Focus on Cancer

Genetic Risk and Pancreatic Cancer Prevention

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Wed, 22 May 2013 03:00:10 PDT

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, MD

Of 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 of gastroenterology. Patients are anxious to identify family members who are risk for the disease, and take steps to minimize those risks or prevent them from developing pancreatic cancer.

It is important to note that having pancreatic cancer does not necessarily mean that your family is at increased risk. Dr. Rustgi points out that there are very specific conditions linked to higher rates of this disease. They include:

Hereditary pancreatitis: This is an inherited condition. It occurs early in life, even in childhood, and is characterized by nausea and pain. As the condition becomes more chronic, patients develop severe diarrhea and diabetes. Smoking and alcohol use make the symptoms worse. Having this condition, which is caused by a specific genetic mutation, increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by 35%.
FAMM: Familial atypical mole and multiple melanoma syndrome. This is a rare condition, also caused by a specific genetic mutation. If a patient has two or more family members with melanoma, or one member with multiple melanomas and pancreatic cancer, family members should be tested for this condition.
BRCA 1 and 2: These genetic mutations are more often associated with breast cancer, but are now being linked to other cancers as well, including pancreatic, ovarian and prostate cancer.

There are several other rare genetic syndromes associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. All of these, according to Dr. Rustgi, are amenable to genetic testing, counseling and intervention.
The GI Genetics Program at Penn can help patients understand their level or risk, establish the source of that risk, educate patients and family members on the best approaches to targeted screening and intervention. It can also identify patients and families who are NOT at increased risk for pancreatic cancer.

Learn more about your risk for gastrointestinal cancer at the GI Cancer Risk Evaluation Program.

Does Insurance Cover BRCA Genetic Testing?

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Tue, 21 May 2013 02:30:03 PDT

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 are different types of BRCA testing, ranging in cost from $475 to $4000. Genetic counselors are helpful in determining what type of testing is indicated. Testing is less expensive once a mutation has been identified within a family.

Insurance coverage and criteria varies by insurance plan, and genetic counselors are excellent at determining whether insurance is likely to cover the testing. Insurances more readily cover testing of people with a personal history of cancer and ideally, testing in a family starts in an individual who has had a BRCA-related cancer at a young age.

This first person to undergo testing in the family has complete sequencing of both the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. This costs about $3300 and if no mutation is found, an additional $700 test looking even more closely at both genes may be necessary. For individuals of Jewish ancestry, a simpler test can often be performed that looks at just the common BRCA mutations within that population, for a cost of $575. Lastly, once an individual in a family test positive, other family members typically only require testing for a single mutation which is a simpler test that costs about $475.

There are also options for individuals who lack insurance coverage of genetic testing. Uninsured individuals may be eligible for free testing via the laboratory. Under-insured individuals can apply for financial assistance through an organization called Cancer1Source and depending on where they are tested, may have access to institutional earmarked charity funds.

Another insurance question that often arises is whether a positive result will make it harder for an individual to get health insurance. Legislation passed in 2008 bars discrimination based on genetic test results for the majority of health insurance companies and plans. This legislation extends to protect people from discrimination based on genetic test results in the realm of employment. It is important to note that no such protections are in place for things like life and long-term disability insurance, so some consider putting these in place before testing is performed.

Learn more about BRCA testing at the Basser Research Center for BRCA.

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

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Mon, 20 May 2013 06:24:33 PDT

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 Cancer

Brain 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 of brain tumors.

Learn more about the treatment for brain cancer at the from the 2012 Focus On Brain Cancer Conference.

Learn more about proton therapy for brain cancer at the Roberts Proton Therapy Center.

At a Glance: Melanoma and Skin Cancer

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. While it is mostly found on the skin, it can also be seen on a person’s nail beds, feet, scalp, eyes and mucosa surfaces (anal canal, rectum, and vagina).
Moles that change in size, color, or border shape, or begin to itch or sting can be warning signs of melanoma and should be carefully monitored by your doctor.
Risk factors for melanoma and skin cancer include fair complexion, history of sunburns and/or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, multiple moles, age, and family history of skin cancer and melanoma.
The best prevention methods for skin cancer are avoiding sun exposure during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm) and wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more every day, even in winter.

Learn more about the treatment for melanoma and skin cancer at the Abramson Cancer Center.

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

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Thu, 16 May 2013 03:00:12 PDT

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 is very refreshing and easy.

Snap Peas with Cucumber and Ginger

Serves 4 with 10 minute prep time

Ingredients:

½ lb. of sugar snap peas, trimmed and thinly sliced
½ English cucumber, sliced (can substitute peeled and seeded local cucumbers when they are in season)
1 shallot, thinly sliced

Dressing:

2 Tb. Olive oil
2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
1 Tbs. grated ginger
1 tsp. sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Prep the sugar snap peas, cucumber and shallot and toss in a salad bowl.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, lemon juice, ginger, sugar, salt and pepper.
Combine the dressing and the chopped vegetables.

Source: www.realsimple.com

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

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Thu, 16 May 2013 06:58:19 PDT

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, Jolie says:

“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 a “faulty” gene, BRCA1, which sharply increases my risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Once I knew that this was my reality, I decided to be proactive and to minimize the risk as much I could. I made a decision to have a preventive double mastectomy."

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

The Basser Research Center for BRCA at Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center was created to lead the revolution in defeating BRCA-related cancers. Through visionary philanthropy by Jon and Mindy Gray, the Basser Center was created as the first comprehensive center of its kind, featuring a remarkable breadth and depth of talent and resources as well as pioneering research that cannot be found anywhere else in the nation.

Increasingly, women at high risk for breast cancer are choosing prophylactic mastectomy to greatly reduce their chance of getting breast cancer.

“Prophylactic mastectomy reduces breast cancer risk by at least 90 percent,” says Rebecca Mueller, MS, CGC, certified genetic counselor and outreach coordinator at the Basser Research Center for BRCA.

Mueller explains, “Prophylactic mastectomy reduces breast cancer risk by about 90 percent. Whether someone elects prophylactic mastectomy involves a lot of factors. The breast cancer risk profiles for BRCA1 and BRCA2 are slightly different, so the counseling is very individualized. At the end of the day, women’s personal experiences with breast cancer may inform their choices. Women who have lost loved ones to breast cancer are more likely to get prophylactic mastectomies. Women from families full of breast cancer survivors may make other choices.”

Indeed, while prophylactic mastectomy stories often make the front page, at least as 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.”

Cancer Genetic Counseling at Penn

Cancer genetic counseling is an extremely important step in defining one’s cancer risk and considering interventions to address it. Genetic counseling with genetic counselors can help people who are concerned about their family history of cancer by:

Determining if genetic testing is appropriate for a family
Interpreting genetic test results, since mutations in different cancer genes confer different risks
Estimating cancer risks based on family history if no gene mutations can be identified

If a gene mutation is identified in a family, then family members can undergo genetic testing for that mutation to learn if they have inherited the increased cancer risk or not. For example, a mother or father with a BRCA1 mutation has a 50 percent chance of passing it on to each child. Despite the family history, individuals who do not inherit the mutation are typically at average risk for cancer.

Genetic counselors can also provide information on cancer risk by decade of life, information that can help women decide not just if but when to consider prophylactic surgery or other measures to manage cancer risk.

Penn’s Mariann and Robert MacDonald Women’s Cancer Risk Evaluation Center provides consultation with certified genetic counselors and medical oncologists.

Learn more about BRCA and hereditary cancer risk at Penn.

Help Penn Discover New Ways to Help Women and Men with BRCA1 and BRCA2

The Basser Research Center for BRCA is dedicated to the improvement in basic understanding, clinical care, and development of new therapies targeting BRCA1/2 related cancers. Join the revolution and speed the pace of discovery, helping more women like Angelina Jolie empower themselves with knowledge about their risk for cancer by making a gift today.

Collaborative Science Brings New Approaches to Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Tue, 14 May 2013 03:00:05 PDT

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, PhD

Jeffrey 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 (SU2C) includes scientists and clinicians from Penn, Johns Hopkins and a number of other leading institutions, working together, sharing knowledge and data to develop new treatments for pancreatic cancer. The SU2C grant has led to enrolling over 1,000 patients in clinical trials, with the results of those trials generating new trials that are underway or planned. The SU2C trials are not only multidisciplinary, and multi-institutional, but also translational—meaning that that they are seeking new understanding of the biology and genetics of pancreatic cancer, in order to apply that knowledge to developing new treatments. Promising areas of research include new ways to deliver drugs to cancers, better understanding of the role of neighboring tissue, the stroma, in promoting cancer growth, new approaches to metabolic therapies—those that deprive the cancer cell of needed nutrients, and identifying unique targets on pancreatic cancer cells for which new drugs can be developed.

“We know that pancreatic cancer is an increasing cause of cancer death, and we know that we have not had enough long term survivors of this disease,” says Dr. Drebin, “but we believe that this research will take us to the next stages of treatment, and better outcomes.”

Learn more about Penn Medicine's Pancreatic Cancer Dream Team

At Penn, Care for People with Cancer From All Specialties

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Mon, 13 May 2013 03:00:09 PDT

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 Therapy Center at Penn Medicine.

“Penn Medicine was a wonderful choice for us,” Kathy explains. “They use a team approach.”

This team approach means patients have the advantage of a multidisciplinary care philosophy at Penn Medicine. Kathy saw an oncologist, a surgeon and a radiation oncologist, who recommended proton therapy to treat her cancer after surgery.

Also at the Roberts Proton Therapy Center, Penn Medicine provides other specialists to address every aspect of cancer from pre to post treatment, including:

Dietitians
Dosimetrists
Integrative medicine physicians
Nurses
Patient navigation specialists
Radiation therapists
Social workers

This is all part of the comprehensive treatment services offered at the Roberts Proton Therapy Center. The center’s world-renowned team of experts is dedicated to providing multidisciplinary cancer care focused on a patient’s particular type of cancer.

Caroline Hogue also chose proton therapy at the Roberts Proton Therapy Center as part of her esophageal cancer treatment.


Caroline Hogue (right) with her sister at a LIVESTRONG event.

“Picking a world-class hospital that has all kinds of care, all in one place, is just a phenomenal choice and the right choice for me,” Caroline says.

Patients choose proton therapy because it has fewer side effects than conventional radiation treatments, targeting cancer cells with accuracy and precision. They choose Penn Medicine because of the standard of care for which Penn is known.

“I’m convinced that I would not be here if I had not had the care that I have had at Penn,” Caroline says.

“We are here to do everything we possibly can to help the patient, medically, emotionally, in every possible way, get through treatment,” says Stephen Hahn MD, chair of radiation oncology at Penn Medicine.

“Having doctors and staff co-locate in one place allows them to share different ideas about patient care, and really discuss and get to the heart of a patient’s problem,”says Dr. Hahn.

Offering multidisciplinary care at Penn Medicine stems from the philosophy that the patient always comes first.

“We are here to serve the patient,” says Dr. Hahn. “You should expect that your doctor will tell you about all the different options. Patients deserve to hear about those different options so that they can make the best and most informed decision about their care.”

This approach put patients like Kathy and Caroline at ease and helped them make the decision to choose Penn proton therapy treatment. For Kathy, the successful outcome of her treatment has allowed her to put behind those initial fearful emotions.

“My perspective coming out the other side now is not to sweat the small stuff,” says Kathy. “I like to garden. I like to fish. I like to spend time with my family and friends and especially my grandchildren. That’s really the most important thing to me right now.”

Cancer-Fighting Recipe: Cream of Watercress Soup

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Thu, 09 May 2013 03:00:07 PDT

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 the palate but it is also vitamin and phytocehmical rich as well as.

This soup is really fast to put together. You can have it on the table in 30 minutes. Watercress has a wonderful, peppery taste and is full of vitamins A, C and K. Adding the finely diced stalks gives the soup extra flavor, while the butter or cannellini beans give it a higher protein content than the usual potatoes and a creamy texture and taste without dairy. If you cook your own beans, add the liquid they were cooked in and cut back on the stock proportionately. If you aren’t vegetarian, try making this soup with chicken stock.

The website, Cook for Your Life, where this recipe was taken, also provides great recipes that are indexed by symptom and are made from wholesome foods.

Cream of Watercress Soup

Soups Serves: 4-6 Prep: 20 - 30 min

Ingredients

3 bunches watercress, washed well
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 medium onion, diced
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 (15-ounce) cans of white or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
6 cups vegetable stock or water
2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley, plus more for garnish

Directions

Finely dice the thick stalks of the watercress. Set aside. Break up the leafy greens into leaflets, discarding any remaining thick main stems. Set aside and reserve some for garnish.
Heat the oil in a heavy soup pot over medium-high heat. When it starts to ripple, add the onions, diced watercress stalks and thyme. Fry until the onion starts to soften. Turn the heat down to medium, sprinkle with a little sea salt and cover. Sweat the vegetables for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring from time to time. Don’t let them burn or color!
Add the beans and their liquid and stir to mix well with the vegetables. Add the stock if using canned beans. Bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and cook until the beans are heated through and can be easily smashed against the side of the pan with a spoon, about 10 minutes.
Add the watercress leaflets to the soup and cook for 5 minutes, until they wilt. Blend the soup until smooth in a blender or with an immersion blender. Bring back to a simmer, add all the watercress leaves and the chopped parsley, and cook a minute more and taste for seasoning.
Serve immediately.

The Benefits of Being an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Wed, 08 May 2013 06:00:09 PDT

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.

What are the Benefits of Being an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center?

The benefits of NCI-designation for cancer centers include:

Recognition of excellence in cancer research.
Membership in the community of NCI-designated cancer centers, and a "seat at the table" where the strategic plans and initiatives of NCI are formed.
Opportunity to represent the needs of its local community in national dialogue on cancer research issues.
Opportunities for extensive information sharing and broader scientific collaborations with other NCI centers.

For patients who come to a comprehensive cancer center like the Abramson Cancer Center, this means they receive treatment from a cancer center that is leading the way in cancer care through research, and has access to the latest advances in diagnosis, care and technology backed by a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care.

Patients who come to Penn Medicine can rest assured their medical team is in constant communication and art of a greater team of experts, clinicians and researchers leading the way in cancer care.

Learn more about cancer research at the Abramson Cancer Center.

Funding for Cancer Research Saves Lives and Dollars

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Tue, 07 May 2013 03:00:05 PDT

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 and patients today. Dr. Foti noted that while there has been significant progress in a “new era of science and medicine,” the global incidence of cancer continues to rise, and “we have not stemmed the tide of many major cancers.”

She pointed to the ongoing need to foster innovative approaches, exemplified by the work at the Abramson Cancer Center, in order to reach the point where we can “deliver the right dose of the right drug to the right patient at the right time.” She also noted that in many instances, cancer is increasingly becoming a chronic disease. Penn, she noted, is “uniquely equipped to translate research, provide access to clinical trials, multidisciplinary treatment and expertise in treating rare and difficult cancers.”

Dr. Foti called on the audience to support a “decisive assault on cancer, harnessing the collective knowledge, passion and smarts of scientists and clinicians from a broad spectrum of fields. She pointed to Stand Up To Cancer’s $200 million commitment in cancer research, which includes a grant to Penn to study new approaches to pancreatic cancer, as an outstanding example of an innovative funding mechanism that brings together researchers from different disciplines and institutions. Dr. Foti called on the audience to tap the power of individuals, the power of public leaders and the power of patient leaders to make cancer research a national priority.

Learn more about Penn Medicine's Stand Up To Cancer Pancreatic Cancer Dream Team here.

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

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Mon, 06 May 2013 03:00:12 PDT

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 Philanthropy

For three generations, the Barness family has been tireless advocates for cancer research and patient care in Philadelphia. Starting with the late Irma and Herbert Barness, continuing with sisters Nancy and Lynda Barness, and now keeping the tradition of philanthropy going, Jennifer and Daniel Stern, co-chairs of the Young Friends of the Abramson Cancer Center - the Abramson Cancer Center is grateful for the many generations who help sustain our mission.

This Mother's Day, help honor the courage and bravery of all women affected by cancer, and support life-saving research by making a gift in honor of the special women in your life .

I Survived Cancer, Now I Want a Family

Melanie Gaffney is a proud childhood cancer survivor, and a contributor to the Focus On Cancer blog. Today she is cancer-free, but lives with the after effects of her cancer treatments. In this excerpt from her blog, she discusses motherhood, what it means to her, and how she was worried she couldn't have children.

Before I ever pictured myself in the “what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up” role, being a mom always foreshadowed any career or profession. I had a vivid concept/vision in my head about motherhood: the mother I would try to be, the hugs and kisses I would smother a child with, life lessons I would teach, even the sex -- I always envisioned boy and girl twins.

This was even after I was told that a baby, especially “babies,” might not be possible. I had come to terms with knowing that I might not be able to conceive, carry or deliver because of my cancer treatments and health limitations. I knew if I couldn’t conceive, I would adopt. I realized this about the age of 13. I know it sounds young, but I think when forced to battle for your life at a young age, your outlook and decisions about life tend to mature quickly.

Continue reading Melanie's story here.

Determined Not to Let Fear Rule Her Life

Sandy Cohen is the Philadelphia group founder of the national organization, FORCE, which stands for “Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered.” She founded the group after she tested positive for BRCA1 and wanted to create a resource in the Philadelphia area for other women who were BRCA positive and needs education and support. In this blog excerpt, she discusses her BRCA status.

“I grew up with breast cancer,” says Sandy Cohen. “My grandmother died of breast cancer in her thirties, and consequently, my mother became obsessed with breast cancer, and worried she’d develop the disease herself.”

When Sandy’s mother developed breast cancer at 50, and passed away 4 years later, the cycle continued as Sandy became what she called “obsessed” with breast cancer herself.

She also became determined not to let fear of breast cancer rule her own life, and the lives of her two young children and family.

“Genetic testing for BRCA had just come out,” recalls Sandy. “And I decided to have the genetic testing after a lot of hesitation because I didn’t want to imagine my children going through life without a mother.”

Continue reading Sandy's story here.

From Sun Worshipper to Skin Safety Advocate

Colleen Bronstein is a melanoma and breast cancer survivor, mother, artist, entrepreneur and a contributor to the Focus On Cancer blog. After her melanoma diagnosis in 1999, Colleen started her own business, Sun Threadz, which promotes skin cancer awareness and protection with clothing designed to protect skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

For me, paradise had always been sitting on the beach in a comfortable beach chair with a good book and nothing but the sounds of the ocean to relax me.

As a child, I spent summers in Cape May – a tradition I continued throughout my life.
The Bahamas are only a couple hours away so every spring, we were on the beach soaking up the rays and just so we were sure we had every sun angle covered, we had a pool put in our backyard.

Unfortunately, I was unaware that my favorite pastimes could cause cancer.

Continue reading Colleen's story here.

Paying it Forward

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Fri, 03 May 2013 02:00:03 PDT

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 this blog, Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN, discusses ways in which you can give a little of yourself to the cancer community and “pay it forward” to other cancer survivors.

Have you “given back” to other survivors? What inspires you to share with others?

Read more about Carolyn’s advice for “giving back” here.

Can Your Manicures Give You Skin Cancer?

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Thu, 02 May 2013 08:09:59 PDT

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 too,” says Emily Chu, MD, PhD, assistant professor of dermatology at Penn Medicine. "If people do get manicures, especially gel manicures, which do rely more heavily on UV lamps, the manicurist can be asked also during the manicure to apply sunscreen. Some manicurists also have fingerless gloves available to help reduce UV exposure."

LED lamps, which don’t emit UV radiation and are used in some nail salons, do not pose health risks.

Tips for Manicure and Skin Safety

Use sunscreen on your hands. If you must get gel manicures, apply sunscreen on your hands at least 30 minutes before placing them under the UV lights.
Practice moderation. As with anything in life, practice moderation when it comes to manicures and gel manicures.
Go natural. Because manicures – especially gel manicures – can leave nails brittle, make sure you take breaks between manicures to allow your nails to heal.
Self-check. Always look at your skin to check for any spots or lesions that do not go away, or change shape.

Learn More About Skin Cancer and Melanoma Prevention and Treatment at Penn Medicine

The CANPrevent Skin Cancer and 10th Focus on Melanoma Conferences are free conferences from the Abramson Cancer Center for those at risk for melanoma, or who are survivors of melanoma as well as their families and friends, and care givers to those with melanoma and skin cancer.

CANPrevent Skin Cancer Conference

Date: Friday, May 17, 2013
Time: 8 to 10:30 am
Location: Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Register for the CANPrevent Skin Cancer Conference here.

Focus On Melanoma Conference

Date: Friday, May 17, 2013
Time: 7:30 am to 3 pm
Location: Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Register for the 10th Focus On Melanoma Conference here.

FREE Skin Cancer Screening

Have your skin checked by a Penn Dermatologist to determine your risk for developing skin cancer.

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2013

Appointments are necessary and space is limited.

Call 215-662-2737 to make your reservation.

Say “Yes” to Wish Upon a Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Thu, 02 May 2013 11:59:16 PDT

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 an amazing organization whose whole mission is to recognize courageous and inspiring couples in love.

Wish Upon a Wedding

Founded by Liz Guthrie, a wedding planner in San Jose, CA, Wish Upon a Wedding is the world’s first nonprofit organization that provides weddings and vow renewals to couples facing terminal illness and serious life altering circumstances, regardless of sexual orientation.

This organization launched in 2010 in San Francisco, CA and now has over 16 chapters in the United States including a chapter in Philadelphia. Wish recipients are provided with everything from the gown to the cake, the flowers to the venue, and the music to the décor, which have all been donated by professional vendors.

All the couple has to do is to enjoy their special day surrounded by those who matter most to them.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, legal U.S. citizens, and are unmarried, where at least one individual has been diagnosed with less than five years to live are encouraged to apply.

The organization also grants a limited number of vow renewals (for couples already married) and special circumstance wishes each year.

In the face of a devastating diagnosis, this organization is throwing more than a wedding they are throwing a celebration of courage, determination and spirit.

Apply to Wish Upon A Wedding here.

Save the Date: Free Melanoma Conference

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 06:00:05 PDT

Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center invites patients, family members and anyone interested in learning about melanoma risk, prevention, diagnosis and treatment to attend Focus On Melanoma.

Focus On Melanoma is a free educational conference featuring a keynote address by Paul B. Chapman, MD, and Marisa Weiss, MD.

Penn’s Focus On Melanoma Conference addresses the personal and medical issues facing people with melanoma including those in treatment, survivors, their loved ones, relatives and caregivers.

The conference provides patient-focused information on the latest advances in melanoma risk, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, symptom management and psychosocial issues. It is also an opportunity to network and gain support from other melanoma patients and survivors.

Who Should Attend

People newly diagnosed with melanoma
Those at risk for melanoma
Melanoma survivors
Family members, caregivers or health care providers of melanoma patients/survivors
Those diagnosed with a pigmented lesion and their family members/caregivers

Join Us

Time: 7:30 am to 3 pm
Date: Friday May 18, 2012
Location: Hilton Hotel located at 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Registration: Register here or call 800-789-PENN (7366)
Cost: FREE

Unable to Attend?

If you are unable to attend in person, follow Penn Medicine on Twitter for event information before the conference date, and live tweeting throughout the conference with the hashtag #MelanomaACC.

FREE Skin Cancer Screening

Have your skin checked by a Penn dermatologist to determine your risk for developing skin cancer.

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2013

Appointments are necessary and space is limited.

Call 215- 662- 2737 to make your reservation.

Save the Date: Free Skin Cancer Prevention Conference

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 05:00:15 PDT

Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center invites you and your loved ones to attend CANPrevent Skin Cancer, a free educational conference for anyone interested in learning about preventing skin cancer.

CANPrevent Skin Cancer is designed to address the personal and medical issues facing those at risk for skin cancer. The conference provides patient-focused information about the latest advances in skin cancer risk, screening and prevention.

Who Should Attend

Anyone interested in learning about skin cancer and its prevention - especially those with:

Natural blond or red hair color
Presence of atypical or numerous moles
Sun sensitivity (easily burns, difficulty tanning)
History of excessive sun exposure, including sunburns
History of using tanning booths
History of diseases that suppress the immune system
Personal or family history of melanoma, basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers

Join Us

Time: 8 to 11:30 am
Date: Friday, May 17, 2013
Location: Hilton Hotel located at 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Registration: Register here call 800-789-PENN (7366)
Cost: FREE

Get the facts on skin cancer and melanoma risk, prevention and screening – they could save your life or the life of someone you know.

Unable to Attend?

Follow Penn Medicine on Twitter for event information before the conference date, and live tweeting throughout the conference with the hashtag #SkinCancerACC.

Please “re-tweet” and share Penn Medicine's messages about skin cancer prevention and awareness with your followers.

FREE Skin Cancer Screening

Why I Chose to be an Oncology Nurse

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 03:00:11 PDT

Talk to an oncology nurse and they will tell you the rewards of this specialty; the fact that you never leave work thinking did I really make a difference in someone’s life today? You don’t have to ask, you did. They might tell you about the honor you feel holding a dying person’s hand, the way you live your life differently because of the people you’ve met in this profession or the joy you share in when a person finishes treatment. But it’s not for everyone. I started my career on the oncology unit with 13 newly minted nurses and more than half have moved on to other specialty areas. But if it is a right fit for you, you will know.

Read more of Carolyn's blog post at Oncolink.

5 Things to Know about Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 05:00:12 PDT

Head and neck cancer is cancer that originates in the head and neck areas with a few exceptions, such as cancer that originates in the brain.

Head and neck cancers can originate in the following sites:

Nasopharynx
Cancer of the oral cavity including lips, gums, inside of cheeks, part of the tongue, floor of the mouth under the tongue, palate and area behind wisdom teeth
Salivary glands
Paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity
Oropharynx (Base of tongue, tonsils)
Larynx, or voicebox
Hypophyarnx
Lymph nodes of the neck

Because head and neck cancer is often located in difficult to reach areas, it’s important to ask a lot of questions from your head and neck cancer treatment team.

About Head and Neck Cancer

There are approximately 42,000 new cases of head and neck cancer in the United States every year. And, while the biggest risk factor for head and neck cancer is smoking and tobacco use, the fastest growing population of people affected by head and neck cancer is young, otherwise healthy adults. This is due to the rise in cases of HPV.

Here are 5 things to know, or ask your cancer center before having head and neck cancer treatment.

What type of surgery is offered for head and neck cancer?

Penn physicians Drs. Gregory Weinstein and Bert O’Malley invented and developed the TransOral Robotic Surgery procedure, or TORS.

TORS, for the first time, has allowed surgeons to gain greater access to the areas of the throat for the removal of cancers and benign lesions via a minimally invasive robotic approach. The surgeon benefits by having improved access to the tight confines of the throat and the patient benefits in the short-term by faster and easier recovery and, in the long-term, by outstanding cancer results and improved swallowing results compared to alternative treatments.

Benefits of TORS can include:

Quicker return to normal activity
Shorter hospitalization
Reduced risk of long-term swallowing problems that are more commonly seen when chemoradiation or traditional open surgery is used for definitive treatment instead of robotic surgery
Fewer complications compared to traditional open surgery
Less scarring than traditional open surgery
Less risk of infection
Less risk of blood transfusion when compared to open surgery
No routine use of tracheostomy during surgery compared to routine use for open surgery

The medical literature confirms that TransOral Robotic Surgery's revolutionary technique contributes to improved outcomes for cancers and benign lesions of the mouth, voice box, tonsil, tongue and other parts of the throat.

"Thank you for saving my life."- A patient from Penn writes about her experience with TORS and Penn Medicine. Read her story here.

How will my radiation oncologist, surgeon and medical oncologist all know what each other is doing?

One of the benefits of getting your cancer care at the Abramson Cancer Center is getting multi-disciplinary care in a comprehensive cancer center.

To you, the patient, this means seamless care from a center designated as “exceptional” from the National Cancer Institute. It means never having to worry one physician won’t know what the other is doing. It also means getting access to all specialists under one roof.

To us, it means collaboration. It means that we know and trust each discipline to offer you the best, world-class cancer care.

Does your cancer center offer proton therapy?

Proton therapy for head and neck cancer offers more cancer-focused radiation extreme precision. This means that radiation can be delivered to difficult-to-reach areas of the head and neck with less exposure of surrounding tissues and organs, translating to potentially significant reductions in patient-experienced side effects

The Roberts Proton Therapy Center at Penn Medicine is the largest and most advanced proton therapy facility in the world. It’s also the only proton therapy center housed within an academic medical institution.

Will I be able to get pencil-beam proton therapy for head and neck cancer?

Pencil beam proton therapy allows for precise radiation delivery to the areas at risk for cancer involvement, while minimizing dose to normal tissues. We currently offer pencil beam proton therapy primarily to patients with cancers of the oropharynx, whether after surgery, or for patients who cannot receive surgery, in place of surgery. Only a few proton centers in the United States offer pencil beam proton therapy, and Penn Medicine is one of them.

What support services will I have access to?

As a comprehensive cancer center, the Abramson Cancer Center is proud to offer patients access to many support services.

From patient navigators who can walk patients through each step of care, to social workers who can help patients get outside support, the Abramson Cancer Center wants to ensure all patients get world-class care.

The Abramson Cancer Center also offers patients:

Nutrition services
Integrative medicine and wellness services including yoga, acupuncture and reiki
Support groups
The LIVESTRONG Survivorship program
Access to clinical trials for cancer

Learn More About Head and Neck Cancer Treatment At Penn

To learn more about head and neck cancer, and to learn if you are a candidate for TORS or proton therapy for head and neck cancer, please make an appointment with a Penn specialist by calling 1-800-789-PENN (7366).

Learn more about head and neck cancer treatment at Penn Medicine from the Focus on Head and Neck Cancers Conference.

Foundation Supports Families at the Abramson Cancer Center

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 03:00:12 PDT

It all started with an air mattress.

When Paul Nardoni was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of 27, he and his family saw a unique need.

During his stays at Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center, Paul witnessed first hand the unparalleled care and attention that is given to a cancer patient. He noticed that their families, including his own, often spent the night sleeping in an uncomfortable chair or a makeshift bed. He discovered that there were no diversions for patients, or their families, during the long and sometimes arduous chemotherapy sessions. Paul longed to remedy those circumstances - for his own family and for the families of all patients. This became the basis of the Paul R. Nardoni Foundation’s mission.

“At the time there were no couches that turned into beds, or room for family members to sleep comfortably in the room,” remembers his mother, Roseann.

About Paul Nardoni

Paul was an executive chef for Holland America Cruise Lines and was working on the Wind Star cruise ship when he became ill and had to return home to New Jersey. Paul was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in the fall of 1996.

As his disease progressed, Paul was able to stay active with the help of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Despite frequent hospitalizations, Paul never gave up. And he made sure his family didn’t either.

Paul passed away in 2001 after his 5-year-long battle. But today, his legacy lives on.

The Paul R. Nardoni Foundation

The Nardoni family was inspired to create a unique patient experience for patients and their families at the Abramson Cancer Center. They raised some money to purchase air mattresses for the patient floor so that family members could spend the night with their loved ones.

Then came the videos.

“We’d stop at Blockbuster on the way to the Abramson Cancer Center to pick up videos,” recalls his mother, Roseann. “We thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if there was a video library for patients right here on the patient floor?’ and that is really how our foundation began.“

“As time went on, and needs changes, we established a special needs fund for people who need assistance with things like groceries, utility bills and childcare,” says Roseann.

Today, the Paul R. Nardoni Foundation provides support for families’ needs and wants through a “Carpe Diem Find” that supports patients who need assistance with paying their bills, getting childcare, or even “fun” activities such as attending a Phillies baseball game, or getting family portraits.

The Foundation has no paid staff and all work is performed by volunteers. Almost all events are supported by generous donations enabling the Foundation to keep its cost down around 4 percent. Therefore, 96 percent of every dollar you contribute goes directly to cancer patients and their families.

Since the foundation was founded, it has provided funding to establish programs that provide comfort and aid to cancer patients and their families at Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, and other area hospitals and cancer centers.

“We want to help the patient, and the whole family,” says Roseann. “And I am sure that if Paul was here to see what we are doing today, he’d be thrilled.”

Roseann adds: “Nothing can take away the feeling of loss when you lose a child, but knowing we are helping others with this foundation helps.”

Learn more about the Paul R. Nardoni Foundation

To learn more about the Paul Nardoni Foundation, and to find out how you can make a donation to help others undergoing cancer treatment, visit www.prnfoundation.org.

Help Families at the Abramson Cancer Center

The Abramson Cancer Center is grateful to the Paul R. Nardoni Foundation and other foundations who directly support our patients in need including Bringing Hope Home, Stomp the Monster, The Mary Anne Mazanec Ovarian Cancer Foundation, Sandy Rollman Foundation, Starr Foundation, Fox’s Fight, and Peggy Spiegler Melanoma Research Foundation, just to name just a few.

The Abramson Cancer Center also has a Patient Special Needs Fund to help provide support to patients and families facing financial hardship as a result of diagnosis. We are grateful to the many individual friends and organizations that directly support this fund. Please consider making a gift and easing the burden of cancer for our patients and families with a donation.

Camp for Kids who Have Parents with Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 02:00:12 PDT

Playing, creating, exploring and smiling: These are activities every child should focus on. But for children of parents who have cancer, or who have had cancer their days can be filled with worry about the health of their loved ones.

Camp Kesem Chapter at the University of Pennsylvania provides kids whose parents have or have had cancer with an overnight summer camp experience that gives them a chance to be kids. To us, this means doing everything in our power to provide as much fun for the kids as humanly possible in the span of one week.

Camp Kesem be welcoming campers for Summer 2013, our second session of camp.

Camp is for children ages 6-16 and free of charge to all families
A five night sleep away camp that provides transportation to and from our facilities in Oxford, PA
A 3:1 camper-to-counselor ratio
Fully planned and staffed by UPenn students, all of whom are thoroughly trained before camp
Professional staff includes a nurse and mental health professional who stay on-site all week
Camp Kesem is open to all families, regardless of race, religion, nationality.

How to Apply for Camp Kesem

If you are interested in Camp Kesem for your child, please contact the Camp Kesem
Camper Care Coordinators, Alex Smith and Molly Blais, at upenn@campkesem.org
or find the application link on our website at http://campkesem.org/upenn.

Learn more about Camp Kesem, and ways to get involved with its mission.

Help provide this meaningful experience to even more kids by making donation to Camp Kesem today.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer with TORS

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 05:00:17 PDT

Penn Medicine's TransOral Robotic Surgery (TORS) program is a world-class surgical program comprised of the leading surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and operating personnel dedicated to providing superior patient outcomes through the use of robotic-assisted technology. The program benefits not only patients seeking state-of-the-art care, but also physicians who come from around the world to observe and learn about this groundbreaking procedure.

TransOral Robotic Surgery may either allow the patient to avoid radiation altogether or decreases the intensity thereby avoiding side effects of treatment.

TORS is the world's first group of minimally invasive robotic surgery techniques enabling surgeons to remove benign and malignant tumors of the mouth and throat. This revolutionary breakthrough results in shorter, virtually scarless head and neck surgery. Designed to avoid incisions for primary site resection, TORS is performed through the patient's mouth and provides unprecedented access to the small and often difficult-to-reach areas of the mouth and throat.

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) was invented and developed by the pioneering team of Bert W. O'Malley, Jr., MD and Gregory S. Weinstein, MD at Penn Medicine

TORS uses the state-of-the-art da Vinci® Surgical System, which allows surgeons better access to the areas of the throat for the removal of cancers and benign lesions via a minimally invasive robotic approach.

Surgeons benefit by having improved access to the tight confines of the throat and patients benefit in the short term with a faster and easier recovery and, in the long term, by outstanding cancer results and improved swallowing results compared to alternative treatments.

Benefits of TORS can include:

Quicker return to normal activity
Shorter hospitalization
Reduced risk of long-term swallowing problems (most commonly seen with chemoradiation or traditional open surgery)
Fewer complications compared to traditional open surgery
Less scarring than traditional open surgery
Less risk of infection
Less risk of blood transfusion when compared to open surgery

In this video, Drs. O'Malley and Weinstein explain the TORS procedure, and how Penn Medicine is revolutionizing care for patients with head and neck cancer.

TORS patient, Cynthia Miller along with other Penn patients discuss how the TORS procedure changed their lives.

What It’s Like to Work in Oncology Care

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 05:00:01 PDT

Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN, AOCN, is a nurse educator for OncoLink®, an award-winning cancer information website sponsored by Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center. She is an oncology advanced practice nurse and has worked in the areas of medical hematology and oncology, bone marrow transplant, clinical research, radiation therapy and staff development.

Have you ever wondered what it is like to work with cancer patients for a living?

Working with cancer patients at a comprehensive cancer center like the Abramson Cancer Center can be a rewarding experience for the men and women who have dedictated their lives’ work to caring for cancer patients and working to find a cure for cancer through research.

In this blog series, Oncolink highlights cancer care professionals to show patients, their families, friends and caregivers what it’s like to work with people who have cancer, cancer treatment and cancer research.

Check out these articles from those working in cancer care and research:

Tools and Inspiration for Mindful Living from Penn Medicine

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 02:30:02 PDT

2nd Annual Living from the Heart Award: An Evening Honoring Sharon Salzberg

The Penn Program for Mindfulness will proudly honor Sharon Salzberg with its 2nd Annual Living from the Heart award.

Sharon Salzberg is co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, Massachusetts. She has been a student of meditation since 1971, guiding meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. Sharon’s newest book, Real Happiness, The Power of Meditation, was published by Workman Publishing in January 2011.

Sharon is a regular contributor the Huffington Post, and was a contributing editor of Oprah’s O Magazine for several years. She has appeared in Time Magazine, Yoga Journal, msnbc.com, Tricycle, Real Simple, Body & Soul, Mirabella, Good Housekeeping, Self, Buddhadharma, More and Shambhala Sun, as well as on a variety of radio programs.

The Penn Program for Mindfulness bestows this prestigious award to individuals who have paved the way for mindfulness practices to take root in our culture. Please join us as we celebrate the many ways that Sharon has helped to make a difference in our world.

Sharon will give a brief talk about mindfulness and lead us in a guided meditation.

Join Penn Medicine for the 2nd Annual Living from the Heart Award: An Evening Honoring Sharon Salzberg

Date: Friday, May 10, 2013
Time: 7 to 8:30 pm
Cost: $20
Location: Benchmark School, Media, PA

Learn more about Sharon Salzberg.

Support the Penn Program for Mindfulness by making a gift today, and help ensure all people have access to important tools.

Meditation Workshop- Meditation: Tools for Awakening Courage, Faith and Compassion

This workshop focuses on the practical tools that help us go beyond our constricting habitual patterns, such as fear and denial. Awakening the inner capacities we all have, meditation allows us to transform our worldview from one of isolation and confusion to one of connection, clarity and compassion.

Especially in times of uncertainty, meditation opens us to the power of faith and courage based on seeing things just as they are.

This workshop is suitable for both new and experienced students. The workshop will consist of guided meditations, talks and time for questions and answers.

Join Penn Medicine for Meditation: Tools for Awakening Courage, Faith and Compassion

Date: Saturday, May 11, 2013
Time: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost: $49
Location: Benchmark School, Media, PA

To register for one or both of these events, or to support the program with a philanthropic gift, please visit www.pennmedicine.org/mindfulness.

Call 215-615-2774 or email mindfulness@uphs.upenn.edu for questions or more information.

Proceeds from these programs enable the Penn Program for Mindfulness to develop and deliver new, innovative programs that help those in need.

Preventing Head and Neck Cancer with the HPV Vaccine

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 05:00:14 PDT

There are over 100 types of HPV, and more than 40 strains that can infect the genital areas of men and women, as well as the mouth and throat. HPV is passed through genital contact through vaginal and anal sex, and can also be passed through oral sex.

HPV and Head and Neck Cancer

The connection you should know about

In recent years, the human papilloma virus (HPV) has been linked to cervical, anus and skin cancers.

“HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States,” says Ann Honebrink, MD, associate professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Penn. “Even without showing symptoms of HPV, people can transmit the virus and barrier methods like condoms don’t work as well to prevent HPV transmission as they do other infections like HIV.”

While HPV can cause symptoms, a person can go for years without ever knowing they have the virus. That, along with the ability of the HPV virus to remain present in a person for a long time, make this virus so prevalent — people continue to spread the virus through sexual contact without knowing they carry the virus. In most cases, the body fights off HPV naturally and eventually the virus is cleared. However, when the body cannot fight off HPV, the virus can persist and also can trigger cellular changes that may lead to cancer.

“Some types of HPV must be present in order for a women to develop squamous cell cancer of the cervix, the most common type of cervical cancer,” says Dr. Honebrink.

Oral cancer – HPV’s new connection

While HPV has most been linked to cervical, anus and skin cancers, recent studies suggest the same strain of HPV can also cause oropharyngeal (head and neck) cancer.

“We are seeing more cancer located at the base of the tongue and in the tonsils,” says Jason Newman, MD, assistant professor of otorhinolaryngology, and head and neck surgeon at Pennsylvania Hospital.

Oropharyngeal cancer develops in the part of the throat including the back of the tongue, back part of the roof of the mouth, the tonsils, and the side and back wall of the throat.

“Historically, people who get head and neck cancer are older – over 70 – and have been heavy smokers or drinkers,” says Dr. Newman. “But we are seeing an increase in young, otherwise healthy men and women who develop head and neck cancer related to the HPV virus.”

Treatment for head and neck cancer may include trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS). TORS is the world’s first group of minimally invasive robotic surgery techniques enabling surgeons to remove tumors of the mouth and throat. This revolutionary breakthrough results in shorter, virtually scarless head and neck surgery. TORS is performed through the patient’s mouth and provides unprecedented access to the small and often difficult-to-reach areas of the mouth and throat.

Surgeons at Penn Medicine created da Vinci TransOral Robotic Surgery (TORS) in 2005. The adoption of this highly advanced robotics technique demonstrates Penn Medicine’s commitment to providing world-class health care.

“It’s important to know the signs of head and neck cancer, and to not ignore symptoms that do not go away,” says Dr. Newman. “Treatment options and outcomes improve greatly when cancer is found early.”

Preventing HPV

The good news is that there is protection for both girls and boys who have not yet encountered the HPV virus. There are two FDA approved HPV vaccines on the market: Gardasil and Cervarix.

Gardasil protects against four major types of HPV; HPV 16 and 18, the two types that cause about 70 percent of cervical cancer and HPV 6 and 11,which cause 90 percent of genital warts.

Cervarix protects against HPV 16 and 18.

HPV vaccines are given as three shots to protect against HPV infection and HPV-related diseases, and they offer the greatest health benefits to individuals who receive all three doses before having any type of sexual activity. This is why the HPV vaccination is recommended for preteen girls and boys at age 11 or 12 years.

Facts about HPV

Nearly 20 million people in the United States are infected with HPV.
6.2 million Americans become infected each year with more than 50 percent of sexually active men and women infected with HPV at some time in their lives.
Most HPV infections do not cause any symptoms and go away on their own.
HPV can cause genital warts and warts in the oral and upper respiratory tract in both men and women.

There is no treatment for an HPV infection, but many of the conditions it causes can be treated.

Learn more about the latest HPV vaccine recommendations, and treatment for head and neck cancer at Penn.

Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer: Keep Your Mouth Healthy

noreply@blogger.com (E) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 05:00:05 PDT

Elizabeta Evtimovska, DDS, MS, is a maxillofacial prosthodontist at Penn Medicine. In this article, she discusses chemotherapy and radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, their complications, and how patients can prevent long-term side effects of head and neck cancer treatment.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for head and neck cancer can cause a range of short and long-term oral complications.

The acute complications such as mucositis (sores) and infections, as well as others are managed by the oncology team during the treatment. Some of the long-term complication, such as xerostomia (dry mouth) and osteoradionecrosis (ORN), is a serious complication of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer that occurs in a small percentage of patients as result of head and neck radiation treatment.

Osteoradionecrosis is bone that has died. Because radiation works to destroy cancerous cells through the deprivation of oxygen and vital nutrients, it inevitably destroys normal cells as well, damaging small arteries and reducing circulation to the area of the mandible (jaw bone).

As there is no treatment for ORN, the focus is on prevention. This means, avoiding extractions of teeth from the radiated parts of the jaws and making sure that dentures fit properly and don’t cause any sores. It most often occurs in the setting of tooth extraction from the radiated parts of the jaws, but can also occur spontaneously. In both cases, there is exposed bone in the mouth which can be asymptomatic or it can be further complicated by infections, pain, and/or malodor.

Preparing for Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer

Patients who are planning to undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy for head and neck cancer should be evaluated by a dentist prior to the start of treatment.

During this appointment, the patient’s oral condition is evaluated and it is determined if any teeth need to be extracted prior to the start of radiation therapy. This visit is also a perfect time to go over good oral health care.

In our practice, I advise patients to do the following during and after radiation:

Maintain excellent oral hygiene by flossing and brushing every morning and evening and after every meal. If dry mouth develops, it is especially crucial to brush teeth after every meal and only drink water between meals, as opposed to sugary drinks or snacks.
Use fluoride to prevent caries (when xerostomia, dry mouth, is present, the patient has increased risk of caries). Fluoride is especially important to prevent extracting teeth from the radiated parts of the jaws and therefore prevent osteoradionecrosis.
Visit a local dentist regularly for regularly scheduled maintenance visits (cleanings), as well as any other routine dental treatment.

The severity of oral complications from chemoradiation differs depending on the diagnosis, the type of treatment administered, the amount and location of the delivered radiation, etc. Therefore, it is best to consult with a dentist prior to and after radiation in terms of the above discussed needs and recommended treatment.

Learn about managing cancer treatment side effects.

Learn about the Abramson Cancer Center Center’s Center for Head and Neck Cancer.