Inova Cancer Services to Hold One Day Conference for Cancer Survivors

Dorothy Hamill, Medical Experts to Discuss Issues Faced by Survivors

Falls Church, VA – (September 17, 2009) – After cancer patients have completed treatment, they often face unanswered questions and unfamiliar feelings. To address the medical, psychosocial and financial difficulties associated with surviving cancer, Inova Cancer Services is holding the 4th Annual Coffelt Cancer Survivorship Conference on Saturday, Sept. 26. Dorothy Hamill, Gold Medal Olympic Figure Skating Champion, will be the keynote speaker of the conference. Hamill is currently being treated for breast cancer.

Cancer survivors and their friends and families are invited to learn about the challenges of survivorship.

“It’s very moving to be in a place with other cancer survivors and their families,” said Hamill. “They truly understand the experience and it creates a unique kind of camaraderie.”

WHAT:
4th Annual Coffelt Cancer Survivorship Conference:
Health, Healing and Hope

WHEN:
Sept. 26
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Marriott Fairview Park
3111 Fairview Park Dr.
Falls Church, VA  22042

Survivors will hear from medical experts about a variety of topics, such as new advances in cancer treatment, nutrition, personalized medicine, the importance of incorporating humor into life, and financial issues associated with a cancer diagnosis. The Shades of Pink Choir, a chorus of breast cancer survivors, will inspire survivors and remember those who lost their battle.

“We encourage cancer survivors and their families to come out to this unique event to learn more about survivorship and to speak with other survivors and cancer experts,” said Kirsten Edmiston, MD, Medical Director, Inova Cancer Services. “We want them to know that they don’t have to deal with survivor issues alone.”

Participants should register to attend. The $25 general admission fee includes lunch. No one will be turned away for inability to pay. For additional information or to register, call 703-750-8812 or visit www.inova.org/events.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.