CANCER support groups from Donegal will attend the Irish Cancer Society’s National Conference for Cancer Survivorship which takes place in Dublin next month.
The free conference for cancer survivors will take place in the Aviva Stadium where representatives from Coiste Scaoil Saor ó Ailse, Gweedore and Living Beyond Cancer, Letterkenny will attend.
The conference, entitled Living Well with Cancer, is open to cancer survivors, their family and friends and aims to tackle the physical and emotional consequences that a cancer diagnosis and treatment can bring.
The conference is being held as part of Ireland’s first Cancer Week. The Irish Cancer Society and Trinity College Dublin have teamed up to hold Cancer Week which will run from September 15th – 21st, 2014. The focus of the week is ‘Living with Cancer’.
A number of events will bring together national and international clinical and scientific leaders and cancer survivorship experts to discuss improvements in cancer treatments as well as tackling the physical and emotional consequences that a cancer diagnosis and treatment can bring.
The aim of the week is to highlight the increasing rates of cancer survivorship and how more people are living well with, and beyond, cancer. Clinicians, scientists and cancer survivorship experts will explain how despite rising cancer cases, advances in the early detection and treatment of cancer are changing the landscape for those with a cancer diagnosis. Over 60%1 of people in Ireland survive for five years or longer after a cancer diagnosis and go on to live a normal and healthy life.
It is expected that 800 cancer survivors will be in attendance at the Irish Cancer Society’s conference which will provide an opportunity for cancer survivors to get together and share information and support on all aspects of a cancer diagnosis, including treatment and aftercare. Coiste Scaoil Saor ó Ailse and Living Beyond Cancer are affiliated with the Irish Cancer Society and offer a wide range of services and support to those on a cancer journey and their loved ones.
Olwyn Ryan, Patient Support Groups Manager at the Irish Cancer Society said: “The transition from cancer patient to survivor can be difficult for those on a cancer journey. While many people adapt well, others experience problems in adjusting to life after a cancer diagnosis. Access to information and support to deal with issues such as fear of the cancer coming back, financial strain and long term side effects of treatment is vital.
She added: “We welcome Coiste Scaoil Saor ó Ailse and Living Beyond Cancer who are attending the conference and encourage any cancer survivors in Donegal who might be interested in coming along to do so. The aim of the conference is to give delegates the opportunity to engage with experts in the field and to introduce them to other survivors so that they may help and support each other.”
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