FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 10, 2006
CONTACT:
Heather Goethe
703-299-1016
--Experts Address Issues of Fertility, Sexual Health, and Coping--
Editor’s Note: Nationally recognized cancer experts specializing in the psychosocial needs of young adults with cancer available for interview.
Alexandria, VA — Each year, more than 70,000 people in their 20’s and 30’s are diagnosed with cancer. The American Society of Clinical Oncology’s patient information website, People Living With Cancer (www.plwc.org), recognizes that young adults coping with cancer require specialized resources. In observance of the Fourth Annual Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week beginning April 1, 2006, PLWC will launch a host of new resources designed for young adults with cancer.
New Guidance Resource for Young Adults with Cancer
PLWC now offers comprehensive information to help young adults living with cancer better understand their disease and cope with the unique issues young cancer patients often face. Strategies for managing interpersonal relationships with family, friends, a spouse, or partner are detailed in addition to addressing common concerns regarding intimacy and issues relating to fertility. Information about participating in clinical trials and how to effectively communicate with health-care providers is also shared with a youthful perspective in mind. Tips for young cancer survivors on how to manage their transition back to work and/or school while attending to their present and future health-care needs are provided. This new resource for young adults with cancer includes a wealth of additional information and can be accessed by logging on to: www.plwc.org/youngadults.
PLWC now offers comprehensive information to help young adults living with cancer better understand their disease and cope with the unique issues young cancer patients often face. Strategies for managing interpersonal relationships with family, friends, a spouse, or partner are detailed in addition to addressing common concerns regarding intimacy and issues relating to fertility. Information about participating in clinical trials and how to effectively communicate with health-care providers is also shared with a youthful perspective in mind. Tips for young cancer survivors on how to manage their transition back to work and/or school while attending to their present and future health-care needs are provided. This new resource for young adults with cancer includes a wealth of additional information and can be accessed by logging on to: www.plwc.org/youngadults.
Cancer, Intimacy, and Fertility Q&A
April 1-30
Through this anonymous and supportive forum provided by the People Living With Cancer website, Judith A. Shell, PhD, RN, and Lindsay Nohr Beck will answer questions concerning how cancer can affect sexual health. Dr. Shell is a licensed marriage and family therapist. Ms. Nohr Beck is a young adult cancer survivor and the Executive Director of Fertile Hope and will add her perspective as a patient advocate. Invited issues of discussion include but are not limited to:
- Common sexual concerns associated with cancer
- Pregnancy and cancer
- Fertility preservation
- Managing early menopausal symptoms
- Body image and finding support
Cancer, Intimacy, and Fertility: Bonus Live Chat
April 25 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM (EST)
As a continuation to April’s Q&A on Sexual Health and Fertility, Leslie R. Schover, PhD, will lead an interactive discussion on www.plwc.org to address why a cancer diagnosis does not mean a sexual relationship or intimacy with a partner must end. She will answer questions on such topics as:
- Common sexual changes that may occur during and after cancer treatment
- Fertility issues, preservation options, and pregnancy
- Dealing with treatment-related side effects affecting sexuality
- Understanding the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of sexuality
About the Experts:
Judith A. Shell, PhD, RN, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist whose background includes extensive work in oncology—both as a counselor and as a Registered Nurse. A graduate of Michigan State University, Dr. Shell has a unique ability to help people understand how to “make a place for cancer and also put cancer in its place.”
Lindsay Nohr Beck founded Fertile Hope in 2001 to address the profound reproductive needs of cancer patients and survivors after her own experiences with recurrent tongue cancer in her early 20’s. A frequent guest speaker at cancer conventions around the world, Ms. Nohr Beck has led a successful campaign to raise awareness of the fertility risks and options involved with cancer treatment.
Leslie R. Schover, PhD, is a professor of behavioral science at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Her career has focused on the reproductive consequences of cancer treatment, including the psychosocial aspects of sexual dysfunction and infertility. She is the author of numerous scientific journal articles and patient education materials. A sought after expert and speaker, Dr. Schover presently holds grants sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute.
Visit www.plwc.org for complete login details and recommended reading for these upcoming web events. New questions and answers will be posted online each week.
People Living With Cancer (www.plwc.org) is the patient website of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. PLWC contains accurate, timely, and oncologist-approved information about nearly 100 types of cancer. Information on certain types of cancer is also available in Spanish. An Editorial Board comprised of more than 150 medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists, oncology nurses, social workers, and patient advocates oversees the content on the site.
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