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Program to help people understand cancerby Cindy AbolePublic Relations MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society have teamed up to provide Lowcountry area patients, families and friends with the latest cancer coping strategies and information through a new health education program entitled, “I Can Cope.” The series is organized into five, two-hour educational classes held on alternating Thursdays from April 27 to June 15 at the Hollings Cancer Center. Health professionals will present cancer-related topics, lead discussions and answer questions. The upcoming programs will address alternative therapies like nutrition, herbal therapy and other complementary cancer therapies. “We wanted to spearhead this effort by offering an informal teaching session to our patients, their families and the public,” said Carolyn Reed, M.D., associate director of Clinical Affairs at HCC. “Information access today is so great. With the advent of the Internet and other forms of media, the public is reading more and thirsting for medical information, especially subjects surrounding cancer.” The first session, “Cancer 101: What is Cancer?/Coping with the Side Effects of Treatment,” will feature Hollings oncologist Frank Brescia, M.D. and Marilyn Schaffner, clinical director of MUSC’s Digestive Disease Center, and a cancer survivor. The establishment of this partnership has the potential to fulfill the Lowcountry community’s needs for cancer awareness through treatment, prevention and control, according to Reed. She hopes the series will enhance the development of other programs to support patients in psychosocial and behavioral needs like stress management, smoking cessation classes, etc. “This is a great collaboration,” said Andrea Voden, community cancer control manager of Charleston’s American Cancer Society. “It re-establishes our presence in the community and reaffirms to the public that MUSC and the American Cancer Society can be partners in helping people in need.” “I Can Cope” was developed by the American Cancer Society as an on going national education series. It is offered as a yearly support program and forum for cancer patients in all stages of the disease and their families in conjunction with area hospitals and medical institutions. The joint program was spurred by the results from an HCC patient satisfaction survey, according to Michelle Peterson, outcomes manager for oncology. The survey, which asks specific questions regarding a patient’s needs, is presented to all cancer patients at the beginning of their visit and is later returned. “The results will help us meet the specific needs of our patients,” Peterson said. The program coincides with the center’s focus on prevention and wellness. These efforts will be guided by the HCC Citizen’s Advisory Council, a group of about 70 statewide supporters and advocates, mostly composed of current and former cancer patients, their families and other individuals affected by the disease. Their role is to promote cancer awareness and education throughout South Carolina, provide volunteer support and devise programs to connect patients and families with community services. “It’s really important that we initiate educating the public in the areas of cancer prevention, control and research,” Reed said. “Providing patients and families with a broad medical background should be part of our job as physicians and healers.” Hollings Cancer Center American Cancer Society
“I Can Cope” Program
May 4—Where Do Vitamins and Herbal Therapy Fit in Cancer Treatment?
May 18—Nutrition and Healing
June 1—Communicating Cancer Concerns: Impact on the Family
June 15—Integrating Complementary and Alternative Medicines
Schaffner shares survivor’s attitudeIt was less than a year ago when Marilyn Schaffner received the shock of her life. What she remembers most about that frozen moment was staring in wide-eyed disbelief just as her physician’s lips finished forming the two-syllable word that every patient dreads to hear, cancer.“I remember my body being numb and just shutting down for about 24-hours,” said Schaffner, who is clinical director of MUSC’s Digestive Disease Center and Oncology Services, “My mind suddenly became a sponge. I wanted to read everything about cancer and gather information on the Internet. I couldn’t get enough.” Schaffner is a breast cancer survivor. Today, she is back to work and openly talks to people about her experience. Her greatest message is reminding patients that they can play an active role in their cancer care and still benefit from the support of families, friends and other caregivers. She will appear with co-speaker Frank Brescia, M.D., professor of medicine, Department of Hematology/Oncology during a joint educational seminar on cancer sponsored by MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society’s “I Can Cope” program beginning on April 27. Schaffner will be wearing two hats during her presentation in the program’s first session titled, “Cancer 101: What is Cancer?/Coping with the Side Effects of Treatment.” First, she will don the hat of a nurse discussing with the audience about cancer education, resources and the personal fact finding process. Then, she will wear the hat of a cancer survivor-sharing personal experiences, practical tips and challenges about battling the disease. “I want to talk about how I managed my cancer treatment and cover other aspects that aren’t usually talked about,” said Schaffner, who kept an ongoing file of notes and ideas during her chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She’ll devote some of her presentation on the subject of sexuality and body image, plus discuss the effects that often force most peri-menopausal women to go into a menopausal state. The program is the first in a series of sessions that focus on cancer education, specifically prevention and control. “I know I was fortunate to be right here at MUSC,” Schaffner said. “I got great support from my MUSC family—the nurses, physicians and staff helped me manage complications and challenges during chemotherapy. I also received invaluable emotional support from my own family. That’s something I learned that can never be replaced.” |