Empowering The Mind, Body And Spirit A Focus At The BC Cancer Agency's Community Cancer Forum, Canada

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Conferences
Article Date: 29 Nov 2007 - 13:00 PDT

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The mind is a strong tool in the fight against cancer. Empowering the body, mind and spirit will be a key focus at this year's BC Cancer Agency Community Cancer Forum, sponsored by the Provincial Health Services Authority.

When a loved one has cancer, family and friends become partners on a journey through care and treatment. Cancer patients, their families, and caregivers are invited to learn how to better navigate this journey at the BC Cancer Agency's Community Cancer Forum, and ask any pertinent questions they may have.

The free open forum brings together experts in the field to address the many issues and concerns that affect cancer patients, their family and friends.

"Cancer, like other life-threatening diseases, strikes all levels, and it's important for patients to learn how to heal physically, psychologically and emotionally. With this knowledge, we can literally affect our own health," says Dr. Robert Rutledge, radiation oncologist at the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre, and a special guest speaker at this year's Community Cancer Forum.

Dr. Rutledge will be holding two unique education sessions at the forum. One session is Integrative cancer care: Five steps to empowering body, mind and spirit. The five steps, according to Dr. Rutledge, are getting the best out of the medical system, empowering body with simple effective health habits like exercise and nutrition, working with difficult emotions, nurturing a spiritual life, and loving yourself.

The second session will focus on inspiring stories of patients' cancer journey - how they are able to reframe their experience and find peace and healing during difficult times.

"Self-care and self love is the starting point to healing," says Dr. Rutledge, "Each day is precious, whether we live for two more years, or 52 more. How long we're going to live shouldn't influence how we live today."

Dr. Rutledge's educational sessions are just several of the highlights at the BC Cancer Agency's Community Cancer Forum.

Other sessions at this public forum include:

- Picking up the pieces: Moving forward after surviving cancer
- Ten ways to prevent cancer and its recurrence with diet and lifestyle
- The latest in cancer treatments: Participating in clinical trials
- Managing pain and fatigue (in Cantonese)

Participants and attendees can also visit displays from the BC Cancer Agency and community partners.

The BC Cancer Agency's Community Cancer Forum is free and registration is not required. It will be held at the Westin Bayshore Resort & Marina, 1601 Bayshore Drive, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 1. For more information, please visit this link.

The BC Cancer Agency, an Agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency.

BC Cancer Agency

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