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 Schreiber

Adam Schreiber is an experienced acupuncturist licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine and certified in Oriental Medicine by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Adam has worked with the director of Penn Medicine's Integrative Medicine and Wellness program, Jun Mao, MD in National Institutes of Health-funded clinical trials of acupuncture, for pain and symptom management in breast cancer, for the last three years.

Well regarded by patients and colleagues as highly professional, compassionate, and skillful, Adam is the first credentialed non-physician acupuncturist to join Penn Medicine.

What is acupuncture? 

Acupuncture originated in China, and has been practiced for more than 2,500 years. It is a technique in which hair-thin needles are inserted through the skin to treat a variety of conditions.

While it is not fully understood, the mechanism through which acupuncture can help pain and symptom distress may involve helping the brain to release neuro-chemicals such as endorphins and helping the brain to better regulate regulate the autonomic nervous system. Through these and other mechanisms of action, acupuncture can help combat the side effects of cancer and aggressive cancer treatment.

How does an acupuncture session work?

During a typical acupuncture session, patients lay comfortably on a cushioned table. An acupuncturist then inserts hair-thin, single-use sterilized needles into the patient's skin in key areas, known to stimulate the body to help heal itself.

Sessions typically lasts between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the treatment plan for the individual patient.

Schreiber adds, "most patients tolerate the procedure with minimal discomfort - it's not at all like having blood drawn, or receiving a vaccination". Sometimes patients can see results immediately, and sometimes it may take several sessions before any benefit can be realized. Generally speaking, patients will know if acupuncture can help them within four to eight treatments.

How can acupuncture supplement my cancer treatment options and survivorship efforts?

"One of the reasons I like working with cancer patients," says Schreiber, "is because [acupuncture] compliments all the other treatments Penn Medicine is already doing very well. Some of these treatments are really aggressive, and can cause problems outside of their intended effects, like chemotherapy. Acupuncture can help alleviate those side effects - it works with the body's natural ability to heal itself."

Why come to Penn Medicine for acupuncture instead of a neighborhood practice?

Penn’s Integrative Medicine and Wellness program is designed with the cancer patient in mind. It brings acupuncture directly into a conventional cancer therapy setting and treatment is tailored specifically to the patient’s needs. Our doctors and researchers are also hard at work conducting research to better understand how acupuncture intersects with cancer treatment, which will help us to understand how acupuncture can best help each individual patient.

“I think that’s what's nice about it," said Schreiber, "knowing you’re going to an acupuncturist that is comfortable [and experienced] with these types of patients, one who sees them regularly and understands their concerns.”

Scheduling an Appointment
For more information, or to schedule a visit, please call 215-615-5858, extension #4.
Acupuncture services are located on the 4th floor West Pavilion of the Ruth and Raymond Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine.

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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 cancer

Join Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) in the Ride to Conquer Cancer (RTCC)— an unforgettable experience and epic bike ride on October 11 - 12, 2014, through Pennsylvania’s picturesque landscape, heading towards one life-changing destination: curing cancer.

For most riders, covering roughly 150 miles over 2 days will be physically challenging. But all will find it to be a weekend that is incredibly rewarding — a chance to truly change the course of cancer research, riding side by side with our physicians, patients, and families, to raise serious funds and awareness in the ACC’s fight to cure cancer. Clearly, this ride isn't just for serious cyclists, but anyone looking to make a difference.

Putting your dollars to work in the fight against cancer

To join, cyclists are asked to raise a minimum of $2,500 in donations. It’s surprising how quickly the donations add up once you put your heart, creativity, and commitment into securing donations.

Your participation in The Ride to Conquer Cancer will support our team approach to cancer research, education and care; as well as ensuring the sustainability of our core mission:

• Development and support of team-oriented research and care programs specializing in each type of cancer
• Expansion and integration of cancer-related patient services and interdisciplinary clinical programs
• Educational programs for physicians, scientists, students, nurses, and others to stay current on the latest cancer information
• Recruitment and support of new faculty with a commitment to cancer research and care
• Community outreach and education to enhance cancer prevention in our communities
• Investment in the future - as we break through the next frontier of cancer discovery through programs like Penn Medicine's Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Translational Centers of Excellence (TCEs), The Roberts Proton Therapy Center and many others leading the fight.

Join Us

This event will be a remarkable experience, bringing together communities of cancer survivors, cyclists, and their supporters with a common goal to conquer this disease. We invite everyone to register today and join us in October, by registering today at www.ridetovictory.org or by calling (844) 777-7433.

*Please note exact route distance may vary by up to 30 miles.

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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 cancer.

After breast reconstruction, many women choose to have nipple reconstruction, including nipple tattooing. Nipple tattooing, or micropigmentation, re-pigments the area to make it look more realistic.

Mandy Sauler, micropigmentation

specialist

At Penn Medicine, nipple tattooing is performed by Mandy Sauler, a micropigmentation specialist in plastic surgery. Mandy grew up learning about the art of tattooing at her mother's body art shop, expecting to work alongside her as she perfected her craft.

After working for more than a decade as a tattoo artist, Mandy decided to apply her expertise on patients, focusing on permanent cosmetics and micropigmentation. She specializes in 3D nipple tattoos, along with tattoos for other cosmetic purposes. She is board certified by the American Academy of Micropigmentation and is a member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetics.

Learn more about nipple and areola enhancement or schedule an appointment with Penn Plastic Surgery.

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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 of testicular cancer has been increasing over the past 40 years for reasons which remain unclear. Testicular cancer is more prevalent in white men than in black, Asian, or other nonwhite ethnic groups. Historically, the incidence has been found to be greater in men of any ethnicity with higher socio-economic status and more education, though more recent studies have found this difference has diminished.

The risk factors associated with the development of testicular cancer are not well established. However, cryptorchidism, or an undescended testicle, is currently the most recognized risk factor. Cryptorchidism increases the risk of developing testicular cancer by ten-fold, though only about 5% of testicular cancers can be attributed to this condition. Additional risk factors include prenatal exposure to estrogen; other testicular abnormalities, such as underdeveloped testicles; and genetic disorders that affect sexual development, such as Kleinfelter’s Syndrome.

Fortunately, testicular cancer is one of the most curable cancers. Men diagnosed and treated when the disease is still in an early stage have a 97 to 100 percent chance of being cured. Therefore, early detection is critical.

What Testicular Cancer Looks Like

The most common sign of testicular cancer is a lump, swelling or enlargement of a testicle. This may be accompanied by tenderness, pain or a feeling of heaviness. Unfortunately, after noticing a change in a testicle, some men wait several months before seeking a medical evaluation. The disease is then more advanced upon diagnosis, possibly requiring more intensive treatment and potentially decreasing the chance of a cure. Monthly testicular self-examinations can help, by making a mental note of and becoming more familiar with how testicles normally feel.

It is also important to note that not every change or discomfort indicates cancer — seeking medical evaluation can provide reassurance that cancer is not the cause.

How to Perform a Testicular Self-Exam

• Check for any swelling on the scrotum. You may need to do this in front of a mirror.
• Examine one testicle at a time, using both hands. Put your index and middle fingers under the testicle with thumbs on top. Roll the testicle gently between your fingers. It can be normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other.
• You will notice a soft, tube-like area behind the testicles. This is the epididymis, where sperm is stored.
• Any testicular changes, pain, swelling, lump or tender area should be evaluated by a health care professional, preferably a urologist as soon as possible. It may not be cancer, but needs to be evaluated to be sure.

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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 mechanical engineer. “I was unable to clear my nostrils as I rode, and when over-the-counter medications and antibiotics didn’t work, we knew it was time to take the next step toward a proper diagnosis.”

After scopes and scans revealed a tumor in his nasal cavity, Jim began an 18-month journey to treat cancer that involved two surgeries, and radiation therapy. But he barely took a break from his bike.

“When it was warm enough to ride outside, I immediately started to kick up my mileage while not pushing too hard,” says Jim. “Once I’d started radiation therapy, I was back up to doing at least four hours a week of saddle time on a bike.”

“Keeping my weight up during treatment was a challenge, but cycling actually helped. Though my sense of taste was dulled, I was used to getting calories back in to my body. I knew I had to eat and carefully match my calories in to calories burned, so I held weight throughout the process.”

Jim has joined the Abramson Cancer Center’s Ride to Conquer Cancer, a 150-mile ride that benefits cancer research at the Abramson Cancer Center.

“I can’t say enough about the Abramson Cancer Center,” says Jim. “My surgeon Dr. O’Malley, my oncologist, Dr. Chip Staddon at Penn Medicine at Radnor, and Dr. Geoffrey Geiger at both the Valley Forge and the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine always put me as a person in front of me as a patient. I want my story to give others hope.”

You don’t have to be a competitive cyclist to join the ride, however. In fact, Jim shares these tips for those people riding the event who may not be seasoned cyclists.

1. Get slick tires: Even if you are riding a mountain bike, swapping out the heavy tread for slick, thinner tires will help you maintain speed with less effort.
2. Inflate your tires to their recommended levels: Again, this will be less work to ride.
3. Proper fit: Regardless of the bike you ride, make sure it fits you. Take it to a bike shop and have a professional adjust your bike to you.
4. Drink enough water: Jim loses about three pounds an hour during a ride. Make sure you rehydrate throughout the ride and at rest stops.
5. Helmet: Always wear one!
6. Know when to shift: It will make your riding easier.
7. Get proper attire: Cycling shorts aren’t just nice, but necessary. Gloves can also act as a comfort measure; as well as protection should you fall off your bike.

The Ride to Conquer Cancer©

Join Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) on October 11 to 12, 2014 in the Ride to Conquer Cancer© (RTCC)—an unforgettable and epic bike ride through Pennsylvania’s picturesque scenery -towards one life-changing destination: to cure cancer. The ride isn't just for cyclists, it's for anyone who wants to see a cure for cancer.

At two-days and 150+ miles the RTCC will be a physical challenge—and an emotional and inspirational weekend—that will give you a chance to join forces with our physicians, patients, and families to leave everything on the bike course and raise serious funds and awareness in the ACC’s fight to cure cancer.

The funds raised through the ride will be put to use immediately, powering the ACC's vision to eradicate cancer as a cause of human disease and suffering through precision medicine, novel research, next-generation therapies, and compassionate care.

JOIN TODAY!

This event will be remarkable and will bring together communities of cancer survivors, cyclists, and their supporters with a common goal to conquer this disease. Join the ride in October by registering today at www.ridetovictory.org or by calling (844) 777-7433.

Before the ride, you will have access to:

• Expert coaching
• Training rides in your area
• Personal web page for fundraising
• Helpful manual
• 2014 ride commemorative item

During the ride, participants will have access to:

• Event-day ride jersey
• Support along the route
• Catered meals
• Entertainment at camp
• Massage and medical care

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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 Fun

Join 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 all blood cancers.

The foundation is dedicated to its founder Nicholas Colleluori, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2005, and passed away in November, 2006.

The foundation strives on Nick’s quote, “Making use of the time you have and don’t stress the little things. Have a smile and enjoy what you can get out of life.”

Read more about the HEADStrong Foundation here.

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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 Cancer

Prostate 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 Society estimates that one in seven men will get prostate cancer during his lifetime. 

While over 230,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States, tests like PSA screenings and digital rectal exams can dramatically increase your chance of survival.The prostate gland produces a protein known as prostate-stimulating antigen, or PSA.

As these levels are known to rise before other symptoms of prostate cancer appear, it is important to seek out a regular exam starting in the mid-twenties.

Learn more in our PSA levels and prostate cancer.

Screening and Self-Exams for Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is most common in men between 15 and 35 years of age. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2014  8,820 men will be diagnosed, with only about 380 men dying as a result.

Fortunately, testicular cancer is one of the most curable cancers. Men diagnosed and treated when the disease is in an early stage have a 97 to 100 percent chance of being cured. Therefore, early detection is critical - and relatively easy to do frequently, and at home.

The most common way to check is to perform a monthly testicular self-exam. Unfortunately, after noticing a change in a testicle, many men wait several months before seeking a medical evaluation. The disease is then more advanced upon diagnosis, possibly requiring more intensive treatment and potentially decreasing the chance of a cure.

Learn more about testicular cancer and how to perform a self-exam. 

Checking for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer type found in both men and women (outside of skin cancers) in the United States, but thanks to awareness around colonoscopy screenings, the death rate from this cancer has dropped in recent years. Typically it affects people over 50 years old, as well as those those with a hereditary history of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is often beatable when detected and treated in its early stages and can even be prevented altogether when polyps are removed before they develop into cancer. It’s important to know that symptoms of colorectal cancer -  can look like symptoms of other conditions.

Roughly 80 percent of colorectal cancer cases can be prevented with adequate colonoscopy screening - often saving lives. We encourage everyone to begin a dialogue about colorectal cancer screening with their physicians. While no screening test is 100 percent perfect, colonoscopy remains the best method of screening for most individuals.

Request a colonoscopy appointment at Penn Medicine today.

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