Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson

04/13/2026

Dr. Shaverdashvili’s research focuses on understanding how the food that cancer patients eat while in treatment impacts how well their cancer treatment works.

The foods that people eat affect the bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in the digestive system (the gut), as well as affect the immune system’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells.

Dr. Shaverdashvili is leading a study with cancer patients to see if eating high-fermented food (kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut) and high-fiber food improves how well the treatment works and whether patients are better able to tolerate the treatment.

04/11/2026

Pets are beloved members of the family who can provide companionship and emotional support during difficult times, such as when you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis.

In fact, studies have shown that interacting with pets can lower blood pressure and enhance overall quality of life. Pets can help reduce stress and anxiety and ease feelings of loneliness and depression.

In honor of National Pet Day today, we wanted to share some of the pets of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center! They bring us joy every day, as well as comfort and support when facing life's challenges. 💙

04/09/2026

A colon cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but Janaylon Wright’s story highlights the importance of self-advocacy and coordinated care. With support from a multidisciplinary team of experts at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, her journey underscores how persistence and early attention to symptoms can lead to better outcomes.

From diagnosis to recovery, one patient’s colon cancer journey highlights the importance of self-advocacy and compassionate care.

04/03/2026

04/02/2026

A new study found that women with cancer live longer than men, but experience tougher side effects.

“This landmark study of more than 20,000 cancer patients reveals a striking paradox,” Dr. Brooke Worster, Enterprise Director of Supportive Oncology at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, told SurvivorNet.

“Women have a 21% lower risk of death than men, yet they experience a 12% higher risk of severe treatment toxicities. Survival and suffering are not mutually exclusive.”

Dr. Worster hopes this this research will help women feel empowered to actively advocate for side effect management and for men to take poorer survival odds seriously and act earlier and more aggressive with care.

Women with cancer tend to live longer than men, according to a large study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, where more than 20,000 patients were examined. The study adds that although women cancer patients tend to see a lower risk of death (21%) compared to men, they also f...

04/01/2026

Congratulations to Drs. Christine Eischen and Zachary Schug who each received a $100,000 research grant from the PA Breast Cancer Coalition!

Dr. Schug is working toward improving immunotherapy for breast cancer, and Dr. Eischen's research is focused on triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive type of breast cancer that can be hard to treat.

Read more about the grants from KYW Newsradio: https://www.audacy.com/kywnewsradio/news/local/pa-breast-cancer-nonprofit-grants-jefferson-researchers

03/31/2026

Early-onset colorectal cancer, that is, colorectal cancer diagnosed before age 50, is on the rise, so it's important to understand the importance of screening and early detection.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer include changes in bowel habits, bleeding, and abdominal pain, although symptoms don't always appear, especially in the earlier stages, which is why screening is so important. Screening may even prevent cancer by detecting pre-cancerous polyps, which can be removed before they become cancer.

03/31/2026

Community Partner Update!

Dr. Patrick Gomella, from Jefferson's Department of Urology, was at Salem Baptist Church of Abington, talking with men about prostate cancer early detection, signs and symptoms, and advances in treatment. Thanks, Salem Baptist Church, for partnering with us to keep men healthy!

Salem Baptist Church of Abington

03/30/2026

Today we honor the incredible doctors at Jefferson Health and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center who are making a difference in the lives of our patients and their families.

If a Jefferson doctor has made an impact in your life, you can make a gift in their honor and leave a message for them on our online National Doctors’ Day Tribute Wall.

Jefferson.edu/NationalDoctorsDay

03/29/2026

In recognition of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, In the Community with Jefferson takes a deeper dive into the impact of colon cancer on the Black community.

The hour-long talk show, hosted by Jefferson Health's Dr. Keith Leaphart, EVP, Humana Chief Equity and Community Impact Officer, airs on the fourth Sunday of every month from 5 to 6 p.m. on Philadelphia-based WURD 900-AM.

The show is also recorded on video and you can watch it in full on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1922888411762814

Jefferson Health – Einstein

03/28/2026

On March 30, the Jefferson Health community will come together to celebrate National Doctors’ Day. This annual day of gratitude is the perfect time to express thanks for your doctor’s unwavering commitment to your care.

Honor a Jefferson doctor who has touched your life or the life of a loved one by leaving a note of gratitude for your doctor on our online National Doctors’ Day Tribute Wall.

Jefferson.edu/NationalDoctorsDay

03/27/2026

The SKCCC Mobile Cancer Screening Program is partnering with Jaisohn Community Wellness Plaza to offer free cancer screenings in the community. Prostate cancer screenings will be on April 2, and mammogram screenings will be on April 13.

These screenings are open to people who qualify, even if they don’t have health insurance. Check the attached flyers for details about locations, times, who can get screened, and how to sign up in advance.

Please help spread the word—early detection can save lives! Sign up today!