Cancer survivors’ conference in Cork

THE Irish Cancer Society has issued an open invitation to people who have survived the disease and their families to attend their free annual conference, which this year will take place in Cork.

Entitled ‘Living Well With Cancer’, the conference, which is being held under the auspices if Cancer Week 2018, will take place at the Clayton Hotel, Silver Springs on Saturday, September 22.

It is one of two conferences being held by the society this year, the other one taking place in Galway the previous Saturday.

It is anticipated that up to 500 survivors, their carers, health care professionals and staff and volunteers from community-based cancer support services will attend the Cork event, which will run from 10am to 4.30pm.

Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power said the conference was an essential part of their work and aims to provide information and support to enable people to “live well” after a cancer diagnosis.

“It is estimated that there are more than 150,000 people now living with or beyond cancer in Ireland and there is a growing need to understand the life-changing implications that a diagnosis can have for both the patient and their loved ones,” said Ms Power.

“I am delighted to announce details of our annual conference, which for the first year will take place in two locations. We hope that by bringing the conference to Cork and Galway it will encourage even more people than before to attend,” she added

She said the conference, now in its 25th year, would allow people to share their stories and experiences, learn about new issues and “most importantly, support each other in the process.”

“Attendees will hear from a range of speakers who will share their experiences, stories and expert knowledge. Delegates will be offered the opportunity to engage with cancer experts, with a particular emphasis on the emotional and psychological effects of cancer and keeping well into the future,” said Ms Power.

The event will also incorporate practical workshops addressing a wide range of subjects including exercise, diet, mindfulness and employment.

“Bringing survivors together so that they may befriend and support each other is a powerful way of improving the lives of those living with cancer,” said Ms Power.

For more information about the conference and to register to attend visit www.cancer.ie/living-well, email support@cancer.ie of contact the Cancer Nurseline on 1800 200 700.