Contact: Michael Courtney
713/792-0663 [email protected]
Conference for prostate cancer patients and families slated Oct. 29
HOUSTON--A two-day conference begins here Oct. 29 to help men get to the bottom of the myriad of choices available today for treating prostate cancer.
The conference, called Issues in Prostate Cancer: A Conference for Patients & Families, is sponsored by The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. The conference will be held Friday, Oct. 29, and Saturday, Oct. 30, at the South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center, 2500 South Shore Blvd. in League City. It is designed for prostate cancer patients and their families and will focus on treatment options such as "watchful waiting," surgery, cryosurgery, thermotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy.
Complementary therapies such as pain management, acupuncture, massage and meditation will be discussed. Speakers also will outline experimental therapies ranging from gene therapy to angiogenesis inhibitors.
"The conference will focus on the person with prostate cancer -- not just the tumor, and will include topics such as side effects of treatment and family concerns, as well as holistic care, complementary therapies, and psychosocial support," said Dr. Andrew C. von Eschenbach. Dr. von Eschenbach, one of the conference chairmen, directs M. D. Anderson's Prostate Cancer Research Program and the Program Center-Genitourinary Cancers.
Friday afternoon's sessions on prostate cancer treatment will include a panel discussion with audience participation and a discussion of how patients can utilize the Internet and other health resources for gathering information.
Saturday's sessions include topics such as the genetic, familial and racial susceptibility to prostate cancer, sexuality and intimacy, and preventing or correcting incontinence following local therapies.
Advanced registration for attending the conference is encouraged as space and materials are limited. On-site registration opens at noon on Friday, Oct. 29, with the opening session beginning at 1 p.m.
For more information about the conference, or to obtain registration forms, please call the Conference Services office at M. D. Anderson, (713) 792-2222.
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10/15/99
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