Conference for breast cancer patients/survivors features HHS experts
Life After Breast Cancer public conference
When: Tuesday, Oct. 29, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Liuna Station, 360 James St. N.
Cost: $25 and includes a light breakfast, nutrition breaks and lunch
Registration required: Registration is open until Oct. 15. Register here.
Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) physicians, nurses and staff specializing in breast cancer have organized a full-day conference for people at any stage of this disease, and their support network including family and friends.
The Life After Breast Cancer conference takes place Oct. 29 at Liuna Station in Hamilton. Participants can register through the conference’s presenter, the HHS Foundation.
“We’re bringing together our top experts from HHS Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre (JHCC) as well as from the community to help people diagnosed with breast cancer enjoy the very best quality of life at any stage of their journey,” says Leslie Maskell, a registered nurse at the JHCC and conference co-chair with medical oncologist Dr. Callista Phillips.
The Life After Breast Cancer conference had been taking place every two years, but was paused during the pandemic.
Expert sessions
Participants can choose from a variety of sessions, based on what’s most helpful to them.
- Dr. Bindi Dhesy, a medical oncologist, will provide updates in breast cancer drug treatments, with a focus on the newest research and treatments.
- Radiation oncologist Dr. Barbara Strang will explain the benefits of radiation therapy, how it’s given and why it causes certain side effects.
- Clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Zhang will offer insights on rebuilding self-identity after breast cancer. She will also share strategies and resources to help survivors rebuild their sense of identity.
- Breast reconstructive surgeon Dr. Ammara Ghumman will share reconstruction options. Ghumman will also cover surgical techniques and recovery.
- Neuro-oncologist and neurologist Dr. Navya Kalidindi will provide an overview of neurological conditions associated with breast cancer. This will include the management and natural history of peripheral neuropathies, management of brain metastases and seizure disorders, and neurological effects of radiation treatment.
- Participants wanting to learn more about managing lymphedema can attend a session with Michele Cardoso, a clinical specialist radiation therapist. She is presenting along with physiotherapist Jennifer Beck, and Kim Gladman, a representative from a company specializing in lymphedema products. Their workshop will explore essential strategies for preventing and managing lymphedema with a focus on exercise and compression.
- Lead genetics counsellor Amanda Morgan will share how genetic information can be used to understand and respond to breast cancer risk in families.
- Jenna Smith-Turchyn is a physiotherapist and assistant professor at McMaster University’s School of Rehabilitation Science. Smith-Turchyn is presenting on using physical activity and exercise to optimize function post-breast cancer.
- Jean LaMantia is a registered dietitian with a private practice, and she is also a breast cancer survivor. She will present on nutrition and cancer.
- A representative from Wellwood will lead a light exercise session of yoga.Susan Bettencourt is a yoga, meditation, and spiritual guide with an extensive background in the fitness and wellness industry.
Event speakers
The conference includes a keynote address by Dr. Samantha Winemaker, a palliative care physician who cares for patients with serious illness and their families. She is an associate clinical professor at McMaster University’s Department of Family Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, and has won numerous awards for her leadership and palliative care education for health-care professionals.
Winemaker is co-author of Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest and co-host of the podcast, The Waiting Room Revolution, which is designed to empower patients and families facing a life-changing diagnosis. Based on researching and caring for thousands of patients, she will share seven keys that can activate patients, families, and providers to have a better illness journey. She will help the audience to reflect on their own illness experience, so they can be ambassadors to others on how to journey through breast cancer successfully.
The conference also includes a patient testimonial by Rachel Mintz, a young breast cancer survivor, health sciences student and professional Irish dancer.
Mintz will share her journey, emphasizing the power of establishing core values as unwavering guideposts in identity shaping, decision-making, and overcoming adversity. She will share how these values became her compass, steering her through the complex physical and emotional experience that accompanies a cancer diagnosis.
