Session D
CONFERENCE DAY 2 - FRIDAY, JUNE 6TH 2008 (9:45-10:45)
Concurrent Podium Presentations (Select 1 of 9):
1D Online Support Networks and the Management of Pain (30699)
Ms. Jacqueline L. Bender et al. - University of Toronto (Canada)
This presentation will explore the role of current and emerging social networking websites as supportive care resources for people affected by cancer. Two exciting new online resources will be discussed: Caring Voices is an online social networking resource designed to support and connect breast cancer survivors at any stage of their cancer journey; Virtual Coach is an innovative online support system designed to help breast cancer patients identify and discuss questions about pain with their health professionals. The role of wikis, blogs and other social software that encourage end user contributions, will also be explored.
The presentation will be highly interactive. Audience participants will be asked about their support-seeking experiences and their feedback on new Internet-based tools, to facilitate social support and adequate pain management.
2D Breast Cancer Reconstruction
Dr. Thomas Hayakawa - CancerCare Manitoba (Canada)
This presentation will review the latest techniques currently available in breast reconstruction. Topics will include the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP), the transverse upper gracilis flap (TUG), the superior gluteal artery flap (SGAP) and the latissmus dorsi flap (LD). We will discuss the concept behind the "center of excellence" we have developed where over 80% of women are offered immediate reconstruction in comparison to a country wide average of 15 %. Over 90% of these women received the latest in function preserving microsurgical procedures. Having preformed over 600 microsurgical breast procedures we now have extensive experience in this area. We have more than 20 presentations on related topics at national and international meetings in the past 2 years alone. Physicians from several countries including Sweden and the USA have spent time at our center learning these newer techniques.
3D How's Your Energy: Understanding & Managing Breast Cancer Related Fatigue (30769)
Ms. Terry Kelly & Ms. L. N. Dumenko-Russell - Tom Baker Cancer Centre (Canada)The Winningham Psychobiological-Entropy Model of Functioning demonstrates the complexity of fatigue in people with cancer.
This interactive workshop presents Winningham's model and discusses how breast cancer patients describe their fatigue, the impact of fatigue on women, and factors contributing to fatigue.
Screening tools, including the Brief Fatigue Inventory and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, will be used to give audience participants the opportunity to assess and quantify their fatigue. Interactive discussion about lifestyle factors that contribute to fatigue, and how to manage lifestyle to increase energy will provide practical knowledge for attendees to improve their quality of life.
4D "Choices" in Support and Treatment (31083)
Ms. Janine P. Porter-Steele - Wesley Hospital of Brisbane (Australia)
Choices is a unique free community service offering individual support and counselling, for women and men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and their families. This support has recently expanded to include women diagnosed with gynaecological cancers.
The goal is to reduce the impact of unmet psychosocial and psychological needs by providing optimum care with a holistic focus.
Through quality assurance strategies and verbal feedback we are able to show an improvement in physical mobility through exercise and an increased emotional resilience, strengthened relationships, reduced anxiety and a greater ability to deal with stressful situations through clinical and peer support.
Anecdotal evidence has shown that women diagnosed with metastatic disease cease to utilise group sessions because they are afraid of upsetting women with early disease. Resources have been developed, specifically for these women, to include individual, group support and information. Choices also recognizes the demonstrated need for women in rural, regional and remote areas to receive equality of care.
5D Kids Can Cope: Helping Kids Whose Parents Have Cancer (30641)
Ms. Jill Taylor-Brown, Ms. Bunty Anderson - CancerCare MB (Canada)
This presentation will draw on the experience of Kids Can Cope, an information and support group for children whose parents have cancer. Using examples of children's drawings to demonstrate the common responses of children who have a parent with cancer, this presentation will highlight the age-related differences in children's reactions. It will outline why it can be so difficult to acknowledge that kids are affected by their parent's illness and how to understand their behaviours. The workshop will also explore how to help children when a parent has advanced disease. Guiding principles will be presented and there will be opportunity for questions and discussion.
6D Chemo Brain: Learning How to Manage Cognitive Changes (30073)
Dr. Heather Palmer - Maximum Capacity (Canada)
Improving the way a person thinks, specifically improving memory and other aspects of brain functioning is what cognitive enhancement is all about. The goal is to teach participants, through education and self awareness and trial and error, how to use new techniques and practice old techniques in order to enhance current cognitive status.
A strong emphasis is placed on individual style and how to integrate the strategies into daily life. The multidimensional, interactive program emphasizes memory skills training, task management and psychological well-being. Participants are shown how to take a proactive role in their cognition and are guided towards healthy ways to stay mentally active.
It is important to note that the program is evidence-based in that its content is derived from scientific studies. The presentation will summarize current research on ‘chemo brain' and identify the common cognitive changes that occur as a result of diagnosis and/or treatment.
7D Lymphedema Detection and Management (29761)
Ms. Janet M. McFarland - Toronto Lymphocare Centre (Canada)
Within an interactive lecture format, this session will provide information on lymphedema detection and treatment. With good education about early warning signs and treatment options, lymphedema need not progress to moderate or severe levels.
Information will be presented visually and verbally, at multiple levels with both easy to understand language and evidence based references. It will include scientific evidence while paying attention to the emotional and spiritual aspects of living with an ongoing condition or even the risk of it. All information shared will be on handouts with practical steps and strategies that can be taken. Since the information is evidence-based, these references also will be available.
8D One of the 1 Per Cent - The Sandy Ahenakew Story
Sandra Ahenakew - Government Relations and Northern Affairs - SK Region (Canada)
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, breast cancer survivors represent
one per cent of the female population.
Meet Sandy Ahenakew. She is one of the 1 per cent. This 50-minute
documentary explores the unique story of this Cree woman's experience as a
breast cancer survivor and is told with sensitivity and a sense of humour.
9D Tears on My Pillow: Breast Cancer and Sexuality (29389)
Dr. Anne Katz - CancerCare Manitoba (Canada)
When primary treatment is over, many women are left to deal with sexual consequences which are global and long lasting. Women tend to return to sexual activity in spite of a lack of libido, decreased arousal, painful intercourse and fatigue. Some may fear abandonment if they do not resume sexual activity with their partners and so endure physical pain and other problems associated with intercourse. Others resume sexual activity as a way of expressing affection and maintaining intimacy in the relationship despite discomfort or lack of interest. Sex may become a source of physical and emotional discomfort and finding solutions that work can be difficult.
The presenter is an experienced sexuality counsellor who will provide information to help women and their partners with sexual difficulties across the disease and treatment trajectory. It will include strategies for improving communication. Audience interaction will be encouraged through the use of case vignettes that illustrate key points.