Cancer: The Keys To Survivorship

 WESTPORT — More Americans are surviving cancer than ever before, yet survivors are often unprepared for the challenges of living beyond cancer.

To help empower people through education, eight cancer organizations are coming together to present a seminar entitled “Cancer: Keys to Survivorship” on Saturday, May 5, at 9:30 am, at Saugatuck Congregational Church, 245 Post Road East. The program is open to survivors, families, caregivers, health care providers, and anyone whose life has been touched by cancer.

Funded by a grant from Ortho Biotech Inc., the organizations involved with the seminar include The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center (Stamford Heath System), St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Cancer Care, Inc., Center for Hope, Ann’s Place ­– The Home of I Can, The Center for Women’s Health, and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship.

“At a time when breakthroughs in treatment have contributed to long-term survival as well as cures, this groundbreaking program gives patients the practical skills they need to live with, through, and beyond cancer,” said Phyllis Osterman, the patient services manager at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

“The most positive aspect of the ‘Cancer: Keys to Survivorship’ program,” continued Ms Osterman, “is that it addresses practical concerns and challenges that face almost every person diagnosed with cancer.”

 An estimated 1.2 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year, with 15,000 new cases in Connecticut alone. Survivors often face a host of physical, emotional and financial problems. Recognizing that the most important tool a cancer survivor can have is education, the seminar will be presenting information on communicating with health care providers, understanding patients’ rights, navigating the health insurance maze, utilizing strategies for self empowerment and self care, managing the side effects of treatment, and using the power of the mind to heal the body.

To register for the program or for more information, contact Phyllis Osterman at 203-967-8326 or at phyllisosterman@yahoo.com.