Congratulations to Philadelphia Magazine’s 2021 Be Well Philly Health Hero: Armenta Washington, a senior research coordinator for the community outreach and engagement program at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center. Recently, Washington and her team created a drive-through Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) service, so that at-risk community members had access to preventative care and could determine if they needed a referral for a colonoscopy.

You can watch that very special moment — along with the entire virtual Health Hero Challenge event —here. Congratulations again to Armenta Washington and Philly Fights Cancer thanks you for your incredibly important work at the Abramson Cancer Center.

For the full article from Philadelphia Magazine, read here.

Did you know, November 30th is Giving Tuesday- a global day of giving that puts the world's most impactful non-profits in the spotlight for causes that are making a difference in the world.

Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

This Giving Tuesday, consider showing your support for Philly Fights Cancer’s mission of fundraising for life-saving clinical trials and translational research. When you donate to Philly Fights Cancer, you're not just helping those being treated for cancer- you're providing support and sources for the doctors, nurses, researchers, and so many more who make cancer treatment and progress their #1 priority.

To donate to Philly Fights Cancer for life-saving clinical trials and translational research at the Abramson Cancer Center, click here.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Philly Fights Cancer is proud to raise funding for clinical trials and research that are improving the treatment and care of those diagnosed with cancers of all kinds, including breast cancer, at the Abramson Cancer Center and beyond.

Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center offers a comprehensive breast cancer program from screenings to survivorship. Nationally recognized specialty physicians and surgeons provide education, care and support needed to help patients navigate their diagnosis and treatment plan. As part of this plan, Penn Medicine also provides patients with access to new clinical trials in breast cancer. To learn more about these vitally important clinical trials, visit the link in our bio.

As part of efforts to eliminate disparities in cancer detection, Penn Medicine will offer free breast cancer screenings to women over the age of 40 in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.

Screenings will be available on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 18 to Oct. 29, Penn Medicine News reported. For the full story, visit here: https://www.thedp.com/article/2021/10/penn-medicine-offers-free-breast-cancer-screenings-in-honor-of-breast-cancer-awareness-month

For many years, chemotherapy was the most utilized cancer treatment on the market. Now, thanks to years of research (and the groundbreaking work Philly Fights Cancer proudly fundraises for) doctors are able to treat certain cancers - such as breast and lung - without chemotherapy.

This month, the New York Times reported on the world of cancer treatment that doesn’t involve chemotherapy, featuring Penn Medicine's own Dr. Vonderheide, Dr. Aggarwal and Dr. Domchek, who share their insights on non-chemotherapy cancer treatments.

From the article:

Dr. Robert Vonderheide, a lung cancer specialist who heads the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center, remembers his early days on the job, about 20 years ago.

“The big discussion was, Do you give patients two different types of chemotherapy or three?” he said. There was even a clinical trial to see whether four types of chemotherapy would be better.

“Now we are walking in to see even patients with advanced lung cancer and telling them, ‘No chemo,’” Dr. Vonderheide said.

Read the full story from the New York Times here.

Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors why someone develops Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). The growth is rapid, aggressive, and damages the lungs as well as potentially traveling to the brain, liver, and bones. Approximately 13 percent of diagnosed lung cancers are SCLC making it significant to get your monthly check-ups with your primary doctor.

Symptoms that you may experience (depends on lifestyle choices):

• A new cough or change in existing cough
• Blood or discharge when you cough
• Chest, back, or shoulder pain
• Persistent lung infections
• Horseness when speaking
• Shortness of breath or wheezing doing daily activities
• Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite
• Weakness or fatigue

Be aware of your daily lifestyle if you believe you’re at risk for Small Cell Lung Cancer. Early prognosis will benefit you and your life. The best first option to help yourself to a healthier lifestyle is to stop smoking and choose to better yourself.

Going to a regular doctor’s appointment for a check-up can be beneficial. Although not all lumps or abnormal bumps are dangerous, it’s important to know as early as possible. Sarcoma is one type of cancer that hides deep beneath the surface of the tissue. Most cases are misdiagnosed or not found in time so it’s important to be able to rely on a top cancer center like Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center for diagnosis and care.

Unfortunately, there is as of yet no clear understanding as to why patients develop sarcoma. Genetics may be a possibility as cancer often trends with other health issues through heredity, while other health officials suggest people can develop sarcoma through exposure to foreign chemicals.

Philly Fights Cancer is the largest fundraiser that raises funds for Penn Medicine Abramson Cancer Center, one of the largest and highest-ranked cancer centers in the nation. They are one of only 10 cancer centers in the U.S. that are members of the Sarcoma Alliance for Collaboration through Research (SARC). To find out more information, go to Penn Medicine Sarcoma Care Program.

Fighting a battle that’s filled with uncertainty and requires tremendous patience and determination is frustrating, testing anyone’s limits. An entire population’s worth of people have fought and continue to fight through cancer day in and day out, holding onto hope and faith they’ll even make it through the ordeal. As of January 2019, there are approximately 16.9 million cancer survivors in the United States.

Going to the doctor regularly and often to check for abnormalities, biopsies and general check-ups can help identify any signs of cancer early as well as benefit a healthy lifestyle. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and every day hundreds to thousands of new cases are diagnosed. Understanding how healthy lifestyle choices can help ward off cancer, and knowing which factors and risks you can control versus the ones you can’t, will all help with maintaining your peace of mind and possibly enjoying a longer, healthier life.

Suggestions to a healthier lifestyle

Active routine. By keeping active, exercising. and moving your body, you can stay healthier and reduce your risk for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, even some cancers. Building a simple routine to walk a mile or a half-mile after breakfast and another mile or half-mile after dinner can lay a foundation for more strenuous activities in the future.

Healthy eating. Getting in your vitamins and minerals is always conducive to keeping a positive mindset and healthy habits. Having an eating pattern filled with processed meats, preservatives, and artificially sweetened drinks will have a negative effect on your heart and other organs.

Less alcohol consumption. This is one of the most significant preventable risk factors for cancer. About 6% of all cancers and 4% of all cancer deaths in the United States are related to alcohol use. Drink in moderation.

Smoking cessation. With a powerful drug comes issues. Smoking causes about 20% of all cancers and is connected to approximately  30% of all cancer deaths in the United States. About 80% of diagnosed lung cancers and lung cancer deaths are due to smoking. The ingredients that are in cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices have severe harmful long-term effects that you should discontinue for a healthier lifestyle.

After a long winter of being stuck indoors, people are looking for more ways to get outside and stay active. As everyone continues to practice social distancing, it's also important to remember to protect your skin. Even though it's healthy to get a bit of sun exposure each day; it's just as important to take the necessary precautions to protect your skin from the sun's ultraviolet radiation by using SPF 30+ sunscreen.

With more than 3.5 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed each year, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Fortunately, it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer.

How to Prevent Skin Cancer

Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of skin cancer. Although genetics make it more difficult to prevent, there are still some things you can do to know your risk and take the steps needed to prevent it.

Know your family history. Approximately 10 percent of people with melanoma have a family history of melanoma. Therefore, we recommend that close relatives (parents, brothers, sisters and children) of a person with melanoma routinely have their skin examined.

Consider your personal history. People who have a history of blistering sunburns in childhood are more at risk, as are those with a fair complexion, blonde or red hair, blue eyes and freckles. This doesn’t mean that darker skinned people can’t get skin cancer too. African Americans, Asians and Hispanics are more likely to develop melanoma on the soles of their feet and palms of their hands – and it often turns out to be a more serious case. Also, those with a weakened immune system are more likely to develop many types of skin cancer, including melanoma. Stay vigilant about doing your monthly self-checks and asking your dermatologist questions about your skin.

Get any moles or growths checked by a dermatologist. People with a lot of moles or ones with an irregular color and shape have a higher risk of developing melanoma. If you notice anything suspicious, see a doctor immediately. Even if you don’t have moles, you should see a dermatologist annually and check your own skin once a month. This is especially important if you delayed your annual skin exam due to COVID.

Wear and reapply sunscreen. You’ve heard it a million times: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause skin cancer. Sunscreen offers the best protection against skin cancer, next to staying out of the sun altogether or covering up with sun protective clothing. To be effective, we recommend that all sunscreens be liberally applied (at least one ounce for the entire body) to all exposed areas of the body, at least 15 minutes before going outside. This doesn’t mean only applying sunscreen in the summer when you’re on a beach either; you should apply sunscreen – especially to your face – every day, all year long. There are tons of great products out there that can make it easier to apply and more comfortable to wear, such as powder sunscreens or concealer with SPF 30.

Avoid Tanning. Tanning both outside or indoors can have dangerous consequences. There is no such thing as a "healthy tan." The best way to protect your skin from sun damage and possible skin cancers is to avoid tanning altogether. Try a self-tanning lotion or spray instead.

For more information about how to keep yourself and your family safe, read more from Penn Medicine here: https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2020/may/protect-your-skin

Sanford Health gave its $1 million 2021 Sanford Lorraine Cross Award to Dr. Carl June, the health system announced Tuesday, April 13. The award is given every two years to those who have conducted breakthroughs and innovations in medical science.

Dr. Carl June is the Richard W. Vague Professor in Immunotherapy in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, director of the Center for Cellular Immunotherapies and director of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy.

June was part of a team that developed a treatment that takes selected T cells, cells that recognize harmful intruders and trigger an immune response, and reprograms them to recognize and destroy leukemia cancer cells. The therapy is now named KYMRIAH by Novartis and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Dr. Carl June was honored at Philly Fights Cancer: Round 4 for his work in immunotherapy alongside Sean Parker of the Parker Institute. To read more about this award, see here from the Philadelphia Business Journal: https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2021/04/15/carl-june-car-t-cell-therapy-sanford-health.html

Philadelphia Style Magazine’s 2021 Charity & Social Datebook is out now, and this year focuses on the missions behind Philadelphia's most impactful non-profits. In a year where philanthropy and giving back was more important than ever, the magazine features interviews with the individuals who experience the impact of crucial fundraising dollars firsthand.

Featured on this year's cover is Abramson Cancer Center Director Robert Herman Vonderheide, MD, DPhil. Dr. Vonderheide is an internationally renowned cancer immunotherapy and translational research expert. In his interview, Dr. Vonderheide discusses the importance of Philly Fights Cancer's fundraising over the last six years, the future of cancer care, and why the fight is far from over.

You can read Dr. Vonderheide’s full interview as part of the Philadelphia Style March Issue here: https://digital.modernluxury.com/publication/?m=46791&l=1&fbclid=IwAR3DeTavt42RzXW3n4ih30xwsG4Nu88Q1hWQwrt-s4YNc5VakT1jSiF3nAA.