Accentuate the Positive: Eva Moon at the Joining FORCEs Conference

More than 700 individuals facing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer gathered at the Philadelphia Marriott for the 2014 Joining FORCEs Conference held by Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered in partnership with Penn Medicine’s Basser Research Center for BRCA.As the Philadelphia Inquirer reports, performer Eva Moon spoke at the 2014 joining FORCEs Conference last month, integrating humor with the otherwise serious topic of hereditary cancer.Hereditary...

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Artist and Survivor Jacob Riley-Wasserman Inspires Flip4Cancer.com to Benefit Abramson Cancer Center

Jacob Riley-Wasserman has an eye for the interesting and unusual. After completing his studies in furniture design at the Rhode Island School of Design, Jacob planned to start a graduate program at New York University when he began having difficulty swallowing. He was only 22. “I had an endoscopy at Penn Medicine that summer, and went back to New York to begin to prepare for grad school,” Jacob remembers. “It was just before I was to start school...

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Join the Peter Skelton Sarcoma Research Foundation's Annual Walk/Run/Cycle This Weekend!

Join friends and family of the Peter Skelton Sarcoma Research Foundation to raise funds and awareness of sarcoma. Partial proceeds benefit the sarcoma programs at the Abramson Cancer Center at Pennsylvania Hospital. Peter Skelton was a young man in his prime. He had a contagious laugh and a zest for life. On July 9, 2003, at the age of 36, doctors found a tumor. He had surgery in August, was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma, and was admitted to...

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Cancer-free, and on the Road - Jim Finkel's Survival Story

Jim Finkel was never one to shy away from a challenge. As a competitive cyclist in the 70s, he rode alongside some of the best cyclists in the world. Jim didn’t know it at the time, but his constant challenges to go faster, work harder, go longer distances, and fuel his body with proper nutrition got him in shape for the greatest challenge of his life – cancer.“Towards the end of 2012 I was having trouble breathing, either on or off the bike,” says...

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Penn's Basser Research Center for BRCA Presents at ASCO 2014

Early this summer, oncologists from around the world gathered to hear cutting-edge scientific presentations showcasing new findings in oncology at the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Investigators from Penn Medicine’s Basser Research Center for BRCA presented on a range of topics related to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Multiplex TestingKatherine L. Nathanson, MD, presented on 'multiplex testing" for hereditary cancer risk. Historically,...

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Melanoma, Lymphoma and The Three Young Reasons I Support Cancer Research

Rob is riding in this fall's Philadelphia Ride to Conquer Cancer®, a 2-day, 150*-mile bike ride that benefits the Abramson Cancer Center. In 2006, Rob's wife, Edith, lost her battle with cancer leaving behind three young children. Just months later, Rob was diagnosed with melanoma. In this blog, he shares his story. In 2005, I had it all – a beautiful wife, a high profile job on Wall Street, a wonderful home in the Philadelphia suburbs, and three...

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Penn's Amyloidosis Program Attend International Symposium and Report on Clinical Trials

Recently, several hundred investigators from around the globe gathered in Indianapolis, IN for the fourteenth International Symposium on Amyloidosis, April 27-May 1, 2014 to discuss the rare disease, recent findings, and ongoing clinical trials. Members of Penn Medicine's multidisciplinary Amyloidosis Program were in attendance and provide commentary on some highlights from the meeting.Amyloidosis: A brief summaryAmyloidosis is a group of diseases characterized by the buildup of abnormal proteins called "amyloid fibrils" in tissues and...

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Megan's Story: From Sarcoma to Survivor

"When I came to the Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) with stage 2 synovial sarcoma, I needed hope and I needed help. Dr. Kristy Weber treated my cancer in a way no one else could. She saved my leg and my life. Thanks to the sarcoma program at the ACC, I am a three-month cancer survivor.”  Megan Dychala, sarcoma cancer survivorAt 23, Megan Dychala was a former college soccer player who thought her nagging knee pain was a result of old injuries. She...

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Men's Health Monday: Colorectal Cancer

Approximately 90 percent of colorectal cancers are thought to be preventable. Other than skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis among men and women in the United States. Studies show that 1 in 20 Americans develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime.What is Colon Cancer?Colon cancer is the development of malignant tumors inan in the lining tissue of the colon. Most colon tumors begin when normal tissue forms...

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Meet Dr. Kosteva, Hematologist-Oncologist at Penn Medicine Valley Forge

We'd like to welcome John A. Kosteva, MD to the Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine Valley Forge. Dr. Kosteva is a part of the Division of Hematology/Oncology and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.Dr. Kosteva is board certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology and Internal Medicine. His practice will be in general hematology and oncology with a special emphasis on treating patients with lung cancer.Prior...

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Free Yoga Classes At Penn Medicine Valley Forge

Penn Integrative Medicine invites patients and caregivers to try yoga at Penn Medicine Valley Forge as a way to support the mind, body and spirit during and after treatment.This free class is open to people on all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, and is a very gentle and therapeutic yoga practice.The practice of yoga during cancer treatment can be helpful on many levels--managing side effects of cancer, including nausea and fatigue....

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Cancer Is Not Winning - Why I am Riding the Ride to Conquer Cancer

Erica Voll is a social media marketer and blogger who is riding and raising money for the Abramson Cancer Center through the Philadelphia Ride to Conquer Cancer this October. In this blog, she writes about why she's riding to help researchers at Penn conquer cancer. Be sure to follow her blog, No Sleep 'til College and Instagram for updates on her training and the ride. I am tired of cancer winning. I know cancer doesn't always "win." There...

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Ride to Conquer Cancer - Fundraising Tips

What would happen if we all came together on one day to make an incredible show of support for our loved ones who have been touched by cancer? Let's find out! Epic Impact Day is today. One day with one very realistic goal: helping every rider in the Philadelphia Ride to Conquer Cancer® get at least one donation. Get involved here. Epic Impact Day ChatTo help every rider raise as much as they can for Epic Impact Day, the Philadelphia Ride to Conquer...

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Men's Health Monday: Prostate Cancer

June is Men's Health Awareness Month. Each Monday in June, we are featuring articles about health issues important for men. Please share these posts with the men in your life. What is Prostate Cancer?The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system located just below the bladder. The prostate is small, about the size of a walnut, producing the fluid found in semen. Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancerous, or malignant, cells form...

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Father’s Day Reflections

Damon with his father, TomDamon Kline lost his father to cancer, and is riding to find a cure through the Philadelphia Ride to Conquer Cancer. In this blog, he shares with us a glimpse into the life of his father, Tom, and why he's dedicated to supporting the Abramson Cancer Center. Learn more about his ride here. My Dad, Tom Kline, was diagnosed with sarcoma in December of 2012. Throughout the year that followed, he underwent 300 hours of chemotherapy,...

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Acupuncture Added to Integrative Medicine at Abramson Cancer Center

Integrative medicine and wellness services are offered at the Abramson Cancer Center. Reiki, yoga and acupuncture can supplement traditional cancer treatments - leading to a better quality of life by reducing the side effects of cancer and treatments. Adam Schreiber, acupuncturist for Penn Medicine's Integrative Medicine program, explains the advantages of the procedure for cancer patients. Adam SchreiberAdam Schreiber is an experienced acupuncturist...

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The Ride to Conquer Cancer - Your Dollars at Work

Join hundreds of others in the Ride to Conquer Cancer® - a two day, 150* mile bike ride through Pennsylvania's picturesque landscape. Want to know more about what your contribution will bring to the fight against cancer? In this post, we'll explain just how you'll be helping the cancer community.An opportunity to help cure cancerJoin Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) in the Ride to Conquer Cancer (RTCC)— an unforgettable experience...

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Beyond Breast Reconstruction: 3-D Areola Tattooing

As a leader in breast reconstruction, Penn Plastic Surgery offers comprehensive services for women at every stage of the breast reconstruction process, from the initial surgery to nipple reconstruction and tattooing.Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure, designed to re-create the shape and appearance of a woman’s breast. Most commonly, the procedure is done as part of a mastectomy – surgical removal of the entire breast as treatment for breast...

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Men's Health Monday: Testicular Cancer

June is Men’s Health Awareness Month. In this blog, Barbara Zoltick, RN, discusses testicular cancer, who is at risk and how to perform a self-exam to check for the most common cancer for men between the ages of 15 and 35.Though it can occur in older men, testicular cancer generally occurs in young men, at the time of life when they are completing their education, finding new jobs, and creating families.Who is at Risk for Testicular Cancer?The incidence...

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Ride To Conquer Cancer - Jim's Story, and His Tips for New Riders

As a competitive cyclist in the 70s, Jim Finkel rode alongside some of the best cyclists in the world. He didn’t know it at the time, but his constant challenges to go faster, work harder, go longer distances, and fuel his body with proper nutrition got him in shape for the greatest challenge of his life – cancer.And, in a way, cycling saved his life.“Towards the end of 2012 I was having trouble breathing, either on or off the bike,” says the 61-year-old...

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Live Comedy at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania with the HEADStrong Foundation

Join the HEADStrong Foundation for a Night of FunJoin the HEADStrong Foundation for a night of fun on Thursday, June 12 from 5 to 7 pm on Rhoads Conference Rooms 3,6 and 7 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Comedians Joe Conklin, Chris Ruggiero and Michael Baldini will bring the laughs to patients and their families. Refreshments will also be available. The HEADstrong Foundation for blood cancer is committed to finding a cure for...

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Men's Health Monday: Health Screenings for Men

June is Men's Health Awareness Month. In this blog post, we'll explore the top three cancer types affecting men of all ages in the United states, as well as some of the important screenings men should be aware of to help stay one step ahead of cancer. Screening for Prostate CancerProstate cancer is the most common cancer found in American men, and sits as the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. The American Cancer...

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