Free Skin Cancer Prevention and Melanoma Conferences

CANPrevent Skin Cancer

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.

Focus On Melanoma

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 healthcare 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 These Events?

Follow Penn Medicine on Twitter for event information before the conference date, and live tweeting throughout the conference with the hashtag #SkinCancerACC and #MelanomaACC.
Please “re-tweet” and share Penn Medicine's messages about skin cancer prevention and awareness with your followers.

Women & Heart Disease: Know Your Risk, Protect Your Heart

Heart disease is often thought of as a health problem for men, but more women die of heart disease each year, killing approximately one woman every three minutes. An estimated 42 million American women live with heart disease, but many are unaware of the danger they face.

Heart or cardiovascular disease is any disorder that affects the heart's ability to function normally. Types of heart disease are coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, stroke, peripheral vascular disease and valvular disease.

It is important for women to know the warning signs of heart disease because these symptoms are likely to be different from those experienced by men. Women may experience common symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath, but also have less obvious symptoms including:

• Discomfort in the back, shoulders, arms, stomach, jaw, neck or throat 
• Generalized pressure in the chest 
• Indigestion 
• Lightheaded
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Palpitations 
• Unexplained fatigue 

Once heart disease develops, it’s a lifelong condition that will gradually worsen unless lifestyle changes are made. Fortunately, women may be able to lower heart disease risk by more than 80 percent by making healthy lifestyle choices. These include:

• Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Following a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and includes a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. 
• Finding ways to cope with stress.
• Managing high blood pressure.
• Knowing your family history and getting tested for diabetes.
• Lowering total cholesterol to less than 200 mg/dL.
• Not smoking and limiting alcohol.

Penn's Preventive Cardiovascular Program was designed specifically prevent the onset, recurrence and progression of heart and vascular disease. To learn more or schedule an appointment, please call 800.789.PENN (7366).

May is National Stroke Awareness Month

According to the American Stroke Association, about 795,000 Americans each year suffer a new or recurrent stroke. That means, on average, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds.

F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke. If you can spot the signs, you'll know that you need to call 9-1-1 for help right away.

F: Face Drooping - Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
A: Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S: Speech Difficulty - Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?
T: Time to call 9-1-1 - If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared.

You can do plenty to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy, even if you've had a stroke. A healthy lifestyle plays a big part in decreasing your risk for disability and death from stroke and heart attack.  Here are some common steps from the American Stroke Association to take to be healthier and reduce your risk of stroke:

• Don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.
• Improve your eating habits. Eat foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium and added sugars.
• Be physically active.
• Take your medicine as directed.
• Get your blood pressure checked regularly and work with your healthcare provider to manage it if it’s high.
• Reach and maintain a healthy weight.
• Decrease your stress level.
• Seek emotional support when it’s needed.
• Have regular medical checkups.

The Penn Stroke Center is Philadelphia’s only “Comprehensive Stroke Center” as certified by the Joint Commission and American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.  This relatively new level of certification recognizes the significant resources in staff and training that comprehensive stroke centers must have to treat complex stroke.

Penn Fertility Care

The First Step in Getting Pregnant May Be Finding Out Why You Can't

When should you see a fertility specialist? If you've experienced the following events, it may be time for you to schedule an appointment with an infertility specialist:

• If you are under 35 and have been unable to conceive after a year of trying to get pregnant. 
• If you are over 35 and have been unable to conceive after 6 months of trying to get pregnant.
• When you've miscarried two or more times. 
• When other infertility treatments have not been successful. 

If you do not have regular menstrual cycles, or if you have had prior gynecological problems including endometriosis, pelvic surgery, tubal pregnancy or infections, you should seek assistance sooner.

Fertility evaluation diagnostic procedures at Penn Medicine can identify the causes of infertility. Sometimes, a diagnosis can be easy — just a matter of conducting a few simple tests. Other times, pinpointing the cause requires time and patience. In some cases, no cause of infertility can be found.

What to Expect at a Diagnostic Evaluation

A diagnostic evaluation often begins with a physical exam and a thorough health history. Afterward, your physician may further conduct additional testing using one or more of the following methods:

• Blood Test: A blood test will determine if there is normal ovulation physiology. Ovulation dysfunction can result from hormonal deficiencies, congenital defects, and age. 
• Assessing Ovarian Reserve: A physician evaluates the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level and antimullerian hormone (AMH). A blood test is performed that can determine the number/quality of eggs remaining in a woman's ovary. 
• Measuring Hormone Levels: A common cause of infertility is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This syndrome is genetically linked to hormonal imbalances thereby causing a condition that prevents ovulation.
• A hysterosalpingogram or sonohysterogram may be performed to evaluate the uterus and to determine if the fallopian tubes are open. 
• An ultrasound may be performed to evaluate the uterus and ovaries. 
• A semen analysis may be performed to evaluate the amount and quality of a man's semen and sperm. 

Penn Fertility Care works in conjunction with the Male Fertility Program and Microsurgery Section in the Division of Urology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Penn's experts have extensive clinical experience in male infertility and have particular expertise in microsurgical reconstruction of the male reproductive tract.

Depending on the patient's condition, additional detailed tests may be performed to determine the cause of the infertility.

Learn more about infertility diagnosis and evaluation at Penn Medicine.

The 2 Cancer Screenings You Should Never Skip

The Mammogram
The mammogram remains the most important screening test in the detection of breast cancer and it likely saves thousands of lives every year.

Beginning at the age of 40, all women should have an annual mammogram to check for breast cancer. Depending on a woman’s personal risk, her physician may recommend she begin annual mammograms before the age of 40.

Schedule a Mammogram at Penn Medicine
Penn offers dedicated breast imagers with access to digital mammography, breast ultrasound and MRI. All mammograms performed at Penn are connected to a comprehensive breast cancer program at the Abramson Cancer Center, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center.

Also, most locations offer same-day, walk-in appointments.

Mammograms at Penn Medicine are offered at the following locations: 

• Penn Medicine Valley Forge
• Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine*
• Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
• Pennsylvania Hospital
• Penn Medicine Radnor

Schedule a mammogram at Penn Medicine
Call 1-800-789-PENN (7366) to schedule a mammogram at Penn.

The Colonoscopy
Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented with screening. More than 90 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer are age 50 or older.

Current screening recommendations in the United States include:

• Men and women over the age of 50 be screened for colorectal cancer
• Those with a personal or family history of colon polyps, cancer at an early age or certain chronic medical conditions be encouraged to be screened starting at an earlier age.

Although the incidence of colorectal cancer and cancer-related deaths is decreasing, colon cancer screening remains underutilized. Consequently, colorectal remains the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer deaths.

One of the main barriers to colorectal screening is the lack of awareness of the disease. Colorectal cancer tends to not be discussed as openly as other conditions such as breast or lung cancer. Furthermore, the thought of undergoing a colonoscopy is not appealing.. This is compounded by the fact that there is a general misperception about the study.

Colonoscopy can detect early tumors, and more importantly pre-cancerous growths of tissue called polyps. Polyps can be removed at the time of the procedure, thereby preventing cancer from developing.

Colonoscopies at Penn Medicine are offered at the following locations: 

• Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine
• Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
• Pennsylvania Hospital
• Penn Medicine Radnor

Schedule a colonoscopy at Penn Medicine

Are you 50 years old or older? Make an appointment at Penn Medicine for your routine colonoscopy by calling 1-800-789-PENN (7366).

 *Digital breast tomosynthesis, a revolutionary way to perform mammograms combining traditional mammography with 3D technology, is offered at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicien. DBT allows for more accurate pictures of breast health. Women who get their mammograms using the new DBT technology at Penn may find they are called less often for follow-up visits and more tests.Learn more about DBT at Penn, and how you can schedule your DBT mammogram at Penn.

Winter Workouts: staying warm and safe

Select the Right Clothes

Staying dry is essential.  Clothes specifically designed for cold weather wick away moisture from the body to keep you dry and warmer. For the layer that goes against
your skin look for “moisture wicking” on the label, as well as machine washable materials.  Avoid 100% cotton, it holds sweat and can lead to chills, muscle tightness and discomfort.

Wear Light Layers

Layers are important because if you get too hot, you can take some things off to cool down. Over your long sleeve moisture-wicking shirt, wear a fleece or wool pullover for insulation.  Add an outer layer that will repel water and block wind.

Use Reflective Gear

Since days are shorter, and it might be dark when you work out, make sure to wear easy- to- see colors and other reflective gear that can help drivers see you in the dark. There are reflective vests that are mesh, so as not to add weight and bulk that can be seen hundreds of feet away and offer 360-degree visibility. Flashing lights on bikes are another way to gain more visibility and ensure you can be seen even when you are working out in the dark.

Cover Your Head and Ears

Most heat escapes the body from the head. Hats can keep in heat, but look for hats made with moisture-wicking materials so as not to keep your head too sweaty. Headbands that cover the ears are also a great way to keep your head warm, without getting too sweaty.

Keep Hands and Feet Warm 

Protect your fingers and toes from frost bite.  Wear thin glove that can be layer inside heavier lined gloves or mittens.  Thermal socks are another essential winter workout item.

Indoor Alternatives 

 Be sensible in really nasty weather, do your workout indoors.  This is a great time to cross train and try a new activity.  Many gyms offer memberships on a month-to-month basis, which is a good opportunity to try a new class, start a weight training routine or try a new activity.

Patient Story: Proton Therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Proton Therapy Helped Me Share Moments with My Grandchildren
Kathy Brandt was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in 2011 at her local hospital. After much research, and a recommendation from her brother-in-law, who is a physician, Kathy chose Penn Medicine for her lung cancer treatment, which included proton therapy. Today, Kathy is cancer free. 

You hear the word “cancer” and it's truly terrifying.

It was basically just a checkup with my pulmonologist because I have emphysema. He sent me for a chest X-ray and that is when they found the tumor in my lung. It was a terrifying time and thankfully I had strong family surrounding me - strong family helping me make decisions about what kind of treatment I should have. After that initial diagnosis, when you feel like you have been hit with a ton of bricks, then the decision needs to be made where you are going to seek treatment. My brother-in-law, who is a physician, along with my pulmonologist suggested I go to Penn Medicine for treatment.

Penn Medicine was a wonderful choice for us. They used a team approach.  I saw an oncologist, I saw a surgeon, and the radiologist is all located at Penn Medicine.  It was very comforting to know that all these people are just working to take care of you and to make you better.

I was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer at the end of June.  My surgery was the beginning of August and chemo started in September. It was finished in November.  I started proton therapy in December, which lasted for 4 weeks.

Deciding to Have Proton Therapy at Penn
I decided to go with the proton radiation because of the cancer’s proximity to my heart and spine. I chose proton therapy because I knew it would be more precise and would have less side effects and that was very important to me.

The Proton Therapy Experience
Every day for 5 weeks, I would leave work, come home, and my husband would take me to Penn for proton therapy. After the treatment, we’d go home and I’d spend time with my grandchildren and their parents, who were living with us at the time. My granddaughter was about 3 months old at the time. And I would take her, feed her, and just spend time with the people that meant the most to me.

I really felt wonderful. I continued to work the whole time I had proton therapy – I never missed a day of work, actually. I was a bit more tired than usual, but that was really the only side effect I felt.

When I completed proton therapy, I rang the bell.  Everybody in the waiting room clapped, and we went home and I think I had a very big glass of wine after treatment was finished.

After Proton Therapy
Today, I don’t sweat the small stuff.

I would tell anyone to feel very comfortable going to Penn Medicine, and I would tell anyone to also feel very comfortable in choosing proton therapy simply because of the fewer side effects and its extreme precision.  I would recommend Penn Medicine wholeheartedly.  I cannot say enough good things about my experience.

Learn More About Proton Therapy at Penn Medicine
Proton therapy is a non-invasive, incredibly precise cancer treatment that uses a beam of protons moving at very high speeds to destroy the DNA of cancer cells killing them and preventing them from multiplying.

Unlike conventional radiation that can affect surrounding healthy tissue as it enters the body and targets the tumor, proton therapy’s precise, high dose of radiation is extremely targeted. This targeted precision causes less damage to healthy, surrounding tissue.

Watch the full video of Kathy's experience.

Learn more about proton therapy, or schedule a consultation with a radiation oncologist at Penn Medicine.