Chicago Cancer Symposium 2021

Monday, October 4, 12:00 – 1:00 pm

Maintaining and regaining your strength during chemotherapy, radiation and post-surgery is a challenge. Please join Occupational Therapist, Jyo Deshpande, for an interactive discussion on rehabilitation interventions to aid in range of motion, posture, decreased soft tissue mobility, and concerns about lymphedema prevention and monitoring. We will discuss fitting of compression garments, supportive bra and nighttime garments, good posture with ergonomic desk and sitting positions, as well as therapeutic interventions and home exercise programs.

Monday, October 4, 1:00 – 2:00 pm

“Twistshops” are art therapy-focused workshops that promote healing, relaxation and emotional recovery through art therapy-based interventions that are designed to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress related to cancer.

All of our programs are currently run virtually until we can safely host them in person. 

Monday, October 4, 2:00 – 3:00 pm

The physical effects of treatment and surgery for breast cancer can leave many women struggling to cope with changes to their body, whether they are temporary or permanent. Hair loss, scarring, and skin changes can affect how we feel about ourselves and our bodies. The more we know about resources available to us, the more equipped we can be to cope with these changes. 

Monday, October 4, 3:00 – 4:00 pm

Emerging research suggests that weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) are not the best ways to determine nutritional status. The dietitian will present the relationship between body composition and cancer prognosis. The presentation will highlight how the potential integration of body composition evaluation may help to promise individuals with cancer live longer and healthier lives. The program will include lifestyle therapy recommendations that include both physical activity and dietary modifications.  

Monday, October 4, 7:00 – 7:30 pm

Each person with breast cancer is unique. Past therapies were developed by testing treatments within broad groups of patients, such as estrogen positive or HER-2 positive for example. We know that even within such subgroups, there is diversity at the molecular level. Not all breast cancers of the same “type” are the same. This presentation will provide an update on how precision molecular oncology is informing a more personalized approach to the understanding and therapy of breast cancer. 

Monday, October 4, 7:30 – 8:00 pm

Genetic counselor Melissa Ramos, MS, LCGC, will explain differences in types of cancer genetic testing and what each test can tell you. The program will cover predictive genetic testing as part of a cancer risk assessment, tumor testing to help inform treatment after a cancer diagnosis, and include a brief overview of breast cancer genetics.