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International Conference for YA Breast Cancer Survivors

2010 marks the 10th anniversary of the only international conference dedicated to the critical issues of young breast cancer survivors and those who care about them. Nearly 1,000 young breast cancer survivors, caregivers and medical professionals from around the world are expected to attend the 10th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer, to be held Friday, Feb. 26-Sunday, Feb. 28 at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel in Atlanta, Ga.

One in eight women diagnosed with breast cancer is younger than 45 when diagnosed, yet their emotional and medical concerns are different than those of women over age 45, as is the impact of their diagnosis on family, friends, partners, colleagues and children. Fertility concerns and the possibility of treatment-induced early menopause are just two examples of the issues young women face.

To read this full article on the International Conference for young women affected by breast cancer click here.

Posted on Feb 22, 2010 - 06:46 PM by Lesley

Understanding the Needs of Young Adult Cancer Survivors

A Clinical Perspective:

‘Young cancer survivors are often unprepared to face the complexities of adjusting to post-treatment life.They may be pleased that treatment is ending but worried about losing the support, security, and scrutiny provided by their healthcare team. Uncertainty about the prognosis for long-term, cancer-free survival often threatens their sense of control, emotional well-being, functional adjustment, and omfort with future planning. Many feel isolated, mistrust their bodies, and must adjust to an altered self-image as well as changes in relationships and sexual functioning. It can be daunting to deal with physical late effects, challenges to daily living, and employment and insurance issues. Using direct quotations from young cancer survivors, this article shares their special perspective and provides guidance as to their informational, practical, and psychosocial needs.’

To read this full article on the needs of young adult cancer survivors please click here.

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By Rachel Odo, LCSW,  Clinical Oncology Social Worker,  CancerCare, Inc. New York, New York; Clarissa Potter, LCSW,  Clinical Oncology Social Worker, Manager, Quality of Care Initiative, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York | October 8, 2009

Posted on Feb 17, 2010 - 11:42 AM by Lesley

They control the World. Tell them to control Cancer

Today, the Campaign to Control Cancer (C2CC) is urging world leaders to put cancer control on the agenda of the June 2010 G8 and G20 meetings in Canada.

Cancer control, with its emphasis on prevention, is an effective strategy for attacking the growing burden of disease, especially in the developing world:

Today, more than 50% of new cancer cases and nearly two-thirds of cancer deaths occur in the low income, lower middle income and upper middle income countries of the developing world. By comparison, in 1970, the developing world accounted for 15% of newly reported cancers (Boyle and Levin [eds.] 2008).
By 2030, the developing world is expected to bear 70% of the global cancer burden (Boyle and Levin [eds.] 2008).

You can join us right now by e-mailing this message to Stephen Harper: message

Posted on Feb 16, 2010 - 12:39 PM by Karine

Edmonton Info Session: Life After Cancer

Wednesday, February 24, 2010
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

The Cross Cancer Institute (Zane Feldman Auditorium) is having an Information Session titled: Picking up the Pieces: Life After Cancer, by Kathy Scalzo MSOD.

Patients and family members are invited to attend.
There is

no charge, but seating is limited and you must pre-register to attend

.

To register for this session, please call (780) 432-8205.

Co-presented by the Patient Education Department of Cross Cancer Institute, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) , Ovarian Cancer Canada, Roche Oncology and the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

Posted on Feb 12, 2010 - 10:51 AM by Lesley

First Descents Week Long Programs!

First Descents Week Long Programs – outdoor adventure therapy for young adults with cancer!

First Descents provides free outdoor adventure therapy for young adults, ages 18-39, with cancer. These programs are all about having fun, getting outside, and pushing your limits through kayaking, rock climbing and other outdoor activities. Their camps are structured and designed with you in mind. There is no need to have kayaking or climbing experience.

First Descents programs are free to all participants who are accepted. They ask that participants who are able pay just their travel expenses, however we do provide a limited number of travel scholarships for those who demonstrate financial need. We make every effort to not let monetary obstacles prevent people from participating in our programs. All first-time participants OR second-year participants still undergoing chemotherapy/radiation treatments are eligible for scholarships.

First Descents is located in the United States, but is open to Canadians.

For more information, or to apply visit: www.firstdescents.org.

Posted on Feb 11, 2010 - 10:47 AM by Lesley

Are you a young adult living with cancer?

Sadly, Douglas, who was himself a young adult who had been through cancer ( he was diagnosed in 2006 with a rare form of cancer called Clear Cell Sarcoma) passed away on July 27, 2010. We had the chance to chat with Douglas a couple of times about his research and also on how we could best serve the young adult population. He was passionate and dedicated in helping his peers get the best care and support possible. I know some of you in the Calgary area also got to know and appreciate him. Thank you Douglas for what you did for the young adults and we feel privileged for the few discussions we had with you. Our thoughts go to his family and friends, and to our amazing community of survivors and supporters

Recently, we were contacted by Douglas Walker, a student in Social Work who have just begun a four-month practicum at the Canadian Cancer Society in Calgary, AB. Douglas is interested in conducting research as to the needs of Young Adults living with Cancer to be able to develop services that are relevant to this underserved population. To get some information, CCS will hold a focus group to discuss some of these issues with young adults.

Important: The date is changed to Thursday, February 25, 2010.

Posted on Feb 10, 2010 - 12:25 PM by Karine

Every Picture Tells a Story… PhotoSensitive Photo Exhibition

PhotoSensitive, in partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society has been hosting the travelling Cancer Connections photo exhibition to increase awareness of cancer and engage Canadians in a conversation about the cancer experience.

There are currently over 800 photos in the show and they are looking for help to reach the 1,000 mark by the time they reach Ottawa in June. Photos can be submit by amateur or professional photographers and can be of survivors, people ho have succumbed to the disease, people who have lost loved ones to it or those at the forefront of the battle against cancer, such as doctors, nurses, research scientists and fundraisers.

“Cancer Connections invites Canadians to tell their story of living with cancer through the power of black and white photography,” says Andrew Stawicki, co-founder of PhotoSensitive. “This sharing of images is a catalyst for engaging and connecting Canadians in conversations about cancer.”

More information about the exhibition and the web gallery of all of the images can be seen at www.photosensitive.com/cc. Anyone interested in submitting a photo to the show can email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Posted on Feb 09, 2010 - 06:48 PM by Lesley