Cancer patients, leading health professionals, academics, researchers and carers will meet in Manchester on March 11th to discuss innovative new ways to support patients living with and beyond cancer.
The Changing Prospects 2016 Conference, organised by The Christie, Macmillan and Salford University will focus on ways to support and improve cancer survivorship asking the question ‘What does a good survival look like?’
The conference will be opened by The Christie’s Deputy Medical Director, Wendy Makin.
Commenting on the conference Wendy Makin said: “Our progress with combating cancer has uncovered the need for the development of new care systems for patients looking for post-treatment support”.
According to Jane Melvin, Head of Services for Macmillan North West, there are currently two million people living with and beyond cancer in the UK, and that figure is set to rise to four million by 2030.
Commenting on the conference Jane Melvin said: “It’s vital that clinicians work closely with people living with and beyond cancer to ensure that their needs are met both during their treatment and after”.
The organising committee for the conference has ensured that the views of patients are heard in the conference with a patient panel including Prof Mike Feuerstein who has written a cancer survivor’s handbook, author & bowel cancer survivor Mark Davies and Jo Taylor, founder of the After Breast Cancer Diagnosis website.
Nicola Porter and Alex McGuiggan from the Northern Ireland Cancer Network are also involved.
One of the main topics in the conference is improving self-care through technology. Professor Shahid Ali, Professor of Digital Health at Salford University said: “Cancer survivors based in the community can be empowered and enabled to self-manage, take control of their condition and general health. Using a digital health platform called VitruCare they can self-monitor while remaining connected to their clinician to ensure timely input when needed. This reduces the need for hospital appointments, improved patient experience and health outcomes. This innovative and transformational approach will be shared and demonstrated showing evidence of outcomes.”
This one day conference will be held at the Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Club and have guest speakers from both the UK and abroad.
Professor Michael Feuerstein from Maryland, USA, will lead a discussion with a panel of patients talking about their experiences of care and what a good survival looks like from a patient perspective. Mike was treated for a malignant brain tumour and went on to write a book entitled ‘The Cancer Survivor’s Guide: A Handbook to Life After Cancer”. He is both an expert in the field and a cancer survivor himself.
Continuing on the theme of ‘a good survival’ Kath Curley from the Beth Johnson Foundation will present on her successes at developing a model of advocacy for older people affected by cancer looking into their specific needs.
The conference will also address the issue of sexual dysfunction in men following cancer treatment. Presented by prostate cancer survivor Martin Wells, a key session will touch on how to best talk about sex and sexuality following treatment.
One of the key presentations at the conference will be from Jenny Scott, Deputy Director of Business Development at The Christie, who will lead a session on the national implications of political devolution for Greater Manchester.
Under the Greater Manchester Devolution proposals decisions on spending the NHS budget be made at a regional level closer to the people who it will effect. Jenny Scott will discuss how the devolution proposals will specifically impact on the survivorship rates in Manchester.
Tickets are now on sale for £150 with a discounted rate of £95 for patient representatives.
