Transforming the Future of Cancer Care: Highlights from the 3rd Annual Sylvester Cancer Survivorship Symposium
On October 28, 2024, over 300 participants, including cancer survivors, caregivers, researchers, and healthcare providers, convened at the 3rd Annual Sylvester Cancer Survivorship Symposium held at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the UHealth – University of Miami Health System. The symposium served as an important platform to rethink cancer conversations and focus on the pivotal shift from “Will you live?” to “How will you live?”
A Paradigm Shift in Cancer Conversations
The evolving landscape of cancer care is evident in the way survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals now engage with the topic of survivorship. As treatment options advance, the emphasis has moved to ensuring that individuals not only survive cancer but thrive in their lives post-treatment. This change is particularly important as survivors grapple with a variety of physical, emotional, and social challenges that arise following a cancer diagnosis.
At the heart of this transformation is Sylvester’s robust survivorship program, which is designed to help patients lead longer, healthier lives right from the moment of diagnosis. The symposium provided attendees with a unique opportunity to exchange valuable ideas and explore the future of survivorship care and research initiatives.
Sessions Designed for Lasting Impact
The agenda for the day was carefully crafted by Dr. Jessica MacIntyre and Dr. Frank Penedo, featuring dual sessions tailored for different audiences. One session dedicated itself to healthcare providers and researchers, presenting cutting-edge studies, while the other equipped survivors and caregivers with essential resources.
Dr. Penedo, who serves as the associate director of population sciences at Sylvester, remarked, “This symposium provides a unique forum where we can highlight scientific discoveries that take place at the bench and in the clinics… to improve the lives of our survivors.” This integrative approach emphasizes the importance of translating research findings into actionable solutions that can enhance patient care.
Empowering Survivors and Strengthening Support
A key focus of the symposium was to empower survivors and enrich the support structure available to them. During sessions, survivors and caregivers shared valuable insights on navigating the complexities of a cancer diagnosis. Critical topics included palliative care, psychosocial oncology, and sexual health, illustrating the multifaceted nature of survivorship.
Bill Brummel, a remarkable 24-year cancer survivor, captivated attendees with his keynote presentation on his documentary “Can You Hear My Voice?” which chronicles his journey after losing his voice box due to cancer treatment. His experiences resonated with many, highlighting the emotional and psychological challenges faced by survivors.
The symposium also placed special emphasis on men’s health issues, featuring a panel led by Dr. MacIntyre. The “Men Talk Cancer” discussion aimed to break the stigma surrounding men’s health and encourage open dialogue about the unique challenges faced by male cancer patients in seeking help.
Bridging Research and Clinical Practice
A significant portion of the symposium was dedicated to modern research methodologies and clinical strategies tailored for cancer survivors. Clinicians participated in discussions around lifestyle medicine, the management of immunotherapy side effects, and specific concerns related to genitourinary cancers.
Dr. Tracy E. Crane expertly articulated the benefits of incorporating personalized lifestyle strategies to manage and potentially reduce cancer risks. She emphasized, “Individuals who have a history of cancer are at elevated risk for a second cancer… Evidence suggests that modifiable behaviors can attenuate overall cancer risk.” This underscores the importance of ongoing lifestyle interventions as part of post-cancer care.
A Survivor’s Journey
One of the most moving presentations came from Debbie Denardi, a 14-year cancer survivor. She shared her personal journey from diagnosis to becoming an advocate for others. Diagnosed in 2010 after discovering a lumps and identifying a BRCA1 genetic mutation, Denardi has undergone many treatments and continues to use her experience to support newly diagnosed patients and their families.
“Every cancer patient deserves access to the best care to support their unique journey,” Denardi remarked, underscoring the importance of forums like the symposium in connecting patients and clinicians for better outcomes in cancer care.
Building a Community of Support
The symposium concluded with various opportunities for networking and roundtable discussions, allowing participants to connect with Sylvester experts and nonprofit advocates. The spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose filled the room as attendees left not only with new knowledge and insights but also a strengthened sense of community.
The 3rd Annual Sylvester Cancer Survivorship Symposium exemplifies how collective efforts among survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals can shape the future of cancer care. By prioritizing survivorship and fostering open dialogue, the symposium paves the way towards a more hopeful and resilient approach to living beyond cancer.