CopeLink

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) reports that in the United States, pancreatic cancer is the fourth deadliest cancer, and the five-year survival rates continue to be bleak. This is because 53% are diagnosed when the cancer is advanced and surgery is no longer an option — treatment is more difficult and often so severe that quality of life issues are paramount to longevity.  

Although the numbers can be discouraging , there continues to be bright spots on the horizon. 

• There are many clinical trials investigating combining chemotherapy drugs for additional efficacy. Three completed trials have found modest results improving survival rates.  This is going to be a long and hard fight.
• There has been a greater understanding of the role of genetics, which will assist doctors in making earlier diagnoses and create more successful interventions.
• There is buzz about a comprehensive pancreatic cancer vaccine and more breakthroughs among surgical solutions making the surgical option available to more people.
• Pancreatic cancer is just beginning to get the attention it needs and deserves in terms of research dollars and medical exploration.  The death of Patrick Swayze and the diagnoses of both Steve Jobs and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg bring the disease more essential visibility. 

CancerCare has responded to the needs of people with pancreatic cancer and their caregivers by providing:

• A Connect Education Workshop entitled “Medical Update on Pancreatic Cancer”
• A telephone support group for people with pancreatic cancer
• A telephone support group for caregivers of people with pancreatic cancer 
• An online support group for caregivers
• Co-payment assistance through the CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation 

To learn more about how we help, visit our website or call 1-800-813-HOPE (4673).

The Brain Tumor Foundation will hold its 8^th Annual Brain Tumor Awareness Day Conference providing information and support to brain tumor patients, their caregivers and families.  Learn from experts about the latest in treatment options and patient care, recent developments in research and clinical trials, and complementary therapies.

Conference Highlights:
* Presentations and panel discussions
* Q&A with experts
* Concurrent support group sessions led by experienced facilitators

Date:
Sunday, November 15, 2009

Location:
Lighthouse Executive Conference Center
111 East 59th Street
(between Park & Lexington Avenues)
New York, NY 10022
Get directions and parking information here.

Time:
8:00 AM
Registration, Breakfast, Meet & Greet

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Conference Program

Registration:
Registration is $20 per person. Groups of 4 or more, registering together, 4th person and each additional person is $15.  Registration includes admission to the program, breakfast, luncheon, coffee breaks, and an optional free onsite MRI brain scan on a first come, first serve basis only.

Download the registration and sponsorship form here.

Return completed forms with payment by:
Mail: 1350 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 1200, New York, NY 10019
Fax: 212-489-0203

On Sunday, August 23, CNN.com will stream a roundtable discussion between global cancer experts, advocates and researchers  from the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit in Dublin.  “Vital Signs: The Clinic” will provide a candid look at the latest cancer treatments and give CNN.com users around the world an opportunity to submit their own questions to the experts. 

The webcast will be led by CNN’s chief medical correspondent and host of “Vital Signs,” Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and include experts from World Health Organization, Cancer Research UK, and other leading organizations.