Wilson, cancer survivor, shares her experiences from the Abramson Cancer Center’s 2013- Focus on Pancreatic Cancer Conference. In this blog, she discusses funding for cancer research. Margaret Foti, PhD, chief executive officer of the American Association for Cancer Research, opened the 2nd Focus on Pancreatic Cancer Conference with a comprehensive overview of the progress made against cancer and the challenges facing researchers, clinicians...

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Survivor Strong: 4 Amazing Stories of Women and Moms from the Abramson Cancer Center

Mother's Day is next weekend, and to celebrate all the women and mothers who are cancer survivors, we are sharing their stories on our blog.If you are a mother, or have a woman in your life you'd like to honor this Mother's Day, please join us on our Facebook page, and share your own words of inspiration. Inspirational Women and the Power of PhilanthropyFor three generations, the Barness family has been tireless advocates for cancer research and...

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Paying it Forward

After a cancer diagnosis, many survivors and their loved ones are motivated to give back some of the good fortune or good experiences they had on their cancer journey.Philanthropy helps fuel research and patient care programs that provide hope to patients and families for the best possible outcomes – you can make a gift to help accelerate these efforts.However, writing a check isn’t the only way to “give back” to others in the cancer community. In...

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Can Your Manicures Give You Skin Cancer?

A recent article to make the news states that those popular gel manicures that promise long lasting, chip-free manicures may actually increase the risk for skin cancer. The gel manicures have come under attack due to the ultraviolet light used to dry the gel. According to dermatologists, these UV lights can damage the skin cells in the same way tanning beds can damage the skin while tanning. “UV lamps are actually used for conventional, non-gel manicures...

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Say “Yes” to Wish Upon a Wedding

Dietitian Carly Roop, RD, shares with us her idea of a beautiful spring wedding . 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.I thought I would take this opportunity to highlight...

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