Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Can any sunscreens cause cancer? Elizabeth Buchbinder, MD, senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, addresses recent concerns about trace levels of chemical sunscreens found in blood samples and what this could mean for your health. Buchbinder, MD explains the benefits of using sunscreen and the evolution of sunscreens from mechanical blockers like zinc to modern chemical sunscreens. Want to learn more about skin cancer risk, screening and prevention? http://ms.spr.ly/6044YZQlg You can also find Cancer Questions with Dana-Farber wherever you get your podcasts.

Could blood platelets shed light on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)? Researchers in Boston Children’s Hospital Department of Pathology have shown that some infants who died from SIDS had brainstem abnormalities in serotonin and related pathways. Now, a collaboration with the Center for Platelet Research Studies at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s finds that platelets mirror these abnormalities. This suggests that platelets could be a proxy for brain tissue, thereby accelerating SIDS research and potentially aiding diagnosis. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ebT93Z2h

What if we could block the proteins that cause runaway cell division? See how Dana-Farber laid the foundation for CDK4/6 inhibitors, drugs that are increasing the survival rate for many advanced breast cancers.

Stephanie Dobson, just 34, was diagnosed with #LynchSyndrome and #rectalcancer not long after giving birth to her second child. #DanaFarber Learn more about Stephanie’s journey: http://ms.spr.ly/6040YZwo8

Does skin color affect melanoma risk?

Ask patients and loved ones about their interactions with Dana-Farber volunteers, and the answers span every touchpoint throughout a cancer experience.  Those arriving for their first appointment are welcomed with a friendly smile by Dana-Farber Ambassadors. The blue-vested volunteers are ready to answer questions, allay concerns, and walk them to their destination. In waiting areas, Resource Cart volunteers distribute magazines, newspapers, and warm conversation. During infusions, Hands-On Care volunteers offer free hand massages. And behind the scenes, members of the Adult and Pediatric Patient Family Advisory Councils – composed entirely of individuals who have had personal care experiences with cancer at Dana-Farber – serve as advocates and provide input for new patient programs, initiatives, and physical spaces. ”I believe there’s nothing more soothing and powerful than kindness when fear is at its peak,” says Patricia Stahl, MEd, director of Volunteer Services and Patient Programs. ”When people are dealing with a cancer diagnosis, our volunteers share that kindness and create an environment that makes Dana-Farber what it is.” Last year, 325 volunteers contributed more than 15,000 in-person or virtual hours to Dana-Farber. During National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 21-27), Stahl and her colleagues ensured these individuals understood the significance of their contributions. At a table outside the Lavine Family Dining Pavilion at Dana-Farber’s Longwood campus, and through cards sent to regional campuses, patients, employees, and visitors wrote notes of thanks to volunteers. These were delivered to them, along with other small tokens of gratitude. ”Patients and families benefit from every interaction they have with our volunteers,” shares Maritza Nassif, MEd, manager of Volunteer Services and Patient Programs. ”They become familiar faces they can count on, whether they are celebrating their last infusion or had a tough drive in to Dana-Farber that morning. Our volunteers are an incredible group of people who choose to spend their time with us.” The recipients of this praise insist that the benefits flow both ways. Volunteer Aarush Patnala devotes his three-hour shifts as a Dana-Farber Ambassador to ”making everybody’s day a little better.” ”Volunteering here has encouraged me to be more caring and empathetic,” reflects Patnala. ”I’ve found myself getting stronger in my feeling of self-satisfaction. I truly believe I’m making a difference by adding to the positive and supportive vibe that every staff member promotes.” According to Volunteer Services staff, the success of these interactions lies in their authenticity and consistency. ”Volunteers are integral to the patient and family experience, and they’re a warm touch during a difficult time,” expresses Jessica Gagnon, LCSW, MSW, LCSW, program manager of Volunteer Services on the Longwood campus. ”The many little things they do make the biggest difference in the world.” ❤️

Laurie H. Glimcher, MD, President & CEO of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, was honored to be to received by His Royal Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week.   The leadership of the UAE convened global health care leaders to seek solutions to the world's most intractable problems. Dana-Farber was privileged to be a part of the conversation and we look forward to engaging with our colleagues from the UAE and around the world to continue the discussion. Dana-Farber extends deep gratitude to His Royal Highness and the Department of Health Abu Dhabi for their extraordinary leadership and warm hospitality.   (l to r: His Royal Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.E. Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman, Department of Health-Abu Dhabi, and Dr. Laurie Glimcher)

If you have had a biopsy or surgery that removes tissue from your body, in almost all cases a sample will be sent to a pathology lab for examination. Pathologists, who specialize in looking at microscopic tissue samples, will look for signs of disease.

“The giver is the biggest receiver. We will all be faced with questions around cancer at some point in our lives. The more we understand and get to know the early signals, the better. It’s important to get involved,” said Louise Svanberg. “Having the dual perspectives of patient and caregiver, I was inspired to take a more active role in supporting cancer research to advance early detection, a key strategic priority of The Dana-Farber Campaign.” Louise Svanberg and her family are working hand-in-hand with Dana-Farber to defy cancer through the Svanberg Family Chair, supporting Dipanjan Chowdhury, PhD, as the first incumbent to the chair. Groundbreaking work in Chowdhury’s lab will accelerate lifechanging advances in the understanding of cellular response to DNA damage and the early detection of ovarian cancer. Groundbreaking research at Dana-Farber would not be possible without gifts like the Svanberg Family Chair. During a recent visit to Dr. Chowdhury’s research lab, Louise was shown firsthand how her gift is making an impact and applauded her for her partnership in the shared mission to defy cancer. Learn more at www.defycancer.org.

Last week, Dana-Farber debuted the new HomeGoods Young Adult Lounge, a dedicated space for young adult patients 18 and older to find a sense of belonging during their care experience. Together with donations from its generous shoppers, Homegoods and the TJX Foundation have made a $3.6 million gift to Dana-Farber to create the new Lounge. The ribbon-cutting ceremony included a special reception with Dana-Farber physicians, staff, and patients, along with executives from HomeGoods.    “With this gift we are able to provide greater care and support for the adolescent and young adult population and we look forward to having a space that is specifically designed to cater to this patient population,” said Lindsay Frazier, MD, co-medical director of the Center for Adolescent & Young Adult Oncology at Dana-Farber. #AYACSM The TJX Companies, Inc.