Tattoo artist Vinnie Myers has developed a unique specialty in nipple tattoos for women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer.
Video: A Tattoo That Completes a New Breast
A Pub, A Drug, and A Basser Global Prize Winner
“I met a bloke in a pub and he offered me some drugs,” explains Alan Ashworth, FRS in his keynote address at the Basser Research Center for BRCA’s second annual symposium, where Ashworth received the Basser Global Prize for his contributions to BRCA-related research.
It turns out the bloke was a DNA-repair researcher and the drug was Olaparib. Olaparbib is a PARP inhibitor, part of a class of experimental medications that have been developed to target the genetic defect present in cancers associated with heritable BRCA mutations. Penn Medicine’s Basser Research Center for BRCA focuses exclusively on BRCA1 and BRCA2, and PARP inhibitors were a hot topic at this year’s symposium, which over 200 healthcare providers and scientists attended.
Ashworth Accepts the Basser Global Prize
In his acceptance speech for the Basser Global Prize, Ashworth described the history of the field, sketching out how the BRCA genes were cloned and detailing how an evolving understanding of basic biology led to the development of so-called targeted therapies that exploit the inherent deficiencies of BRCA-related cancers.
As he spoke about the BRCA genes and proteins, Ashworth pointed key parts of the protein apparent in the actual Basser Global Prize trophy, which features a blown-up version of part of BRCA2, etched into a large crystal block atop a purple LED light that made the prize glow as Shari and Len Potter presented it to him.
Symposium and Basic Science Research Bring Hope for the Future
In addition to targeted therapies for BRCA-related cancers, the symposium shed light on the basic science research that is so crucial to developing new targets for early detection and therapy, as well as clinical issues of tumor sequencing, breast cancer screening, and breast reconstruction.
With hope for approval of PARP therapy, increasingly accessible sequencing technologies, and the landmark founding of the Basser Research Center for BRCA, the conference had a hopeful air, with Ashworth commenting that “the Basser Center is a fantastic new initiative…I believe there is going to be great discoveries made here, along with colleagues around the world, [resulting in] huge contributions to BRCA1 and BRCA2 research…”
For more, see the photo album on Facebook or watch below Basser Global Prize Winner Alan Ashworth, Basser Director of Genetics Kate Nathanson, and Basser Director of Basic Science Roger Greenberg recap key themes from the Basser Center’s Second Annual Symposium on Breast and Ovarian Cancer Genetics.
Focus on Cancer RSS Feed 2014-06-02 10:00:00
June is Men’s Health Awareness Month. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top three cancer types affecting men of all ages in the United states, as well as some of the important screenings men should be aware of to help stay one step ahead of cancer.
Screening for Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in American men, and sits as the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. The American Cancer Society estimates that one in seven men will get prostate cancer during his lifetime.
While over 230,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States, tests like PSA screenings and digital rectal exams can dramatically increase your chance of survival.The prostate gland produces a protein known as prostate-stimulating antigen, or PSA.
As these levels are known to rise before other symptoms of prostate cancer appear, it is important to seek out a regular exam starting in the mid-twenties.
Screening and Self-Exams for Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is most common in men between 15 and 35 years of age. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2014 8,820 men will be diagnosed, with only about 380 men dying as a result.
Fortunately, testicular cancer is one of the most curable cancers. Men diagnosed and treated when the disease is in an early stage have a 97 to 100 percent chance of being cured. Therefore, early detection is critical – and relatively easy to do frequently, and at home.
The most common way to check is to perform a monthly testicular self-exam. Unfortunately, after noticing a change in a testicle, many men wait several months before seeking a medical evaluation. The disease is then more advanced upon diagnosis, possibly requiring more intensive treatment and potentially decreasing the chance of a cure.
Checking for Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer type found in both men and women (outside of skin cancers) in the United States, but thanks to awareness around colonoscopy screenings, the death rate from this cancer has dropped in recent years. Typically it affects people over 50 years old, as well as those those with a hereditary history of colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is often beatable when detected and treated in its early stages and can even be prevented altogether when polyps are removed before they develop into cancer. It’s important to know that symptoms of colorectal cancer – can look like symptoms of other conditions.
Roughly 80 percent of colorectal cancer cases can be prevented with adequate colonoscopy screening – often saving lives. We encourage everyone to begin a dialogue about colorectal cancer screening with their physicians. While no screening test is 100 percent perfect, colonoscopy remains the best method of screening for most individuals.
Men’s Health Monday: Health Screenings for Men
June is Men’s Health Awareness Month. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top three cancer types affecting men of all ages in the United states, as well as some of the important screenings men should be aware of to help stay one step ahead of cancer.
Screening for Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in American men, and sits as the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. The American Cancer Society estimates that one in seven men will get prostate cancer during his lifetime.
While over 230,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States, tests like PSA screenings and digital rectal exams can dramatically increase your chance of survival.The prostate gland produces a protein known as prostate-stimulating antigen, or PSA.
As these levels are known to rise before other symptoms of prostate cancer appear, it is important to seek out a regular exam starting in the mid-twenties.
Screening and Self-Exams for Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is most common in men between 15 and 35 years of age. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2014 8,820 men will be diagnosed, with only about 380 men dying as a result.
Fortunately, testicular cancer is one of the most curable cancers. Men diagnosed and treated when the disease is in an early stage have a 97 to 100 percent chance of being cured. Therefore, early detection is critical – and relatively easy to do frequently, and at home.
The most common way to check is to perform a monthly testicular self-exam. Unfortunately, after noticing a change in a testicle, many men wait several months before seeking a medical evaluation. The disease is then more advanced upon diagnosis, possibly requiring more intensive treatment and potentially decreasing the chance of a cure.
Checking for Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer type found in both men and women (outside of skin cancers) in the United States, but thanks to awareness around colonoscopy screenings, the death rate from this cancer has dropped in recent years. Typically it affects people over 50 years old, as well as those those with a hereditary history of colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is often beatable when detected and treated in its early stages and can even be prevented altogether when polyps are removed before they develop into cancer. It’s important to know that symptoms of colorectal cancer – can look like symptoms of other conditions.
Roughly 80 percent of colorectal cancer cases can be prevented with adequate colonoscopy screening – often saving lives. We encourage everyone to begin a dialogue about colorectal cancer screening with their physicians. While no screening test is 100 percent perfect, colonoscopy remains the best method of screening for most individuals.
