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1st appeared
13
November
2000
Forum to Address Similarities of Breast, Prostate Cancer American Cancer Society and UCSF will present a forum to discuss common issues between breast and prostate cancer on Saturday, November 18, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Cole Hall. The forum -- "Healing Choices, Bridging Communities 2000" -- will feature community leaders, medical experts and cancer survivors, who will lead an innovative, day-long dialogue on issues such as risk reduction, intimacy after treatment, integrative therapies, advocating for one’s own health, and overcoming the often devastating emotional impact of a breast or prostate cancer diagnosis. Breast and prostate cancer, the most common cancers (other than skin cancer) among women and men respectively, have many factors in common, according to forum co-chair Marc Shuman, MD, UCSF professor of medicine and director of the UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center Genito-Urinary Cancer Program. "The two diseases have similar risk factors, overlapping treatment pathways and comparable implications for emotional health and intimate relations," Shuman said. Research suggests, for example, that regular physical activity and a diet low in fat may reduce the risk of both diseases. Experts will also address similarities in the way the diseases impact intimacy. Because of the role the breast and prostate play in intimate relationships, these cancers are often accompanied by concerns about how the diseases may affect a person’s sexuality. Breast and prostate cancer are also similar in that they are hormonally influenced and both are sometimes treated by hormone-blocking drugs. For both diseases this course of treatment can further affect sexual relationships and heighten concerns about gender identity, Shuman said. "In traditional support groups and information sessions people talk about breast and prostate cancer primarily in the company of others with the disease," explained Shuman. "This forum provides people with the important opportunity to discuss their concerns alongside their partner, on whom they rely for support and who may be involved in their treatment decisions." San Francisco Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr., will kick off the event by welcoming participants. Numerous other community leaders and experts will speak, including State Senator Jackie Speier; San Francisco Supervisor Mark Leno; Andy Grove, chairman of Intel Corporation and a prostate cancer survivor; and Ernie Bodai, MD, director of Breast Health Services at Kaiser Permanente in Northern California, who is a prostate cancer survivor and originator of the breast cancer stamp. This year, prostate cancer will strike an estimated 21,180 California men, and will kill 3,285. During the same period, approximately 20,045 California women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 4,380 will lose their lives to the disease. Tickets to attend the forum are $10, and space is limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 650/578-9902, extension 310. Links: Healing Choices Program Details UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center Source: Leslie Harris, News Services |
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