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Summit To Explore Cancer's Burden On Patients, Healthcare System

In 2009, more than 6,000 Rhode Islanders will be diagnosed with cancer. These newly-diagnosed patients, their caregivers and their families will not only have to deal with procedures, treatments and medications-- they may also have to manage challenges such as prompt access to care, navigating healthcare systems or health insurance and financial issues.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) along with community partners is presenting the 2009 Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island Summit: The Burden of Cancer in Rhode Island – Partnering to Win. This full-day educational event will be held on June 11, 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick.

“Everyone has been touched by cancer,” said David Rousseau, Chairperson of The Partnership to Reduce Cancer. “ We have all experienced the effects of the diagnosis of cancer on family, friends and loved ones. The purpose of this summit is to educate healthcare providers as well as patients, caregivers and survivors on the access to cancer care, the existing barriers and provide them with the resources needed to navigate these barriers.”

“Cancer effects us all,” said Director of Health David R. Gifford, MD, MPH. “While prevention efforts like smoking cessation, good nutrition and increased physical activity are important, learning about the variety of available resources is important too. There are many helpful programs whose focus is on supporting cancer patients, their families and their caregivers.”

The summit is designed for healthcare professionals, cancer patients, caregivers and family members and survivors. Registration is free but seating is limited. To register, call 401-222-7899 or email pamela.wilson@health.ri.gov by June 5.

Funding for this conference is from a cooperative agreement award from Center For Disease Control and Prevention and is presented in collaboration with American Cancer Society, Lance Armstrong Foundation, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service, Pfizer Oncology, Roger Williams Medical Center and Women & Infants Hospital. The Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island is coalition who has come together to provide input in the planning and implementation of programs and services around comprehensive cancer control. This includes promoting cancer prevention, improving cancer detection, increasing access to health and social services, and reducing the burden of cancer.

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