Workshop E - Genetic Testing for Cancer Survivors: Who and When
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Presentation description:
Genetics and genes are two words that we hear all the time in the news, especially when there are new discoveries in cancer. What do these words really mean in relation to cancer? And what do these words mean for survivors of childhood cancer? Workshop participants discussed some common genetic predisposition syndromes and what we can do to determine is a family has a genetic predisposition to cancer. Participants also discussed the pros and cons to having testing done for some of these conditions and discuss how some of these genetic tests are done.
Speaker:
Nikki Parkinson, MSc, CGC
Genetic Counsellor, Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics;
Coordinator, Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Division of Molecular Genetics, DPLM
The Hospital for Sick Children
Lecturer, Department of Molecular Genetics
University of Toronto
2013 POGO/Ooch Survivor Conference
In October 2013, POGO partnered with Camp Oochigeas to host the second childhood cancer survivor conference. Over 90 survivors of childhood cancer from across the province and Canada attended the two-day event. The educational sessions addressed topics including: screening and prevention, emotional health, sex and relationships after cancer and fertility, among others.
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Videos of all of the presentations from the Survivor Conference that POGO has permission to post are available here, along with the accompanying presentation slides. As a starting point, check out this recap video from the weekend!
OOCH/POGO SURVIVOR CONFERENCE RECAP VIDEO:
NOTE: The content of each presentation captures the unedited information and opinions presented by the speaker. Please note that the information contained in the presentations was current at the time it was presented – there may be further information in subsequent literature. Listed speaker credentials were current at the time of presentation.
PLENARY SESSIONS
Screening and Prevention – Empowering through Education
Paul Nathan, MD, MSc, FRCPC
Healing Beyond the Body: Emotional Health After Cancer
Christopher J. Recklitis, PhD, MPH
WORKSHOPS
Female Fertility: Your Questions Answered
Ellen Greenblatt, MD, FRCSC
Male Fertility: Your Questions Answered
Mike Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc
“How did you get that scar?”… and other Socially Uncomfortable Moments of Being a Childhood Cancer Survivor
Natalie Wilson, MA, CCLS
Vanessa Pastoric, BHSc, CCLS
A Leg Up: Assistive Technology for Individuals with Cognitive Challenges
Todd Cunningham, Assistive Technologies Expert
Helping You Manage Your Health After Cancer
Carla Bennett, RN, BN
Screening and Prevention – Empowering through Education
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Presentation Description:
Do you show up at your screening appointments wondering why you’re even there? Or maybe you haven’t gone at all and are worried you missed the memo? Screening and prevention can be a tricky subject because there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ standard. This presentation provides an overview of exactly what screening is, why it’s important, who is at risk for what, and what you need to know to responsibly manage your health for years to come.
Speaker:
Paul Nathan, MD, MSc, FRCPC
Director, AfterCare Program
Hospital for Sick Children
Healing Beyond the Body: Emotional Health After Cancer
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Presentation Description:
Childhood cancer can be an intensely stressful experience that may have emotional effects even years after treatment. While cancer can enhance personal growth in some ways, it can also lead to emotional vulnerabilities later in life. This session will explore common developmental challenges for survivors, highlight the relationship between emotional and physical health, and consider the different ways survivors make sense of their cancer experiences as they move into adulthood.
Speaker:
Christopher Recklitis, PhD, MPH
Director of Research and Support Services
Perini Family Survivors' Centre, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Harvard Medical School, Boston
Workshop A - Female Fertility: Your Questions Answered
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Presentation Description:
Fertility concerns are not unique to cancer survivors, but survivors often have exceptional circumstances that can affect fertility options. This workshop will answer your burning questions about female fertility, including options and next steps if you’re thinking of starting a family.
Speaker:
Ellen Greenblatt, MD, FRCSC
Medical Director, Centre for Fertility and Reproductive Health
Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto
Workshop B - Male Fertility: Your Questions Answered
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Presentation Description:
Fertility concerns are not unique to cancer survivors, but survivors often have exceptional circumstances that can affect fertility options. This workshop will answer your burning questions about male fertility, including options and next steps if you’re thinking of starting a family.
Speaker:
Michael Neal, BSc. (Hons), MSc
Scientific Director
ONE Fertility, Burlington
Workshop C - 'How did you get that scar?'... and other Socially Uncomfortable Moments of Being a Cancer Survivor
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Presentation Description:
So you’ve survived childhood cancer and you have some of the cold hard facts from doctors about what may be next for your health. But what about those socially awkward conversations and situations you may encounter as a survivor that aren’t in the medical books? Lead by two childhood cancer survivors, this workshop explored those socially awkward, embarrassing, difficult and sometimes funny questions and conversations, from responding to “How’d you get that scar?” to telling a new dating partner about your unknown fertility status.
Speakers:
Vanessa Pastoric, BHSc, CCLS
Certified Child Life Specialist
Grand River Hospital, Kitchener
Natalie Wilson, MA, CCLS Coordinator and Facilitator
Young Carers Program of Hospice Toronto
Workshop E - A Leg Up: Assistive Technology for Individuals with Cognitive Challenges
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Presentation Description:
Many childhood cancer survivors struggle with cognitive challenges as a result of their diagnosis and/or treatment and assistive technologies may be able to help. This workshop provided an overview of new assistive devices/technologies available to cancer survivors that can aid and improve cognition; features to look for and how to get your hands on this technology; and complimentary learning strategies to help you reach your academic and career goals.
Speaker:
Todd Cunningham, PhD, C. Psych (Supervised Practice)
Psychologist
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)
Workshop F - Managing Your Health After Cancer
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Presentation Description:
Managing your health after cancer can be overwhelming, but empowerment is the key. That’s why POGO created the Passport to Health and Survivor Care Plan Package, a tool that is specially customized to each survivor to help them learn about late effects they may be at risk for and keep track of treatment information. This workshop provided an overview of this innovative tool, how to get it and what you need to do to successfully manage your health for years to come.
Speaker:
Carla Bennett, RN, BN
Coordinator of Clinical Programs
Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO)
2011 POGO Survivor Conference
POGO held its first-ever Survivor Conference at the Kingbridge Conference Centre & Institute in King City on May 21-22, 2011. Over 90 survivors of childhood cancer from across the province attended the two-day event. The educational sessions addressed topics including: nutrition, fertility, second cancers (risks and prevention), self esteem and sexuality, relationships and disclosure, heart health, memory challenges, and hormonal issues and their treatment. Videos of all of the presentations from the Survivor Conference that POGO has permission to post are available here, along with the accompanying presentation slides.
VIEW THE PROGRAM
NOTE: The content of each presentation captures the unedited information and opinions presented by the speaker. Please note that the information contained in the presentations was current at the time it was presented – there may be further information in subsequent literature. Listed speaker credentials were current at the time of presentation.