While recent advances in diagnosis and treatment have improved brain tumor survival rates, persistent neurological and cognitive deficits are common according to “A New Reality: Long-Term Survivorship With a Malignant Brain Tumor,” a recently published study funded by the American Brain Tumor Association. Lead investigator of the study Mary Lovely, PhD, RN, CNRN, is among presenters scheduled to address survivorship issues at the American Brain Tumor Association’s annual Patient & Family Conference Fri., July 26 and Sat., July 27.
According to Lovely, who is also a senior advisor for the ABTA’s national programs and services, “some of these deficits prevent survivors from resuming previously routine activities and lead to profound challenges as both patients and caregivers struggle to regain control of their lives.”
Lovely will present her findings on common challenges confronting brain tumor survivors including safety concern, seizures, emotional and behavioral changes, and loss of intimacy, and how all of these issues factor into both the patient’s and the family’s new normal.
Managing post-treatment cognitive and physical side effects, regaining and maintaining strength through nutrition and fitness, the decision of “if and when” to return to work, and reconciling with limitations when resuming daily activities will also be discussed.
“For many patients and families, surviving a brain tumor is the beginning of the journey,” said Elizabeth Wilson, president and CEO of the American Brain Tumor Association. “After a brain tumor diagnosis and completion of treatments, the road to wellness can be ongoing for both the patient and the caregiver as each learns to adjust and adapt to their brain tumor survivorship. This conference features professionals from a range of disciplines who are expert in assisting individuals, couples and families in this process.”
Conference attendees will have the opportunity to hear from and speak with prominent national experts from such prestigious institutions as Cleveland Clinic, Duke University, Emory University, Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The Ohio State University and Roswell Park Cancer Institute. The presenters will be available for Q&A sessions at the conclusion of their sessions.
The conference is being held at the Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites Hotel, 8500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. in Chicago. To register, visit http://www.braintumorconference.org or call 800-886-ABTA (2282).
Sponsors for the 2013 Patient & Family Conference include Genentech, Inc., Northwest Biotherapeutics, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Alexian Brothers Neuroscience Institute, Cleveland Clinic Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Novocure Inc., Procure Proton Therapy Center, The Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute and The Ohio State University.
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ABOUT THE AMERICAN BRAIN TUMOR ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1973, the American Brain Tumor Association was first and is now the only national organization committed to funding brain tumor research and providing support and education programs for all tumor types and all age groups. For more information, visit http://www.abta.org.
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