Six out of ten people surviving cancer in Ireland

Cancer cases are rising but more people are surviving cancer in Ireland, says the Irish Cancer Society as it launches its National Conference for Cancer Survivorship today. Thanks to advances in the early detection and treatment of cancer, over 60% of people in Ireland survive for five years or longer after a cancer diagnosis and go on to live a normal and healthy life.

Up to 100,000 people are now living with cancer in Ireland and there is a growing need to understand better the life changing implications a cancer diagnosis brings. The Irish Cancer Society will hold a free conference for cancer survivors and their families entitled Living Well with Cancer to look at and address the needs of cancer survivors across the country. The two day event which will run on September 21st and 22nd at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin will see up to 800 cancer survivors in attendance.

Olwyn Ryan, Patients Support Services Manager at the Irish Cancer Society said, “The transition from cancer patient to cancer survivor can be difficult for those on a cancer journey. While many people adapt well, others experience problems in adjusting to life after a cancer diagnosis. Access to information and support to deal with issues such as fear of the cancer coming back, financial strain and long term side effects of treatment is vital.

“The aim of this unique conference is to identify the issues and support patients and those close to them need to make the necessary adjustments in order to live as well as they can following a diagnosis. Delegates will be offered the opportunity to engage with experts in the field of cancer with a particular emphasis on psycho-social adjustment and keeping well into the future. Bringing survivors together so that they may befriend, help and support each other is a powerful way of improving the lives of those living with cancer,” Ms Ryan concluded.

The two day programme includes practical information on treatment advances, dealing with fatigue, exercise and diet as well as dealing with the emotional and psychological effects of cancer. There will also be separate tracks for healthcare professionals and affiliated support groups. A snapshot of the main speakers includes:

• Patricia Ganz, USA - Understanding the Late Effects of Cancer Treatment
• Christy Kenneally, Ireland - Journeying Beyond Cancer, the Importance of Communication
• Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy, Ireland - Spirituality, The Healing Power of Presence
• Karl Henry, Fitness Expert, Ireland - The Role of Physical Activity in Cancer Survivorship & Quality of Life
• Prof John Crown, Ireland - The Treatment of Breast Cancer in Younger Women
• Keith Bellizzi, USA - Recapturing Joy & Finding Meaning

For more information or to register visit our National Conference for Cancer Survivorship pages or call us on 01 2310500.