Philadelphia-based Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC.org), the national information and support organization, has opened registration for its ninth annual conference for women living with metastatic breast cancer. The event takes place Saturday, April 11 – Sunday April 12, 2015 at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Metastatic (or stage IV) breast cancer occurs when cancer cells from the breast spread to another part of the body such as the lungs, bones, liver or brain. Metastatic breast cancer can be treatable although at this time there is no treatment that can reliably eliminate the cancer. Women with this stage of the disease can live with the condition for many years. There are approximately 152,000 women in the United States currently living with metastatic breast cancer.
"Our previous conferences have attracted hundreds of attendees from across the country by featuring leading national medical and wellness experts who present specialized general sessions and over a dozen workshops on various topics," says LBBC CEO Jean A. Sachs, MSS, MLSP, who adds that the event is "designed to address the complex medical, social and emotional issues that women experience when diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. As in past years, workshops for family members and caregivers will also be offered."
"Attendees will have the opportunity to learn and ask questions about treatment options, quality of life concerns, current research and clinical trials," says Catherine L. Ormerod, MSS, MLSP, LBBC's Vice President of Programs and Partnerships. "Furthermore, conference attendees are provided with opportunities to meet, connect and interact with their peers throughout the weekend. To make sure that a person's economic situation is not a barrier, travel grants and fee waivers are available for those who qualify."
In addition, LBBC will launch its Hear My Voice Outreach and Volunteer Training Program in conjunction with the conference. A group of 25 women living with metastatic disease will be part of the training, designed to eliminate the isolation and misunderstanding that often surrounds a stage IV breast cancer diagnosis. Those accepted into the training will gain a better understanding of metastatic breast cancer, the information and resources available and ways to communicate and connect with similarly affected people.
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