Kildare cancer sufferers invited to annual conference next month

By Kim O'Leary

The Irish Cancer Society is inviting anyone affected by cancer in Kildare to its annual free conference for cancer survivors and their families entitled Living Well with Cancer, which will take place during Cancer Week 2017.

The conference takes place in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin commencing at 1.30pm to 6pm on Friday 29 and 9am to 3.30pm on Saturday 30 August.

Up to 150,000 people are now living with or beyond cancer in Ireland and there is a growing need to understand the life changing implications a cancer diagnosis can bring. The two day event will see up to 800 cancer patients, survivors and their supporters travelling to Dublin from all over Ireland to attend the conference

For the first time, as part of the overall conference, the Society will also offer a dedicated seminar aimed exclusively at those who have secondary or metastatic cancer called Living with Secondary Cancer – What Happens Now That It’s Back?

This tailor-made programme will address the specific psychological and quality of life needs of those with secondary cancer as well as offering an update on treatments and an overview of clinical trials.

Donal Buggy, Head of Services and Advocacy at the Irish Cancer Society said: “I am delighted to announce the details of our 24th annual conference, which is an essential part of the Society’s work. It’s an opportunity to hear first-hand from cancer patients, survivors and their families and also to hear the expert views of our guest speakers. The conference allows us to share stories, learn about new issues and most importantly, support each other in the process. “

He said: “Receiving a secondary cancer diagnosis is a very different experience from a primary diagnosis and the needs of those people are very different. People with secondary cancer can often feel isolated and alone. That is why the Society is pleased to offer a separate, dedicated seminar exclusively for those with a diagnosis of secondary cancer. This programme will offer information and support, and an opportunity to meet with others who have had similar experiences.”

Mr Buggy said: “The overall aim of this unique conference is to identify issues important to anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer and to support patients and those close to them need to make the necessary adjustments in order to live as well as they can following their diagnosis.”

The two day programme includes practical information on treatment advances, dealing with fatigue, exercise and diet as well as dealing with the emotional and psychological effects of cancer.

For more information or to register to attend go to www.cancer.ie/livingwell2017 or call the Irish Cancer Society on 01 2310500.