2024 Workshop Topics and Presenters
Grand Rounds Plenary Session | 9-10am
Curing Breast Cancer: What Will It Take?
Eric Winer, MD, Yale Cancer Center
This plenary session will discuss the advances in breast cancer that have led to today’s high survival rate. However, there are still over 40,000 individuals who die from breast cancer each year in the United States alone. 2024 Potamkin Prize Winner Dr. Winer will review why we are not more successful and what steps are needed to prevent virtually all breast cancer related deaths.
Workshop Session 1 | 10:30-11:30am
Novel Treatments for Metastatic Breast Cancer: What to Know and What to Expect
Marija Balic, MD, PhD, MBA, University of Pittsburgh
This workshop will review novel treatments for metastatic breast cancer (MBC), including how they work and their most common side effects. It will address what women with MBC should know about their treatment, where caution is needed, and how to react if certain side effects occur. The role of exercise for those with MBC will also be discussed.
Mindfulness: One Approach to Manage Stress and Anxiety in the Midst of Breast Cancer
Michael Hayes, PhD, Penn State Health
Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment invites those diagnosed, almost without exception, into places of fear and uncertainty, as well as heightened stress and anxiety. This workshop seeks to demystify stress and anxiety, offering participants an opportunity to consider mindfulness and a few of its formal and informal practices that can provide sturdy anchors to navigate the torrents of stress and anxiety toward greater measures of peace and ease.
Thriving After Breast Cancer: Guidelines for Healthier Living
Angela Jain, MD, Fox Chase Cancer Center
Workshop attendees will learn more about the changes a breast cancer survivor’s body goes through after breast cancer treatment and different ways to manage these aftereffects. As some breast cancer treatment aftereffects are similar to menopausal effects, part of this talk is about understanding the role of estrogen in the body and how to handle the effects of the loss of estrogen.
Is My Screening Covered?: Act 1 and Beyond
Shannen Logue, David Buono, and Sandy Ykema, Esq., Pennsylvania Insurance Department
Understanding and navigating health insurance can be overwhelming to many. Join three experts from the Pennsylvania Insurance Department as they overview the current landscape of insurance coverage for breast health screenings, including mammograms and MRI as well as genetic counseling and genetic testing, in Pennsylvania. Processes for appeals and complaints will also be addressed.
The Importance of Family History in Breast Cancer Risk
Caroline Malpass, CGC, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
This workshop, facilitated by a certified genetic counselor, will lead you to a greater understanding of family history and genetics and how both factor into understanding breast cancer risk. In addition to family history, genetic testing for high-risk gene mutations and eligibility for genetic testing will be covered.
Workshop Session 2 | 1:45-2:45pm
Navigating Finances and Practical Issues with a Cancer Diagnosis
Joanna Fawzy Doran, Esq., Triage Cancer®
This session will cover the practical issues that may have a financial impact on individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers. Attendees will learn about legal protections related to choosing and using health insurance, managing medical bills, working through treatment, taking time off work, and replacing lost wages. Having a better understanding of these protections can help people avoid financial toxicity following a cancer diagnosis.
Beyond Treatment: Wellness and Nutrition Through Cancer Care and Beyond
Lyndi Mies, MHSc, RDN, LDN and Melissa Logan, MHSc, RDN, LDN, Weis Markets
This presentation will provide informative insights about how nutrition can play a role in overall health and wellness through all stages of cancer care. It will guide individuals through reestablishing healthy eating habits, covering simple and manageable tips on balanced nutrition.
Chair Yoga for Cancer Recovery
Michelle Newman, BS, PTA, LMT, E-RYT, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
Battling a life-threatening disease such as cancer can be physically, emotionally, and mentally stressful. Practicing chair yoga regularly can reduce the likelihood of mood disturbances and improve physical and cognitive functioning. Studies have linked yoga to reduced fatigue, decreased stress and anxiety, improved flexibility and strength, enhanced circulation, better pain management, increased mental clarity, and higher emotional stability. Chair yoga is a gentle and effective way for individuals recovering from cancer at all stages to improve their physical and mental well-being.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Cancer Genetics: Recent Advances
Payal Shah, MD, University of Pennsylvania
This workshop will review state-of-the-art developments in triple-negative breast cancer care and treatment. It will also cover recent advances in the field of cancer genetics, including information about those at high risk for developing breast cancer because of mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Breast Cancer Survivorship Resources
Heather Thieme, MD and Mel Thorne, RN, MSN, OCN, WellSpan Health
This educational session aims to provide comprehensive information about breast cancer and the array of survivorship resources available. The session is designed for survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to enhance understanding, support, and management of breast cancer and its aftermath.
This Nursing Continuing Professional Development activity was approved by Pennsylvania State Nurses Association Approver Unit, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
NASW-PA Chapter is a co-sponsor of this workshop. 3 CEs will be awarded for completion of this course. NASW has been designated as a pre-approved provider of professional continuing education for social workers (Section 47.36), Marriage and Family Therapist (Section 48.36) and Professional Counselors (Section 49.36) by the PA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.
