Dana Farber Survivorship Education Program

November 10, 2009

The Dana Farber Institute and Harvard Medical School held a cancer survivorship symposium for clinicians this past weekend in Boston, Massachusetts.  The three-day seminar entitled "Helping Survivors Live Well Beyond Cancer" was attended by more than 200 nurses, doctors, psychologists, physical therapists, social workers and other medical practitioners who work with cancer survivors.  It was a full three days of lectures, discussion and panels by some of the foremost experts in cancer survivorship in the country.  Dr. Ken Miller, Director of the Lance Armstrong Foundation Adult Survivorship Program at Dana Farber and a member of the Connecticut Challenge Advisory Board was the course director for the weekend. 


The first day an overview of hot topics in survivorship included:


·         Fear of Recurrence
·         Children of Cancer Survivors
·         Co-Survivors - Spouses and Partners
·         Exercise and Cancer
·         Fighting Cancer with a Fork: Nutrition and Cancer
·         Smoking and Smoking Cessations
·         Cancer Rehabilitation
·         Second and Secondary Cancers 


The Friday evening agenda focused on Primary Care and topics were discussed such as:

·         Who Will Care for Cancer Survivors?
·         What is Optimal Care for Cancer Survivors: Primary Care, Oncologists or both?


On Saturday morning, Cancer Survivorship for Women was the topic and delved into disciplines such as:

·         Endocrine Issues
·         Menopause and Bone Health
·         Screening after Cancer: Compliance Concerns
·         Gynecologic Issues
·         Special Survivorship Issues for Women with Breast Cancer 

Keeping Survivors Healthy was the afternoon discussion, including:

         Medical Issues for Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancers
*       Pulmonary Issues
*       Renal Issues
*       Cardiac Issues
*       Oral Health Issues 

Sunday's morning session was about Cancer Survivorship for Men and focused on:

·         Sexual Health
·         Depression and Anxiety
·         a panel discussion with Male Survivors

followed by more on Keeping Survivors Healthy with:

·         Cognitive Problems and "Chemobrain"
·         Neurologic Problems
·         Dermatologic Problems
·         Pain and Symptom Management


Finally, in the afternoon we finished up with an Oncofertility Seminar featuring:

·         Fertility After Cancer for Women
·         Fertility After Cancer for Men
·         The Emotional Side of Infertility 

Needless to say, there was a tremendous amount of information to learn and share with colleagues from around New England, the U.S. and the world.  Thanks to Ken and his team for doing an outstanding job.   We look forward to more education in Connecticut in 2010. 

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