Detroit, MI - To help increase knowledge about resources and services for young adults with breast cancer, breast cancer survivors and their caregivers, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Program for Breast Cancer in Young Adults is hosting a free Young Breast Cancer Symposium on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The symposium is being hosted in partnership with Karmanos Cancer Institute and Gilda’s of Detroit. The event will bring together those with cancer, breast cancer survivors and health care providers to learn more about breast cancer in the young. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines young survivors as those who are diagnosed under the age of 45.
It is being offered in a hybrid format, with a virtual option hosted via Zoom. In-person meetings will be hosted by Gilda's Club Metro Detroit locations:
- Royal Oak: 3517 Rochester Road, Royal Oak
- St. Clair Shores: 23500 Pare Street, Suite 1, St. Clair Shores
- Detroit: 2470 Collingwood Street, Detroit
“Young adults with breast cancer often feel isolated,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Their experience with cancer is unique in that it tends to coincide with other major life experiences such as pursuing an education or starting a career. A cancer prognosis for young adults is life-altering and comes with challenges ranging from body image issues to fertility preservation.”
The symposium will feature keynote speaker Dr. Catalina Lawsin, Ph.D, licensed clinical psychologist, who will talk about reclaiming sexuality after cancer, with a focus on common sexual changes after cancer and strategies to consciously connect.
There will also be several breakout sessions available, including:
- Fertility/Reproductive Concerns for the Young Cancer Survivor, Dr. Mili Thakur, MD, FACOG
- Hope for Financial Toxicity, Ashley Ochoa, MBA
- Diet Considerations After Cancer, Erin Pellegrin, RD, LDN
- Cancer Myths, Dr. Hadeel Assad, MD
- When Cancer is Hereditary: Why it is Important to Know and What You Can Do, Angela Trepanier, MS, Licensed Genetic Counselor
- Medical Care for Post Treatment Survivors, Dr. Michael Simon, MD
See: Program for Breast Cancer in Young Adults
To register, visit the Young Breast Cancer Symposium Registration page