http://www.spacecoastmedicine.com/2011/10/cancer-survivorship-summit-bonds-patients-physicians.html
CENTRAL FLORIDA, USA (Oct. 21, 2011) – Being diagnosed with cancer is never something anyone seeks. It tests the foundation of individual dignity and courage in ways seldom imagined.
In facing the challenges of cancer with a positive attitude and a will to survive, many have found the experience brings them more in touch with life and reaches the very fabric of their existence.
On Oct. 14, a group of those who have overcome the insidious disease gathered at La Cita County Club in Titusville to share their stories, make new friends and learn from leading physicians and researchers about advances in the treatment and prevention of cancer.
The 4th annual Survivorship Summit for Cancer Survivors was sponsored by the Space Coast Cancer Center and drew more than 25 people who have triumphed over various forms of cancer.
The annual event continues to grow because cancer survivors find hope and encouragement in gathering like these, said Dr. Richard Levine, Space Coast Cancer Center director.
“We believe that helping patients understand their medical condition, benefits of treatment, as well as short-term and long-term side effects, will assist them and their caregivers,” Levine said. “Our goal is to allay anxiety with information and access to knowledgeable healthcare specialists.”
He said medical literature suggests that patients who are engaged in their healthcare are more compliant with receiving their treatment on schedule, have an improved cure rate, as well as fewer symptoms and an overall enhancement of the quality of life.
“Additionally, participants in the summit can share their own experiences and support each other,” Levine said.
Speakers at the event included Dr. R. Duff Sprawls, who discussed complementary alternative medicine for cancer; Dr. Cynthia J. Bryant, who shared with survivors the latest advances in being made in radiation techniques; Dr. Robert Bridwell, who talked about cancer from a patient’s perspective; and Dr. Thomas Sellers, who led a discussion about whether lifestyles influence the risk of cancer recurrence or survival.
“The Survivorship Summit at Space Coast Cancer Center began as an initiative by the physicians when we opened our cancer center in Titusville in 2008,” Levine said. “We are very appreciative of the support we receive from the community as well as the expertise provided by the expert speakers. Both Dr. Sprawls and Dr. Bryant have been the lead presenters each year and we also sponsor outside experts in their field to join the summit agenda. We look forward to continuing our annual event with the goal of continuing to help our community.”
John Riordan, Space Coast Cancer Center manager of marketing and communication, said events like the cancer survivor summit demonstrate a bond between patients and medical professionals in understanding cancer and finding solutions to eradicate it from everyday life.
“This is an annual event that is very important to the physicians and staff of Space Coast Cancer Center and a great resource for the community,” Riordan said. “The event gives each attendee an opportunity to listen to the leaders in cancer treatment, research and recovery, as well as a chance to ask questions personal to their well-being.”
Space Coast Cancer Center has been serving residents of Brevard County since 1983 and is one of the premier hematology/oncology practices in the area with locations in Titusville, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and Viera.
For more information, visit www.spacecoastcancer.com
