Authored by Sheena Jain, MD, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology and Executive Director, Redeemer Health Cancer Center 

Every statistic tells a story; the latest data from the American Cancer Society (ACS) is no different. According to the ACS’ Cancer Facts & Figures 2025, the risk of developing cancer varies considerably by age and by gender. 

Below are a few observations, signaling a rise in cancer rates and other concerning trends among women:  

• Cancer incidence rates have generally declined in men but risen in women. Incidence rates in women continue to increase for common cancers including breast, endometrial, and oral cancers associated with human papillomavirus (or HPV).
• Cancer rates in women aged 50-64 have surpassed those in men. Middle-aged women now have a slightly higher risk of developing cancer than their male counterparts.
• Cancer rates in younger women (<50 years) are 82% higher than in males. Women younger than age 50 are almost twice as likely to develop cancer than men in this same age range.
• New diagnoses of cervical cancer in women aged 30-44 have increased.  
• Lung cancer incidence in women younger than 65 surpassed men for the first time in 2021.

Despite these findings, there continues to be significant advancements made in cancer care, contributing to an overall reduction in deaths. From 1991-2022, the overall cancer death rate declined 34%, preventing approximately 4.5 million deaths. This is in large part due to fewer people smoking, earlier detection with screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies, and advances in cancer treatment.

“There's no better time than now for women to take charge of their health,” according to Sheena Jain, MD, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology and Executive Director, Redeemer Health Cancer Center. “With knowledge comes the power of prevention; and so, we must encourage our families and friends to understand the life-saving value of early detection and health screenings.”

Start by scheduling regular check-ups with your primary care provider and gynecologist. Be sure to go for yearly mammograms starting at age 40, and talk to your primary care provider about scheduling a colonoscopy. 

“Knowing your family’s cancer history and meeting with a genetic counselor is also recommended; knowing your own risks helps you to make informed decisions. Adopting healthy habits can also play a significant role in supporting your overall wellness,” continues Dr. Jain.

Regular check-ups make sure that women stay on track with important screenings like mammograms and Pap smears. These visits also help detect changes in your body, often before symptoms appear, when treatment works best. Vaccinations such as the HPV vaccine add another layer of protection by targeting preventable cancer risks and can help prevent certain cancers like cervical cancer or head and neck cancer.

Staying informed, keeping up with routine exams, and openly discussing concerns with your health care provider allows you to prioritize your well-being and safeguard your overall health. 

Useful Resources:

Visit the following ACS website links to learn more about the cancers increasingly affecting women: 

• Breast Cancer: Recommendations for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer
• Cervical Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention of Cervical Cancer
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Cancers Linked with HPV, How to Protect Against HPV, HPV Testing, and More
• Lung Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Lung Cancer; Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention, and More
• Endometrial Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention of Endometrial Cancer; Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging; Treating Endometrial Cancer
• Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer: Key Statistics and What’s New in Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer Research 

Looking for a provider? 

Call our Information and Physician Referral Service at 1-800-818-4747 or visit the links below to find a Redeemer Health specialist: 

• Primary Care
• Gynecology/Women's Health
• Genetic Counseling 

Expert Cancer Care, Close to Home 

Redeemer Health Cancer Center takes a multi-disciplinary disease-site specific approach to cancer care, where experts work together to provide each patient with personalized care from diagnosis to treatment, recovery and beyond. To learn more call 215-938-3555 or visit redeemerhealth.org/locations/redeemer-health-cancer-center 

About the Author 

As Medical Director of Radiation Oncology and Executive Director, Redeemer Health Cancer Center, Dr. Sheena Jain works closely with a team of radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists, surgeons, and other professionals to provide personalized, compassionate care and support to patients. Dr. Jain earned her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed residency training in radiation oncology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She is board certified in radiation oncology.

Meadowbrook, PA, March 2025 – Zachary S. Delis, DO, MS, a primary care sports medicine physician specializing in nonoperative orthopedics, joined the Redeemer Health medical staff. He provides musculoskeletal diagnostic imaging and interprets results, performs ultrasound-guided procedures, and provides orthobiologic injections such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and viscosupplementation to treat musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. His personalized treatment plans typically incorporate guided physical therapy to help deliver the best possible outcomes.

Dr. Delis sees patients at 888 Fox Chase Rd., Rockledge, and at 1468 Old York Rd., Abington. Patients and physicians can reach him at 215-745-4050. His bio can be read here.

Patient education is a priority for Dr. Delis. He makes sure his patients leave visits with a solid knowledge of their underlying diagnosis, contributing factors that may play a part in their symptoms, treatment plans for both short- and long-term management, and any contingency plans necessary. Dr. Delis enjoys guiding patients through their recovery process and is especially gratified when they return to their previous level of function. His goal is to help his patients keep doing the things they want to do for as long as possible. 

Dr. Delis graduated cum laude with degrees in neuroscience and anthropology from Tulane University, also earning a master’s degree in neuroscience. He completed his medical school training at Western University of Health Sciences – College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, California. He then completed a residency in family medicine at Louisiana State University in New Orleans, where he was elected co-chief resident in his second year and chief resident in his third year. Dr. Delis went on to serve a fellowship in primary care sports medicine at Temple University, where he was team physician for all 19 of the school’s NCAA Division I sports programs.

His lifelong love for sports began on the baseball, football and rugby fields of his hometown, Gloucester, Mass. Now he enjoys playing guitar and bass, going to the gym, watching sports and traveling. He and his wife are also avid foodies who like to explore new restaurants.
 

Philadelphia, PA – The WSFS CARES Foundation awarded Drueding Center, a non-profit organization that is a community service of Redeemer Health, a generous grant of $15,000. This funding will support the center’s efforts to provide sustainable and impactful services for families experiencing homelessness.

“Our programs address the aftermath of trauma, providing families with the tools they need to move forward, attain permanent housing, and achieve long-term stability,” said Anne Marie Collins, Vice President/Executive Director of the Drueding Center. “We are honored to receive this support from the WSFS CARES Foundation and thrilled to advance our work in bringing hope and opportunities to vulnerable families.”

The WSFS CARES Foundation selected Drueding Center as a recipient for its alignment with the foundation's mission to fund initiatives that are focused on creating lasting community impact. The foundation prioritizes investments in affordable housing, education, workforce development, and services for those in need. Drueding Center’s work reflects these priorities by not only addressing immediate housing needs but also building long-term success for families through holistic support and skill development.

Founded in 1987 by the Sisters of the Redeemer, Drueding Center has been a lifeline for families in Philadelphia, helping them overcome homelessness and achieve stability. The center develops personalized housing plans, collaborates with families to heal from trauma, and provides long-term support like goal setting and life skills coaching. Families receive access to job training, education, and legal assistance, while children grow in a nurturing on-site child care program. Additionally, the center’s Green Light Food Pantry helps families combat food insecurity by providing nutritious meals and fostering healthy eating habits.
 

For more information about Drueding Center and its programs, please visit druedingcenter.org.
 

Meadowbrook, PA, April 2025 – Redeemer Health’s Millennium OB/GYN practice, with locations in Philadelphia and Richboro, is pleased to welcome aboard Lee Halpern, MD. Dr. Halpern provides general OB/GYN care, including office visits, deliveries, circumcisions, and treatment of endometriosis and fibroids, as well as pre-pregnancy care and reproductive health. She also specializes in minor and major gynecologic surgery, with a focus on minimally invasive procedures.

After earning her medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Halpern completed an OB/GYN residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center. She is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dr. Halpern has been a fitness instructor for almost 30 years, and enjoys playing piano.

The Millennium OB/GYN practice provides care to women from young adulthood and beyond. As a Redeemer Health physician practice, doctors and their patients have access to a full-service hospital with a maternity center that houses one of the area’s most advanced neonatal intensive care units. They also provide routine gynecological exams and tests, treatment of gynecological disorders, and menopause management. The Philadelphia office, at 9807 Bustleton Ave., and the Richboro office, at 910 2nd Street Pike, can both be reached at 215-676-2200. 

Read more about Dr. Helpern here, and the Millennium OB/GYN practice here.

By Michelle Moylan, RD, LDN at Redeemer Health

With the new year comes the chance for a fresh start – an opportunity to set meaningful goals for a brighter, healthier you. While many resolutions focus on eating better, why not take it a step further? Adding vibrant, nourishing foods to your plate not only gives you needed energy, but it can also work wonders for your overall health.

This year, add anti-inflammatory foods to your plate and feel the difference. Simple, mindful changes can transform how you feel, boosting your health and encouraging more positive lifestyle choices.

Inflammation can act as a natural defense against infections, but prolonged inflammation can become problematic, harming healthy cells and tissues and potentially leading to other more significant health problems. That’s where the power of anti-inflammatory foods comes in. Nutrient-packed foods not only help strengthen your immune system, but they can also boost the diversity of beneficial gut bacteria and even stabilize your blood sugar.

Eating anti-inflammatory foods daily helps your body stay healthy and balanced. 

Refined carbohydrates, fried foods, sweetened beverages, and processed meats can be pro-inflammatory and increase your risk of poor health. Instead, consider the following healthier alternatives:

• Vegetables, like kale or spinach 
• High-fiber whole grains, such as oatmeal, quinoa, or whole grain bread or pasta 
• Nuts/seeds, like chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or walnuts 
• Healthy fats, for example first-cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, or avocado 
• Wild caught fish, like salmon or sardines 
• Legumes, such as beans, chickpeas, or lentils'
• Whole fruits

Below are some creative ways to add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet:

• Breakfast: 1 cup of Greek yogurt with 1 cup of fresh/frozen berries, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, 1 tablespoon flaxseed, and ¼ cup old-fashioned oats.
• Lunch: Baby spinach salad topped with half an avocado, 3 oz. salmon, and olive oil with vinegar. For your side, include six whole grain Triscuit crackers and an apple.
• Afternoon Snack: 2 tablespoons of walnuts.
• Dinner: A warm quinoa bowl with shrimp, ¼ cup pesto, and veggies. For your side, enjoy a three-bean salad.
• Evening Snack: Whole grain toast topped with 1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter and sliced banana.

Planning a weekly menu with anti-inflammatory foods can require extra effort, especially for those with food allergies or intolerances. It may help to work with a professional. 

Redeemer Health’s registered dietitian nutritionists can help. They’ll review your medical history and help you get started on the journey to a more nutritious you! To make an appointment, call our Central Scheduling line at 215-938-5700.

About the Author: Michelle Moylan is a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist at Redeemer Health. She is dedicated to helping individuals achieve better health through personalized nutrition plans, with a focus on making healthy eating simple and practical, and creating lasting habits that fit with each person’s individual lifestyle. 

References: 

• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2021).  Diet Review: Anti-Inflammatory Diet. https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/healthy-weight/diet-reviews/anti-inflammatory-diet/
• Natto ZS, et al. (2019). Omega-3 fatty acids effects on inflammatory biomarkers and lipid profiles among diabetic and cardiovascular disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-54535-x
• Taskinen RE, et al. (2021). The associations between whole grain and refined grain intakes and serum C-reactive protein. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8993682/
• Tsigalou C, et al. (2020). Mediterranean diet as a tool to combat inflammation and chronic diseases: Overview. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7400632/
   

Pictured Above: Holy Redeemer Hospital NICU alumni Rex and Dylan helped the Superhero Project Foundation donate $42.5K. 

MEADOWBROOK, PA ― December 2024 ― Redeemer Health’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has been the recipient of a lot of love in 2024. Donations from grateful NICU families, thoughtful community members, and substantial grant opportunities, have enabled the unit to up its game in caring for our tiniest patients.

• This week, the Superhero Project Foundation donated $42.5K to the Holy Redeemer Hospital NICU to purchase an Iridex laser eye machine to treat retinopathy in premature infants. “This machine is pivotal for families who have a baby born in need of this procedure. No longer will they need to leave the hospital to have this done,” said Kelly Gallagher from the Superhero Project Foundation. “Our family fundraisers are a vital part of our growth and commitment to serving the NICU community,” she said. Gallagher’s twins, Connor and Curran, spent months in the Holy Redeemer Hospital NICU in 2014. Rex and Dylan, also NICU alumni, helped present the donation from the Superhero Project Foundation last week.
   
• Long-time Redeemer Health donor, Agnes Mulroney, contributed a transformational gift to the Holy Redeemer Hospital NICU this month. After touring the NICU and Maternity Center, she was inspired to support equipment and technology needs, as well as Redeemer’s NEST program. NEST changes the lives of new moms, families and newborns recovering from substance use disorder and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Agnes’ philanthropic support for Redeemer Health spans more than 20 years, with meaningful donations to Redeemer Health’s patient care programs.
   
• Holy Redeemer’s NICU received a $1K donation from the Little Giraffe Foundation this year, to help NICU families with basic needs such as meals and transportation. “By supporting these essential programs, we’re helping parents focus on what matters most – the health of their little ones,” said the Little Giraffe founder. The donation will be applied specifically to NICU families of newborns recovering from Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.
   
• The Superhero Project Foundation also donated funds to Holy Redeemer’s NICU to purchase AngelEye Cameras, allowing families to stay connected with their NICU babies from anywhere using any device. The tool enables care teams to share updates through real-time messages, images and videos. 

Redeemer Health's Health & Fitness Center invites fitness enthusiasts of all ages and levels to take advantage of our three-month introductory membership for only $99. Many insurances offer fitness benefits. Contact your insurance provider for coverage information.

The monthly membership fee includes:

• A FREE fitness assessment and customized exercise program with orientation to cardio and weight equipment.
• Full access to all cardio equipment including treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, seated steppers, and arm ergometers.
• Full access to all upper and lower body weight equipment.
• Access to all exercise classes included with membership. Click here to view the Fitness Class Schedule.  

Our Exercise Physiologists are always available to assist with equipment. For those who want even more support, our highly qualified physiologists offer training options for clients who want to focus on attaining specific health goals. Personal training is available for those who want it, for an additional fee. 

The Redeemer Health Fitness Center is currently open the following hours: 

• Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 
• Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 

To join the fun at our Health & Fitness Center or to request more information, call 215-938-5710.

MEADOWBROOK, PA – OCTOBER 2024 – The Regional Coalition to Eliminate Race-Based Medicine announced this month that all its member health systems have transitioned away from race adjustments in clinical decision support tools that help guide lung, kidney, and OB-GYN care. Redeemer Health has participated in the coalition since early 2023.

"Outdated beliefs about biological differences between races have for many years been embedded in decision support tools used in the practice of medicine. The Regional Coalition is working aggressively to change these tools to make them race neutral. We are extremely appreciative of the health systems that have committed to eliminating these inappropriate race-based adjustments," said Dr. Seun Ross, coordinator of the Regional Coalition. "The work that each health system has done is already leading to improved outcomes in our region and over time will save and extend lives."

For example, the hospitals and health systems in the region adopted a change in the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate or eGFR (the kidney function test) calculation that has helped over 721 patients move onto and up on the kidney transplant list. As a result, 63 of those patients received a kidney transplant during 2023.

The group has also advocated to remove race from the Kidney Donor Risk Index, a formula used by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network to assess donor kidney quality. These are the first milestones for the Regional Coalition, and it helps ensure that residents in the Philadelphia area are being assessed with the most appropriate and evidence-based clinical decision tools.

In addition to the kidney function test, the tools the Regional Coalition addressed and are now race-neutral, include spirometry (a lung function test), the vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) calculator, and race-based gestational anemia guidelines. 

"Reducing disparity and inequity in health care is key to helping humans flourish as a people, which is the heart of our mission to care, comfort and heal," said Joshua M. Jenkins, Redeemer Health's Vice President of Mission Integration and Pastoral Care. "We are proud that our health care ministry contributes to this important work."

Click here to learn more about the Regional Coalition’s work.
 

MEADOWBROOK, PA – OCTOBER 2024 – Redeemer Health’s Home Health and Hospice operations headquartered in Egg Harbor and Elizabeth, New Jersey, are now owned and operated by BAYADA Home Health Care, a national, not-for-profit home health leader with a strong presence in New Jersey.  

BAYADA will now serve Redeemer home health and hospice clients in those two New Jersey communities. The acquisition, which was approved by New Jersey regulatory bodies, allows BAYADA to combine the talented Redeemer Health workforce with BAYADA’s best- in-class operations, to continue to make a significant impact on the local communities.  

Redeemer Health’s Home Care and Hospice South, headquartered in Runnemede, N.J., and Home Care and Hospice PA, were not part of this transaction. Also unaffected by the transaction are the food pantry and Healthy Families program, both located in Cape May, N.J.

BAYADA is headquartered in the Philadelphia region and provides nursing, rehabilitative, therapeutic, hospice and assistive care services to children, adults and seniors in the comfort of their homes.

By Ho Pak, MD, FACS, Director of Surgical Oncology, Surgical Oncologist, Thoracic Surgeon

Lung cancer is the top cause of cancer-related deaths and ranks as the second most common cancer affecting both men and women in the United States. According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 234,500 people in the U.S. will receive a lung cancer diagnosis in 2024. While tobacco smoking is the leading cause, more non-smokers, especially women, are getting lung cancer.

What Are the Risk Factors?

The main risk factors for developing lung cancer may include:

• Smoking tobacco (currently or in the past)
• Exposure to second-hand smoke
• Exposure to radon, asbestos, arsenic, chromium or other chemicals
• Living in an area with air pollution
• A family history of lung cancer infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Radiation exposure, including radiation therapy to the breast or chest, and radon exposure. (Note: This is a minor risk factor and the benefits of radiation therapy as a cancer treatment far outweigh the risks.)

What Are Some of the Symptoms of Lung Cancer? 

Lung cancer symptoms can vary from person to person. Many people with lung cancer may have no symptoms, but when symptoms are present, they may include:

• Cough that does not go away and gets worse over time
• Chest pain that is constant and often made worse by deep breathing, coughing or laughing
• Arm or shoulder pain
• Coughing up blood or rust-colored phlegm
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness
• Infections like pneumonia or bronchitis that do not go away or come back often
• Swelling of the neck and face
• Loss of appetite and/or weight loss
• Feeling weak or tired

Please remember, these symptoms may occur with other health conditions and are not only linked to lung cancer. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to talk with your family doctor about screening and diagnosis options.

Screening and Diagnosis

"Detecting lung cancer early can make treatment much more successful,” said Dr. Ho Pak, Director of Surgical Oncology, Surgical Oncologist and Thoracic Surgeon, with Redeemer Health Cancer Center.

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans are an effective tool for finding lung cancer early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual LDCT screening in adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. If you meet these criteria and want to be screened, talk with your doctor about your options. Also check with your insurance provider to see what is covered.

Find Out More

To learn more about the lung cancer screening options available at Redeemer Health, visit redeemerhealth.org/lung-cancer-screening or call 215-938-LUNG (5864).

Experienced Care for Lung Cancer: Close to Home

The Redeemer Health Cancer Center lung cancer program maintains nationally recognized accreditation through the Care Continuum Center of Excellence by the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer and is recognized as a Screening Center of Excellence by the Lung Cancer Alliance. Click here to learn more.  

About the Author: Dr. Ho Pak is a board-certified surgical oncologist and thoracic surgeon specializing in surgical treatment of cancers of the thyroid and parathyroid, lungs, esophagus, liver, stomach, pancreas and soft tissue, such as sarcoma and melanoma. Dr. Pak earned his medical degree from Temple University. He completed his surgical internship and residency at Abington Memorial Hospital, and he completed a fellowship in Surgical Oncology at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health.