11/14/2009

News You Can Use: The Future of Breast Cancer Care

Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s annual conference will focus on medical and quality-of-life news at all stages of diagnosis

Plenary Speakers: George W. Sledge, Jr., MD; Kathleen Wesa, MD

Register now for the annual fall conference.

View our conference brochure for more information.

Join Living Beyond Breast Cancer for our annual fall conference, News You Can Use: The Future of Breast Cancer Care, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2009, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Fee waivers are available.

Our morning plenary speaker, George W. Sledge, Jr., MD, will kick off the conference by discussing current breast cancer research. Closing plenary speaker Kathleen M. Wesa, MD, will discuss the use of complementary therapies, herbs and dietary supplements during and after breast cancer treatment. Workshops will focus on a variety of topics of interest to you, whether you are newly diagnosed, living with advanced (metastatic) breast cancer, completed treatment or are a caregiver.

About the Program

After a continental breakfast and welcome, Dr. Sledge will report on the latest breast cancer research and how it will affect the future of breast cancer care. He will discuss new advances in early-stage and advanced breast cancer, the role of personalized medicine, breakthroughs in molecular and targeted therapies and how survivorship plans have changed the way you receive care after initial diagnosis.

Following a question-and-answer session and break, choose from seven workshops:

A. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Understanding Treatment Options and Post-Treatment Concerns

Ramona F. Swaby, MD, Associate Member, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology

Dr. Swaby will discuss which groups are affected more often by triple-negative breast cancer and why. Learn about available treatment options, how to manage follow-up care and the importance of participating in clinical trials to further research development.

B. Fear of Recurrence: Controlling Worry and Anxiety

Ruth H. Steinman, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania

Learn strategies to help you manage fear of recurrence after treatment ends, reduce anxiety and cope with stressful triggers such as follow-up testing, anniversaries or the diagnosis of a friend or family member. Dr. Steinman will show you how to communicate your changing feelings to loved ones. Find out where and when to seek professional help.

C. Hope on the Horizon: Medical Updates for Women Living with Advanced Breast Cancer

George W. Sledge, Jr., MD, Professor of Medicine and Pathology, Ballvé-Lantero Professor of Oncology, Co-Chair Breast Cancer Program, Indiana University School of Medicine

Dr. Sledge will discuss the latest research and medical breakthroughs in hormonal, targeted and chemotherapy treatments for metastatic breast cancer. Learn about treatments available now as well as what’s in the pipeline. Dr. Sledge will explain how to stay up-to-date on breaking treatment options, find clinical trials that can benefit you and maintain a good quality of life.

D. Long-Term Survivorship: Developing Survivorship Care Plans

Kathryn Tumelty, MSN, FNP-C, AOCNP, Breast Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Fox Chase Cancer Center

Developing a survivorship care plan can be an effective tool to help you coordinate your care after treatment ends. Learn how to discuss this tool with your doctor, obtain a summary report of your breast cancer care and create a personalized, comprehensive plan for your long-term follow-up and well-being.

E. Hormonal Therapies: Before, During and After Breast Cancer

Jennifer Armstrong, MD, Paoli-Hematology-Oncology Associates

This workshop will explain hormonal treatment options for early-stage and advanced breast cancer, including how and why they are given and what the latest research tells us about them. Learn about the importance of taking medicine as prescribed, how to manage common side effects and how to find financial assistance if cost is a barrier.

F. Breast Reconstruction: Understanding Your Options

Liza C. Wu, MD, Assistant Professor, Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Health Systems

This workshop will explain the latest procedures and advances in the field of breast reconstruction, whether you are exploring your initial options or secondary surgeries. Learn how to address your medical and emotional needs before, during and after reconstruction and what questions you should ask your doctor to get the best care.

G. Caregivers Corner: Strategies for Giving and Getting Support

Kate O’Connor, LSW, Social Worker, Cancer Center of Paoli Hospital

Learn strategies to manage the physical, emotional, practical and financial challenges you may face as a caregiver. Ms. O’Connor will discuss the importance of good self-care, how to communicate with your loved one and the healthcare team and where to find resources for coordinating care.

After the morning workshops, network with other women and visit exhibit tables during a networking lunch. In the afternoon, choose from six workshops:

H. A Closer Look: Breast Cancer and Women of Color

Edith P. Mitchell, MD, FACP, Clinical Professor of Medicine and Medical Oncology, Program Leader, Gastrointestimal Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Associate Director of Diversity Programs, Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson

Dr. Mitchell will report on research that shows the ways breast cancer appears in women of color versus other ethnic groups. She will explain the factors that impact the course of breast cancer and survivorship in women of color and the importance of participating in clinical trials. She will also discuss lifestyle changes you can make to empower yourself and reduce your risk.

I. Journaling for Health and Happiness

Janet Ruth Falon, MLA, Award-winning writer and teacher; Creator, the Journaling through Breast Cancer program; Author, the Jewish Journaling Book

Ms. Falon will help you understand how expressive writing can benefit your mental and physical health. Learn the basics of journaling and how to apply them healthfully to your breast cancer experience.

J. The Impact of Weight Training: Lymphedema, Strength and Quality of Life

Kathryn Schmitz, PhD, MPH, Senior Scholar, Epidemiology, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Dr. Schmitz will cover findings from a recent clinical trial that studied the impact of strength training on lymphedema and address quality-of-life concerns, including how to exercise safely during and after breast cancer. Learn how weight training and exercise can help you manage side effects such as fatigue, insomnia, mood and weight changes.

K. Advanced Breast Cancer: Communicating with Your Healthcare Team

Richard A. Michaelson, MD, Chief Medical Director, The Cancer Center of Saint Barnabas; Chief Medical Director, Oncology, Saint Barnabas Health Care System

A diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer may leave you with many questions and concerns. In this session, learn how to communicate with and get the best care from your healthcare. Dr. Michaelson will show you how to get the most out of time with your doctor, communicate your concerns to better understand treatment goals and manage side effects and get answers to your "hard" questions. Find out when you should get a second opinion, and learn how to use each member of your team to get the best support.

L. Personalized Medicine: What It Means for You

Generosa Grana, MD, Director, Cooper Cancer Institute; Chief, Hematology-Oncology, Cooper University Hospital

Dr. Grana will provide an overview of targeted treatment choices. Learn how personalized medicine impacts your treatment and follow-up care and how research may lead to more individualized choices in the future.

M. Body Image: Exploring and Embracing Transitions

Linda Abrams, PhD, Breast Cancer Survivor; Director, Spring House, Pennsylvania office; Senior Staff Therapist, Council for Relationships

Dr. Abrams will address how a diagnosis of breast cancer can affect your self-confidence and how you feel about your body. Explore your feelings about female beauty, self-image and body acceptance and discover ways to help you embrace your "new normal."

Afternoon Events

During the closing plenary session, Dr. Wesa will update you on research that can help you during and after treatment. She will discuss various types of complementary therapies including mind-body techniques, herbs and other dietary supplements. After the presentation, you will have the opportunity to ask questions.

We invite you to join us from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a networking reception. Enjoy snacks and connect with speakers, exhibitors and other women and caregivers.

The $45 conference fee includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.

About Our Plenary Speakers

Dr. Sledge is a professor of medicine and pathology, Ballvé-Lantero professor of oncology and co-chair of the breast cancer program at Indiana University School of Medicine. A leader in researching new treatments for breast cancer, Dr. Sledge has published extensively in the area of breast cancer research and has chaired several nationwide clinical trials involving new therapies for breast cancer. He has served as a member and vice-chairman of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group’s Breast Cancer Committee and as editor-in-chief of Clinical Breast Cancer. Dr. Sledge is the recipient of many honors and awards, including the 2006 Komen Foundation Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction, the 2007 Jill Rose Award for Distinguished Scientific Achievement and a listing in America’s Top Doctors from 2001 to 2004.

Dr. Wesa is a physician-scientist specializing in integrative medicine at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. She combines evidence-based complementary therapies with mainstream care to help cancer patients manage symptoms. Dr. Wesa is actively involved in investigating the scientific basis of complementary therapies and has lectured throughout the U.S., India, Europe and Asia. Her primary research interests include vitamin D, medicinal mushrooms, botanical therapies and mind-body therapies. She received a Bush Medical Fellowship and a post-doctoral research fellowship in complementary therapies and clinical research from the National Institute of Health. Dr. Wesa is a reviewer for the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Therapies, the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, Cancer and the Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology.

About our Sponsors

Many thanks to The Breast Cancer Fund of National Philanthropic Trust, our lead sponsor, to presenting sponsor Pfizer Oncology, benefactor sponsors CURE, Novartis and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, supporting sponsors Abraxis BioScience and Myriad and friend sponsor Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania.