8:30 a.m. Breakfast and Registration
9 a.m. Welcome: Director Dr. Kimmie Ng
9:30 a.m. Featured Researcher: Recent Advances in Colorectal Cancer Tumor Genomic Testing
10:15 a.m. Expert Panel Q&A
11:15 a.m. Keynote Speaker: Matt Mewhorter, Cancer Owl

Matthew Paul Mewhorter, an art-based licensed therapist, was diagnosed at 35 with colorectal cancer. From a hospital bed, he created the comic Cancer Owl as a way to cope with the experience. To see the relatable and entertaining cartoons he created, visit cancerowl.com. Matthew lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, daughter, and 2 ornery cats. He's NED (no evidence of disease), loving life, living with balance and creativity, and teaches others how to do the same.

12 p.m. Breakout Sessions #1
  • Surgery: Is it Right for Me and What are My Choices? - Knowing whether you are a good surgical candidate can be daunting. There are many choices between the approach such as robotic, open or laparoscopic. There are also new strategies for advanced cancers such as cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC. Hear from an expert and ask questions about the latest surgical treatment options.
  • Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Ostomies - Can I still run? What do I eat to prevent blockage? How do I feel comfortable having sex? Ask an expert and talk to others also living with ostomies.
  • Palliative Care and Living with Uncertainty - Palliative care provides an extra level of support for patients coping with a serious illness. It can be helpful at any phase of a person’s care, including during curative treatment. Palliative care works together with the primary care team to relieve the symptoms and stress of serious illness, and to provide emotional support to patients and their loved ones. In this session we will have a discussion about what palliative care is and what it offers. We will discuss concerns people often have when they hear the word “palliative care,” and how palliative care can best work with your care team to meet your goals.
  • What Do I Tell the Kids? - Parents who are dealing with cancer often have questions and concerns about how to help their children cope. This session will provide an opportunity to connect with other parents, learn about normal emotions children may experience, and gain tools for your family to adjust to the changes a cancer diagnosis and treatment bring.
  • Cancer Owl's Creative Workshop: Using your Voice in the Digital Age - Join keynote speaker Matthew Paul Mewhorter as he takes us through an interactive, art-based exercise aimed at self-expression, with attention to the ways cancer impacts one's identify.
1 p.m Lunch and Resource Expo
2 p.m. Breakout Sessions #2
  • Yoga: Mind and Body Resilince (Hosted by the Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies & Healthy Living) - Yoga has psychological and physical benefits, as the practice integrates physical movement, mind-body awareness and relaxation. Experience these benefits in a gentle and supportive class while learning new skills to cope with the impact of cancer. All levels are welcome. Mats and blocks provided.
  • Sexual Health & Intimacy - Cancer can have a profound impact on one's sexual health, including challenges such as how and when to talk about it, maintaining physical and emotional intimacy, asking for help, and giving each other space. Join this interactive discussion alone or with your partner.
  • Inherited and Genetic Factors in Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer - Dana-Farber recommends genetic testing to all young onset colorectal cancer patients, regardless of family or clinical history. Find out why and what testing can mean for you.
  • Caregivers Need Support, Too - Caregivers often have to take on unfamiliar tasks and absorb new knowledge. It's normal to feel overwhelmed by practical and emotional transitions. This session will help you understand and cope with these changes.
  • Survivorship: Long-Term Wellbeing - Recently completing or nearing the end of treatment is another major adjustment and can raise new considerations or concerns. Join us in a discussion of how to face forward after treatment.
3 p.m. Concluding Remarks

Breakfast and lunch will be provided at no cost. The conference location is accessible by public transportation (www.mbta.com). Free parking is available in Dana-Farber's parking garage on Jimmy Fund Way. Find directions online at www.dana-farber.org/directions.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Yawkey Center for Cancer Care
Third Floor Conference Center
450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215

For more information, visit dana-farber.org/youngcrc or contact Mary-Brent Brown at 617-632-2459 or youngcrc@dfci.harvard.edu

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