UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

03/23/2026

Do you have cancer or a history of cancer, along with symptoms such as pain, depression, anxiety, or fatigue? Working with your doctor to treat these symptoms can significantly improve your quality of life.

Call 412-802-8275 or email cares_study@upmc.edu if you are interested in learning more about treating these symptoms.

03/22/2026

PTA representative Meagan Hlavsa and her daughter, Riley, visited our Shadyside location on Friday, Feb. 27, with an incredible donation — more than 6,000 comfort items, generously collected by students at Franklin Regional Intermediate and Primary Schools.

From cozy slippers and puzzles to lip balm, mints, and more, these thoughtful items will bring comfort to our patients. And a special shout‑out to the first graders for their handmade cards, each one sure to spark a smile.

Thank you to the students, families, and PTA members who made this act of kindness possible. Your generosity truly makes a difference.

03/18/2026

Thanks to everyone who came out last week for Science, Chilled & Distilled! Special thank you to our speaker Jennifer Steel, PhD, who taught us about the powerful positive impact of collaborative care for both patients and their caregivers! We also want to thank our community partner PUMP Pittsburgh and our host Lorelei Pittsburgh!

03/16/2026

A heartfelt thank-you to our friends at Renewal by Andersen Pittsburgh for their incredible generosity and support for our patients.

During their recent annual kickoff meeting, members of the Renewal by Andersen team dedicated their time to assembling 140 chemo care bags for patients at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center’s Shadyside location.

Each bag was thoughtfully filled with comforting essentials — from cozy scarves and crossword puzzles to snacks for an extra boost — helping bring a bit of ease and encouragement during treatment.

Community partners like Renewal by Andersen remind us how powerful compassion can be. We are deeply grateful for their kindness and for helping us deliver care that supports the whole patient, every step of the way.

03/15/2026

There are benefits to getting a second opinion when you are diagnosed with colon cancer. It may help you feel more comfortable with your diagnosis and treatment plan. You might also want the peace of mind that comes from knowing that experts agree.

If you receive a colorectal cancer diagnosis, consider getting a second opinion. It can verify that your diagnosis and treatment plan are correct.

03/11/2026

We hope to see you tomorrow night at Lorelei Pittsburgh for Science, Chilled & Distilled, featuring Jennifer Steel, PhD, and an inside look at the CARES program — an innovative approach helping people with cancer feel better, sooner.

Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/share/1QbgamtbJX/

Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project (PUMP)

03/10/2026

02/28/2026

Life can change in an instant after a cancer diagnosis. While treatment brings many unknowns, simple lifestyle habits may help you feel more grounded and supported. 💜

Here are three stress-relief practices to try:

- Journaling — Helps to reduce mental clutter and process emotions.

- Intentional breathing — Deep belly breathing helps calm the nervous system.

-Light stretching — Eases physical tension and helps your body relax.

02/27/2026

Join us for the next chapter of Science, Chilled & Distilled at Lorelei in East Liberty — where groundbreaking cancer research meets thoughtful conversation.

This month, Jennifer Steel, PhD, will share how the CARES program is helping people with cancer feel better and live better by addressing pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety early, improving quality of life and long-term outcomes.

Connect with fellow science enthusiasts, enjoy a complimentary drink, and explore how patient-centered innovation is changing what’s possible in cancer care. We’ll see you there!

🗓️ March 12 | 🕒 5:30 PM |📍 Lorelei, East Liberty

🔗Learn more and RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1QbgamtbJX/

Find a doctor or request an appointment at UPMC, ranked the #1 hospital in Pittsburgh by U.S. News.

02/26/2026

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is pleased to welcome Kara Flickinger, CRNP, DNP, to the medical oncology team in Hanover.

Kara became a registered nurse in 2004 (PSU Alum) and was encouraged by many to pursue obtaining her Nurse Practitioner Certification (Widener Alum). She has been a nurse practitioner since 2012 and dually certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner as well as an Advanced Oncology Nurse Practitioner. She also completed a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP- Purdue Global Alum) with a focus on breast cancer survivorship.

Before joining UPMC Hillman, she worked in medical oncology within a community practice and in inpatient bone marrow transplant.

In her free time, you can find Kara in her kitchen cooking up a new recipe, curled up with a good book, running around the cross-country courses, and spending time with my family and friends enjoying life!

02/24/2026

UPMC Hillman Cancer is pleased to welcome Randa Hamdan, PA-C to the medical oncology team in Harrisburg.

Randa grew up in Lemoyne, PA and worked as a medical assistant in family medicine and urgent care before attending PA school at Saint Joseph's University.

She enjoys baking, traveling, photography, and trying new hobbies in her spare time.

02/20/2026

Today on National Caregiver Day, we honor the incredible cancer caregivers who show unwavering strength and compassion every single day.
Your dedication goes far beyond physical care, you provide emotional support, time, and endless love to those facing cancer. We are deeply grateful for everything you do, both during treatment and long after.
At UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, we’re here to support you, too. We offer support groups and resources for patients and their families because no one should navigate cancer alone.
Thank you, caregivers. Today and every day, we celebrate you.