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A Century of Excellence
Blue Distinction by Blue Cross
Fox Chase is a Blue Distinction Center for Cancer Treatment
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Jessica Wapner
Author Jessica Wapner discusses her new book "The Philadelphia Chromosome."
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To prevail over cancer, marshaling heart and mind in bold scientific discovery, pioneering prevention, and compassionate care |
Fox Chase Cancer Center recently marked the centennial of its hospital. Then called American Oncologic Hospital, it was chartered in November 1904 as one of the nation's first cancer hospitals, Since its modest start in a West Philadelphia Victorian home, the institution has remained a national leader in cancer care.
The hospital was built on the vision and optimism of 13 business and professional men, including a number of physicians, who were concerned about rising cancer rates in Philadelphia. At that time, cancer was widely considered incurable.
Fox Chase Cancer Center was formed in 1974 by the union of American Oncologic Hospital and the Institute for Cancer Research (founded in 1927).
Today, the 100-bed Hospital of Fox Chase Cancer Center remains one of the few facilities in the country devoted entirely to cancer care. It is nationally recognized for its leadership in medical, radiation and surgical oncology.
Fox Chase became part of Temple Health in July, 2012, continuing its focus on cancer.
Discoveries in Cancer Research
During this time, many discoveries in cancer research were made by Fox Chase scientists, including the hepatitis B vaccine, developed in the laboratory of Baruch S. Blumberg, MD, PhD. Dr. Blumberg is accompanied by Fox Chase scientist Irwin A. "Ernie" Rose, PhD. as a laureate of the prestigious Nobel prize. The advances made by Fox Chase doctors have contributed to the availability of improved cancer treatments, not only at Fox Chase, but around the globe.
Read more about our Awards and Honors »
Research Institute for Cancer Prevention
To reach its ultimate goal in cancer care is prevention, Fox Chase opened the Research Institute for Cancer Prevention in 2000, the first comprehensive program of its kind in the nation. Housed in the new Prevention Pavilion on the Fox Chase campus, it features laboratories devoted solely to prevention-oriented research.
