World-renowned cancer center physicians and keynote speaker Joan Lunden highlight the day’s events
OhioHealth and MD Anderson Cancer Center, the global leader in cancer care, are bringing physicians, patients, survivors, caregivers, family and friends together on Saturday, June 11, 2016 for a first of-its-kind event – United in the Fight Against Cancer: A Community Conference, Presented by OhioHealth. OhioHealth is a certified member of MD Anderson Cancer Network®, a program of MD Anderson Cancer Center.
This will be a unique, educational outreach event that will be shared with cancer communities across the country. A portion of the event will be simulcast live to MD Anderson Cancer Network member communities in 10 states.
During this time, participants will learn about MD Anderson’s groundbreaking Moon Shots Program. In 2012, MD Anderson launched this comprehensive and ambitious effort, which now includes 12 areas of focus. The goal is to dramatically reduce the incidence and mortality of cancer, looking at all aspects of prevention, early detection and treatment, as well as health policy and education. A panel of world renowned MD Anderson physicians and experts will share their vision and work during this live event.
A second panel will follow, highlighting MD Anderson’s Lung Cancer Moon Shots program called “Lung Cancer: EndTobacco®. The talk will focus on:
- Preventing tobacco use in children and youth
- Reducing non-smokers’ exposure to secondhand smoke
- Increasing quit attempts
- Enhancing cessation counseling
Keynote Speaker
Prior to the panel discussions, physicians and community members will join together for lunch and to hear from keynote speaker and cancer survivor, Joan Lunden. An award-winning journalist, bestselling author, motivational speaker, woman’s health & wellness advocate and mom of seven – she continues to be one of America’s most recognized and trusted personalities.
With her career focused on health, wellness, and inspiration, Lunden has continued to be a reassuring and informative presence in American homes for more than 30 years. In June of 2014, Lunden was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, which required chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Lunden made a decision to take her battle public and has since shared her journey through cancer treatment with the world, becoming a prominent voice in the breast cancer community.
From her consistent journaling throughout her breast cancer journey, Lunden wrote a book entitled Had I Known, which documents her battle with cancer as well as takes a reflective look back on her life and career. As an advocate Joan seeks out ways to promote change on Capitol Hill, is a special correspondent for the TODAY Show and actively communicates with women daily both through her social media and on her website, JoanLunden.com.
Community Sessions
Earlier in the day, patients and survivors will have the opportunity to connect with others who are on the same journey and share in a morning of support and empowerment. They’ll have the opportunity to attend their choice of two informative sessions, including:
- Finding your new normal
- Symptom management
- Long-term care planning
- Relationships and intimacy
Family members, caregivers and friends will find helpful resources on what to expect if a loved one is fighting cancer. Topics include:
- Peer and emotional support
- Stress management/Making time for yourself
There will also be sessions on cancer prevention and screening; genetics; and wellness and nutrition. In addition to these topics, participants will have the opportunity to attend a cancer expo and view interactive demonstrations.
“Our objective for the conference is to unite the entire cancer community – survivors, patients, leading physicians – anyone whose life has been affected by cancer,” said Mike Bianchi, OhioHealth System VP, Cancer Services. “Our team has conducted focus groups with survivors to ensure that every session at the conference will be informative and beneficial.”
Details and Registration Information
United in the Fight Against Cancer: A Community Conference, Presented by OhioHealth will take place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on Saturday, June 11, 2016 from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. The cost for community members is $10 (includes link to register for free parking). Community members may register for the event by visiting OhioHealth.com/UnitedWeFightCancer.
