FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 5, 2005
CONTACTS: Heather Goethe
703-299-1016
Elizabeth Milbank
212-584-5014
Online Q & A Forum Hosted by National Expert Provides Guidance and SupportEditor’s Note: Forum moderator and psychosocial expert, Lidia Schapira, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital available for interview.
Alexandria, VA -- People Living With Cancer, (
www.PLWC.org), the patient website of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), recognizes that the holidays can add an extra element of stress to those coping with cancer. Balancing illness and holiday obligations can be overwhelming. Others may have a heightened sense of concern or anxiety surrounding their loved one’s illness.
That is why on December 8, 2005, Lidia Schapira, MD, will respond to questions concerning coping with cancer from 2:00 to 3:00 PM (ET). Visit
www.PLWC.org to participate in this anonymous question and answer forum that will explore ways to cope with cancer during the holidays and year round. Topics of discussion to include:
- Identifying and avoiding common holiday stresses
- Finding joy during the holidays
- Managing changes in relationships with family, friends, and co-workers
- Finding reliable professional support resources
- Coping with changes associated with body image, self-image, and sexuality
- Supporting a loved one living with cancer
About the Expert:Lidia Schapira, MD, is a leading expert in doctor-patient communication. She is an Assistant Physician at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and in addition, serves as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School. Dr. Schapira oversees the extensive coping information found on
www.PLWC.org as associate editor of the Editorial Board’s psychosocial oncology panel.
Visit www.PLWC.org for complete login details,
to submit a question, or to request a copy of the transcript. Click here for additional background information on coping with cancer:
www.PLWC.org/copingClick here to view transcripts from previous online chats with ASCO experts:
www.PLWC.org/transcripts###
People Living With Cancer (www.PLWC.org) is the patient website of the American Society of Clinical Oncology providing accurate, timely, and oncologist-approved information about cancer. Visitors to www.PLWC.org will find detailed information on nearly 100 types of cancer. The site offers information in both English and Spanish. An Editorial Board comprised of more than 150 medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, oncology nurses, social workers, and patient advocates oversees all content on the site.
