Cancer care
Opening new doors to the most advanced cancer care
At Penn Medicine, we are dedicated to delivering innovative and compassionate cancer care. Our cancer centers bring together a committed team of specialists, including oncologists, surgeons, and researchers, to provide the latest advancements in cancer prevention, diagnostics, and treatment. Our faculty is devoted to ensuring that every one of our 300,000+ patients receive the highest standards of care.
Penn Medicine’s Cancer System is led by the Abramson Cancer Center with locations at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Hospital, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Chester County Hospital, and outpatient locations in the Philadelphia and NJ suburbs. Beyond the greater Philadelphia region, the system includes programs at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute at Lancaster General Health, Doylestown Health, and Princeton Medical Center.
Within the Penn Medicine cancer community, patients will find:
- A specialized multidisciplinary team focused on each patient’s unique disease
- State-of-the-art facilities
- The latest in cancer prevention methods
- Disease-specific radiologists and pathologists ensuring the most accurate diagnosis leading to precision treatment plans
- Lifelong follow-up care
- Access to life-changing clinical trials
- Leading ground-breaking basic science research
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.
What’s next is happening right now
Cancer research is advancing rapidly thanks to innovative approaches uncovered through Penn Medicine’s translational research and clinical trials. Our goal is to bring these emerging therapies from the research bench directly to the patient’s bedside.
Specialties
Innovation lives here: Shaping the future of cancer treatment
As an academic medical center, Penn Medicine is leading the way in cancer treatment, offering our patients access to advanced therapies. Breakthrough treatments like CAR T cell therapy, which uses the patient’s immune system to target cancer cells, and TumorGlow® which aids surgeons in effectively identifying and removing cancerous tissues, were discovered by Penn Medicine researchers. Penn Medicine is home to the Basser Center for BRCA, the first comprehensive center for research, treatment and prevention of BRCA-related cancers.
Beyond developing new treatment options, our researchers are looking at ways to “intercept” hereditary cancer before it even develops. By studying the changes in cells as they become cancerous, the goal is to catch these changes from the very beginning to halt or reverse the process, effectively preventing cancer from developing.
We also offer the region’s only academic medical center dedicated to proton therapy, a non–invasive, incredibly precise cancer treatment that uses a beam of protons moving at very high speeds to destroy cancer cells. Our commitment to offering groundbreaking treatments puts Penn Medicine in the position to continually improve outcomes and enhance our patients’ day-to-day lives.
Cancers we treat
Seamless care at our expert cancer centers
Dedicated to providing both leading-edge and compassionate cancer care, the Abramson Cancer Center and Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute at Penn Medicine deliver extensive diagnostics, treatments, and support. With locations throughout the southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey regions, you can access the most advanced cancer care close to home.
Partners in your care every step of the way
Oncology nurse and patient navigators
Oncology nurse navigators help you make informed decisions and guide you through every step of your journey.
Cancer survivorship care
This care coordination program offers resources and long-term support to cancer survivors.
Community outreach and engagement
Working together with community members, health care providers, and local leaders deepens our understanding of cancer risk factors and disparities. This insight inspires us to jointly develop research, strategies, programs, and policies aimed at increasing access to cancer care—from prevention and screening to treatment and survivorship. Our goal is to reduce the burden of cancer and improve health outcomes for all.
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Patient stories
A senior survivor of uterine cancer at 87
"I felt I was in exceptional hands,” said Mimi Reed. Diagnosed with uterine cancer at 86, Reed found care personalized to her goal of maintaining her independence through specialized geriatric oncology care at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.
First-ever CAR T cell patient who lived beyond hope
“I’m looking for [extending life by] a day, a week, or a month, and here they are telling me I don't have cancer,” said Bill Ludwig, years later. “It was just like someone told you, ‘You won the lottery.’”
Creating beauty out of a breast cancer journey
“Cancer isn’t just physically grueling. It mentally and emotionally tears you down,” Ginger Mimmo Rohlfing said of her experience navigating HER2-positive breast cancer, chemotherapy, mastectomy, and breast reconstruction surgery. Her paintings of leaf and petal patterns “were a metaphor for putting pieces of myself back together.”
A diagnosis that ripples through the family
“It’s harder to find out your sister has cancer and a BRCA mutation than to find out for yourself,” said Laura Temple. Testing and treatment have made all the difference for the three BRCA-positive sisters who are now breast cancer survivors. They are grateful for Susan Domchek, MD, answering questions about research that could benefit their children.
Ringing the bell for continued hope
For Cynthia Olds, a stage 4 cancer diagnosis was scary, but she still had hope. Thanks to more inclusive practices, she can ring a bell for milestones such as completing each round of chemotherapy. “It marks the end of a miserable time and serves as an emotional release to ring the bell, as well as a relief.”
Living and giving back for gynecologic cancer patients
Dalia Jakas wanted to live in spite of a uterine cancer recurrence in her 80s, but she wouldn’t accept any compromises on the quality of her life. After her proton therapy treatment, Jakas is now giving back by funding research to help other patients. “I am eternally grateful to Dr. Taunk and his competent team for saving my life,” she said.
From survivor to inspiring others to exercise
Doris Piccinin uses her own firsthand experience as a breast cancer survivors to help other survivors. “I’m excited to see a lightbulb go on for people when they realize that not all physical activity is the same, and to see them recognize and understand the questions to ask when they’re having limitations. That’s where I gain my inspiration.”
A mom-inspired clinical trial journey to help others
“I wanted to participate in a clinical trial because I was inspired by my mom,” Kate Korson said. “I saw how brave she was and the success she had on a clinical trial. I felt like I received the best possible care by taking part in a clinical trial, and it feels good to know that I’m helping others by contributing to cancer research.”
From patient to advocate, battling breast cancer and disparities
With her metastatic breast cancer under control, Jamil Rivers is looking out for other Black women. “We’re trying to help them understand what to anticipate, what questions to ask, and how to be advocates for themselves.”
Stronger than fear
“I remember what another cancer survivor told me after my diagnosis: You’re stronger than you think,” Becky Yu said. “It stuck with me and gave me confidence to believe in myself. The fear of ‘is it coming back?’ is still there at the back of my head, but I keep moving forward.”
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