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Purpose in Planning Workshop Series

Following a cancer diagnosis, there are many factors patients, their families, and caregivers must manage. During this journey, it can be difficult for patients and their loved ones to prioritize their responsibilities as well as review the legal and financial questions that can and should be addressed. The Purpose in Planning Coping Circle Series addresses these issues by providing both information on finances and planning as well as emotional guidance to people affected by cancer.

Part I: Navigating Finances & Planning Ahead

This session provides information about how individuals who need to take time off of work, or who can no longer work can replace income. It will also cover practical tips to deal with out-of-pocket medical expenses, general financial wellness tips, and sources of financial assistance. Because dealing with finances can be emotional, we provide tips for dealing with difficult conversations, and where to find support if needed.

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Part II: Planning Ahead – Estate Planning

This webinar explores the basics of estate planning, including the various documents that can make up an estate plan, what to consider when beginning the process of creating a plan, and how to set up a Power of Attorney for Financial Affairs. It also provides helpful tips to having difficult conversations, including how to talk to loved ones about your preferences and religious beliefs that are important to you. There is also a workshop component on completing a simple will and Power of Attorney for Financial Affairs.

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Part III: Planning Ahead – Medical Decision Making

This webinar explores the Advance Health Care Directives, other important estate planning documents, and things to consider when storing important documents. It also provides helpful tips to having difficult conversations, including how to involve loved one's with end-of-life planning and how to bring up end-of-life conversations with your medical team. There is also a workshop component on completing an Advance Health Care Directive.

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This series is presented in partnership with Triage Cancer and sponsored by Eisai.

Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Chronicles 2024

Part I: Dating, Intimacy & Family Planning:

Through this workshop, the moderators discuss the importance of communication between the patient, their medical team, and their partners before, during, and after treatment in regards to family planning and sexual health. The moderators discuss concerns that adolescents and young adults going through cancer treatment may experience including body image, disclosure of diagnosis, and fertility preservation. The moderators also facilitate a discussion in question and answer format with panelists who can speak on their experiences on dating, intimacy and family planning during cancer treatment.

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Part II: Post-Treatment Survivorship

In this workshop, the moderators discuss transitions from active treatment to post treatment, and common themes that emerge for AYA’s who are going through this transition. The moderators discuss ways to manage ongoing side effects, fear of recurrence, scanxiety, and adjustment to less frequent medical appointments. The moderators of this workshop also discuss various supports that AYA’s can put in place while transitioning to post-treatment and survivorship.

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Part III: Living with Metastatic Cancer

Through this workshop, the moderators facilitate a presentation and discussion surrounding living with metastatic cancer. Moderators highlight ways that AYA’s can manage long-term diagnoses and ongoing side effects. The moderators discuss end of life planning, tips for difficult conversations, and emphasize various supports that this population can put in place to ensure they feel supported by others. Moderators of this workshop highlight legacy building, and provide tips for how to cope with uncertainty, anxiety, and depression surrounding end of life conversations.

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Part IV: Caregiver Communication

In this workshop, moderators define AYA caregivers, and provide space to discuss the unique challenges that this population faces when caring for a loved one during cancer treatment. The moderators highlight tips to help this population avoid burnout, stress, and fatigue. The moderators discuss potential role changes and reversals that may come up when an AYA is caring for a loved one. Moderators of this workshop highlight tangible tools for coping that this population can utilize.

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Biomarkers 101

Information about biomarkers is often inconsistent in the oncology community. Because biomarker testing (also known as "genetic testing" or "molecular testing") is used across many tumor types, both pre-and post-diagnosis, for varying purposes, it is difficult for patients and their loved ones to find credible, in-depth information about how biomarker testing is relevant to them. It is important that individuals with cancer understand how biomarker testing works and its benefits.

Facilitated by Charlotte Ference, LMSW and Lung Cancer Program Coordinator at CancerCare, Biomarkers 101 provides a comprehensive, easy-to-access educational discussion that people with cancer and their loved ones can turn to for information on the role of biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

This workshop was recorded in June 2022.

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This workshop is sponsored by Illumina.

Demystifying Clinical Trials

Participating in a clinical trial or interested in learning more information? Hosted by an oncology social worker and in partnership with HealthyWomen, this workshop aims to provide educational information about clinical trials by addressing common myths and providing guidance on how to access them.

This is an on-demand webinar, registration is required.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Helping Caregivers Navigate the Healthcare System

The workshop focused on navigating the health care system as caregivers, with presentations on effective communication, advocacy, and self-care strategies. Experts discussed the importance of preparation for medical appointments, understanding patient and caregiver rights, and seeking support through various resources. The session concluded with a Q&A addressing specific concerns and a poll to assess participants' confidence in health care navigation.

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This workshop is sponsored by Eisai.