3 Years Later: COVID-19 and Cancer Series
In this two-part webinar series, participants will learn how to navigate a cancer diagnosis post-COVID, including strategies to minimize the risk of infection. The series will cover telemedicine, mental health, and staying safe during treatment.
Part I: COVID-19 and Cancer
This 60-minute webinar will provide an overview of many changes that have impacted the cancer community over the last three years. Although the world continues to move towards normalcy, many people continue to be at risk due to compromised immune systems. Join us to learn more about how to cope with cancer in a post-pandemic world.
Part II: Navigating the Risk of Infections Post-COVID
In partnership with Sepsis Alliance, this workshop provides information and discusses navigating infections in a post-pandemic world.
Dr. Cindy Hou will provide information on how to navigate infections in a post-pandemic world.
Cindy Hou, DO, MA, MBA, CIC, CPHQ, FACOI, FACP, FIDSA, is the Infection Control Officer and Medical Director of Research at Jefferson Health, New Jersey. She is also the Chief Medical Officer at Sepsis Alliance.
Infections, especially those caused by AMR (or antimicrobial resistance) can cause many complications for those affected by cancer. Don't be fooled by the long name – antimicrobial resistance is when bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms become resistant to the drugs that are supposed to kill them or stop them from growing.
Why is this important for people diagnosed with cancer? Because infections caused by these microorganisms can be more difficult or even impossible to treat which leads to longer hospital stays, increased healthcare costs and sometimes even death. Think of it like a "superpower" that the microorganisms develop to protect themselves from drugs that are designed to kill them.
Watch this Webinar
Supported by an independent education grant from Pfizer.
Coping with a Gynecologic Cancer Diagnosis Series
Part I: Coping With a Gynecologic Cancer Diagnosis
A Gynecologic Cancer diagnosis can illicit emotional, psychosocial, and practical concerns. Being able to seek support, connect with others, and feel comfortable with your medical team are important aspects of a Gynecologic Cancer journey. This workshop will cover topics ranging from initial thoughts and emotions when first diagnosed, to forming a healthcare team, and self-care.
Part II: Intimacy and Sexuality During & After Gynecologic Cancer Treatment
The physical impact of gynecologic cancer and treatments can affect how you relate to a romantic partner. Your sense of physical or emotional closeness within the relationship may go through unexpected changes. Sharing your feelings openly and honestly is an important first step in ensuring good communication with your partner, which will allow you both to understand and work through any issues together.
Part III: Self-Advocacy Throughout Gynecologic Cancer Care
Gynecologic cancer impacts every race and ethnicity, but its effects can be magnified for those in certain groups due to access to health care, support and other related issues or concerns. This workshop will highlight ways to address barriers in accessing Gynecologic cancer care, the value of one’s identity in decision making, and the role of self-advocacy throughout gynecologic cancer treatment.
Commonly Asked Questions: Lung Cancer
Part I: Commonly Asked Questions: Lung Cancer
The workshop will include information about lung cancer formation, diagnosis, staging, treatment and common questions. Information will be provided about reputable resources for lung cancer information. Guidance will be provided on questions to ask the treatment team about diagnosis and treatment as well as tips to cope with a lung cancer diagnosis. Co-facilitated with CancerCare Lung Program team and Ann Fish-Steagall, RN, BSN at LUNGevity.
Part II: Commonly Asked Questions: Differences Between Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy
This workshop will be an educational introduction to lung cancer treatment types. The workshop will include information about lung cancer diagnosis, staging, and biomarkers and how this information impacts treatment options. Information will be provided about different treatment types and common questions about the treatment side effects. Information will be provided about reputable resources for lung cancer information. Guidance will be provided on questions to ask the treatment team about diagnosis and treatment as well as tips to cope with a lung cancer diagnosis. Co-facilitated with CancerCare Lung Program team and Dr. Antoinette Wozniak, MD, FACP, FASCO, is the Chief Scientific Officer at Lung Cancer Research Foundation.
Part III: Commonly Asked Questions: Biomarkers in Lung Cancer
This workshop will be an educational introduction to biomarkers in lung cancer. The workshop will include information about what biomarkers are and which biomarkers are being explored and connected to lung cancer research and treatment. Information will be provided about who and how biomarkers are tested for currently. Guidance will be provided on questions people may want to ask their treatment team before and after biomarker testing and tips to cope. Co-facilitated with CancerCare Lung Program team and Andrew Ciupek, PhD, is the Associate Director, Clinical Research at GO2 for Lung Cancer.
Part IV: Commonly Asked Questions: Survivorship and Lung Cancer
This workshop will provide information about common mental stressors that come up post-treatment and ways to cope with them. With lung cancer being the top new cancer diagnosis for people in the United States, this workshop seeks to provide support and hope not only to the 16% of people diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer, but also to those with more advanced stages of lung cancer or those caring for a loved one looking for stories of survivorship. This workshop will be co-facilitated by the CancerCare Lung Cancer Program Team.
Breast Cancer: What You Need to Know
During this workshop, participants will be given an overview of the breast cancer experience from diagnosis onward, such as initial thoughts and feelings that may arise. Topics will further explore the specific barriers breast cancer patients encounter, such as physical, emotional, psychosocial, and practical issues. Participants will receive tips on how to navigate these challenges followed by a Q&A discussion. This workshop aims to provide educational information about breast cancer and provide practical skills for coping with diagnosis and treatment.
Coping With Colorectal Cancer
Led by CancerCare oncology social workers, this workshop aims to provide educational information about colorectal cancer and provide practical skills for coping with diagnosis and treatment.
This program is sponsored by Taiho Oncology, Merck & Takeda Oncology.
Coping With Cancer During the Holidays
The workshop will help participants learn ways to manage feelings of stress and anxiety, while still creating meaningful ways to celebrate. This workshop will provide a group mindfulness exercise to practice this skill together. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in an open discussion with an oncology social worker.
Led by Jennifer LaPietra, LMSW, CancerCare’s bilingual oncology social worker, this workshop aims to provide educational information about coping with cancer during the holidays through practical skills for coping while in treatment.
Clinical Trials Series
Part I: Understanding Clinical Trials in Cancer Treatment and the Role of the Caregiver
This workshop will educate participants about the basics of cancer clinical trials and how caregivers play an important role in their implementation. In addition to educating participants about the process of clinical trials and the unique responsibilities of cancer caregivers, this workshop will show how caregivers can play a vital role in their loved one’s clinical trial process and how their assistance can support new findings and the creation of life-saving cancer medications.
Part II: The Cost of Clinical Trials and Where to Find Financial Assistance
This workshop will focus on the financial aspect of participating in clinical trials for cancer treatment and provide guidance on how participants can access financial assistance.
Part III: Ensuring Health Equity in Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are essential to discovering new treatment medications for patients; however, clinical trials do not often include the representation required to help treat a diverse group of patients. This workshop aims to provide patients interested in participating in clinical trials with information on identifying and addressing barriers to clinical trials.
Coping With Financial Toxicity
Part I: The Cost of Cancer
This workshop, in partnership with HealthyWomen, provides educational information and emotional guidance to people affected by cancer. Led by oncology social workers, the video workshop covers the basic understanding of the cost of cancer and where to find financial assistance.
Part II: Cancer & Insurance
CancerCare partnered with Triage Cancer to provide information and guidance to people diagnosed with cancer on the basics of health insurance. Triage Cancer discusses types of health insurance, common health insurance terms and prescription assistance. Triage Cancer experts provide guidance on selecting the best health insurance options, managing medical bills overall and an overview of the denials and appeals process. A CancerCare oncology social worker discusses the emotional impact of cancer and stressors related to a diagnosis and insurance issues.
Stress Management for Caregivers
Watch our Coping Circle Workshop focused on stress management for cancer caregivers. Led by experienced oncology social workers, this video workshop provides essential information and emotional guidance to individuals affected by cancer. Whether you’re a patient, family member or caregiver, this workshop is designed to address your unique needs.
Workshop Highlights:
• Understanding Stress: Explore what stress is, how it manifests and everyday stressors.
• Who Experiences Stress: Learn about stress from the perspective of caregivers.
• Effective Coping Strategies: Discover practical coping skills, including communication, advocacy, exercise, relaxation techniques, journaling and routines.
• Resources: Access valuable resources to support your stress management journey.
This workshop is sponsored by Daiichi-Sankyo and Beigene.
Empowering Caregivers Through Self-Advocacy
Watch our Coping Circle Workshop designed specifically for those caring for a loved one with cancer. In “Empowering Caregivers Through Self-Advocacy,” you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of self-advocacy and learn practical strategies to navigate the complexities of cancer caregiving. Whether you’re supporting a loved one during treatment or recovery, this workshop equips you with essential skills to advocate effectively within the health care system.
Workshop Highlights:
• Understanding Self-Advocacy: Explore what self-advocacy means and why it’s crucial for caregivers.
• Practical Strategies: Learn actionable tips to advocate for yourself and your loved ones.
• Decision-Making and Communication: Discover how to influence decisions and enhance communication during caregiving.
The Big "What If?": Managing the Fear of Recurrence
This workshop addresses and provides support for those affected by cancer who are managing the fear of recurrence. Through a combination of psychoeducational content and practical coping strategies, you will learn how to navigate this fear and find hope and resilience in their cancer experience.