Mayo Clinic Symposium to Help Patients Overcome Cancer Challenges

Monday, December 12, 2011

Scottsdale, Ariz. — A cancer diagnosis often triggers a whole range of emotions and a long list of questions. Was my cancer inherited? Should I change my diet? How do I tell my employer? What can I do to improve my quality of life moving forward?

The "Living with Cancer: A Mayo Clinic Symposium for Patients and Their Loved Ones," is a two-day event, Saturday, Jan. 14, and Sunday, Jan. 15, in Scottsdale, featuring a number of Mayo Clinic physicians and specialists who will provide information on various treatment and lifestyle issues for those being treated for cancer or are in recovery from their illness.

The event's message is a simple one: knowledge is power when it comes to dealing with a major health issue.

"The Living with Cancer Symposium is about fighting back against your disease with knowledge," explains Dr. Ruben Mesa, an internationally-renowned hematologist and chair of Mayo Clinic's Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology.

"It's the knowledge about the latest state-of-the-art methods available for the diagnosis and treatment of your disease, as well as knowledge about how to overcome all of the challenges cancer brings to patients, including financial, legal, nutritional, emotional and spiritual issues," Dr. Mesa added.

The first day will cover a number of topics, including chemotherapy, radiation, prescriptions and alternative medicine. Day two continues with lifestyle seminars that run the gamut of issues, including financial planning when ill, employment, insurance, intimacy and spirituality.

The agenda also includes disease-specific breakout-sessions covering breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer and hematological-based cancers, including leukemias, myeloproliferative disorders, CLL, lymphoma and myeloma.

The event will take place Jan. 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Jan. 15 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale.

The free event covers the two day event's tuition, continental breakfast, refreshments, lunch and reception. The event is open to Mayo Clinic and non-Mayo Clinic patients and their loved ones.

Visit: Living with Cancer: A Mayo Clinic Symposium for Patients and Their Loved Ones Mayo for additional information. Or call 480-342-3490 to ask questions and register for the event.

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