Annual Symposium Focuses on Prostate and Cervical Cancer

CANCER CARE N.S. Annual Symposium Focuses on Prostate and Cervical Cancer

Nationally and internationally recognized clinicians and researchers in prostate and cervical cancer research and treatment will share their expertise this month at the 4th Annual Cape Breton Cancer Symposium.

This year, the symposium's focus is Prostate and Cervical Cancer:
Advances and Challenges. It will be held on Friday, Oct. 26, at Centre 200 in Sydney. More than 300 participants from around the Maritimes are expected to attend.

The conference will allow doctors and health-care professionals to share current insights into prostate and cervical cancer. Presentations will cover a variety of areas including: prostate cancer in Canada, advances in management of localized prostate cancer, cervical cancer in Nova Scotia and barriers to cervical screening.

"The symposium is designed to share the most current research and knowledge about these types of cancers so we can help our patients," says Mona Baryluk, a clinical trials nurse at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre and co-chair of the symposium organizing committee. "Bringing family physicians, specialists and other health-care professionals together in this educational forum definitely helps enhance our team approach to cancer treatment."

The lineup of speakers also includes a presentation by Judy Rebick, well known Canadian political commentator, author and host of the CBC Newsworld television program Straight from the Hip. Her keynote address, titled Politics and Gender Specific Cancers, is expected to be a unique and insightful link to the conference's focus.

The annual symposium is becoming recognized as one of the major cancer education events in the region. Dr. Andrew Padmos, commissioner of Cancer Care Nova Scotia, said interest continues to grow.

"This is in step with the expanding range of cancer services and supports provided by the dedicated professionals in the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, headed by Jean MacPhee and Dr. Ron MacCormick," said Dr. Padmos.

A community-based group will be recognized at the conference with the annual Cape Breton Cancer Symposium Community Award. This award is presented to an individual or organization that makes exceptional contributions to cancer prevention and care in the community.

The symposium is presented by the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, Cancer Care Nova Scotia and the Cape Breton District Health Authority. It is sponsored by Dalhousie University Continuing Medical Education.