Breakout Sessions

Breakout Sessions — Cluster 1

Friday, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

1. Cancer Survivorship: Planning for the Future
   Fran Zandstra, M.B.A., R.N., O.C.N., C.N.A.A.–B.C.
   There are nearly 12 million cancer survivors in the United Sates today. The National Cancer Institute defines a cancer survivor as anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the time of diagnosis through the balance of his or her life. Living with cancer refers to the experience of receiving a cancer diagnosis and any treatment that may follow. Living through cancer is the period following treatment in which the risk of cancer recurring is relatively high. Living beyond cancer refers to post-treatment and long-term survivorship. Each phase of survivorship brings different concerns. Survivors who are informed about their options and who feel they have personal control over decision-making generally perceive a higher quality of life than those who feel less informed and less in control. This workshop will discuss an easy-to-follow roadmap for managing your health during each phase of cancer survivorship.
   
2. Writing Your Way Through Hard Times
   Jim Chastain
   Author of “I Survived Cancer, But Never Won the Tour de France,” Mr. Chastain wrote this collection of essays and poetry “for the common guy with cancer.”  Although he never imagined himself as a cancer spokesman, he grew to feel that his story was too important to remain untold. A humorous tone allowed him to delve into more somber issues to help people understand what the bad days truly look like. Chastain will share how writing has helped him process his cancer journey.
   
3. Navigating the World of Health Insurance
   Ricki Hasou, B.S.
   In today’s marketplace, managed care (health insurance) plans are offered to employer groups and individuals as an alternative to traditional indemnity insurance. Understanding how health insurance policies work can be challenging. Often, the policy is not given much thought or understanding until just before or after a patient has a specific treatment. Knowing the right questions to ask of both the providers of care and the health insurance company in advance of medical care will help patients understand how their policy works. Understanding the basics of managed care, the patient ID card and the explanation of benefits can assist patients before and after a specific medical service is needed. Working together with providers, becoming as knowledgeable as possible on benefits and coverage and sharing information with providers will help patients work effectively with their health insurance policy when medical situations arise.
   
4. Acupuncture in Cancer Care
   M. Kay Garcia, D.P.H., M.S.N., R.N.
   In recent years, the use of complementary therapies has become increasingly popular, and research has shown that integrating modalities such as acupuncture may be beneficial for both treating and preventing disease and treatment-related health problems among cancer patients. This presentation will provide participants with an overview of how therapeutic approaches from traditional Chinese medicine are being integrated into cancer care. A focus on acupuncture with an update from recent research findings will be provided.
   
5. Dermatology Issues in the Cancer Patient
   Carol R. Drucker, M.D.
   Almost every cancer patient experiences some dermatologic manifestation of his disease and therapy. Hair loss is a concern for the majority of patients diagnosed with cancer. Chemotherapy and severe illness affect hair, nails and skin during the treatment phase and also may have long-term effects. In addition, immune suppressed cancer patients may be more susceptible to skin cancers.  Characteristics of effects on hair, nails and skin and review of skin cancers will be presented.
   
6. Caregivers: I’ve Got Feelings, Too!
   Phyddy Tacchi, R.N., C.N.S., L.M.F.T., L.P.C.
   Caring for a family member with cancer can bring great changes in the lives of both the patient and caregiver. Understandably, medical care is focused on the patient. In assisting the patient in meeting rigorous treatment demands, the caregiver may experience a mix of intense emotions. At one moment, it may feel that you have it all together and at the next moment you may find yourself overwhelmed with worry, fatigue, sadness and loneliness. It's often difficult to explain this unpredictable ebb and flow of emotional experiences to your loved one, family or friends. This presentation will assist the caregiver in building a personal framework of self-knowledge and coping skills, providing a way for you to regain a sense of safety, comfort, strength and energy. Following viewing of the video, we will discuss various ways to improve caregiver stress management skills.
   
7. Cuidados Paliativos y Tratamiento de Soporte
   Eduardo Bruera, M.D.
   El National Cancer Institute estima que en EEUU se producirán, en el año 2008, alrededor de 1,4 millones de casos nuevos de cáncer. Los enormes avances en el manejo clínico y el tratamiento del cáncer en los últimos 30 años han conducido a una mejoría del 66% en la supervivencia a 5 años. Nuestros pacientes viven más, pero también tienen que soportar durante más tiempo las consecuencias de la enfermedad y los efectos secundarios de los tratamientos.  En consecuencia, el éxito del tratamiento del cáncer ha aumentado las necesidades de cuidados entre los enfermos con cáncer y sus familiares desde el momento del diagnóstico, pasando por el largo periodo de tratamiento, hasta las etapas finales de la enfermedad
   
   La OMS ha definido los cuidados paliativos como el “enfoque que mejora la calidad de vida de pacientes y familias que se enfrentan a los problemas asociados con enfermedades amenazantes para la vida (como el cáncer), a través de la prevención y alivio del sufrimiento por medio de la identificación temprana e impecable evaluación y tratamiento del dolor y otros problemas, físicos, psicológicos y espirituales”. Un error frecuente respecto a la medicina paliativa es la creencia de que el tratamiento de base de la enfermedad debe ser suspendido para poder empezar a recibir cuidados paliativos.
   
   Tanto el Centro Oncológico M. D. Anderson como el propio Departamento de Cuidados Paliativos reconocen el tremendo estrés que sufren los pacientes y sus familiares desde el momento del diagnóstico del cáncer. El objetivo de los Cuidados Paliativos es aliviar los problemas físicos y psicológicos derivados de la enfermedad, apoyando tanto a los oncólogos como a los propios pacientes en el tratamiento del cáncer.

Breakout Sessions — Cluster 2

Friday, 1:30-3 p.m.

1. Exercise and the Cancer Survivor
   Naghma Ahmed, P.T.
   At M. D. Anderson, a cancer survivor is defined as anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the time of diagnosis and treatment through the remaining years of life. Surviving cancer and cancer treatment is a major achievement, and most if not all survivors find a new priority: keeping cancer from recurring. New research shows that regular physical activity helps reduce the risk of recurrence of some cancers and slows the advance of others. This session will present some of this research, highlight various modes of exercise and discuss exercise options that are appropriate for you, the survivor.
   
2. Surgical Options for Lymphedema in Cancer Patients
   David Chang, M.D., and Melissa Crosby, M.D.
   Lymphedema is a chronic and debilitating morbidity for people living with cancer either as a direct result of a tumor or as a side effect of treatment. Lymphedema is a progressive condition resulting from an abnormality or damage to the lymphatic system and is marked by an abnormal collection of excess tissue proteins, edema, chronic inflammation and fibrosis.
   
   Quality of life for patients with lymphedema, in both a physical and emotional sense, can be dramatically affected. Swelling causes a disproportion in the size of a part of the body and, as such, can interfere with mobility and may be disfiguring. Pain and discomfort are among the physical problems associated with lymphedema, as are recurrent infections and/or inflammation. Although the effects of lymphedema are substantial and can be devastating, it is generally under-reported and under-treated. Current management options of lymphedema include combined modality approaches: compression therapy, therapeutic exercises, pharmacotherapy and surgery. In this session we will discuss surgical options available for lymphedema.
   
3. Fear of Recurrence
   Mary Hughes, M.S., R.N., C.N.S.
   Fear of recurrent cancer is not uncommon in those who have finished cancer treatment.  As long as survivors are receiving cancer treatment, they often feel safe from more cancer. But when that treatment ends, their fear increases. Having the knowledge to discern between normal bodily changes and signs and symptoms of more disease is important. Knowing where your particular cancer spreads also gives you knowledge to live as a cancer survivor. Being able to distract and control the fear rather than letting it control you is a skill that will be discussed during this breakout session.
   
4. Diet Makes a Difference
   Kelly Hall, M.A., R.D., C.S.O., L.D., C.N.S.D.
   Unfortunately, cancer cannot always be prevented due to genetic and environmental factors. However, many people have more control than they think over the development and recurrence of cancer. It has been estimated that 30% to 50% of cancers could be prevented with the adoption of a healthy diet and lifestyle. The American Institute for Cancer Research published revised guidelines in 2007. Although nutrition information can sometimes be confusing and controversial, evidence is mounting which continues to clarify the relationship between diet and cancer. There are many easily adoptable changes that can be made to avoid or limit foods that have been positively associated with cancer risk, and to increase intake of foods that are actually protective against the carcinogens we encounter every day. 
   
5. It’s Your Life: Women’s Health Issues
   Elise Cook, M.D.
   Abstract not available.
   
6. Preparación contra el cáncer
   Maribel Robledo Sifuentes, M.S.      
   Por vivir en la costa del golfo, estamos familiarizados con los huracanes y como prepararnos contra ellos.  ¿Pero estaremos familiarizados con otro evento igual de inesperado y devastador-- como el cáncer?  ¿Si nos preparamos contra huracanes, por qué no contra el cáncer?  La preparación nos da más tiempo para pensar y opciones para considerar. Si pasara lo inesperado, nosotros, nuestra familia o amigos, podríamos responder rápida y eficazmente. En esta sesión, se presentará información sobre su riesgo al cáncer, métodos para prevenirlo, cuales pasos tomar si a usted o a un ser querido se le diagnostíca  el cáncer, e introducir los estudios clínicos como una opción viable para tratamiento.

Breakout Sessions — Cluster 3

Friday, 3:30-5 p.m.

1. Exercise and the Cancer Survivor
   Naghma Ahmed, P.T.
   At M. D. Anderson, a cancer survivor is defined as anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the time of diagnosis and treatment through the remaining years of life. Surviving cancer and cancer treatment is a major achievement, and most if not all survivors find a new priority: keeping cancer from recurring. New research shows that regular physical activity helps reduce the risk of recurrence of some cancers and slows the advance of others. This session will present some of this research, highlight various modes of exercise and discuss exercise options that are appropriate for you, the survivor.
   
2. Surgical Options for Lymphedema in Cancer Patients
   David Chang, M.D., and Melissa Crosby, M.D.
   Lymphedema is a chronic and debilitating morbidity for people living with cancer either as a direct result of a tumor or as a side effect of treatment. Lymphedema is a progressive condition resulting from an abnormality or damage to the lymphatic system, and it is marked by an abnormal collection of excess tissue proteins, edema, chronic inflammation and fibrosis.
   
   Quality of life for the patients with lymphedema, in both a physical and emotional sense, can be dramatically affected. Swelling causes a disproportion in the size of a part of the body and, as such, can interfere with mobility and also mey be disfiguring. Pain and discomfort feature among the physical problems associated with lymphedema, as do recurrent attacks of infection and inflammation.  Although the affects of lymphedema on a patient’s quality of life are substantial and can be devastating, it is generally under-reported and under-treated.
   
   Current management options of lymphedema include combined modality approaches: compression therapy, therapeutic exercises, pharmacotherapy and surgery. We will discuss surgical options available for lymphedema.
   
3. Fear of Recurrence
   Mary Hughes, M.S., R.N., C.N.S.
   Fear of recurrent cancer is not uncommon in those who have finished cancer treatment. As long as survivors are receiving cancer treatment, they often feel safe from more cancer. But when that treatment ends, their fear increases. Having the knowledge to discern between normal bodily changes and signs and symptoms of more disease is important. Knowing where your particular cancer spreads also gives you knowledge to live as a cancer survivor. Being able to distract and control the fear rather than letting it control you is a skill that will be discussed during this breakout session.
   
4. Diet Makes a Difference
   Kelly Hall, M.A., R.D., C.S.O., L.D., C.N.S.D.
   Unfortunately, cancer cannot always be prevented due to genetic and environmental factors. However, many people have more control than they think over the development and recurrence of cancer. It has been estimated that 30% to 50% of cancers could be prevented with the adoption of a healthy diet and lifestyle. The American Institute for Cancer Research published revised guidelines in 2007. Although nutrition information can sometimes be confusing and controversial, evidence is mounting which continues to clarify the relationship between diet and cancer. There are many easily adoptable changes that can be made to avoid or limit foods that have been positively associated with cancer risk, and to increase intake of foods that are actually protective against the carcinogens we encounter every day. 
   
5. La Diabetes en el Enfermo de Cáncer
   Tania De Los Reyes
   La diabetes es un grupo de enfermedades que se caracteriza por los altos niveles de la glucosa en la sangre causados por defectos en la produccion de insulina, en la acción de la insulina, o en ambas.  La diabetes en una enfermedad crónica que no tiene cura.  En los Estados Unidos, hay aproximadamente 20.8 millones de personas con diabetes, lo que equivale al 7% de la población.  Uno de cada tres estadounidenses nacidos en el año 2000 contraerá diabetes en algun momento de su vida.  Actualmente, no hay guías alimenticias oficiales con respecto a gestión de diabetes para enfermos con cáncer, pero las guías para el cuidado de la diabetes son en general apropriadas para todas las personas con diabetes.   Los sobrevivientes de cáncer representan uno de los grupos mas grandes de personas que viven con una enfermedad crónica.  El Instituto Nacional de Cáncer estima que en el año 2007, 10.5 millones de estadounidenses fueron diagnosticados con cáncer.  El  cáncer y la diabetes comparten factores communes de riesgo: la edad, la obesidad, la inactividad física, dieta pobre, y factores genéticos y ambientales.  El comer una dieta nutritiva y mantenerse físicamente activo cada dia puede ayudar a muchos estadounidenses, incluyendo a los latinos con cáncer, a mejorar su salud.

Breakout Sessions — Cluster 4

Saturday, 12:25-1:55 p.m.

1. Cancer Survivorship and Health Policy
   Lewis Foxhall, M.D.
   The number of cancer survivors has grown steadily over the last several years, but health policy related to this issue has not kept pace. The report on cancer survivorship published by the widely respected Institute of Medicine pointed to several areas of policy that need attention. These range from the need for better clinical guidelines to financial policies governing payment for services to recommendations on the transfer of information from cancer centers to community physicians. All of these may have a significant impact on how we deliver care to survivors and how survivors, community physicians and cancer centers work together more effectively to provide the best care for survivors. The much-anticipated proposals on national health care system reform also will play an important role.
   
2. Tea for Health and Quality of Life
   Thia McKann
   Tea is the most popular beverage world-wide behind water. It has a 5,000-year history in China. It was a medicine long before it was a beverage. Taste five teas: white, green, oolong, black and rooibos. Learn where the teas come from, how they are processed, how to properly brew them, how they affect health and well- being. We will discuss the differences between coffee and tea and how they affect the body. You will be amazed at the things you will learn about tea.
   
3. What Can You Do About Treatment Side Effects
   Valerie Stiner, O.C.N., R.N.
   Abstract not available.
   
4. Young Adult Survivors and Their Stinkin’ Issues
   Anna R.K. Franklin, M.D.
   Most young adults have issues; it’s just part of becoming independent. But when cancer is thrown into the mix, there are even more issues. Each year, 70,000 adolescents and young adults are diagnosed with cancer in the United States. At M.D. Anderson, we are developing programs to ensure you receive the best care possible for your cancer — as well as everything else that is going on in your life.
   
5. Proton Therapy at M. D. Anderson
   Andrew Lee, M.D.
   Proton therapy is a special form of external beam radiation therapy that uses small particles (i.e. protons) rather than x-rays. The unique physical properties of protons allow them to deposit most of their energy at the tumor and avoid irradiating tissue beyond the tumor. This allows physicians to treat the tumor to higher radiation doses (which maximizes local control) and minimize radiation exposure to healthy tissue (which decreases side effects). This presentation will cover the basic elements of proton therapy delivery and how it can be used in various disease sites such as the prostate, brain, lung and pediatric cancers.
   
6. Hearing Loss and Dizziness in Cancer Patients
   Hilary Hamby, Au.D., C.C.C.-A.
   Hearing loss affects 25 percent of those over the age of 65. It is characterized by a decrease in the overall loudness of sound that is generally accompanied by reduced understandability of speech often leading to social isolation. Dizziness, characterized by a sense of unsteadiness and light-headedness, is the most common complaint to physicians from older patients, and if not addressed, can lead to falls with dangerous consequences. Hearing loss and dizziness are common complications of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, because of the damage they cause to the auditory and/or vestibular systems. Although the damage may be permanent, the effects do not have to be. Rehabilitation options such as hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and/or vestibular retraining, can minimize the impact of these side effects. This presentation will discuss the etiology, functional impact and rehabilitation of hearing loss and dizziness in patients with cancer.