Dr. Brian Helfand, (Head of Urology at NorthShore University HealthSystem) gave the second webinar in the four-part series called “Active Surveillance & Beyond” on September 29, 2020. His topic was genomics, genetics, and decision-making in active surveillance. He explains the pros and cons of the leading tests in the field and who may be a candidate for such testing. We want to thank Dr. Helfand for taking the time to answer several of our attendees’ questions at the end of his excellent presentation.
Also making an appearance, our AS Virtual Support Group moderators and community members, Joe Gallo, Elliot Kerman, Howard Wolinsky. Including special guests: Jim Schraidt (Chairman of Us TOO), and Beau Stubblefield-Tave (Executive Director at Us TOO).
Watch this fascinating and informative webinar here:
Our “Active Surveillance & Beyond” webinar series here at AnCan has been wildly popular. With top medical experts in AS giving incredible presentations and answering your questions, it’s a hit for a reason. We had the pleasure of having Dr. Peter Carroll (Department of Urology, UCSF), who is considered a pioneer in AS, start us off with a blast!
Hear his thoughts on biopsies, who best qualifies for AS, and how he uses AS in his own practice. We want to thank Dr. Carroll for answering so many of our attendees’ questions. You’ll also see our own AS Virtual Support Group moderators and community members, Joe Gallo, Mark Lichty, Elliot Kerman, Howard Wolinsky, and special guest: Jim Schraidt, Chairman of USTOO.
Peter Kafka’s musing this week, looks at how invention and innvation can be a two-dged sword.
Please bear with me on these thoughts, because I don’t know where I am going but I think it important to consider. Yesterday my son and I went out to change the brake pads on my Toyota. I am the middle man in a three-generation tradition of shade tree mechanics. The notion is that “if it was put together by a human then it can be fixed by one”. I believe that many men carry the DIY gene, and women too. This notion changed a bit when our creations became super complex and computerized and we had to seek expert help in certain repairs that were beyond the scope of a You Tube video. But still the tradition carries on. The DIY gene has not mutated.
When it comes to the break down of the human body, or the interruption of certain natural cycles in the world at large this “Do It Yourself” gene springs into action. As a result, truly amazing achievements have been made in the field of medicine and science in recent years and there seems at times to be no end in sight. The notion is that if we “put our minds to it” we can fix anything. This is currently being played out with great intensity to find a vaccine for Covid-19.
I know my life has benefitted from the many advancements of science and medicine. I am not complaining. My life has been extended, like many millions for whatever purpose. But like many things, it is a two-edged sword. The extended life expectancy and health of human beings on this planet has been at the expense of many other life forms in the plant and animal kingdoms. This thought should give anyone great pause. Perhaps I should leave it there. Make of this paradox what you will.
Eleni Efstathiou MD, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Genitourinary
Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine,
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Tomasz Beer MD, FACP
Deputy Director, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute
Scott T. Tagawa MD, MS, FACP
Professor of Medicine and Urology, Weill Cornell
Medicine; Physician, NewYork-Presbyterian -Weill Cornell Medical Center
David VanderWeele MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Northwestern
University Feinberg School of Medicine; Medical
Oncologist, Lurie Cancer Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Atish D. Choudhury MD, PhD
Co-Director of the Prostate Cancer Center,
Dana-Farber Cancer Center
Sometime over the past month, a man attended one of AnCan’s video chat, virtual support groups with a big problem on his mind. This man had been on hormone therapy – more precisely androgen deprivation therapy, for close to 12 months and he was suffering, physically and mentally from having little or no testosterone in his body. He was fatigued, had “Lupron Brain” – brain fog, and was emotionally on the edge … all the time. Moreover, & understandably, he didn’t want to let his employer and workmates know he lived with advanced cancer. Result ….. he unintentionally upset colleagues, couldn’t complete his work tasks and …. received an offiicial employment warning.
This fellow came to us for support, and the best we could do was to suggest he speak to Human Resources under confidentialty; and/or seek an employment lawyer. What we didn’t know is that there is a non-profit out there to assist … and in their own words, this situation is their bread and butter.
Cancer & Careers is dedicated to tackling cancer-related problems in the workplace. Whether involving healthcare, employment, job seeking, employment law, Covid, or working through treatment – Cancer and Careers will help you resolve any of these issues and more, both one on one and through webinars, handouts, and other educational supplements. Check out their website and don’t hesitate to reach out to them if you have a question that needs answering.
What’s more, Brian Morvant, a senior program coordinator at Cancer & Careers told us just today in a presentation for our Male Breast Cancer Virtual Support Group that Cancer & Careers still offers a maximum grant of $500 per family experiencing financial challenges … apply now!
