National Conference, Diversity in Psychosocial Oncology
More than 200 health professionals and caregivers from across Canada and the United States, will gather in Halifax from Wednesday, May 7 to Saturday, May 10, for the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology annual conference.
The conference theme, Taking Diversity into Account: Issues of Diversity in Psychosocial Oncology, will be presented through a combination of lectures, presentations and workshops. Conference participants will explore the psychosocial needs of cancer patients and their loved ones, as well as the challenges and rewards of working with diverse, multicultural communities.
Conference participants will include medical and radiation oncologists, psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, social workers, spiritual care advisors, nutritionists and occupational health therapists, among others.
"Coping with cancer is emotionally and physically draining for patients and caregivers," said Dr. Deborah McLeod, Clinical Scientist, Capital Health Cancer Care Program. "However, research suggests the burden is far greater among minority groups and marginalized communities. That's why this year's conference is exploring ways we can better support cancer patients from the perspective of diversity and cultural safety."
The conference will open with a public lecture by Carol Ann Cole, motivational speaker, author and breast cancer survivor. Her lecture, Exploring the Emotional Consequences of Cancer: the Journey Continues, will be held at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, 1919 Upper Water St., Halifax, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7.
For more information on the keynote speakers, their field study and conference topics can be found online at: www.capo.ca/eng/2008_conference_keynote.asp .
Other topics to be explored within the psychosocial context of supporting patients during and beyond cancer treatment include: spirituality and religious beliefs, social context, stage of life, family and geographic differences.
The Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology is a registered Canadian charitable organization dedicated to the understanding, treatment and study of the social, psychological, emotional, spiritual and quality-of-life aspects of cancer. The association is represented by a network of professionals trained to help patients and families cope with the emotional, psychological and social stresses that often surface in the course of cancer and its treatment.