3rd Annual Conference for Women Living with Advanced Breast Cancer: Enhancing Your Health and Quality of Life

This two-day program featured the information, support and practical resources you need to make informed decisions for your physical and emotional health.

About the Keynote Sessions

The conference featured a special talk by Elizabeth Edwards. Mrs. Edwards has raised awareness of metastatic breast cancer around the world, and we are honored that she shared her experiences and insights with us.

Ms. Edwards drew on her strength of purpose, perseverance, warmth and wit to talk openly about overcoming significant life obstacles during her presentation, An Inspiring Life. The country got to know Elizabeth as she has campaigned extensively across the country during the 2004 and 2008 presidential elections. The day after the general election in 2004, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Elizabeth was in remission until March 2007 when she discovered her cancer had returned. Her courageous battle with breast cancer has served as an inspiration to women across the country.

Plenary speaker Hope S. Rugo, MD, discussed medical and research news on breast cancer treatments. Download a podcast and transcript of this plenary session.

On Sunday, an ask-the-expert panel featured a variety of healthcare professionals who answered questions.

About the Workshops

Download podcasts, transcripts and PowerPoint presentations of the following workshops:

Bone Mets: Standard and Novel Treatment

Brain Mets: Standard and Novel Treatments

Creative Coping: Healing with Words

Getting Relief: Pain Management Strategies

Living with Uncertainty

Maintaining Nutrition for Optimal Well-Being While Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer

Managing Symptoms and Side Effects: Living Well Every Day

Planning Ahead: Living Wills, Wills and Powers of Attorney

Sexuality and Intimacy

About the Keynote Speakers

Elizabeth Edwards has inspired countless women through her book, Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers, a memoir of her trials, tragedies and public battle with breast cancer. She is a senior fellow working on healthcare issues at the Center for American Progress and an accomplished attorney. Mrs. Edwards is also committed to serving the community and expanding educational opportunities for children. She is involved in a variety of charitable efforts, including fundraising for the March of Dimes benefit. She also serves on several boards, including the UNC Board of Visitors and Books for Kids.

Dr. Hope S. Rugo is a clinical professor of medicine and director of the Breast Medical Oncology Clinical Trials Program in the division of hematology and oncology at the University of California, San Francisco, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. Working in the UCSF Breast Cancer Center, Dr. Rugo’s research interests include new therapies for advanced breast cancer and supportive care. She is on the Medical Advisory Board of Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Dr. Rugo has published many peer-reviewed papers and lectures locally, nationally and internationally on cancer-related topics.

About Our Sponsors

This conference was supported by lead sponsors Avon Foundation and National Philanthropic Trust, presenting sponsor Bristol-Myers Squibb and benefactors Abraxis Bioscience, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis and Veridex.